Contacting device, connection system and method for producing a connection system

Abstract

The invention relates to a contacting device (100a, 100b) for electrically contacting at least one electrical conductor (201) of an electrical cable (200). The contacting device (100a, 100b) comprises an insertion opening (105) for the cable (200) to insert the cable (200) into the contacting device (100a, 100b), and at least one contact means (102) to electrically contact the at least one electrical conductor (201), wherein the at least one contact means (102) can be inserted at least partially laterally into the cable (200) and into the at least one electrical conductor (201) by means of a contacting movement. The invention also relates to a cable (200), a connection system (300), and a method (200) for manufacturing a connection system (300).

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a contacting device, a cable, a connection system and a method for manufacturing a connection system. State of the art

[0002] Contacting devices are known from the prior art, some of which are complex in their manufacture or handling.

[0003] Publication EP 2 945 226 B1 discloses a contacting device. Disclosure of the invention

[0004] One object of the invention is to provide an alternative and / or better technical solution that preferably overcomes the disadvantages of the prior art.

[0005] The foregoing problem is solved by a contacting device, a cable, a connection system, and a method for manufacturing a connection system, having the features of the corresponding independent claims. Further features and details of the invention will become apparent from the respective dependent claims, the description, and the drawings. Features and details described in connection with the contacting device according to the invention naturally also apply in connection with the cable, the connection system, and the method for manufacturing a connection system according to the invention, and vice versa, so that the disclosure of the individual aspects of the invention always makes, or can make, reciprocal references.

[0006] The contacting device according to the invention relates to a contacting device for electrically contacting at least one electrical conductor, preferably at least two or three electrical conductors, of an electrical cable.

[0007] The contacting device according to the invention can include an insertion opening for the cable in order to insert the cable into the contacting device.

[0008] Furthermore, the contacting device according to the invention can comprise at least one contact means, preferably at least two or three contact means, in particular piercing means. These can serve to electrically contact the at least one electrical conductor.

[0009] Furthermore, the contacting device, in particular the at least one contact means, can be configured to electrically contact the at least one electrical conductor. The contacting can be effected by inserting the at least one contact means, preferably at least partially, laterally, particularly laterally to an insertion direction of the cable into the insertion opening, into the cable, preferably into a sheath of the cable surrounding the at least one conductor of the cable, and into the at least one electrical conductor, in particular only or predominantly, preferably by piercing and / or cutting.

[0010] In other words, the contacting device can be designed, preferably mechanically, to enable a contacting movement. During this contacting movement, the at least one contact element can be inserted (at least partially) laterally into the cable and into the at least one electrical conductor. The phrase "at least partially lateral" is intended to clarify that the contacting movement may include further movement components. In particular, the lateral movement can also be a slightly oblique movement laterally along the cable into the cable. The contacting movement can further comprise a translational and / or rotational movement, but preferably a purely translational movement.

[0011] The contacting movement can be designed such that the outermost cable sheath is penetrated by the contact elements (simply or on one side). "Simply" or "on one side" can refer to the fact that the cable is not pierced on both sides by the respective contact element, but only penetrates the outermost cable sheath once. This is intended to ensure that the contact elements, possibly originating from different and / or opposite sides of the cable, find sufficient purchase within the cable and guarantee a secure electrical connection of the assigned conductors. The contacting movement can optionally include cutting into the cable sheath or even the conductors within the cable.

[0012] The invention can provide an alternative or improved technical solution for contacting electrical conductors of cables, which in particular overcomes the disadvantages of the prior art. Using this contacting device, for example, lateral contact of the cable conductors can be carried out at various points or sections of the cable using contact elements. Due to the lateral insertion of the contact elements into the cable, i.e., in particular, insertion from the outside through the cable sheath, it is not necessary to form an ideal contact surface at the end of the cable. Furthermore, the cable, i.e., the at least one conductor of the cable, can be contacted at various and arbitrary points along the cable.

[0013] The electrical contacting preferably comprises penetrating or exclusively penetrating the at least one conductor by means of at least one contact means, preferably such that an electrically conductive contact exists between the at least one conductor and the at least one contact means. Exclusive penetration preferably means pure piercing without a cutting motion. Alternatively, the at least one contact means can also exclusively penetrate the at least one conductor, which in particular means that the at least one contact means can penetrate the at least one conductor at one point, but cannot emerge from the at least one conductor at another point. In this way, contacting multiple conductors with the same contact means is reliably prevented.

[0014] Preferably, at least or only two, three, four, or five conductors may be provided. Furthermore, a corresponding number of contact means may be provided, corresponding to the number of conductors. In other words, it is preferred that the number of contact means corresponds to the number of conductors. Regardless of this, at least or only two, three, four, or five contact means may be provided. The conductors are preferably twisted together to prevent mutual interference.

[0015] All revelations that refer to at least one leader can also refer to the leader, all leaders, or a part of the leaders, and vice versa.

[0016] All disclosures relating to the at least one contact means may also relate to the piercing means, the at least one piercing means, all piercing means, a part of the piercing means, the contact means, all contact means or a part of the contact means, and vice versa.

[0017] The contact element can be designed as a piercing element, which preferably means that the contact element has a piercing tip, particularly for penetrating the sheath and / or the conductor. Furthermore, the design as a piercing element can mean that the piercing element is free of cutting edges. This prevents the conductor to be contacted from being cut, especially if the contact elements are only or predominantly designed to be inserted into the conductor.

[0018] The term "predominantly penetrable" preferably means that more than 50% of the insertion of a contact element into the cable and / or sheath and / or conductor consists of penetration, while the remainder, particularly a smaller proportion, may consist of cutting the contact element into the cable and / or sheath and / or conductor. These proportions can be determined based on the insertion paths, particularly penetration paths and / or cutting paths, preferably in relation to the insertion path.

[0019] The contacting movement can refer to a situation where the contact means, particularly those that are fixed and stationary, are arranged in the contacting device and can be inserted into the cable by the cable being inserted into the contacting device. Alternatively, it is conceivable that the cable is stationary and / or fixed and / or locked in the contacting device, particularly by means of a locking mechanism, while the contact means can be movably inserted into the cable, particularly to contact the electrical conductors. In such a case, the insertion of the movable contact means into the stationary and / or fixed and / or locked cable can be referred to as the contacting movement.A combination of the first variant and the alternative is also conceivable, whereby the cable is inserted simultaneously and movable contact means, especially relative to the contacting device, are moved and / or introduced into the cable or are movable and / or introduceable.

[0020] Lateral insertion preferably refers to the insertion of the contact means – in a lateral direction – through the sheath, preferably the outermost sheath, of the cable into the cable. Insertion from the end face is preferably excluded. In other words, it is preferred if insertion is only provided within the sheath of the cable. Preferably, the contact means can be inserted perpendicularly or at an acute angle to the direction of extension of the cable, preferably opposite to the direction in which the cable is inserted into the contacting device, into the sheath and / or the cable and / or into the conductors.

[0021] The lateral direction, also called the transverse direction, can extend perpendicular to the axial longitudinal direction of the cable. The longitudinal direction is preferably in the direction of the cable's longest extent. The longitudinal direction refers in particular to the direction along the cable's longest extent, i.e., parallel to the cable's main axis.

[0022] The contact means are preferably designed such that they each electrically contact only one conductor. For this purpose, the contact means are appropriately oriented and / or have a corresponding length, which in particular prevents one of the contact means from contacting more than one conductor, for example, by also making contact with a conductor located behind or next to the conductor to be contacted in the direction of insertion of the contact means.

[0023] The conductors can be designed as stranded conductors and / or twisted together along their length, particularly longitudinally. Designing them as stranded conductors results in exceptional cable flexibility.

[0024] The conductors can optionally each have an additional sheath, which, however, is not the outermost sheath of the cable. This means that, in addition to an outermost sheath, at least one inner sheath can be provided for at least one or each conductor. This additional sheath can also be pierced or cut laterally by a contacting device during the contacting process.

[0025] It is conceivable that the cable is designed to conduct not only electricity but also at least one other medium. For this purpose, the cable may have at least one additional conductor and / or channel intended for conveying at least one fluid, such as liquids or gases. The cable could, for example, also be a fluid, pneumatic, or hydraulic cable, or something similar.

[0026] The insertion opening preferably has a circular basic shape, which preferably corresponds to a circular basic shape, in particular the outer contour, of the cable, preferably in a plane perpendicular to the direction of extension of the cable. "Basic shape" preferably means that deviations from this shape may be provided. Preferably, a deviation from the circular shape, in particular the outer contour, of the cable includes a coding that extends, for example, as a groove or bead, preferably continuously and / or uninterrupted and / or helically, along the cable, in particular on the cable sheath. It is preferred if the coding or the coding-forming geometry, which differs from the basic shape, is, for example, formed as a bead or groove on the cable sheath.Furthermore, it is preferred if the coding or the coding-forming geometry has the same relative position to the conductors or the at least one conductor along the length of the cable. In this way, the cable in a contacting device according to the invention with a counter-coding can always be oriented such that the conductors can be contacted by means of specific contact means according to a specific contacting configuration.Furthermore, it is preferred if the contacting device includes a locking mechanism for the cable, in particular to fix the cable to the contacting device by means of a locking movement, wherein the locking mechanism is preferably releasable, in particular to release the cable from the contacting device, and wherein the fixing is preferably designed as a force-fit and / or form-fit connection of the cable, in particular the sheath of the cable, with the locking mechanism.

[0027] The friction-based connection can, for example, be designed as a clamping mechanism for the cable. The positive-locking connection can be formed between retaining elements of the locking mechanism and a recess or bead on the cable sheath. Several recesses or beads on the sheath can be provided to form the positive-locking connection, spaced apart from each other and perpendicular to the cable's length.

[0028] The locking mechanism can preferably be designed by means of barbs which, when the cable is inserted into the insertion opening or when an attempt is made to pull the cable out of the insertion opening, engage in the cable sheath in such a way as to prevent the cable from being pulled out of the contacting device. In such a case, the locking movement can, for example, be the contacting movement.

[0029] The locking movement can alternatively be a movement of holding means of the contacting device, in particular in the direction of the cable or sheath, in order to form the positive locking and / or force locking connection.

[0030] Preferably, the contact elements can be designed such that, when inserted into and / or contacting the conductors, they function as a locking mechanism for the cable. This allows for the elimination of additional components. For this purpose, it is preferred that the contact elements can be inserted laterally into the sheath or cable in the direction of insertion or at an angle to it.

[0031] Furthermore, it is preferred if the contacting movement and / or the locking movement involves inserting the cable into the insertion opening, and preferably vice versa. Thus, more than one function can be performed with just one movement. For example, the insertion movement, i.e., inserting the cable into the contacting device, can both lock and contact the cable. This simplifies handling.

[0032] Furthermore, it is preferred if the contacting device comprises a first motion converter configured to convert a first actuating movement, in particular a rotary or axial movement, into the contacting movement, wherein preferably the motion converter or a second motion converter of the contacting device is configured to convert the actuating movement, or a second actuating movement, in particular a rotary or axial movement, into the locking movement, in order to secure the cable to the contacting device. In other words, contact can preferably be achieved by pushing, pulling, or turning. Suitable motion converters include, for example, threads or other known motion converters. An axial actuating movement is, for example, pushing or pulling, particularly in the direction of cable insertion.A rotary actuation movement is, for example, a rotation, preferably around an axis defined by the insertion movement of the cable.

[0033] The inclusion of a second motion transducer clarifies that either a single or shared motion transducer may be used for both locking and contacting the cable, or two separate motion transducers may be used for contacting the cable on the one hand and locking the cable on the other.

[0034] Furthermore, it is preferred that the contacting device includes a release mechanism, particularly for releasing the cable from the contacting device. The release mechanism preferably allows the cable to be released such that the cable can be removed from the contacting device. For example, retaining elements or barbs can be removed from the cable by means of the release mechanism, or released in such a way that leading the cable out removes the retaining elements or barbs from the cable. Preferably, the release mechanism is integrated into the locking mechanism or the contacting mechanism. Preferably, the release mechanism can be actuated by a separate or an already provided motion transducer and / or by a separate or an already provided actuating element.

[0035] Furthermore, it is preferred if the contacting device comprises at least one actuating element by means of which the at least one actuating movement can be initiated into the motion converter or the respective motion converter, wherein the contacting device preferably comprises a detent mechanism for the at least one actuating element by means of which the at least one actuating element can be detented in at least one position, wherein the at least one position corresponds to a penetration depth of the at least one contact means into the cable, and wherein the contacting device preferably comprises an indicator by means of which a, preferably current, penetration depth of the at least one contact means into the cable can be displayed, wherein the contacting device preferably comprises an adjustment mechanism by means of which a maximum penetration depth of the contact means into the cable can be adjusted.and wherein the at least one actuating element is preferably ring-shaped, cylindrical, or tubular and / or surrounds the insertion opening or an axis defined by the insertion direction. Preferably, one actuating element can be provided per motion transducer. Alternatively, one actuating element can be coupled to more than one motion transducer. This allows, for example, the contacting movement and the locking movement to be performed simultaneously by means of a single actuating movement.This allows for component savings and thus reduces the cost of the contacting device. The locking mechanism ensures a predetermined penetration depth of the contact element into the cable. For example, the locking mechanism can provide stepwise acoustic and / or haptic and / or visual feedback to the operator of the contacting device during the execution of the actuation movement, with each step preferably corresponding to a predetermined value for the penetration depth. It is preferred if the at least one actuation element includes the insertion opening. A maximum penetration depth of the contact element can be preset using the adjustment mechanism. The indicator is preferably a display, in particular a scale, that shows the current penetration depth of the contact element into the cable.

[0036] Furthermore, it is preferred if the contacting device comprises several contact means arranged uniformly or non-uniformly around an axis defined by the insertion direction in a contact plane extending transversely, in particular perpendicularly, to the insertion direction of the cable into the insertion opening, and wherein preferably at least one of the contact means extends along a vector that penetrates a plane in which the insertion direction runs. The contact means preferably extend in a plane perpendicular to the insertion direction of the cable or at an angle to this plane, in particular such that the contact means extend, in particular partially or proportionally, against or in the insertion direction of the cable.

[0037] Furthermore, it is preferred that the contacting device, preferably at the insertion opening, comprises at least one seal, preferably a circumferential sealing lip, to interact with the cable sheath in such a way that at least one contact point, at which the at least one contact means is able to electrically contact the at least one electrical conductor, can be sealed from the environment of the contacting device when the electrical contact between the at least one electrical conductor and the at least one contact means is established. If the contacting device has a further seal, the seal described here is the first seal.

[0038] The seal preferably provides a seal in accordance with IP67, in particular in accordance with the meaning on 1.12.2024 with effect for the Federal Republic of Germany.

[0039] The seal can clamp the cable in such a way that it simultaneously acts as a locking mechanism. For this purpose, it is advantageous if the seal is pre-tensioned against the cable sheath or can be pre-tensioned. Alternatively or additionally, the seal can thus serve as strain relief for the cable.

[0040] The seal preferably surrounds the circumference and / or the sheath of the cable and / or is preferably arranged at or associated with the insertion opening.

[0041] Furthermore, it is preferred that the contacting device includes an exit opening for the cable, such that a cable which can be inserted into the insertion opening can be guided through the contacting device and guided out of the exit opening. This allows the contacting device or several contacting devices to be contacted with the cable at different cable sections, particularly depending on how far the cable is guided through the contacting device. In such a case, it is conceivable to provide an additional seal by means of which the contact point can be sealed from the environment of the contacting device when the electrical contact between the at least one electrical conductor and the at least one contact means is established. This additional seal is preferably formed at the exit opening, in particular as a sealing lip.

[0042] All the specifications that were made for the first seal are preferably transferable to the subsequent seal.

[0043] The additional seal preferably surrounds the circumference and / or the sheath of the cable and / or is preferably arranged at or associated with the exit opening.

[0044] Furthermore, it is preferred if the contacting device includes a receiving chamber for receiving a cable end and that the receiving chamber is connected to the environment of the contacting device only via the insertion opening and / or that the cable end can only be led out of the receiving chamber via the insertion opening. The connection to the environment preferably refers to a connection that allows the cable to be inserted or removed.

[0045] Furthermore, it is preferred that the contacting device has a counter-coding adapted to a cable coding in order to specify a particular contact between each of the contact means and each conductor of the cable, particularly despite any twisting of the conductors relative to each other, wherein the coding and the counter-coding are preferably designed as a positive locking mechanism and / or guide, and / or wherein the counter-coding is designed to prevent the insertion of a cable into the insertion opening without a coding adapted to the counter-coding. Without the coding and the counter-coding, specific contact would be significantly more difficult due to the twisting of the conductors relative to each other. Preventing insertion preferably means blocking the insertion of the cable into the insertion opening.

[0046] The coding extends, for example as a groove or bead, preferably continuously and / or uninterrupted and / or helically, along the cable. It is preferred that the coding or the coding-forming geometry, which differs from the basic shape, in particular the circular basic shape or outer contour, of the cable, is formed, for example, by a bead or groove on the cable sheath. Furthermore, it is preferred that the coding or the coding-forming geometry has the same relative position to the conductors or the at least one conductor along the entire length of the cable.

[0047] Furthermore, it is preferred that the contacting device is designed as a connector, preferably comprising an electrical socket or plug assembly, or as an electrical connection for an electrical component. In this way, the cable can be electrically connected to a plug that fits into the electrical socket assembly. Alternatively, the cable can be electrically connected to a socket into which the plug assembly fits. The electrical component can be an electrical load or an automation system.

[0048] The contact means are preferably electrically conductive and, in particular, lead electrically to the socket arrangement or the plug arrangement.

[0049] The invention also relates to a cable for a contacting device, particularly according to the invention, preferably comprising a coding in the form of a, in particular continuous and / or helical, groove or bead on the cable sheath and / or electrical conductors twisted to one another, wherein the groove or bead has the same relative position to the conductors at every point along the cable, in a plane perpendicular to the direction of extension of the cable, wherein the electrical conductors extend, in particular, only to a cut surface formed at one end of the cable. The cut surface serves to define an end of the cable and / or thus to define a target length of the cable.

[0050] The cable according to the invention thus offers the same advantages as those described in detail with reference to a contacting device according to the invention.

[0051] Furthermore, the cable can be configured as a power cable, a data cable, or a hybrid cable. As a hybrid cable, a single cable can, for example, serve for both power and data transmission. This might involve one or more data lines and one or more power lines. The respective data and / or power line can have an electrical conductor surrounded by a sheath, in particular an insulating sheath or shielding. The shielding can be made of an electrically conductive material, for example, to block electromagnetic interference. Materials such as copper or aluminum can be used for this purpose. Conversely, the insulating sheath can be made of an electrically insulating material. Materials such as ceramic, glass, or plastics can be used for this purpose.The respective data line can be implemented as an electrical or optical data line and preferably as a fieldbus and / or Ethernet line.

[0052] The cable and / or component and / or connection system can be configured for Single Pair Ethernet (SPE). Unlike conventional Ethernet, which typically uses four pairs of wires or conductors per cable, SPE reduces the cable requirement, resulting in compact and cost-effective connections. Such a cable preferably has only one pair of wires or conductors. The cable may preferably incorporate a twisted pair of wires or conductors. This single pair of wires or conductors can be configured to transmit data as well as electrical current or voltage, preferably over distances of up to 1000 meters and / or at a maximum data transmission rate of 10 Mbit / s, 100 Mbit / s, or 1 Gbit / s. Furthermore, the cable can be configured to supply an end device with electrical current or voltage via Power over Data Line (PoDL) while simultaneously transmitting data.Preferably, the cable and / or component and / or connection system can be used or suitable for applications in Industry 4.0, the Internet of Things (IoT), the automotive industry, or building automation. The conductor pair or wire pair preferably comprises or consists of copper or a copper alloy. Preferably, the cable conforms to a Single Pair Ethernet cable according to IEEE 802.3bw, preferably in the version of this standard valid on December 1, 2024, particularly in the Federal Republic of Germany. Preferably, the cable can be designed for full-duplex communication.

[0053] The component is preferably a Single Pair Ethernet connector (SPE connector), in particular according to the IEC 63171 standard, preferably the version dated December 1, 2024, especially applicable in the Federal Republic of Germany. The component is particularly preferably designed as a plug connector or circular connector with an M8 or M12 thread. The plug or socket assembly of such a connector may have a thread for mounting, in particular to an electrical device or sensor. Furthermore, the cable and / or the component and / or the connection system may be designed for transmitting a maximum power of 50 or 60 watts.

[0054] The invention also includes a connection system comprising a cable and a contacting device according to the invention.

[0055] The connection system according to the invention thus offers the same advantages as have been described in detail with reference to a contacting device and a cable according to the invention.

[0056] The invention also relates to a connection system characterized in that the connection system comprises a cable and a contacting device for electrically contacting several electrical conductors of the electrical cable, wherein the contacting device comprises: an insertion opening for the cable to insert the cable into the contacting device, and several contact means, in particular piercing means, to electrically contact each of the electrical conductors; wherein the contacting device, in particular the multiple contact means, each electrically contacts one of the electrical conductors by means of a contacting movement, the contact means being inserted laterally, in relation to an insertion direction of the cable into the insertion opening, into a sheath of the cable surrounding the conductors of the cable and each electrical conductor, in particular only or predominantly, preferably by piercing and / or cutting, wherein the contact means are each electrically contacted with only one specific conductor of the cable, wherein the contacting device comprises a locking mechanism for the cable in order to fix the cable to the contacting device by means of a locking movement, wherein the cable is fixed to the contacting device by means of the locking mechanism, wherein the locking mechanism is releasable in order to release the fixing of the cable from the contacting device.wherein the fixing is designed as a force-fit and / or form-fit connection of the cable sheath to the locking mechanism, wherein the contacting device comprises a motion converter configured to convert a rotary or axial actuating movement into the contacting movement and / or into the locking movement in order to fix the cable to the contacting device, wherein the contacting device comprises a release mechanism in order in particular to release the fixing of the cable from the contacting device, wherein the contacting device comprises at least one actuating element by means of which the actuating movement can be initiated into the motion converter, wherein the contacting device comprises a detent mechanism for the at least one actuating element by means of which the at least one actuating element can be detented in at least one position,wherein the at least one position corresponds to a penetration depth of the contact means into the cable, and wherein the contacting device comprises an indexing mechanism by means of which a penetration depth of the contact means into the cable can be indicated, wherein the contacting device comprises an adjustment mechanism by means of which a maximum penetration depth of the contact means into the cable can be adjusted, wherein the at least one actuating element is annular and surrounds the insertion opening or an axis defined by the insertion direction, wherein the multiple contact means are arranged uniformly around the axis defined by the insertion direction in a contact plane extending perpendicular to the insertion direction of the cable into the insertion opening, and wherein the contacting device has a counter-coding matched to a coding of the cable.to specify a particular contact between each of the contact means and each conductor of the cable, particularly despite a twisting of the conductors relative to each other, wherein the coding and the counter-coding are preferably designed as a positive fit and / or guide, wherein the counter-coding is designed to prevent the insertion of a cable into the insertion opening without a coding matched to the counter-coding, wherein the cable has a coding in the form of a continuously extending helical groove or bead on the sheath of the cable and electrical conductors twisted relative to each other, and wherein the groove or bead has the same relative position to the conductors at every point along the cable, in a plane perpendicular to the direction of extension of the cable.

[0057] Preferably, the connection system can comprise several contacting devices that are electrically contacted with a common cable, preferably at different sections of the cable with the common cable, or with a separate cable each.

[0058] The connection system, contacting device, or cable according to the invention preferably comprises conductors made of electrically conductive filler material. Additionally or alternatively, the cable comprises an electrically insulating filler material, which serves to electrically insulate the conductors from the cable's surroundings and / or from each other.

[0059] The cable may preferably have a fluid line, in particular for transporting gases or liquids. Alternatively or additionally, the cable may have a fluid line for transporting a liquid coolant, the coolant preferably being designed to cool the electrical conductors and / or the electrical component. The fluid line is preferably designed as a channel extending along the cable.

[0060] The cable's cross-section may have a narrowing.

[0061] Optionally, the cable, connection system and / or contacting device is designed for 48 volt applications, especially for drives, preferably with 48 volts, and complies with the IO-Link Safety Protocol or is designed to implement it.

[0062] The invention can also relate to a charging port with a connection system according to the invention, wherein in particular 500,000 watts can be transmitted via the charging port. The charging port can include the aforementioned fluid line, in particular for cooling.

[0063] The invention also relates to a method for manufacturing a connection system, in particular according to the invention, comprising the following process step: Inserting a cable according to the invention into the insertion opening of a contacting device according to the invention, contacting each conductor of the cable, preferably at a first cable section of the cable, with each of the contact means, in particular according to the coding and counter-coding, preferably by exerting an actuating movement which is initiated into the motion converter by means of the at least one actuating element, whereby the actuating movement is converted into a contacting movement by means of the motion converter in order to introduce the contact means into the cable for contacting the conductors, preferably, locking the cable in the contacting device, in particular by means of the locking mechanism, in particular,Repeating the preceding process steps with further cables according to the invention and further contacting devices according to the invention, or repeating the preceding process steps with further cable sections of the cable according to the invention and further contacting devices according to the invention.

[0064] The method according to the invention thus offers the same advantages as those described in detail with reference to a contacting device, a cable and a connection system according to the invention.

[0065] Inserting the cable preferably involves inserting one end of the cable into the insertion opening.

[0066] Preferably, several contacting devices can be connected to the cable, i.e., a common cable, at different cable sections. Character description

[0067] Further advantages, features, and details of the invention will become apparent from the following description, in which exemplary embodiments of the invention are described in detail with reference to the drawings. The features mentioned in the claims and in the description can each be essential to the invention individually or in any combination.

[0068] They show: Fig. 1 a schematic representation of an embodiment of a connection system according to the invention, Fig. 2 a schematic representation of a contacting device of the connection system according to the invention. Figure 1 , and Fig. 3 a flowchart of an embodiment of the inventive method for manufacturing the connection system from Figure 1 .

[0069] The Figure 1Figure 1 shows a schematic representation of an embodiment of a connection system 300 according to the invention. The connection system 300 comprises an embodiment of a cable 200 according to the invention and two contacting devices 100a, 100b according to the invention, each corresponding to a different embodiment. Both contacting devices 100a, 100b serve for electrically contacting electrical conductors 201 of the electrical cable 200 at different sections of the cable 200. The contacting devices 100a, 100b each have an insertion opening 105 for the cable 200 in order to insert the cable 200 into the respective contacting device 100a, 100b. Furthermore, the contacting devices 100a, 100b have several contact means 102, which are designed as insertion means to electrically contact one of the electrical conductors 201 at a time.

[0070] The contact means 102 each electrically contact one of the electrical conductors 201. For this purpose, the contact means 102 are inserted laterally to an insertion direction 108 of the cable 200 into the insertion opening 105, into a sheath 203 of the cable 200 surrounding the conductors 201, and into each electrical conductor 201. The conductors 201 are twisted together along the length of the cable 200. The cable 200 has a groove on the sheath 203 that has a continuous helical path along the length of the cable 200. The groove serves as a code 204, which interacts with a corresponding code on the contact devices 100a and 100b to ensure specific electrical contact between the conductors 201 and the contact means 102, despite the twisting. The coding 204 and the counter-coding are interlocking and designed as a guide.Even though the coding 204 is represented by a dashed line in the form of a groove, it extends continuously along the cable 200. A bead is also conceivable instead of a groove. Furthermore, the coding 204 and its corresponding coding are coordinated in such a way that the insertion of a cable that does not have a coding matching the corresponding coding into the insertion opening 105 is prevented and blocked. The conductors 201 are located in a cross-section 202 of the cable 200, relatively centrally to the outer contour. The first contacting device 100a differs from the second contacting device 100b in that the first contacting device 100a has an exit opening for the cable 200, such that the cable 200 passes through the first contacting device 100a.The second contacting device 100b has only an insertion opening 105 and no exit opening, meaning that only one cable end or a cable end section formed at the cable end can be electrically contacted. Both contacting devices 100a and 100b have in common that they each comprise a first actuating element 103, with which a locking mechanism 101 can be actuated, thereby fixing the cable 200 to the respective contacting device 100a or 100b. This prevents unintentional disconnection of the electrical contact between the electrical conductors 201 and the contact elements 102. In comparison to the second contacting device 100b, the first contacting device 100a has an additional actuating element 104, with which a contacting movement of the contact means 102 into the cable 200 can be carried out to contact the conductors 201.The second actuating element 104 is moved by means of a rotational movement, whereby the rotational movement can be converted into a contacting movement of the contact means 102 into the electrical conductors 201 by means of a motion converter, which is not shown here. The contact means 102 of the second contacting device 100b are oriented opposite to the insertion direction 108, so that an insertion movement of the cable 200 drives the contact means into the corresponding conductors 201. In other words, the insertion movement of the cable 200 is the contacting movement. The actuating elements 103, 104 are ring-shaped and rotatable about an axis defined by the insertion movement.The first actuating element 103 of the first contacting device 100a and the actuating element 103 of the second contacting device can also be actuated by means of a rotation, which can be converted into a locking movement and fixation of the cable 200 by means of a motion converter (not shown) in each case. The cable 200 is clamped and thus fixed by means of the respective locking mechanism 101. The contact means 102 lead electrically to a plug assembly 109 of the second contacting device 100b. The contact means 102 of the first contacting device 100a can also lead electrically to a plug assembly or a socket assembly of the first contacting device 100a.

[0071] The Figure 2Figure 1 shows a schematic representation of a contacting device 100a according to the invention. It is the first contacting device 100a of the connection system according to the invention. Figure 1 The view shown corresponds to a view of the contacting device 100a in the direction of the Figure 1 The insertion direction is shown. The insertion opening 105, which has the counter-coding 107, can be seen. The counter-coding is designed to correspond to the coding of the cable from Figure 1The coding elements 107 and 102 interact in such a way that the insertion of a cable with a coding that does not match the counter-coding 107 is blocked. If an attempt is made to insert a cable with a coding that matches the counter-coding 107, the cable is permitted to enter the insertion opening 105. Furthermore, the coding and counter-coding 107 align the cable so that the contact elements 102 can specifically contact the conductors of the cable. The counter-coding 107 is designed as a projection or a lug that extends into the insertion opening 105. The contact elements 102 shown here are depicted in a position corresponding to a position of the contact elements 102 inserted into a cable, although no cable is shown. The first actuating element 103 for actuating the locking mechanism is also visible. The first actuating element 103 is ring-shaped and surrounds the insertion opening 105.Alternatively, the actuating elements 103 can also be designed such that they can be actuated by means of an axial actuating movement. Only suitable motion converters are required for this. An axial actuating movement occurs in the insertion direction or against the insertion direction.

[0072] The Figure 3 Figure 1 shows a flowchart of an embodiment of the inventive method 400 for manufacturing a connection system according to the invention. The connection system is the connection system made of Figure 1First, a first process step 401 is carried out, which constitutes the beginning of the process 400 and comprises providing a cable and a contacting device according to the invention. This is followed by a second process step 402, which comprises inserting the cable into the insertion opening of the contacting device. Next, a third process step 403 is carried out, which comprises contacting each conductor of the cable at a cable section with one of the contact means by exerting an actuating movement that is initiated by means of the at least one actuating element in the corresponding motion transducer in order to convert the actuating movement into a contacting movement. This is followed by a fourth process step 404, which comprises locking the cable in the contacting device, in particular by means of the locking mechanism.Next, a fifth process step 405 is performed, which initiates a repetition of the preceding process steps, beginning with the second process step 402, if further contacting devices are present that are also to be electrically connected using the same cable. If the repetition is not initiated, a sixth process step 406 is performed, which includes the termination of process 400 and represents the completion of the connection system to be manufactured. Reference symbol list

[0073] 100a Contacting device 100b Contacting device 101 Locking mechanism 102 Contact means 103 Actuating element 104 Actuating element 105 Insertion opening 106 Ejection opening 107 Counter-coding 108 Insertion direction 109 Plug arrangement 200 Cable 201 Conductor 202 Cross-section 203 Sheath 204 Coding 300 connection system 400Process 401First process step 402Second process step 403Third process step 404Fourth process step 405Fifth process step 406Sixth process step

Claims

1. Contacting device (100a, 100b) for electrically contacting at least one electrical conductor (201), preferably at least two or three electrical conductors (201), of an electrical cable (200), comprising: - an insertion opening (105) for the cable (200) to insert the cable (200) into the contacting device (100a, 100b), and - at least one contact means (102), preferably at least two or three contact means (102), in particular piercing means, to electrically contact the at least one electrical conductor (201);wherein the contacting device (100a, 100b), in particular the at least one contact means (102), is configured to electrically contact the at least one electrical conductor (201) by means of a contacting movement which the at least one contact means (102) can be inserted at least partially laterally, in particular laterally to an insertion direction (108) of the cable (200) into the insertion opening (105), into the cable (200), preferably into a sheath (203) of the cable (200) surrounding the at least one conductor (201) of the cable (200), and into the at least one electrical conductor (201), in particular only or predominantly, preferably by piercing and / or cutting.

2. Contacting device (100a, 100b) according to claim 1, characterized by the fact thatThe contacting device (100a, 100b) comprises a locking mechanism (101) for the cable (200), in particular to fix the cable (200) to the contacting device (100a, 100b) by means of a locking movement, the locking mechanism (101) is preferably releasable, in particular to release the cable from the contacting device (100a, 100b), and the fixing is preferably designed as a force-fit and / or form-fit connection of the cable (200), in particular the sheath (203) of the cable (200), with the locking mechanism (101).

3. Contacting device (100a, 100b) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by the fact that the contacting movement and / or the locking movement is an insertion movement of the cable (200) into the insertion opening (105).

4. Contacting device (100a, 100b) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact thatthe contacting device (100a, 100b) comprises a first motion converter configured to convert a first actuating movement, in particular a rotary or axial movement, into the contacting movement, preferably the motion converter or a second motion converter of the contacting device configured to convert the actuating movement or a second actuating movement, in particular a rotary or axial movement, into the locking movement, in order in particular to fix the cable (200) to the contacting device.

5. Contacting device (100a, 100b) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that the contacting device (100a, 100b) includes a release mechanism to release, in particular, the cable (200) from the contacting device (100a, 100b).

6. Contacting device (100a, 100b) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact thatThe contacting device (100a, 100b) comprises at least one actuating element (103, 104) by means of which the at least one actuating movement can be initiated into the respective motion converter; the contacting device (100a, 100b) preferably comprises a locking mechanism for the at least one actuating element (103, 104) by means of which the at least one actuating element (103, 104) can be locked into at least one position, wherein the at least one position corresponds to a penetration depth of the at least one contact means (102) into the cable (200); the contacting device (100a, 100b) preferably comprises an indicator by means of which a penetration depth of the at least one contact means (102) into the cable (200) can be indicated; the contacting device (100a, 100b) preferably comprises an adjustment mechanism by means of which a maximum penetration depth of the contact means (102) can be set. adjustable in the cable (200)and that the at least one actuating element (103, 104) is preferably ring-shaped, cylindrical or tubular and / or surrounds the insertion opening (105) or an axis defined by the insertion direction (108).

7. Contacting device (100a, 100b) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that the contacting device (100a, 100b) comprises several contact means (102) which are arranged uniformly or non-uniformly around an axis defined by the insertion direction (108) in a contact plane which extends transversely, in particular perpendicularly to the insertion direction (108) of the cable (200) into the insertion opening (105), and which preferably at least one of the contact means (102) extends along a vector which penetrates a plane in which the insertion direction (108) runs.

8. Contacting device (100a, 100b) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact thatThe contacting device (100a, 100b), preferably at the insertion opening (105), comprises at least one seal, preferably a circumferential sealing lip, to interact with the sheath (203) of the cable (200) in such a way that at least one contacting point, at which the at least one contacting means (102) is able to electrically contact the at least one electrical conductor (201), can be sealed to the environment of the contacting device (100a, 100b) when the electrical contact between the at least one electrical conductor (101) and the at least one contacting means (102) is established.

9. Contacting device (100a) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact thatthe contacting device (100a) comprises a lead-out opening (106) for the cable (200) such that a cable (200) which can be led into the lead-in opening (105) can be led through the contacting device (100a) and can be led out of the lead-out opening (106).

10. Contacting device (100b) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized by the fact that the contacting device (100b) comprises a receiving space for receiving a cable end of the cable (200) and that the receiving space is connected to the environment of the contacting device (100b) only through the insertion opening (105) and / or that the cable end can only be led out of the receiving space through the insertion opening (105).

11. Contacting device (100a, 100b) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact thatthe contacting device (105) has a counter-coding (107) adapted to a coding (204) of the cable (200) in order to specify a specific contacting of each of the contact means (102) with each conductor (201) of the cable (200), in particular despite a twisting of the conductors (201) to each other, that the coding (204) and the counter-coding (107) are preferably designed as a positive locking and / or guide, and / or that the counter-coding (107) is designed to prevent the insertion of a cable (200) into the insertion opening (105) without a coding (204) adapted to the counter-coding (107).

12. Contacting device (100a, 100b) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that the contacting device (100a, 100b) is designed as a connector, preferably comprising an electrical socket arrangement or electrical plug arrangement, or as an electrical connection of an electrical component.

13. Cable for a contacting device (100a, 100b) according to one of the preceding claims, preferably comprising a coding in the form of a, in particular continuously extending helical, groove or bead on the sheath of the cable and / or electrical conductors twisted to one another, wherein the groove or bead has the same relative position to the conductors at every point along the cable, in a plane perpendicular to the direction of extension of the cable, wherein the electrical conductors in particular extend only to a cut surface which is formed at a cable end of the cable (200).

14. Connection system (300), comprising in particular a cable (200) according to claim 13 and a contacting device (100a, 100b) according to any one of claims 1 to 12, preferably characterized by thatthe connection system (300) comprises a cable (200) and a contacting device (100a, 100b) for electrically contacting several electrical conductors (201) of the electrical cable (200), wherein the contacting device (100a, 100b) comprises: - an insertion opening (105) for the cable (200) to insert the cable (200) into the contacting device (100a, 100b), and - several contact means (102), in particular piercing means, to electrically contact each of the electrical conductors (201); thatThe contacting device (100a, 100b), in particular the multiple contact means (102), electrically contact each of the electrical conductors (201) by means of a contacting movement, at least partially laterally, to an insertion direction (108) of the cable into the insertion opening (105), into a sheath (203) of the cable (200) surrounding the conductors (201) of the cable (200), and each of the electrical conductors (201), in particular only or predominantly, preferably by piercing and / or cutting. that the contact means (102) are each electrically contacted with only one specific conductor (102) of the cable (200), thatthe contacting device (100a, 100b) comprises a locking mechanism (101) for the cable (200) to fix the cable (200) to the contacting device (100a, 100b) by means of a locking movement, so that the cable (200) is fixed to the contacting device (100a, 100b) by means of the locking mechanism (101), that the locking mechanism (101) can be released to loosen the fixation of the cable (200) from the contacting device (100a, 100b), that the fixing is designed as a force-fit and / or form-fit connection of the sheath (203) of the cable (200) with the locking mechanism (101), thatthe contacting device (100a, 100b) comprises a motion converter configured to convert a rotary or axial actuating movement into the contacting movement and / or into the locking movement in order to fix the cable (200) to the contacting device (100a, 100b), that the contacting device (100a, 100b) includes a release mechanism to release, in particular, the cable (200) from the contacting device (100a, 100b), that the contacting device (100a, 100b) comprises at least one actuating element (103, 104) by means of which an actuating movement can be initiated into the motion converter, thatthe contacting device (100a, 100b) comprises a locking mechanism for the at least one actuating element (103, 104) by means of which the at least one actuating element (103, 104) can be locked into at least one position, wherein the at least one position corresponds to a penetration depth of the contact means (102) into the cable (200), and that the contacting device (100a, 100b) includes an indicator by means of which the penetration depth of the contact means (102) into the cable (200) can be indicated, that the contacting device (100a, 100b) includes an adjustment mechanism by means of which a maximum penetration depth of the contact means (102) into the cable (200) can be adjusted, that the at least one actuating element (103, 104) is ring-shaped and surrounds the insertion opening (105) or an axis defined by the insertion direction (108), thatthe multiple contact means (102) are arranged uniformly around the axis defined by the insertion direction (108) in a contact plane that extends perpendicular to the insertion direction (108) of the cable (200) into the insertion opening (105), that the contacting device (100a, 100b) has a counter-coding adapted to a coding (204) of the cable (200) in order to specify a specific contacting of each of the contact means (102) with each conductor (102) of the cable (200), in particular despite a twisting of the conductors (201) relative to each other, that the coding (204) and the counter-coding (107) are preferably designed as a positive locking and / or guiding element, that the counter-coding (107) is designed to prevent the insertion of a cable (200) into the insertion opening (105) without a coding (204) matched to the counter-coding (107), and thatthe cable (200) has a coding (204) in the form of a continuously running helical groove or bead on the sheath (203) of the cable (200) and electrical conductors (201) twisted to each other, that the groove or bead at every point along the cable (200), in a plane perpendicular to the direction of extension of the cable (200), has the same relative position to the conductors (201).

15. Method (400) for manufacturing a connection system (300) according to claim 14, comprising the following method steps: - Inserting a cable (200) according to claim 13 into the insertion opening (105) of a contacting device (100a, 100b) according to any one of claims 1 to 12, - Contacting each conductor (201) of the cable (200), preferably at a first cable section of the cable (200), with each of the contact means (102), in particular according to the coding (204) and counter-coding (107), preferably by performing an actuating movement which is initiated into the motion converter by means of the at least one actuating element (103, 104), whereby the actuating movement is converted into a contacting movement by means of the motion converter in order to introduce the contact means (102) into the cable (200) for contacting the conductors (201), - Preferably, locking the cable (200) in the contacting device (100a, 100b),in particular by means of the locking mechanism (101), - In particular, repeating the preceding process steps with further cables (200) according to claim 13 and further contacting devices (100a, 100b) according to any one of claims 1 to 12 or repeating the preceding process steps with further cable sections of the cable (200) and further contacting devices (100a, 100b) according to any one of claims 1 to 12.,

Images