Plug connector component for a multi-part plug connector, multi-part plug connector, electrical connection element of a network topology, and electrical network topology

Abstract

The invention relates to a plug connector component (7) for a multi-part plug connector (8), having - a connection interface (10) for connecting to at least one other compatible plug connector component (9) of the multi-part plug connector (8); - a primary contact region (15) for forming at least part of a primary plug interface (16) for connecting to a corresponding mating plug connector (3, 3') of the multi-part plug connector (8); - a connection region (13) for connecting at least one electrical conductor (6); and - at least one electrical contact element (11), which can be connected to the electrical conductor (6) in the connection region (13) and which extends from the connection region (13) at least into the connection interface (10), the electrical contact element (11) being connectable to a compatible electrical contact element (12) of the compatible plug connector component (9) in the connection interface (10).

Description

[0001] Connector component for a multi-part connector, multi-part connector, electrical connecting element of a network topology and electrical network topology

[0002] The present application claims priority from German patent application No. 10 2024 121 267.5, the contents of which are incorporated herein in full by reference.

[0003] The invention relates to a connector component for a multi-part connector, comprising a connection interface for connection with at least one further compatible connector component of the multi-part connector, a primary contact area for connection with a corresponding mating connector, a connection area for connecting at least one electrical conductor and at least one electrical contact element extending from the connection area at least to the connection interface.

[0004] The invention further relates to a multi-part connector, in particular a multi-part bus connector, comprising at least two connector components.

[0005] The invention also relates to an electrical connecting element of an electrical network topology, preferably a bus system.

[0006] The invention also relates to an electrical network topology, in particular a bus system, comprising at least two electrical connecting elements and a compatible mating connector.

[0007] Electrical network topologies, particularly (differential) bus systems, are used in many application areas, such as industry, vehicles, and workplaces, for data transmission between multiple electrical devices. The wiring system of an electrical network topology typically includes at least one main line to which each device is connected. For flexible or on-demand connection of the electrical devices, electrical connectors are usually attached to the main line, which can be connected to mating connectors on the devices. These electrical connectors can be, for example, T-, F-, or Y-shaped. EP 4 322 341 A1 serves as an example of a known differential bus system.

[0008] A conventional bus connector requires a relatively large amount of installation space due to its design, which hinders the miniaturization of the overall electrical system. Furthermore, the assembly effort for common network topologies is sometimes high and therefore costly and time-consuming. The assembly effort, for example in an automotive plant or at an original equipment manufacturer (OEM, Tier 1 supplier), can be considerable and prone to errors, as at least one electrical conductor of the overall system must be connected to each of the connector's interfaces. As an alternative to assembly on-site, the entire system can be pre-assembled by the manufacturer, but this limits application flexibility, as the branch points for the network topology participants are fixed.

[0009] In view of the known state of the art, the object of the present invention is to provide a connector component which can be connected to at least one other compatible connector component to form a multi-part connector, preferably to enable a flexible and technically simple connection option for electrical devices to a network topology.

[0010] The present invention also aims to provide a multi-part connector that can be advantageously used in a network topology to preferably enable a flexible and technically simple connection option for electrical participants to the network topology.

[0011] Finally, it is also the purpose of the invention to provide an electrical connecting element that can be used modularly in a network topology in order to preferably enable a flexible and technically simple design of a network topology.

[0012] Furthermore, the invention aims to provide an electrical network topology that can be assembled modularly.

[0013] The problem is solved for the connector component by the features listed in claim 1. With regard to the multi-part connector, the problem is solved by the features of claim 16. With regard to the electrical connection element, the problem is solved by the features of claim 24, and with regard to the electrical network topology by claim 26.

[0014] The dependent claims and the features described below relate to advantageous embodiments and variants of the invention.

[0015] The invention relates to a connector component for a multi-part connector. The connector component has a connection interface for connection with at least one other compatible connector component of the multi-part connector.

[0016] In the context of the present invention, a "multi-part connector" is understood to be, in particular, a connector that is only functionally (fully) usable when the connector component is assembled with at least one other compatible connector component, and preferably also only offers a functional interface for connecting a bus participant when assembled. The multi-part connector can be characterized, in particular, by the fact that it is delivered pre-assembled by the manufacturer with at least two cables or wires and can therefore be integrated into a bus system or a more complex network topology by the installer (e.g., an automotive manufacturer) without any assembly effort.

[0017] Preferably, a complete connection of all participating connector components may be required for the proper use of the multi-part connector. However, it may also be provided that, in the case of several compatible connector components that can be connected together with the connector component, at least one of the compatible connector components can only be connected to the connector component if required at a later date. For example, this may be intended to expand the functionality of the multi-part connector as needed (e.g., to optionally provide additional mating options).

[0018] Preferably, the connector component is not an electrical connector that can be used on its own.

[0019] The at least one further compatible connector component may preferably (but not necessarily) have the same features described below with respect to the claimed connector component. The "compatible connector component" may therefore also, for example, have a connection interface for connecting to the connector component and / or to other compatible connector components. The compatible connector component may be functionally and, if necessary, also partially or completely geometrically analogous or complementary to the connector component.

[0020] The applicant reserves the right to claim the “compatible connector component” separately from the connector component, if necessary.

[0021] The connector component according to claim 1 is hereinafter also referred to as the “first connector component” and the compatible connector component as the “second connector component”.

[0022] The connection interface is preferably at least an electrical interface for electrically connecting the connector component to at least one other compatible connector component. Particularly preferably, the connection interface is also a mechanical interface for mechanically connecting the connector component to at least one other compatible connector component. The connection interface can include the contact element mentioned below (and, in the case of the compatible connector component, the "compatible contact element") and / or mechanical guides, locking devices, or the like, as described in detail below.

[0023] The connector component or connection interface can be configured for connection with any number of other compatible connector components. The invention is described below essentially with reference to a two-part connector that has exactly one other compatible connector component for connection with the connector component. However, in principle, for example, two, three, four, or even more compatible connector components can also be provided for connection with the connector component.

[0024] According to the invention, the connector component has a primary contact area for forming at least part of a primary plug interface for connection with a corresponding mating connector of the multi-part connector.

[0025] It may be provided that only the connector component or only one of the compatible connector components forms the primary mating interface for connection with the mating connector. Preferably, however, the connector component forms only a part of the primary mating interface, with at least a further part of the primary mating interface being formed by the compatible connector component(s). The primary mating interface for connection with the corresponding mating connector is preferably only geometrically and / or functionally complete when the connector component is connected to at least one further compatible connector component.

[0026] The primary plug interface and the primary contact area can be of any electrical and / or mechanical design. The invention is not limited to a specific type or standard of plug interface. The primary plug interface can, among other things, have pin- or socket-shaped contact elements. In addition to rotationally symmetrical or elongated contact elements, flat contacts, for example, are also possible. The plug compatibility of the primary plug interface can be arbitrary and may be suitable, for example, for connection with an Ethernet connector standard (e.g., RJ connectors) or another connector standard. The connector components can have an at least substantially straight or angled path. Accordingly, the multi-part connector formed from the connector components can be straight or angled (angled connector).A straight connector or straight connector component may preferably, but not necessarily, be elongated.

[0027] Preferably, but not necessarily, the primary connector interface is designed for both an electrical and a mechanical connection with the corresponding mating connector. However, the primary connector interface may also be a purely mechanical interface, for example, serving as a "parking position" for a mating connector.

[0028] According to the invention, the connector component has a connection area for connecting at least one electrical conductor. The connection area is particularly suitable for connecting at least one electrical conductor, each of which has at least one electrical conductor (especially the aforementioned at least one electrical conductor).

[0029] In summary, the proposed connector component preferably has at least three connection options: a first connection option (connection interface) to which at least one further compatible connector component can be connected in order to form the multi-part connector; a second connection option (primary contact area) to which a corresponding mating connector can be connected, in particular an electrical (bus) participant; and a third connection option (connection area) for connecting said at least one electrical conductor, preferably an electrical line.

[0030] The at least one compatible connector component can preferably have an analogous structure. The compatible connector component can therefore also have at least three connection options, so that ultimately each of the connector components involved (or at least two of the connector components involved) is connected or connectable to at least one electrical conductor, which can, for example, be a different main conductor section of the network topology. In other words, several chain links (hereinafter referred to as "connecting links") consisting of multi-part connectors and branching electrical conductors can jointly form the network topology.

[0031] According to the invention, the connector component also has at least one electrical contact element. This at least one electrical contact element can be connected to the electrical conductor in the connection area and extends from the connection area at least to the connection interface. In the connection interface, the electrical contact element can be connected to a compatible electrical contact element of the compatible connector component.

[0032] The electrical contact element thus extends through the connector component at least between the connection area and the interface, thereby providing an electrical connection between the electrical conductors connected to the at least one compatible connector component when the connector component is connected to the respective connector components (i.e., signal transmission between the electrical conductors of the connector components involved). Simultaneously, this connection option can be provided for the corresponding mating connector, and thus, in particular, for a participant in the network topology. As will be described below, the at least one electrical contact element can preferably extend into the primary contact area for this purpose.It should be emphasized that the invention is not limited to a specific arrangement of the primary contacting area, the connection interface, and the terminal area relative to each other, nor to the specific path of the contact element between said areas. The arrangements of the individual areas or interfaces proposed below are therefore merely exemplary and represent preferred, but not necessary, variants of the invention.

[0033] The advantages and features described above and below with regard to the electrical contact element are also transferable to the "compatible electrical contact element" of the compatible connector component - and vice versa.

[0034] In principle, the connector component (and also the compatible connector component) can have any number of contact elements or compatible contact elements. For example, exactly one electrical contact element may be provided, but possibly also two contact elements (especially to form a differential contact element pair), three, four, five, six, seven, eight or even more contact elements or compatible contact elements. The number of contact elements and compatible contact elements can also differ between the connector component and the compatible connector component.

[0035] In a particularly advantageous embodiment of the invention, it can be provided that the connection area of ​​the connector component is arranged at a first axial or longitudinal end section and the primary contacting area is arranged at an opposite, second axial or longitudinal end section of the connector component.

[0036] The connection interface can preferably be arranged between said two end sections. The connection interface can also partially or completely overlap with the connection area and / or the primary contact area, so that the connection option with at least one other compatible connector component or the connection option between the contact element and the compatible contact element can also be provided in the connection area and / or in the primary contact area. In particular, it can also be provided that the connection interface, the connection area, and / or the primary contact area are completely aligned or identical, or have the same dimensions and positions.

[0037] The connection area and the primary contact area may, if necessary, merge directly into one another, particularly if the connection interface is located partially or completely within one or both of these areas. Furthermore, an intermediate area may be provided between the connection area and the primary contact area, which does not offer any further connection options. As mentioned above, the arrangement of the interfaces or connection areas relative to each other is not essential. Therefore, for example, the connection area may be located at a first axial or longitudinal end section of the connector component, and the connection interface at the second axial or longitudinal end section, with the primary contact area then located, for instance, between the connection area and the connection interface.The contact element can then extend from the connection area through the primary contacting area to the connection interface.

[0038] As part of another conceivable arrangement of the connection options, it can be provided, for example, that the connection area is arranged in a middle section of the connector component and is surrounded by the connection interface and the primary contacting area, with the contact element then extending at least from the connection area to the connection interface - and possibly additionally (T-shaped) into the primary contacting area.

[0039] The invention can also cover a distribution of said connection options in at least one spatial direction transverse to the longitudinal axis of the connector components, although this is not described in more detail below for the sake of simplicity.

[0040] In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, it can be provided in particular that the connection interface and the primary contacting area are formed on different sides of the connector component.

[0041] Preferably, the connection interface and the primary contact area are formed on adjacent sides of the connector component, for example, on an end face on the one hand (this can be particularly advantageous for the primary contact area) and on a shell side on the other (this can be particularly advantageous for the connection interface). It is also possible for the connection interface and the primary contact area to be arranged on two shell sides connected via a common edge.

[0042] Of course, the connection interface and the primary contact area can also be located on the same side of the connector component, provided this appears suitable for the application.

[0043] In particular, the connection area can also be arranged on a different side of the connector component than the connection interface and / or the primary contact area. Preferably, the connection area can be arranged on a side of the connector component opposite the primary contact area. Thus, the connection area and the primary contact area can, for example, be arranged at opposite axial or longitudinal ends of the connector component. However, the connection area can optionally also be arranged on the same side as the connection interface and / or the primary contact area. For example, the connection interface can be located in the connection area (e.g., a crimp section of a contact element can have a contact tab to contact the compatible contact element, which may also have a contact tab).

[0044] According to a further development of the invention, it can be provided that the connection interface runs at least section by section along a shell side (in the case of an elongated connector component, in particular a longitudinal side) of the connector component in order to enable a shell-side connection with the at least one compatible connector component.

[0045] A shell-side connection of the connector component to the at least one compatible connector component has proven particularly suitable, since, especially in this case, an axial or end-face section of the connector component can be advantageously used to form the primary contact area (particularly together with the at least one compatible connector component). In this way, the primary mating interface can be formed with technically simple measures by joining two connector components designed as respective half-shells shell-side (i.e., longitudinally or laterally).

[0046] It should be noted, however, that the connection interface may optionally also be arranged at an axial end of the connector component to enable an end-face connection with the at least one compatible connector component. In this case, the primary contact area may preferably (but not necessarily) also be arranged in the area of ​​the end face of the connector component, so that preferably the connector component and the at least one compatible connector component are able to jointly form the primary plug-in interface at the axial or end-face transition between them.

[0047] According to a further development of the invention, it can be provided that a connection direction for establishing the connection with the compatible connector component runs at an angle to a plugging direction of the primary plug interface.

[0048] The contact between two or more of the aforementioned connector components to form the multi-part connector can therefore preferably be achieved by a movement that is not in the actual insertion axis for the mating connector.

[0049] For example, the connection direction may be designed to be at least approximately orthogonal to the insertion direction. However, any angle between the connection direction and the insertion direction is generally possible, such as an angle of approximately 10°, 20°, 30°, or 45°.

[0050] It should be noted that the connection direction and the insertion direction can, in principle, also run parallel to each other, particularly if the connection interface and the primary contact area are located on the same side or on opposite sides of the connector component. An at least substantially parallel orientation of the connection direction and the insertion direction can, for example, also be provided to allow the contact elements and the compatible contact elements to slide against each other on the outer shell or longitudinally / laterally during the assembly of the connector components, whereby the contact pressure between the contact elements and the compatible contact elements can nevertheless preferably be perpendicular to the insertion direction.

[0051] As already indicated above, in a further development of the invention it may be provided that the connection interface and the primary contacting area overlap at least partially.

[0052] It can therefore be provided in particular that the connection between the at least one electrical contact element of the connector component and the at least one compatible electrical contact element of the compatible connector component takes place in the primary contacting area or in the primary plug interface.

[0053] Preferably, the at least one contact element in the primary contact area can be selectively connected either to the compatible contact element or to a mating contact element of the mating connector. Thus, inserting the mating connector into the primary interface can disconnect the direct connection between the at least one contact element and the at least one compatible contact element, while corresponding mating contact elements of the mating connector connect the at least one contact element and / or the at least one compatible contact element. This provides various possibilities for (re-)establishing the signal flow between the connector components indirectly via the mating connector after disconnecting their direct electrical connection.

[0054] For example, the mating connector can be designed to transmit the signal flow at least substantially unaffected, so that the electrical connection between the connector components is re-established after the mating connector is inserted (the electrical signal is "passed through"; a tap for an electrical participant in the network topology can, for example, be made electrically in parallel). The electrical connection between the corresponding contact elements of the connector components can be established for this purpose by a common mating contact element (i.e., the contact elements of the common contact element pair contact the common mating contact element and are electrically connected to each other via the mating contact element) or via individual mating contact elements that are connected to each other via an electrical connection (e.g.,through electrical conductors, an electrical circuit, conductor tracks or vias on the circuit board mentioned below, etc.).

[0055] As an alternative to simply forwarding the signal, the mating connector or the electrical device connected to it can also manipulate the electrical signal in a defined way using an electrical circuit, or even replace it entirely with another electrical signal. In this way, an electrical device can, for example, be inserted into an electrical series circuit and / or be used to electrically influence the network topology in a defined manner.

[0056] The mating contact elements can be arranged individually within the mating contact element or on or in a common carrier. For example, the carrier can be the electrical circuit board mentioned below. However, the carrier can be any component used to fix one or more mating contact elements together (e.g., an electrically insulating carrier or an electrically insulating plate). The mating contact elements can be arranged on opposite sides of the carrier or on the same sides of the carrier. A mating contact element can also be, for example, an electrically conductive plate, a pin contact, or another contact form on its own. The carrier with the mating contact elements, or at least one of the mating contact elements, can be...For example, they can be inserted between the contact element and the compatible contact element to take over or influence signal transmission. Optionally, several mating contact elements can be electrically connected directly to each other or to each other via electrical conductors, components, or circuits.

[0057] In the manner described above, for example, an electrical device in a network topology can be added to an existing series connection of various electrical devices using simple measures. Furthermore, electrical devices can be easily removed or replaced from an existing series connection without negatively affecting the function of the overall system.

[0058] Alternatively, using the connector component, parallel connection of electrical participants can also be provided if the connection between contact element and compatible contact element is not broken by inserting the mating connector, but only an additional connection of said contact elements with the at least one mating contact element is established.

[0059] In a further development of the invention, it can be provided, in particular, that the at least one contact element extends into the primary contact area in order to provide a direct contact option for a mating contact element of the mating connector. If the connector component has several contact elements, it can be provided that one, several, or all of the contact elements extend into the primary contact area in order to provide a corresponding contact option for one or more mating contact elements of the mating connector. It should be emphasized in particular that the configuration of the compatible connector component may differ from that of the connector component in this respect.In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, at least one contact element (for example, exactly one contact element) of a common contact element pair extends into the primary contact area, e.g., such that contact elements of the connector component and the compatible connector component, which together form a contact element pair, alternately extend into the primary contact area. It is even possible for one of the connector components to have no contact elements extending into the primary contact area. In principle, any configuration orThe distribution of the contact elements in the primary plug interface, preferably formed jointly by the connector component and the compatible connector components, may be provided, in particular also a configuration in which all contact elements of the connector component and all compatible contact elements of the compatible connector component extend into the primary plug interface.

[0060] In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, it can be provided that the connector component, in particular the at least one contact element, has at least one connection means in the connection area for electrical and mechanical contact with the at least one electrical conductor.

[0061] Preferably, the at least one contact element in the connection area forms a crimp section for a crimp connection with the at least one electrical conductor. The crimp section can, for example, be implemented as a crimp sleeve and / or crimp tab(s). Alternatively, instead of a crimp section, the at least one contact element in the connection area can, for example, be soldered, welded, or otherwise connected to the at least one electrical conductor. Preferably, a permanent or non-destructively inseparable connection is provided between the at least one contact element and the at least one electrical conductor in the connection area.

[0062] In special cases, a plug-in interface for connecting the at least one electrical conductor and the at least one contact element can also be provided in the connection area (for example, the electrical conductor could be an electrical conductor of a printed circuit board, in particular in the form of a pin, a contact recess, or part of a printed circuit board connector). Preferably, however, the connection means is not a plug-in interface. In a further development of the invention, it can be provided that the connector component has at least one secondary contact area for forming at least part of a secondary plug-in interface for connection with another mating connector of the multi-part connector.

[0063] The inclusion of at least one secondary connector interface allows even complex network structures, such as star-shaped, tree-shaped or mesh network topologies, to be implemented in a flexible and technically simple way.

[0064] Advantageously, within the scope of the invention, any number of secondary contact areas can be provided for contacting further mating connectors, for example exactly one secondary contact area, two secondary contact areas, three secondary contact areas or even more secondary contact areas.

[0065] The at least one secondary contact area may preferably be located on a different side than the primary contact area (though this is not mandatory). For example, the primary contact area and a secondary contact area may be arranged at opposite ends, particularly opposite axial ends, of the connector component. The secondary contact area may optionally be located on the same side of the connector component as the terminal area of ​​the connector component.

[0066] Features and advantages mentioned above and below with regard to the primary contact area can also be applied to the secondary contact area – and vice versa. For example, it may be provided that the secondary contact area, and thus the secondary mating interface, is only fully formed by joining the connector component with at least one compatible connector component.

[0067] The primary contact area or primary connector interface and the secondary contact area or secondary connector interface can differ in their design or be functionally and / or geometrically identical, so that the same or different mating connector types can be used to connect an electrical device to the primary and secondary connector interfaces – depending on the requirements of the overall system. The secondary contact areas or secondary connector interfaces, if multiple are provided, may also differ from each other. However, multiple secondary contact areas or secondary connector interfaces are usually functionally and / or geometrically identical.In a further development of the invention, it can be provided that the at least one contact element in the connection interface can be directly connected to the at least one compatible contact element of the compatible connector component.

[0068] In the connected state of the connector components or in the assembled state of the multi-part connector, the contact elements of the connection partners therefore preferably contact each other directly in the area of ​​the connection interface or are directly adjacent to each other.

[0069] In a further development of the invention, it can alternatively (or optionally for some of the contact elements, insofar as several contact elements are provided) be provided that the at least one contact element can be indirectly connected to the at least one compatible contact element, for example via a separate contact bridge that can be jointly mounted in the connector component and the compatible connector component. In principle, any conductive component (e.g., a separate contact plate) or electronic component, or several components, can be arranged between the contact element and the compatible contact element to provide indirect contacting.

[0070] This contact bridge can, for example, be a clamp-like or comb-like electrically conductive component that can be inserted into the previously connected connector components. In principle, a separate contact bridge can be provided for each contact element and compatible contact element to be connected (i.e., for each pair of contact elements). Optionally, several contact bridges can be electrically isolated from one another and attached to a common electrically insulating carrier element, allowing for convenient assembly in a single mating operation.

[0071] Optionally, the contact bridge can also serve as a fixing means to connect the connector components to each other, in particular to fasten the contact carriers of the connector components to each other.

[0072] It should be noted here that, as a rule, in the connection interface, one contact element of the connector component can be connected to exactly one compatible contact element of the compatible connector component to form an electrically connected contact element pair. However, it is also possible for one contact element of the connector component to be connected to several compatible contact elements of the compatible connector component – ​​or vice versa – for example, to provide predefined contact bridges or even electrical connections between the contact elements or the connector components.

[0073] In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, it can be provided that the at least one contact element for connection with the compatible contact element of the compatible connector component in the connection interface is directly accessible from the compatible contact element of the compatible connector component. It can therefore be provided, in particular, that the contact elements in the connection interface are exposed for contacting by the compatible contact elements of the compatible connector component.

[0074] Preferably, the at least one contact element can be contacted by the compatible contact element against an elastic restoring force – or vice versa. In this way, a suitable contact pressure can be generated for a robust electrical connection.

[0075] The at least one contact element can be designed in particular in the form of a spring tab attached on one or both sides.

[0076] It may be provided that at least one contact element projects from the connection interface in the direction of the compatible contact element or connector component. Alternatively, at least one contact element may be arranged coplanarly or recessed within the connection interface relative to the corresponding side face of the connector component.

[0077] It can also be provided that at least one contact element is designed in a pincer-like manner in order to grip the compatible contact element, at least partially. Preferably, this contacting also occurs against an elastic restoring force, for example, by the compatible contact element spreading the pincer-like contact element from its rest position in the contacted state.

[0078] It can also be provided that at least one contact element is pin-shaped to contact the compatible contact element in a contact receptacle – or vice versa. The pin-shaped contact element can optionally have one or more contact springs distributed along its circumference to generate an advantageous contact pressure for contacting. The contact receptacle can optionally have one or more contact springs distributed along its inner circumference to generate an advantageous contact pressure for contacting (the contact receptacle can, for example, be designed in the form of a spring cage).

[0079] In principle, the at least one contact element and / or the at least one compatible electrical contact element can be configured in any way. The preceding examples are therefore to be understood merely as preferred variants and not as limiting to the invention.

[0080] The contact between the contact element and the compatible electrical contact element is preferably made laterally, i.e., such that the contact element and the compatible contact element are in contact with each other on their outer surfaces, for example, along their lengths, when in contact. In a further development of the invention, the connector component may have an electrically insulating contact carrier, wherein the at least one contact element is received and preferably fixed in the contact carrier.

[0081] The contact carrier may simultaneously be the outer housing of the connector component and thus part of the outer housing of the multi-part connector. Alternatively, a separate outer housing may be provided to accommodate the contact carrier. In the case of a shielded multi-part connector, the contact carrier may preferably be the insulator between the outer conductor and the inner conductors.

[0082] The insulating contact carrier may be provided with a contact chamber, channel, or groove for each contact element, in which the contact element is at least partially received and optionally fixed. The positioning, orientation, and / or path of the at least one contact element can be defined and predetermined by the contact carrier. For example, the contact carrier may have one or more axial stops for the at least one contact element and / or one or more locking elements for fixing the at least one contact element.

[0083] It may be provided that one, several or all of the contact chambers or other contact points of the contact carrier are unpopulated.

[0084] In particular, it may be provided that at least one contact element is fixed in a loss-proof manner (especially in the contact carrier) at least in the direction of the compatible connector component.

[0085] The contact element can be securely fixed in the connector component, particularly in the insulating contact carrier, for example, by means of claw-like areas on the contact element that allow it to interlock positively with the contact carrier. Alternatively or additionally, the contact element can be locked in place by means of a retaining clip on the contact carrier. It is also possible for the contact element's locking hooks to engage in corresponding recesses on the contact carrier – or vice versa.

[0086] The connector component and the compatible connector component (especially their respective contact carriers) can be completely separate or (non-destructively) separable components. Optionally, the connector components can also be mechanically connected to each other, at least partially. This connection can be a single piece, for example, via a connecting bridge or a film hinge between the contact carriers. This provides a secure connection and also enables at least a partially guided closing movement or a partially guided mutual connection (linear and / or rotary). It should be noted that a guided closing movement can also be achieved with multiple components, for example, via a mutual hinge connection or a cam guide between the connector components or their contact carriers.

[0087] In a further development of the invention, it can be provided that the connector component has one or more mechanical guide means to specify the connection with the compatible connector component along a defined connection path.

[0088] The at least one mechanical guide means can, for example, be designed as a guide groove or guide rib or guide web to accommodate a corresponding counter-guide means of the compatible contact element and to guide it along the said connection path during the manufacture of the connection between the connector component and the compatible connector component.

[0089] In a further development of the invention, it can be provided that the connector component has one or more locking elements and / or latching elements to mechanically secure the connection with the compatible connector component.

[0090] A locking element can be, in particular, an element that is at least partially elastic or movable and capable of locking into a corresponding counter-locking element, especially such that the locking element is able to "snap" into the counter-locking element – ​​or vice versa. Therefore, an unstable intermediate state can preferably be overcome first until the locking element and the counter-locking element are subsequently in a stable, positive-locking state. A locking element can, in particular, be an element that can be connected to a corresponding counter-locking element at least substantially without force. For this purpose, the locking element and / or counter-locking element can, for example, be freely displaceable in a first spatial direction in order to provide a mutual positive lock in at least one further spatial direction orthogonal to the first spatial direction when locked.

[0091] It is possible for the mechanical guides, locking elements, and / or locking elements to be formed on any component of the connector assembly. In particular, an insulating or conductive housing component of the connector assembly (e.g., the aforementioned outer housing), the aforementioned insulating contact carrier, at least one of the contact elements, the outer conductor contact element mentioned below, or any other component may be provided to form a guide, a locking element, and / or a locking element.

[0092] In a further development of the invention, the connector component may have an outer conductor contact element which is arranged at least partially circumferentially in cross-section laterally around the connector component, in particular around a contact carrier designed as an insulator element. Preferably, the compatible connector component also has a corresponding outer conductor contact element.

[0093] The connector components can thus also form an electrically shielded, multi-part connector. Preferably, each of the connector components involved, i.e., the connector component itself and the at least one compatible connector component, can form part of the common outer conductor contact element. The outer conductor contact elements of the connector components can therefore preferably be electrically and mechanically connected to each other when the connector components are connected.

[0094] It may be provided that at least one contact element remains accessible for connection with the compatible contact element when the outer conductor contact element is connected to the respective connector component. Similarly, it may be provided that the contact elements and compatible contact elements to be arranged in the primary plug interface remain contactable by the corresponding mating contact elements.

[0095] The outer conductor contact element can preferably be designed as a contact plate, preferably as a formed contact plate. This contact plate can optionally be fixed to the outer sides of the insulating contact carrier of the connector component.

[0096] The outer conductor contact element of a single connector component can be a one-piece or monolithic (preferred) or multi-piece component.

[0097] The contacting and fixing of the outer conductor contact elements of the connector component and the compatible connector component can be achieved, for example, by means of elastically designed contact tabs of one outer conductor contact element, which can be inserted into corresponding contact pockets of the other outer conductor contact element.

[0098] To connect the outer conductor contact elements to each other or to, for example, one of the electrical conductors or the electrical cable, a crimping or compression fitting can also be provided. This also allows for an optional electrical connection to a cable shield of the cable, and can additionally provide strain relief.

[0099] It has proven particularly suitable if the outer conductor contact element is at least substantially U-shaped, so that all sides of the connector component are covered except for the side of the connector component that has the connection interface. Alternatively, however, it can also be provided, for example, that the outer conductor contact element is at least substantially sleeve-shaped and completely encloses the connector component in the circumferential direction, in which case a recess, for example a window, may preferably be formed in the outer conductor contact element in the area of ​​the connection interface, where the at least one contact element is to be contactable with the at least one compatible contact element, and / or in the area of ​​the primary contacting area, where the contact elements are to be contactable with the at least one mating contact element.

[0100] It should be noted that it is also possible to provide for at least one essentially sleeve-shaped outer conductor contact element or outer conductor sleeve to be mounted on the multi-part connector only after the connector components have been connected. This outer conductor sleeve can be provided as a supplement (e.g., to increase mechanical stability) or as an alternative to the individual outer conductor contact elements distributed across the connector component. The sleeve-shaped outer conductor contact element or outer conductor sleeve can be mounted from an axial end of the multi-part connector, for example, from a cable-side or conductor-side axial end, or from a plug-side axial end.

[0101] The outer conductor sleeve can extend over only a partial axial section of the multi-part connector or completely along its axial extent. In said section, the at least one outer conductor sleeve preferably encloses all connector components of the multi-part connector together. Multiple outer conductor sleeves distributed along the axial extent of the multi-part connector can also be provided. The at least one outer conductor sleeve can be fixed to the connector components, for example, by snapping, pressing, or crimping.

[0102] For example, an outer conductor sleeve can be arranged at least in the connection area for the electrical conductor. In this case, the outer conductor sleeve can be designed, in particular, as a crimp sleeve to establish a mechanical and, if necessary, electrical connection with the electrical conductor or cable. An outer conductor sleeve can also be provided in the area of ​​the connection interface and / or the primary or secondary plug interface.

[0103] In a further development of the invention, it can be provided that the connector component has at least two of the said electrical contact elements, which can be used together for differential signal transmission.

[0104] Alternatively or additionally, it may also be provided that at least two of the aforementioned electrical contact elements can be used together for electrical energy transmission.

[0105] In principle, the connector component or multi-part connector can be suitable for any type of signal and / or power transmission.

[0106] In the case of differential signal transmission, an electrical connection can optionally be formed between said differential contact elements to provide electrical termination for the differential signal transmission if required. Alternatively, termination can also be achieved, for example, by inserting a corresponding mating connector or a separate termination piece.

[0107] The invention also relates to a multi-part connector, in particular a multi-part bus connector, comprising a connector component according to the preceding and following embodiments, and at least one compatible connector component. The connector component is connected to the compatible connector component via the connection interface, such that at least one of the electrical contact elements of the connector component forms an electrically connected contact element pair with each of the compatible electrical contact elements of the compatible connector component.

[0108] Advantageously, a multi-part connector, in particular a multi-part bus connector, can be provided which, in the plugged-in state of the two connector components, establishes an electrical connection between the two bus line sections adjoining the connector components, and also provides a plug-in option for a mating connector or a (bus) participant, which can optionally be plugged in or not plugged in.

[0109] It may be optionally provided that the connector components of the multi-part connector, or at least components of the connector components, such as the contact carriers, are hermaphroditic, which can further simplify their manufacturability due to the possibilities of using identical parts.

[0110] Preferably, each electrical contact element of the connector component is associated with a corresponding, compatible electrical contact element of the compatible connector component(s) to form a pair of contact elements connected at the interface. It should be noted that, in principle, more than two contact elements and compatible contact elements can be connected to each other (e.g., one contact element of the connector component with two or more compatible contact elements of the compatible connector component – ​​or vice versa), or that individual contact elements or compatible contact elements are not connected to a corresponding counterpart. Finally, the contact elements of a single connector component can also be connected to each other.

[0111] In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, it can be provided that the connector component is connected via the connection interface to two, three, four or more compatible connector components.

[0112] Therefore, in addition to a two-part connector, a three-part, four-part, or five-part connector can also be provided. The multiple compatible connector components can preferably be arranged side by side or one behind the other, i.e., in a row and / or column arrangement, relative to each other. Preferably, the multiple compatible connector components are connected via the connection interface of the connector component on a common side or in a common connection plane of the connector component.

[0113] The multiple compatible connector components can also be connected to the connector component on different sides. For example, the connection interface of the connector component can be distributed across several sides of the connector component. In this way, a "stacked" arrangement of multiple connector components can be advantageously implemented.

[0114] It may be specifically provided that one of the compatible connector components is exclusively dedicated to electrical data transmission and a second of the compatible connector components exclusively to electrical power supply. It may also be possible to distribute different differential signal transmission pairs across different connector components.

[0115] In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, it can be provided that only one of the contact elements of a common contact element pair extends into the primary plug interface.

[0116] The selection as to whether only one of the contact elements of a common contact element pair or both contact elements of the common contact element pair (or none of the contact elements of the contact element pair) extend into the primary plug interface can be made by the person skilled in the art, depending on the specific application or the mating connector type intended for the connection.

[0117] In a further development of the invention, it can be provided that the connector component and the compatible connector component together form the primary plug interface.

[0118] As mentioned above, in the case of a two-part connector consisting of one connector component and exactly one other compatible connector component, the connector components can be designed as respective half-shells to form the primary mating interface. Even when using multiple compatible connector components, these can form the primary mating interface together with the connector component, for example, by one of the connector components forming a half-shell onto which several other connector components (e.g., two more connector components) can be arranged side by side. However, as already mentioned, a further development of the invention also provides that only the connector component forms the primary mating interface.In this case, at least one compatible connector component is essentially intended to pass the electrical connection from its terminal area, via its connection interface, to the connection interface of the connector component and thus to the terminal area of ​​the connector component (i.e., to ‘pass through’ a data signal or power supply to the other connector component).

[0119] According to a further development of the invention, it can be provided that the multi-part connector is designed in such a way that when the compatible connector component is connected to the connection interface of the connector component, the primary plug interface is formed simultaneously.

[0120] By connecting the connector component to at least one compatible connector component, a connection can be established via the connection interfaces in a single assembly operation, simultaneously forming the primary plug interface for the mating connector. This assembly step thus enables the transmission of data and power signals from a main conductor section of a network topology to another "link" or another main conductor section of the same network topology, and also creates an additional plug-in option for further electrical devices.

[0121] In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, it can be provided that the contact elements of the connector component and the compatible contact elements of the compatible connector component (or, in a connector component not equipped with contact elements, which is also covered by the invention, at least the empty contact receptacles / contact chambers) are mechanically secured by means of a common, separate secondary locking device.

[0122] The common, separate secondary locking mechanism can be designed in particular in the form of a clamp or a comb.

[0123] The separate secondary locking mechanism is preferably an electrically insulating component and, for securing the at least one contact element and the at least one compatible contact element, preferably has at least one locking leg each, optionally with a locking projection at a front, free end for locking with at least one of the connector components (for example, with a contact carrier). The multiple locking legs preferably form a common component and can be inserted individually or together into the pre-assembled, multi-part connector, in particular into the electrically insulating contact carrier, which may have suitable recesses for the locking legs. To fix the contact elements, the locking legs can form a positive fit with the respective contact elements, for example by a suitable shaping (e.g., projection and / or recess) in the contact elements for the locking legs.

[0124] It is also possible for the separate secondary fuse and the contact bridge mentioned above to be designed as a single component (and, if applicable, the aforementioned fixing means for fastening the connector components together), which can advantageously be assembled in a single assembly operation. For example, the contact legs of the contact bridge and the locking legs of the secondary fuse can extend from a common base plate. The contact legs of the contact bridge and the locking legs of the secondary fuse can also be identical (in which case the locking legs of the secondary fuse are preferably electrically conductive).

[0125] In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, it can also be provided that the contact elements of the connector component and the compatible contact elements of the compatible connector component (or, in a connector component not equipped with contact elements, which is also covered by the invention, at least the empty contact receptacles / contact chambers) are secured by means of mutual secondary locking elements.A secondary locking element of the connector component (in particular a secondary locking element formed on the contact carrier of the first connector component) secures at least one of the compatible contact elements of the compatible connector component, and a secondary locking element of the compatible connector component (in particular a secondary locking element formed on the contact carrier of the second connector component) secures at least one associated contact element of the connector component. Advantageously, the secondary locking element can thus be formed integrally with the connector components, in particular integrally with their contact carriers.

[0126] The invention also relates to an electrical connecting element of an electrical network topology, preferably a bus system, comprising at least one electrical conductor, a first connector component for a first multi-part connector according to the preceding and following embodiments, which is electrically and mechanically connected in its connection area to a first end of the at least one electrical conductor, and a second connector component, which is electrically and mechanically connected to a second end of the at least one electrical conductor, wherein the second connector component is compatible with a third connector component according to the preceding and following embodiments for forming a second multi-part connector.

[0127] The proposed connectors can be easily and flexibly expanded during assembly, for example in an automotive plant, to accommodate any bus system or other network topology. The present invention allows the connector manufacturer to provide an electrical connector or chain link for a network topology as part of the manufacturing process, with a main cable section at each end of which corresponding connector halves or connector components are pre-assembled. The installation space required for connecting the bus participants or for providing connection options for electrical participants of the respective topology can also be significantly reduced compared to known T, Y, or F connectors.

[0128] It should be noted here that the aforementioned first connector component and the second connector component of the common connecting element are preferably also designed to be pluggable with each other, i.e., connectable via the corresponding connection interfaces (even though this is generally not functionally practical). As a rule, all first connector components are therefore connectable with all second connector components of all connecting elements. However, connecting elements can also be provided that are only connectable with defined, compatible connecting elements. In this way, a modular system of different connecting elements can also be provided.

[0129] A particular advantage of the invention is that electrical connecting elements with different conductor or cable lengths can be provided by the manufacturer, so that the connecting elements with the different conductor or cable lengths can be modularly assembled during assembly to form any network topologies with arbitrarily subdivided main conductor sections with respective plug-in options for optional electrical participants.

[0130] In a further development of the invention, it can be provided that the electrical connecting element has at least one electrical line, in particular an electrical cable, in which at least one electrical conductor runs.

[0131] It should be noted here that the electrical conductors may also be distributed across multiple electrical wires or cables, meaning that several electrical wires or cables can be supplied to a single connector component. At least one electrical conductor can also be routed individually or independently of a wire or cable into the connection area of ​​the connector component, particularly if it is an electrical conductor of an electrical assembly, such as a printed circuit board.

[0132] The invention also relates to an electrical network topology, in particular a bus system, comprising at least two electrical connecting elements, each according to the preceding and following embodiments, wherein the first connector component of one connecting element is connected to the second connector component of the other connecting element.

[0133] The electrical network topology preferably also includes at least one compatible mating connector which is accommodated in the primary plug interface of said connected connector components.

[0134] In the context of the preceding invention, a "network topology" refers to the topology or overall system of an electrical network, with a specific arrangement of the respective participants and lines in relation to one another for exchanging data and / or electrical energy or power. The electrical network topology can be, among other things, a ring structure, a mesh structure, a star structure, a fully meshed structure, a series structure, a tree structure, or a bus structure (bus system). The specific design or topology is not essential in this case. Ultimately, what matters is that one or more electrical participants can be interconnected within the electrical network topology according to the invention to form a common network, for which the aforementioned electrical interconnects can be used.The multi-part connector allows electrical devices to be advantageously integrated into the network topology using technically simple means.

[0135] In a further development of the invention, it can be provided that the electrical network topology has at least one electrical participant that is connected to the mating connector or that has the mating connector.

[0136] Typically, the electrical network topology can be configured to have at least two electrical participants, preferably more than two, for example three, four, five, ten or even more. Each of the electrical participants can preferably be connected to the network topology via a corresponding mating connector using the plug interfaces of the multi-part connectors.

[0137] The electrical participant can be any electrical assembly that is connected or connectable to other electrical participants for the exchange of energy and / or data via the network topology.

[0138] The electrical component can be, for example, a control device, a voltage and / or power supply (e.g., a battery or accumulator), a microprocessor, a computer, an electrical circuit, an electrical load (e.g., a light source), an electrical sensor system (e.g., a camera system), or an electrical input device. The invention is not fundamentally limited to any particular type of electrical component.

[0139] In a further development of the invention, the mating connector can be a multi-part connector, preferably (but not necessarily) as described above and below. In this way, for example, a second network topology can be connected to the proposed network topology. The electrical device that can be connected to the multi-part connector via the primary plug interface can therefore itself be an independent network topology.

[0140] According to a further development of the invention, it can be provided that at least one mating contact element of the mating connector is arranged on a carrier (e.g. on an insulating carrier plate or an electrical circuit board, in particular by contact pads or contact surfaces or conductor tracks of the circuit board forming the mating contact elements), wherein the carrier (e.g. the electrical circuit board) can be inserted into the primary plug interface in order to establish an electrical contact between the at least one mating contact element and the at least one contact element of the multi-part connector.

[0141] The mating contact element of the mating connector can, in principle, be designed in any way. As an alternative to using electrical contacts on a printed circuit board, the mating contact element of the bus participant can, for example, also be pin-shaped, socket-shaped, or a flat contact. As mentioned above, the invention is not limited to any particular type of contact or any particular connector standard.

[0142] In particular, it may be provided that the at least one mating contact element is arranged in advance on the carrier (especially on the electrical circuit board) such that the first mechanical contact between the carrier or the electrical circuit board and the contact element of the multi-part connector simultaneously establishes the electrical contact between the at least one mating contact element and the at least one contact element of the multi-part connector during the insertion of the carrier or the electrical circuit board into the primary plug interface.

[0143] The advantage of the leading mating contact element can be that the connection of the network topology with the other electrical participant can be made relatively interference-free, since the main line section of the network topology is forwarded via the multi-part connector or via the mating connector and thus the electrical participant to the other main line section of the network topology.

[0144] Alternatively, the main line can also be interrupted initially during the insertion of the mating connector. This means that the contact between the mating contact elements and the contact elements of the multi-part connector can be deliberately delayed during insertion of the mating connector. In this case, a further development of the invention provides that the at least one mating contact element is set back from a front end of the carrier (in particular the circuit board) in the insertion direction, so that during the insertion of the carrier or the circuit board into the primary insertion interface, mechanical contact is first established between the carrier or the circuit board and the contact element of the multi-part connector, and only upon further insertion of the carrier or circuit board...the electrical contact is established between the at least one mating contact element and the at least one contact element of the multi-part connector on the electrical circuit board.

[0145] A temporary interruption of the electrical connection in the main conductor of the overall system while plugging in another electrical device or the mating connector can be advantageous, for example, to signal to a control unit (e.g., a master) of the network topology that a change has occurred in the network regarding the connected devices. This allows for a faster update of the device inventory, as needed, compared to a cyclical, regular update.

[0146] If the mating contact elements are arranged on a circuit board of the mating connector, they can be distributed across both main areas of the circuit board. Thus, opposing mating contact elements on the circuit board can be connected to each other via electrical traces and / or metallic vias to transmit an electrical data or power signal from one connector component, across the circuit board of the mating connector, to the compatible connector component when the mating connector is inserted into the primary interface.

[0147] The invention also relates to a compatible electrical connector component for a multi-part connector, comprising at least one compatible electrical contact element that can be connected to an electrical conductor in a connection area and that can be connected to an electrical contact element of a connector component (in particular, but not necessarily, to a connector component according to claim 1).

[0148] The invention also relates to an assembly method for assembling an electrical network topology, in particular a bus system, comprising at least the following method steps:

[0149] Providing a connector component;

[0150] Provide at least one additional connector component compatible with the first connector component;

[0151] Assembling the connector components into a multi-part connector such that an electrical contact element of the connector component electrically contacts a compatible electrical contact element of the compatible connector component, wherein the electrical contact element and the compatible electrical contact element are each connected to an electrical conductor, and wherein one or more of the connector components together form a primary mating interface for connection with a corresponding mating connector. Optionally, the following process steps, among others, may be provided within the scope of the above assembly procedure:

[0152] Connecting the electrical contact elements to the respective electrical conductors, in particular crimping the electrical contact elements to the electrical conductors; and / or providing further connector components, each connected to a different end of the electrical conductors, to provide respective connecting links; and / or connecting several connecting links to successively build a network topology; and / or

[0153] Connecting one or more electrical participants of the network topology by means of respective mating connectors to at least one primary plug interface of one of the multi-part connectors.

[0154] Features described in connection with one of the subject matter of the invention, namely the connector component according to the invention, the compatible electrical connector component according to the invention, the multi-part connector according to the invention, the electrical connecting element according to the invention, the electrical network topology according to the invention, and the assembly method according to the invention, can also be advantageously implemented for the other subject matter of the invention. Likewise, advantages mentioned in connection with one of the subject matter of the invention can also be understood as relating to the other subject matter of the invention.

[0155] It should also be noted that terms such as "comprehensive," "exhibiting," or "with" do not exclude other characteristics or steps. Furthermore, terms such as "a" or "the," which indicate a singular number of steps or characteristics, do not exclude a plurality of characteristics or steps—and vice versa.

[0156] In a purist embodiment of the invention, however, it may also be provided that the features introduced in the invention with the terms "comprising," "comprising," or "with" are exhaustively listed. Accordingly, one or more lists of features within the scope of the invention may be considered complete, for example, for each claim. The invention may, for instance, consist exclusively of the features mentioned in claim 1.

[0157] It should be noted that designations such as "first" or "second" etc. are primarily used for the purpose of distinguishing between the respective device or process features and are not necessarily intended to indicate that features are mutually dependent or related to each other.

[0158] Furthermore, it should be emphasized that the values ​​and parameters described here may contain deviations or

[0159] The specification includes fluctuations of ±10% or less, preferably ±5% or less, more preferably ±1% or less, and most preferably ±0.1% or less of the respective specified value or parameter, provided that such deviations are not excluded in the practical implementation of the invention. The specification of ranges by initial and final values ​​also includes all those values ​​and fractions that are included by the respective specified range, in particular the initial and final values ​​and a respective mean value.

[0160] Within the scope of the present disclosure, the applicant explicitly reserves the right to claim one of the following subject matter separately from claim 1, whereby all features, developments, claims, advantages and drawings described above and below may also be transferred to the separate subject matter mentioned herein, provided that this is not technically excluded:

[0161] A first independent article relates to a connector component for an electrical connector, comprising at least one first contact receptacle for at least one first electrical contact element, wherein the connector component is connectable to a compatible, further connector component of the electrical connector, which has at least one second contact receptacle for at least one second electrical contact element, and wherein the connector component has at least one first secondary locking element configured to secure the at least one second contact element of the compatible connector component in the at least one second contact receptacle (in the insertion direction of the contact elements and / or at an angle to the insertion direction of the contact elements), and wherein the at least one first contact element, when received in the at least one first contact receptacle,secured by a second secondary locking element of the compatible connector component. This first independent item may optionally have the following advantageous further developments, which may be combined with one another in any way:

[0162] The at least one first contact point can be equipped with the at least one electrical contact element and / or the at least one second contact point can be equipped with the at least one second electrical contact element;

[0163] The securing of the contact elements by the respective secondary locking elements can be positive locking and / or force locking; in particular, it can be provided that the secondary locking elements can be mechanically engaged with the respective contact element (e.g. in a receptacle of the contact element) and / or mechanically block the movement of the respective contact element in at least one spatial direction;

[0164] In particular, it may be provided that one, several or all of the contacts are not equipped with a contact element;

[0165] The contact elements received in the contact receptacles can be secured (primarily) in the respective contact receptacle, for example by being rusted or locked in the axial and / or lateral direction (e.g. by an undercut in the contact receptacle or by a locking hook); The connector component can have a first contact carrier or be designed as a first contact carrier (in particular an insulating contact carrier, for example made of a plastic) in which the at least one first electrical contact element is received, preferably mechanically fixed;

[0166] The compatible connector component can have a second contact carrier or be designed as a second contact carrier (in particular an insulating contact carrier, for example made of plastic) in which the at least one second electrical contact element is received, preferably mechanically fixed;

[0167] The first contact carrier can have the first contact points and the second contact carrier can have the second contact points, in which the contact elements can each be received and optionally (primarily) fixed;

[0168] The contact surfaces can be fitted with the respective contact elements axially and / or laterally (preferred);

[0169] The first contact carrier and / or the second contact carrier can have respective contact channels, contact grooves, contact bores and / or contact chambers for the at least one first or for the at least one second contact element, which preferably form said contact receptacles;

[0170] The connector component can have a first connection area for connecting at least one electrical conductor in order to connect the at least one electrical conductor to the at least one first contact element, for example by crimping;

[0171] The compatible connector component may have a second connection area for connecting at least one electrical conductor in order to connect the at least one electrical conductor to the at least one second contact element, for example by crimping;

[0172] The connector component can have a first contact area to form at least part of a plug interface for connection with a corresponding mating connector;

[0173] The compatible connector component may have a second contact area to form at least part of a plug interface for connection with a corresponding mating connector;

[0174] The first secondary locking element can be formed in one piece or monolithically with the connector component, preferably with the first contact carrier;

[0175] The second secondary locking element can be formed in one piece or monolithically with the compatible connector component, preferably with the second contact carrier;

[0176] The secondary locking elements can also be designed to secure the connector component and the compatible connector component (especially the respective contact carriers) to each other, for example by locking them together;

[0177] The connector component and the compatible connector component (or at least their contact carriers) can be hermaphroditic to each other or designed as identical parts; the connector component can be a connector component according to claim 1 (together with all dependent claims and embodiments);

[0178] The connector component (especially the first contact carrier) and the compatible connector component (especially the second contact carrier) can optionally be mechanically connected to each other at least partially (in one piece, for example via a connecting bridge, a film hinge, etc., or in multiple pieces, for example via a hinge connection or a cam guide) in order to enable at least a partially guided closing movement or a partially guided mutual connection (linear and / or rotary);

[0179] An electrical connector can comprise the connector component and the compatible connector component, wherein the connector component and the compatible connector component are connected to each other;

[0180] The first contact points can be designed such that the first contact elements contained therein are arranged solely in the connector component or only partially in the connector component (and therefore, for example, protrude at least partially axially and / or laterally into the compatible connector component);

[0181] The second contact receptacles can be designed such that the second contact elements contained therein are arranged solely in the compatible connector component or only partially in the compatible connector component (and therefore, for example, protrude at least partially axially and / or laterally into the other connector component);

[0182] The electrical connector can have a single plug interface for connection with the mating connector and a single conductor entry for supplying at least one conductor containing the electrical conductors (in particular, the electrical connector can be a conventional connector, for example a cable connector, a printed circuit board connector or an adapter);

[0183] The electrical connector can be a multi-part connector, for example (but not necessarily) a multi-part connector according to claim 16 (together with all dependent claims and further developments);

[0184] In particular, the features of Figures 30 and 31, along with their descriptions, can represent further developments of the connector component or the electrical connector.

[0185] A second independent article relates to a contact bridge for an electrical connector, wherein the contact bridge is configured to indirectly connect at least two electrical contact elements of the electrical connector to one another. This second independent article may optionally have the following advantageous embodiments, which may be combined with one another in any way:

[0186] The contact bridge can be designed in a clamp-like or comb-like manner;

[0187] The contact bridge can have at least two contact legs extending from a common base element, preferably at least in the same direction, and in particular at least substantially parallel to each other; the contact bridge can be a stamped and bent part;

[0188] The contact bridge, in particular the contact legs, can be designed to be elastic at least in sections in the lateral direction in order to provide a lateral mechanical contact pressure for the connection with the contact elements;

[0189] The contact bridge can be configured to provide an axial and / or lateral (secondary) locking function for at least one of the contact elements, preferably for all contact elements electrically connected to each other via the contact bridge;

[0190] The contact bridge can be designed to secure the at least one contact element, preferably all contact elements electrically connected to each other via the contact bridge, in a form-fitting and / or force-fitting axial and / or lateral manner in the electrical connector, in particular in a one- or multi-part contact carrier;

[0191] The contact legs can have detent recesses, detent projections or detent recesses to form a detent, preferably acting in a lateral and / or axial direction, and / or a positive locking connection with the contact elements and / or with other components of the electrical connector (e.g. with a housing component, a contact carrier, etc.);

[0192] An electrical connector can have a contact bridge, wherein the contact bridge indirectly connects the at least two contact elements to each other electrically;

[0193] The electrical connector can have several of the aforementioned contact bridges, in particular a contact bridge for connecting two or more electrical contact elements, optionally including the (secondary) locking function described above for the respective contact elements in the connector; several contact bridges can optionally be electrically separated from one another and attached to a common electrically insulating support element;

[0194] The electrical connector can have one or more connector components; the electrical connector can have a one-piece or multi-piece contact carrier for the contact elements, the contact carrier being, for example, an insulating housing component, such as a housing shell;

[0195] Insofar as the electrical connector has a multi-part contact carrier for the contact elements, it can be provided that the contact bridge electrically connects (and optionally mechanically secures) contact elements that are distributed across different parts of the multi-part contact carrier;

[0196] The electrical connector can have only a single, one-piece contact carrier; the connector components or contact carriers can be interconnected;

[0197] The connector components can each have housing components or contact carriers for the electrical contact elements, or be designed as housing components or contact carriers;

[0198] The connector components can be connector components according to claim 1 (including all dependent claims and embodiments) or according to the first independent object described above (including its embodiments); The contact bridges can be connectable to one of the connector components (or their housing components / contact carriers) or to several connector components (or their respective housing components / contact carriers) (in particular simultaneously, i.e. in a common plugging operation), and in particular can be locked in place;

[0199] The contact bridges can be designed to mechanically connect or fix multiple connector components or contact carriers to each other;

[0200] The electrical connector can be a multi-part connector, for example (but not necessarily) a multi-part connector according to claim 16 (together with all dependent claims and further developments);

[0201] In particular, the features of Figures 26 to 29, along with their descriptions, can represent further developments of the contact bridge or the electrical connector.

[0202] Exemplary embodiments of the invention are described in more detail below with reference to the drawings.

[0203] The figures each show preferred embodiments in which individual features of the present invention are combined with one another. Features of an embodiment can also be implemented independently of the other features of the same embodiment and can therefore be readily combined by a person skilled in the art to form further meaningful combinations and subcombinations with features of other embodiments.

[0204] In the figures, functionally identical elements are provided with the same reference symbols.

[0205] They show schematically:

[0206] Figure 1 Connecting elements of an electrical network topology according to an embodiment in a disconnected state;

[0207] Figure 2 shows the connecting elements according to Figure 1 in a state connected to an electrical network topology with a mating connector;

[0208] Figure 3 shows a longitudinal section through a multi-part connector of one of the connecting elements of Figures 1 and 2;

[0209] Figure 4 shows a longitudinal section through a multi-part connector according to a further embodiment, in an unplugged state of the mating connector;

[0210] Figure 5 shows the multi-part connector according to Figure 4 in a partially inserted state of the mating connector; Figure 6 shows a longitudinal section through a multi-part connector according to a further embodiment, with a secondary plug interface, in a disconnected state of the connector components;

[0211] Figure 7 shows the multi-part connector according to Figure 6 in a connected state of the connector components, with a mating connector for the secondary plug interface;

[0212] Figure 8 shows a front view of a three-part connector, according to a further embodiment;

[0213] Figure 9 shows a variant for producing the connection between a contact element and a compatible contact element of a multi-part connector according to the embodiment of Figure 3, based on a single view of the contact elements;

[0214] Figure 10 shows another variant for producing the connection between a contact element and a compatible contact element of a multi-part connector according to the embodiment of Figure 3, based on a single view of the contact elements;

[0215] Figure 11 shows a variant of a multi-part connector with the connection section and primary contact area arranged on the end face;

[0216] Figure 12 shows another variant of a multi-part connector with the connection section and primary contact area arranged on the end face;

[0217] Figure 13 shows a variant of the multi-part connector with contact elements of the connector components designed as spring tabs;

[0218] Figure 14 shows a variant of the multi-part connector with a pincer-like contact element in a side view;

[0219] Figure 15 shows the pincer-like contact element according to Figure 14 in a front view;

[0220] Figure 16 shows a variant of the multi-part connector with a pin-like contact element and a compatible contact element with a contact receptacle, in a side view;

[0221] Figure 17 shows the pin-like contact element according to Figure 16 in an enlarged detail view; Figure 18 shows another variant of the multi-part connector with contact elements of the connector components designed as spring tabs;

[0222] Figure 19 shows a variant for the captive fixing of contact elements in a contact carrier in a lateral direction;

[0223] Figure 20 shows a cross-section through the contact carrier of Figure 19 in the area of ​​fixation;

[0224] Figure 21 shows the process of inserting and interlocking a contact element of a connector component into an electrically insulating contact carrier;

[0225] Figure 22 shows the contact element fixed in the contact carrier according to Figure 21;

[0226] Figure 23 shows a shielded, multi-part connector in a perspective view;

[0227] Figure 24 shows the shielded, multi-part connector according to Figure 23 in a side view in an unassembled state;

[0228] Figure 25 shows the shielded, multi-part connector according to Figure 23 in a cross-sectional view;

[0229] Figure 26 shows a multi-part connector with a separate contact bridge for the indirect connection of the contact elements of the connector components, in a perspective view;

[0230] Figure 27 shows the multi-part connector according to Figure 26 in a cross-sectional view to illustrate the contact tap through the contact bridge;

[0231] Figure 28 shows a multi-part connector with a separate secondary locking mechanism for securing the contact elements of the connector components, in a perspective view;

[0232] Figure 29 shows the multi-part connector according to Figure 28 in a longitudinal section view to illustrate the securing of the contact elements by the secondary locking mechanism;

[0233] Figure 30 shows a multi-part connector with a secondary locking mechanism formed by the connector components to secure each other's contact elements, in a front view; Figure 31 shows the multi-part connector according to Figure 30 in a cross-sectional view, to illustrate the securing of the contact elements by the mutual secondary locking mechanism;

[0234] Figure 32 shows an alternative variant for the mutual contacting of the contact elements of the connector components in a non-connected state of the connector components;

[0235] Figure 33 shows the connector components according to Figure 32 in a connected state;

[0236] Figure 34 shows a longitudinal section through a multi-part connector according to a further embodiment, with flat contacts arranged in the primary contacting area;

[0237] Figure 35 shows a longitudinal section through a multi-part connector according to a further embodiment, with contact elements folded over the end face of the connector; and

[0238] Figure 36 shows a detailed view of the contact carriers of the connector components according to a further embodiment in a side view, not connected to each other, to illustrate the mechanical guidance possibilities between the connector components.

[0239] Figures 1 and 2 each show several connecting elements 1 of an electrical network topology 2 according to a first embodiment of the invention. In Figure 1, the connecting elements 1 are shown in an unconnected state, and in Figure 2, they are shown in a connected state, thereby providing the electrical network topology 2 with multiple plug-in options for respective mating connectors 3 of an electrical device 4 (shown as dashed lines in Figure 2).

[0240] Each of the electrical connecting elements 1 has an electrical conductor 5 in which at least one electrical conductor 6 (indicated in Figure 3 for the upper connector component) runs. A first connector component 7 for a multi-part connector 8 is connected to a first end of the electrical conductor 5, and a second connector component 9, also for forming a multi-part connector 8, is connected to a second end of the electrical conductor 5. The connector components 7 and 9 arranged at the respective ends of the electrical conductor 5 are compatible with each other so that they can be connected to form a common multi-part connector 8 (see Figure 2). A longitudinal section through a multi-part connector 8 of one of the connected connecting elements 1 of Figure 2 is shown by way of example in Figure 3.The multi-part connector 8, in particular a multi-part bus connector, comprises a connector component (hereinafter referred to as "first connector component 7" in the exemplary embodiments, but above sometimes only as "connector component"), and at least one further compatible connector component (hereinafter also referred to as "second connector component 9").

[0241] The first connector component 7 is connected to the compatible or second connector component 9 via a respective connection interface 10. Each of the connector components 7, 9 also has at least one electrical contact element 11, 12, which is connected in a connection area 13 of the respective connector component 7, 9 to the at least one electrical conductor 6 of the electrical line 5. A distinction is sometimes made below between the electrical contact element 11 of the first connector component 7 and the compatible electrical contact element 12 of the second connector component 9; however, the characteristics are fundamentally transferable between the contact elements 11, 12.

[0242] The electrical contact elements 11, 12 of the connector components 7, 9 extend from the respective connection area 13 at least to the connection interface 10, so that at least one of the electrical contact elements 11 of the first connector component 7 forms an electrically connected contact element pair 14 with one of the compatible electrical contact elements 12 of the compatible or second connector component 9 (see in particular Figure 3).

[0243] At least one of the connector components 7, 9 has a primary contact area 15 for forming at least part of a primary plug interface 16 for connection with the corresponding mating connector 3 of the electrical participant 4 of the electrical network topology 2. In the exemplary embodiments, both connector components 7, 9 have a primary contact area 15 to jointly form the primary plug interface 16, although it should be emphasized that, in principle, only one of the connector components 7, 9 can form the primary plug interface 16. As already mentioned, an exemplary mating connector 3 is indicated by dashed lines in Figure 2.

[0244] By mechanically and electrically connecting the connecting elements 1 to one another, any network topology 2, in particular a bus system, can be assembled. By joining the connector components 7, 9 to form a multi-part connector 8, a contact is created for the transmission of power and / or data between the respective electrical lines 5 of the connecting elements 1, and an additional plug-in option is provided in the primary plug interface 16 for the electrical participant 4 of the network topology 2. In the exemplary embodiments, the connection interface 10 for connecting the connector components 7, 9 and the primary contact area 15 are located on different sides of the respective connector components 7, 9. Specifically, the connection interface 10 is shown in the side views in the figures.The longitudinal sectional views show the connector component 7, 9 along a shell or longitudinal side, and the primary contact area 15 is arranged on an adjacent end face or axial end section of the connector component 7, 9. This creates a shell or longitudinal connection option for the connector components 7, 9, with the insertion direction or connection direction V (see Figure 1) for establishing the connection with the compatible connector component 7, 9 being perpendicular to a mating direction S (see Figure 2) of the mating connector 3. It should be emphasized, however, that the embodiments shown are not to be interpreted as limiting in this respect, since the connection interface 10 and the primary contact area 15 can, for example, also be arranged on the same sides or on sides of the connector component 7, 9 other than those shown.The connection direction V can also run parallel to the insertion direction S of the primary plug interface 16, if necessary.

[0245] In the exemplary embodiments, the contact elements 11, 12 are each designed for radial and lateral contacting, respectively (i.e., for contacting transversely to the insertion direction S). The contact elements 11, 12 can each provide a planar or point-like contact option in the primary insertion interface 16.

[0246] To connect the at least one contact element 11, 12 with the at least one electrical conductor 6 of the at least one electrical line 5, the at least one contact element 11, 12 has at least one connection means in the connection area 13, which in the exemplary embodiments is a crimp section 17 for a crimp connection with the at least one electrical conductor 6 (see, for example, Figure 3). In principle, however, the connection between the at least one contact element 11, 12 and the at least one electrical conductor 6 can be established in any way.

[0247] In the exemplary embodiments, the at least one contact element 11, 12 of the connector component 7, 9 extends into the primary contact area 15 to provide a direct contact option for a mating contact element 18 (see Figure 2) of the mating connector 3. It should be noted, however, that one of the connector components 7, 9, and in exceptional cases both connector components 7, 9, may not have a contact element 11, 12 in the primary contact area 15 and may therefore only be intended for "passing through" the electrical signals to another connecting element 1. Nevertheless, a primary plug interface 16 can still be provided for the purpose of providing identical parts or for providing a dummy slot.To contact the at least one mating contact element 18 of the mating connector 3, it is generally sufficient if only one of the contact elements 11, 12 of a common contact element pair 14 extends into the primary plug interface 16, as shown in Figure 3. Alternatively, however, both contact elements 11, 12 of the common contact element pair 14 can extend into the primary plug interface 16, as indicated, for example, in the embodiments shown in Figures 4 to 7 or 13.

[0248] The interface of the contact element 11, 12, or the design of the contact element 11, 12, at the end section arranged in the primary plug interface 16, can be configured in any way. For example, a single contact element 11, 12 can form a single spring tab for contacting a corresponding mating contact element 18 (as shown in Figure 3). Alternatively, for example, both contact elements 11, 12 of the common contact element pair 14 can form the interface for connection with the mating contact element 18 (see Figure 4). More complex structures can also be provided, such as pin or socket contacts (see, for example, Figure 19). The invention is fundamentally suitable for use with any type of contact and connector interface.

[0249] Based on a comparison of the first embodiment shown in Figures 1 to 3 and the second embodiment shown in Figures 4 and 5, two particularly advantageous contacting variants for the mating connector 3 and two variants for integrating the electrical participant 4 into an existing network topology 2 will now be presented.

[0250] As can be seen in Figure 3, the contact between the contact element 11 of the first connector component 7 and the compatible contact element 12 of the second connector component 9 is unaffected by the mating process of the mating connector 3. The electrical device 4 can therefore be connected in parallel to the existing network topology 2, which is particularly suitable for tapping into a power supply for the electrical device 4.

[0251] Whereas in the embodiment shown in Figures 1 to 3 the primary contact area 15, the connection interface 10 and the terminal area 13 are arranged axially adjacent to each other, in the embodiment shown in Figures 4 and 5 the connection interface 10 and the primary contact area 15 overlap or lie on top of each other, so that the contact elements 11, 12 in the primary contact area 15 can be connected either directly to each other or indirectly via an electrical connection between corresponding mating contact elements 18 of the mating connector 3 or the electrical device 4. Between the primary contact area 15 and the terminal area 13, the primary contact area 15 and the terminal area 13 are arranged axially adjacent to each other.Between the connection interface 10 and the connection area 13, an intermediate section runs through which the contact elements 11, 12 extend from the connection area 13 into the connection interface 10 (that is, without mutual contact). The initial contact closure is therefore located in the primary plug interface 16, which is why the electrical signal is passed directly from one connection element 1 to the next connection element 1 as long as the mating connector 3 is not inserted into the primary plug interface 16. However, if the mating connector 3 is inserted (see the plugging process in Figure 5), the electrical connection is routed via the electrical device 4. The electrical device 4 can thus be advantageously integrated into an existing series circuit using simple means, which can be particularly advantageous for data transmission.In this way, the electrical signal can be passed through unchanged from the contact element 1 1 of the connector component 7 via the electrical participant 4 or its mating connector 3 to the compatible contact element 12 of the compatible connector component 9, modified by an electrical circuit or completely replaced.

[0252] The mating contact elements 18 of the mating connector 3 can, for example, be arranged on the opposing main surfaces 19 of an electrical circuit board 20 (alternatively, any carrier for the mating contact elements 18 can be provided instead of an electrical circuit board 20). The mating contact surfaces 18 arranged on the opposing main surfaces 19 of the circuit board 20 can, for example, be connected to each other by signal conductors of the electrical circuit board 20 or via vias (for a parallel connection of the electrical device 4) or be processed for further signal processing by the electronics of the electrical device 4.

[0253] When inserting the electrical circuit board 20 into the primary plug interface 16, two possibilities for the plugging process can arise:

[0254] On the one hand, it can be provided that a permanent signal transmission between the contact elements 1 1 , 12 is ensured even during the plugging process by arranging the at least one mating contact element 18 in advance on the electrical circuit board 20 such that the first mechanical contact between the electrical circuit board 20 and the contact elements 11 , 12 simultaneously establishes the electrical contact during the insertion of the electrical circuit board 20 into the primary plug interface 16 (this is not the case in the embodiment of Figure 5).

[0255] Alternatively, a deliberate interruption of contact during the insertion process can also be implemented (as shown in Figure 5). In this case, the at least one mating contact element 18 can be arranged set back from a front end of the electrical circuit board 20 in the insertion direction S, so that during the insertion of the electrical circuit board 20 into the primary insertion interface 16, a mechanical contact is first established between the electrical circuit board 20 and the contact elements 11, 12, and only upon further insertion of the electrical circuit board 20 is the electrical contact established between the at least one mating contact element 18 and the at least one contact element 11, 12.

[0256] For the sake of completeness, it should also be mentioned that the mating connector 3 itself can be a multi-part mating connector, which may in turn be equipped with the aforementioned and following features. This can be particularly advantageous when significantly more complex network topologies 2 are to be built, such as a mesh or tree structure.

[0257] To form more complex network topologies 2, it can also be provided that at least one of the connector components 7, 9 has at least one secondary contact area 21 for forming at least part of a secondary plug interface 22 for connection with another mating connector 3' of the multi-part connector 8. This is illustrated with reference to Figures 6 and 7. Figure 6 shows the connector components 7, 9 in a state that has not yet been assembled, and Figure 7 shows the fully assembled multi-part connector 8.

[0258] As an example, the contact closure between the contact elements 11, 12 of the connector components 7, 9 in the embodiment of Figures 6 and 7 (i.e. the connection interface 10) is formed in the secondary contacting area 21 or in the secondary plug interface 22, whereby the secondary plug interface 22 is designed similarly to the primary plug interface 16 of the embodiment of Figures 4 and 5.

[0259] In the embodiment shown in Figures 6 and 7, the connecting section 10, the connection area 13 and the secondary contacting area 21 overlap, with a free intermediate area running between these three areas and the primary contacting area 15.

[0260] Figure 7 also shows, by way of example, a corresponding additional mating connector 3' for insertion into the secondary plug interface 22. The additional mating connector 3' has, by way of example, a mating contact element 18 designed as a contact pin.

[0261] Again, purely by way of example, the primary plug interface 16 in the embodiment of Figures 6 and 7 is designed without a contact closure, whereby, by way of example, both contact elements 11 , 12 of the common contact element pair 14 project into the primary plug interface 16.

[0262] Similar to the examples shown in Figures 6 and 7, additional secondary contact areas or secondary plug interfaces can also be provided for connection with further mating connectors. Figures 6 and 7 are intended to illustrate the basic principle only by way of example.

[0263] The preceding embodiments each depicted a two-part connector 8, consisting of a first connector component 7 and exactly one further, compatible second connector component 9. However, this is also purely illustrative. In principle, any number of compatible connector components can be connected to the interface 10 of the first connector component 7. This will be illustrated by Figure 8, which shows a front view of a three-part connector 8. For example, the first connector component 7 can form a single connection shell (a lower shell in Figure 8), while the upper shell is jointly provided by two compatible connector components 9, 9'.Such a division can be advantageous, for example, if a first of the compatible connector components 9 is exclusively for electrical data transmission and a second of the compatible connector components 9' is exclusively for electrical power supply transmission. Each of the connector components 7, 9, 9' can thus be connected to its own line 5 (indicated by dashed lines in Figure 8).

[0264] Figures 9 and 10 illustrate two exemplary variants for establishing the contact between the contact element 11 of the first connector component 7 and the compatible contact element 12 of the second connector component 9, for example, the multi-part connector 8 of Figure 3. The two contact elements 11 and 12 are shown individually for this purpose. For example, as already mentioned, the connection direction V can be perpendicular, in particular orthogonal, to a mating direction S of the primary mating interface 16 (see Figure 10). Alternatively, a connection direction V parallel to the mating direction S of the primary mating interface 16, as shown in Figure 9, can also be provided.

[0265] Figures 11 and 12 illustrate that the connection interfaces 10 of the connector components 7, 9 can also be arranged at an end face or axial end of the connector components 7, 9. A shell-side connection of the connector components 7, 9 is therefore not strictly necessary within the scope of the invention. In this case, the primary contact area 15 can preferably (but not necessarily) also be arranged in the area of ​​the end face of the respective connector component 7, 9, so that preferably the first connector component 7 and the second connector component 9 can jointly form the primary plug interface 16 at the axial or end face transition between them.

[0266] Figure 11 shows an exemplary cylindrical plug interface 16, wherein in a first sub-variant the common contact element pair 14 has only a single contact element 11 projecting into the primary plug interface 16, the compatible contact element 12 extending in the connection direction V, so that it contacts the contact element 11 laterally or radially when connected. In an alternative, second sub-variant of Figure 11, both contact elements 11 and 12 project into the primary plug interface 16 (indicated by dashed lines), initially making direct contact until the signal transmission is taken over by the mating connector 3 (not shown).

[0267] Figure 12 shows another variant of an end-face connection of the connector components 7, 9, in which the primary plug interface 16 is formed in a recess of the multi-part connector 8. Purely by way of example, direct contact of the contact elements 11, 12 in the primary plug interface 16 is again provided, comparable to the second sub-variant of Figure 11.

[0268] It should be noted that, for reasons of improved accessibility to the crimp section 17, the variants shown in Figures 11 and 12 may optionally be designed, for example, by making the lower housing part of the contact carrier 23 in the figures multi-part or with an access opening. For instance, the lower housing part of the contact carrier 23 shown in Figures 11 and 12 may be designed as a cover element. However, this is not strictly necessary.

[0269] The contact elements 11, 12 are preferably stamped and bent parts. These are inexpensive to manufacture and are relatively well suited for use with the proposed multi-part connector 8. However, the contact elements 11, 12 can, in principle, be manufactured in any way. The invention is therefore also suitable, for example, for use with turned parts.

[0270] Figures 13 to 18 below illustrate various exemplary variants of contact elements 11, 12 and compatible contact elements 12, 11 for direct contact between the connector components 7, 9. Figures 13 to 17 show the contact elements 11, 12 in individual views as examples.

[0271] The variants shown in Figures 3, 13, and 18 have in common that the at least one contact element 11, 12 for connection with the respective compatible contact element 12, 11 in the connection interface 10 is directly accessible from the respective compatible connector component 9, 7 or its compatible contact elements 12, 11 and can be contacted against an elastic restoring force. In the embodiment shown in Figure 3, only a single contact element 11 of the contact element pair 14 is arranged in the primary plug interface 16, with the other contact element 12 being folded back, which simultaneously provides the elasticity for the connection in the connection interface 10.In the embodiment of Figure 13, however, two spring tabs 26 are attached on one side, and in the embodiment of Figure 18, two spring tabs 26 are attached on both sides (in the embodiments of Figures 13 and 18, both contact elements 11, 12 of a common contact element pair 14 thus project into the primary plug interface 16).

[0272] A possible alternative for connecting the at least one contact element 11, 12 with the compatible contact element 12, 11 is shown in Figures 14 and 15, wherein the contact element 11, 12 is designed in a pincer-like manner to grip the compatible contact element 12, 11 at least partially. By spreading the pincer-like contact element 11, 12, a mechanically stable contact supported by the elastic restoring force can also be achieved. Another exemplary contacting possibility is shown in Figures 16 and 17, wherein the contact element 11, 12 is designed in a pin-like manner to contact the compatible contact element 12, 11 in a contact receptacle 27. Optionally, the elastic contact springs 28, which are clearly visible in the enlarged view of Figure 17, can be provided along the outer circumference of the pin-like contact element 11, 12.

[0273] It should be mentioned here that, if necessary, the contact elements 11 and 11' or 12 and 12' of a single connector component 7, 9 can also be electrically connected to each other, as indicated in Figure 25 for the contact elements 11, 11' of the connector component 7. For example, two electrical contact elements 11 and 11' or 12 and 12' of the same connector component 7, 9, which can be used together for differential signal transmission (e.g., contact element 11 Data+ and contact element 11') can be connected to each other. Data-), are connected to each other by means of an electrical connection E (see dashed line in Figure 25) in the connector component 7, 9 to provide electrical termination for differential signal transmission.

[0274] To provide a secure fixation of the contact elements 11, 12 in the contact carrier 23, particularly in the lateral direction, an exemplary locking mechanism is shown with reference to Figures 19 and 20. Contact retaining clips 29 can be provided that grip the contact elements 11 or 12 at least partially laterally or circumferentially to prevent them from falling out of the associated contact chamber or contact groove. Figure 20 shows a corresponding cross-section along the section line shown in Figure 19 for further clarification.

[0275] Figures 21 and 22 illustrate another possibility for the lateral (and axial) fixation of the contact elements 11 and 12 in their respective electrically insulating contact carriers 23. The contact carrier 23 is able to receive the contact elements 11 and 12 and preferably fix them securely, at least in the direction of the other connector component 7 and 9. For this purpose, the claw-shaped areas of corresponding locking tabs 24 of the contact elements 11 and 12, clearly visible in Figures 21 and 22, can be used, which ultimately engage in a corresponding locking recess 25 in the insulating contact carrier 23 (see Figure 22). Of course, further alternative or additional measures are also conceivable within the scope of the invention.

[0276] An axial fixation of the contact elements 11, 12 in the contact carrier 23, in particular in addition to a lateral fixation, can of course also be provided.

[0277] To illustrate that the invention is also suitable for use with a shielded multi-part connector 8, corresponding connector components 7, 9 with a respective outer conductor contact element 31, 31' are shown in Figures 23 to 25. Figure 23 shows the shielded multi-part connector 8 in a perspective view, Figure 24 in a side view, and Figure 25 in a cross-sectional view. The respective outer conductor contact element 31, 31' extends laterally around the connector component 7, 9 at least partially (at least substantially in a U-shape), whereby the at least one contact element 11, 12 remains accessible for connection with the compatible contact element 12, 11 on the outer or longitudinal side of the connector component 7, 9.Alternatively, for example, an outer conductor contact element that is at least almost completely closed on its circumference (sleeve-shaped) could be provided, which has recesses or windows to ensure accessibility to the contact elements 11 , 12.

[0278] As can be clearly seen from Figures 24 and 25, the outer conductor contact elements 31 , 31 ' can have a combination of contact tabs 32 and contact pockets 33 to form a mutual electrical and mechanical connection and to close the outer conductor shield circumferentially when the connector components 7, 9 are connected to each other.

[0279] In addition to or as an alternative to the use of an outer conductor contact element 31, 31' per connector component 7, 9, it can be provided that an outer conductor sleeve 34, for example the crimp sleeve 34 indicated in Figure 23, is finally applied to the fully assembled multi-part connector 8, thereby providing optimized mechanical fixation to a cable shield as well as cable strain relief. The outer conductor sleeve 34 can, in principle, extend over any length along the multi-part connector 8 (possibly even over the full axial length). Several outer conductor sleeves 34 can also be provided. The outer conductor sleeve 34 can be mounted on the cable side or on the connector side.

[0280] The previously described contact elements 11, 12 could each be directly contacted by their respective compatible contact element 12, 11 in the connection interface 10 of the connector component 7, 9. Figures 26 and 27 illustrate another possibility for establishing contact between contact element 11, 12 and compatible contact element 12, 11. As an alternative to direct contact, indirect contact between contact element 11, 12 and compatible contact element 12, 11 can also be achieved by inserting a separate contact bridge 35 into the multi-part connector 8. The contacting of the contact elements 11, 12 by the contact bridge 35 is well illustrated in the cross-sectional view in Figure 26.

[0281] To secure contact elements 11, 12 in a connector, a so-called secondary locking device is frequently used. Such a device can also be provided in the connector components 7, 9 proposed here. Two advantageous variants are illustrated with reference to Figures 28 to 31.

[0282] As can be seen from Figures 28 and 29, the contact elements 11, 12 of the connector component 7, 9 and the compatible contact elements 12, 11 of the compatible connector component 9, 7 can be mechanically secured by means of a common, separate secondary locking device 36. The separate secondary locking device 36 is preferably an electrically insulating component having one or more locking arms 37 that can be inserted into corresponding receptacles 38 in the contact carrier 23 to positively lock the respective contact elements 11, 12 (see in particular the sectional view in Figure 29). At their free ends, the locking arms also each have suitable locking projections 39 for locking onto the contact carrier 23.

[0283] It is also possible for the contact bridge 35 described above and the separate secondary fuse 36 to be formed by a common component. For example, the contact bridge 35 can be configured to provide a positive locking connection for fixing the contact elements 11, 12, in addition to the electrical contacting of the contact elements 11, 12.

[0284] As an alternative to a common, separate secondary locking element 36, the connector components 7, 9, preferably their respective contact carriers 23, can also form mutual secondary locking elements. For this purpose, for example, a secondary locking element 40 formed on the contact carrier 23 of the first connector component 7 can mechanically secure at least one of the contact elements 12 of the second connector component 9, and a secondary locking element 40' formed on the contact carrier 23 of the second connector component 9 can mechanically secure at least one of the contact elements 11 of the first connector component 7 (see Figures 30 and 31). The provision and assembly of a separate secondary locking element 36 can therefore be omitted, which can further simplify the assembly of the multi-part connector 8.

[0285] In the preceding embodiments, it was proposed that the contact elements 11, 12 in the connection interface 10 be placed on top of each other simultaneously with the assembly of the connector components in the same direction of movement. That is, a contact direction vector K of the contacting of the contact element pairs 14 ran parallel to the connection direction V or the surface vector of the outer surface of the connector component 7, 9 (see, for example, Figure 6). Alternatively, however, a lateral, adjacent contacting of the contact elements 11, 12 can also be provided, as shown in Figures 32 and 33. The contact direction vector K of the contacting of the contact element pairs 14 therefore runs at an angle, preferably orthogonally, to the connection direction V.

[0286] Based on Figures 34 and 35, two further possibilities for the formation of the primary contacting areas 15 for contacting with the respective mating contact element 18 of the mating connector 3 will now be presented as examples.

[0287] As shown in Figure 34, contact with the mating contact elements 18 can be effected, for example, via flat contact points 41 of the contact elements 11 on the end face. For this purpose, the contact elements 11 can be folded onto the end face of the respective connector component 7, 9, 9'. A certain axial spring travel can be intentionally provided to ensure a suitable, spring-force-based contact pressure when in contact with the mating contact element 18. In the embodiment proposed in Figure 34, the connection interface 10 can be located in the area of ​​the primary contact region 15, which is arranged at the axial end or on the end face.

[0288] The connection interface 10 can, for example, also be provided outside the primary contacting area 15, e.g. in a middle axial section or in the connection area 13.

[0289] Figure 35 shows a further development of the multi-part connector 8, in which the contact elements 11 are folded around the end face or around the axial end of the respective connector component 7, 9, 9' or around their contact carrier 23, so that radial or lateral contacting with the mating contact elements 18 can take place in the area of ​​the outer shell surfaces of the connector components 7, 9, 9'.

[0290] Finally, Figure 36 serves as an example to illustrate that the insulating contact carrier 23 can also have mechanical guide means, for example the guide elevation 44 shown in Figure 36 and the corresponding counter-guide means indicated by dashed lines in the form of an inner wall guide groove 45, in order to specify the connection with the compatible connector component 7, 9 along a defined connection path.

Claims

P a t e n t a n s p r ü c h e 1. Connector component (7) for a multi-part connector (8), comprising a connection interface (10) for connection with at least one further compatible connector component (9, 9') of the multi-part connector (8); a primary contact area (15) for forming at least part of a primary plug interface (16) for connection with a corresponding mating connector (3, 3') of the multi-part connector (8); a connection area (13) for connecting at least one electrical conductor (6);and at least one electrical contact element (11) that can be connected to the electrical conductor (6) in the connection area (13) and that extends from the connection area (13) at least to the connection interface (10), wherein the electrical contact element (11) can be connected in the connection interface (10) to a compatible electrical contact element (12) of the compatible connector component (9, 9').

2. Connector component (7) according to claim 1 , characterized in that the connection interface (10) and the primary contacting area (15) are formed on different sides of the connector component (7), preferably on adjacent sides.

3. Connector component (7) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the connection interface (10) extends at least sectionally along a shell side of the connector component (7) to enable a shell-side connection with the at least one compatible connector component (9, 9').

4. Connector component (7) according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that a connection direction (V) for making the connection with the compatible connector component (9, 9') is perpendicular to a plugging direction (S) of the primary plugging interface (16).

5. Connector component (7) according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the connection interface (10) and the primary contacting area (15) overlap at least section by section, so that the at least one contact element (11) in the primary contacting area (15) can be selectively connected to the compatible contact element (12) or to a mating contact element (18) of the mating connector (3, 3').

6. Connector component (7) according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the at least one contact element (11) extends into the primary contacting area (15) to provide a direct contacting possibility for a mating contact element (18) of the mating connector (3, 3').

7. Connector component (7) according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the at least one contact element (11) in the connection area (13) has at least one connection means for electrical and mechanical contact with the at least one electrical conductor (6), preferably a crimp section (17) for a crimp connection with the at least one electrical conductor (6).

8. Connector component (7) according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized by at least one secondary contacting area (21) for forming at least one part of a secondary plug interface (22) for connection with a further mating connector (3, 3') of the multi-part connector (8).

9. Connector component (7) according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the contact element (11) in the connection interface (10) a) can be connected directly to the compatible contact element (12) of the compatible connector component (9, 9'); or b) can be connected indirectly via a separate contact bridge (35) that can be jointly mounted in the connector component (7) and the compatible connector component (9, 9').

10. Connector component (7) according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the at least one contact element (11) for connection with the compatible contact element (12) of the compatible connector component (9, 9') is a) directly accessible in the connection interface (10) from the compatible contact element (12) of the compatible connector component (9, 9') and can be contacted by the compatible contact element (12) against an elastic restoring force, in particular in the form of a spring tab (26) attached on one or both sides; or b) is designed in a pincer-like manner to grip the compatible contact element (12) at least partially; or c) is designed in a pin-like manner to contact the compatible contact element (12) in a contact receptacle (27); or d) has a contact receptacle (27) into which the compatible contact element (12) can be inserted.

11. Connector component (7) according to one of claims 1 to 10, characterized by an electrically insulating contact carrier (23), wherein the at least one contact element (11) is fixed in the contact carrier (23), preferably in a loss-proof manner at least in the direction of the compatible connector component (9, 9').

12. Connector component (7) according to one of claims 1 to 11, characterized by one or more mechanical guide means (44, 45) to specify the connection with the compatible connector component (9, 9') along a defined connection path.

13. Connector component (7) according to one of claims 1 to 12, characterized by one or more locking elements and / or latching elements to mechanically secure the connection with the compatible connector component (9, 9').

14. Connector component (7) according to one of claims 1 to 13, characterized by an outer conductor contact element (31) which is arranged laterally around the connector component (7) at least partially in cross-section, so that the at least one contact element (11) remains accessible for connection with the compatible contact element (12).

15. Connector component (7) according to one of claims 1 to 14, characterized by at least two of said electrical contact elements (11) which can be used together for differential signal transmission, wherein an electrical connection is formed between said two contact elements (11) to provide electrical termination for differential signal transmission.

16. Multi-part connector (8), in particular multi-part bus connector, comprising a connector component (7) according to any one of claims 1 to 15, and the at least one compatible connector component (9, 9'), wherein the connector component (7) is connected to the compatible connector component (9, 9') via the connection interface (10), such that at least one of the electrical contact elements (11) of the connector component (7) forms an electrically connected contact element pair (14) with one of the compatible electrical contact elements (12) of the compatible connector component (9, 9').

17. Multi-part connector (8) according to claim 16, characterized in that the connector component (7) is connected via the connection interface (10) to two or more compatible connector components (9, 9'), wherein preferably a first of the compatible connector components (9) is configured exclusively for electrical data transmission and a second of the compatible connector components (9') is configured exclusively for electrical power supply transmission.

18. Multi-part connector (8) according to claim 16 or 17, characterized in that only one of the contact elements (11, 12) of a common contact element pair (14) extends into the primary plug interface (16).

19. Multi-part connector (8) according to one of claims 16 or 17, characterized in that the connector component (7) and the compatible connector component (9, 9') together form the primary plug interface (16).

20. Multi-part connector (8) according to claim 19, characterized in that the multi-part connector (8) is designed such that when the compatible connector component (9, 9') is connected to the connection interface (10) of the connector component (7) the primary plug interface (16) is formed simultaneously.

21. Multi-part connector (8) according to one of claims 16 to 18, characterized in that only the connector component (7) forms the primary plug interface (16).

22. Multi-part connector (8) according to one of claims 16 to 21, characterized in that the contact elements (11) of the connector component (7) and the compatible contact elements (12) of the compatible connector component (9, 9') are a) mechanically secured by means of a common, separate secondary locking element (36); or b) secured by means of mutual secondary locking elements (40, 40'), wherein a secondary locking element (40) of the connector component (7), preferably a secondary locking element (40) formed on the contact carrier (23) of the first connector component (7), at least one of the compatible contact elements (12) of the compatible connector component (9, 9') and a secondary locking element (40') of the compatible connector component (9, 9'), preferably one formed on the contact carrier (23) of the second Connector component (9) formed secondary locking element (40'), mechanically securing at least one associated contact element (11) of the connector component (7).

23. Multi-part connector (8) according to one of claims 16 to 22, characterized by at least one outer conductor sleeve (34) which extends at least along an axial subsection of the multi-part connector (8) and preferably circumferentially encloses all connector components (7, 9, 9') in said axial subsection.

24. Electrical connecting element (1) of an electrical network topology (2), preferably a bus system, comprising at least one electrical conductor (6); a first connector component (7) for a first multi-part connector (8) according to any one of claims 1 to 15, which is electrically and mechanically connected in its connection area (13) to a first end of the at least one electrical conductor (6); and a second connector component (9) which is electrically and mechanically connected to a second end of the at least one electrical conductor (6), wherein the second connector component (9) is compatible with a third connector component according to any one of claims 1 to 15 to form a second multi-part connector (8).

25. Electrical connecting element (1) according to claim 24, characterized by at least one electrical line (5) in which the at least one electrical conductor (6) runs.

26. Electrical network topology (2), in particular bus system, comprising at least two electrical connecting elements (1), each according to claim 24 or 25, wherein the first connector component (7) of one connecting element (1) is connected to the second connector component (9) of the other connecting element (1), further comprising a compatible mating connector (3, 3') which is received in the primary plug interface (16) of said connected connector components (7, 9).

27. Electrical network topology (2) according to claim 26, characterized by at least one electrical participant (4) of the electrical network topology (2) which is connected to the mating connector (3, 3').

28. Electrical network topology (2) according to claim 26 or 27, characterized in that the mating connector (3, 3') is a multi-part mating connector, preferably according to one of claims 16 to 22.

29. Electrical network topology (2) according to one of claims 26 to 28, characterized in that at least one mating contact element (18) of the mating connector (3, 3') is arranged on a carrier, in particular on an electrical circuit board (20), wherein the carrier or the electrical circuit board (20) can be inserted into the primary plug interface (16) to establish an electrical contact between the at least one mating contact element (18) and the at least one contact element (11, 12) of the multi-part connector (8), wherein the at least one mating contact element (18) a) is arranged leading on the carrier or on the electrical circuit board (20) such that the first mechanical contact between the carrier or the electrical circuit board (20) and the contact element (11, 12) of the multi-part connector (8) is established during the insertion of the carrier or the electrical circuit board (20).a) the electrical circuit board (20) into the primary plug interface (16) simultaneously establishes electrical contact between the at least one mating contact element (18) and the at least one contact element (11, 12) of the multi-part connector (8); or b) is arranged set back from a front end of the carrier or the electrical circuit board (20) in the plug-in direction, so that during insertion of the carrier or the electrical circuit board (20) into the primary plug interface (16) a mechanical contact is first established between the carrier or the electrical circuit board (20) and the contact element (11, 12) of the multi-part connector (8), and only upon further insertion of the carrier or the electrical circuit board (20) is the electrical contact established between the at least one mating contact element (18) and the at least one contact element (11, 12) of the multi-part connector (8).

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