Cables, contacting device, connection system and method for producing a connection system

Abstract

The invention relates to cables (100) having two cable ends (114, 115) which can be formed and which face away from one another, wherein the cable end contours of the respective cable ends (114, 115) differ from one another in order to prevent incorrect contacting. The invention also relates to a contacting device (200, 201), a connection system (300) and a method (400) for producing a connection system (300).

Description

[0001] Description

[0002] Cable, contacting device, connection system and method for manufacturing a connection system

[0003] The present invention relates to a cable, a contacting device, a connection system and a method for manufacturing a connection system.

[0004] State of the art

[0005] Electrical cables with coding are known from the prior art. These can be electrically connected using contact devices. However, faulty connections can occur if a cable end not intended for this purpose is used to connect to the contact device.

[0006] Disclosure of the invention

[0007] One object of the invention is to provide an alternative or better technical solution which preferably overcomes the disadvantages of the prior art, in particular by preventing a faulty contact with a cable end not intended for contact.

[0008] The foregoing problem is solved by a cable, a contacting device, 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 cable according to the invention naturally also apply in connection with the contacting device, 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 refers to, or can refer to, each other.The cable according to the invention relates to a cable, in particular a power and / or data cable, comprising at least two or at least three or at least four electrical conductors, preferably at least partially or completely designed as stranded conductors, which extend along the direction of extension of the cable.

[0009] Furthermore, the cable can include an electrically insulating sheath that surrounds the conductors. This sheath can preferably be the outermost sheath of the cable. In addition, the conductors themselves can each also have a sheath and / or insulation.

[0010] The cable can have two points spaced apart from each other, particularly in the direction of the cable's extension. At these two points, the cable can have a substantially identical contour, perpendicular to the cable's direction of extension.

[0011] The contour can, at its respective point, have the same relative position to the conductors, perpendicular to the cable's direction of extension. The contour can be at least partially formed by the sheath, preferably by a specific shape and / or contour of the sheath cross-section, which may deviate from the usual circular shape of a cable.

[0012] Furthermore, at the first of the two locations, a first end-face cable end with a first cable end contour, corresponding to the contour at the first location, can be formed and / or be formed.

[0013] Furthermore, at the second of the two locations, a second end-face cable with a second cable end contour, corresponding to the contour at the second location, can be formed and / or already be formed. The second cable end can be positioned away from the first cable end.

[0014] The respective cable end contour can be formed, for example, by cutting the cable at the appropriate point. The cable end contour can thus refer to an area that is formed on the cable as a result of the cut.

[0015] It is possible that the cable, and preferably its contour, is designed such that the first cable end contour differs from the second cable end contour and / or is distinguishable from each other, particularly because the cable ends face away from each other and / or because at least one marking is provided on the cable. In other words, the two formable or formed cable end contours differ from each other, even though the cable has the same contour at both locations where the cable ends can be formed or are formed. This is because the two cable ends face away from each other and can therefore have mirrored cable end contours. The difference between the two cable end contours and / or cable ends preferably relates to the shape of the respective cable end contours.

[0016] Alternatively or additionally, a marking, such as a label, designation or a color marking or identification, may be provided to distinguish between the two cable ends or cable end contours.

[0017] This provides an alternative or improved technical solution for contacting electrical conductors of cables, which in particular overcomes the disadvantages of the prior art. The cable according to the invention prevents incorrect contacting of a cable by means of contacting a cable end not intended for contact with a contacting device.

[0018] In particular, this method also allows for differentiation of the cable ends. This is especially advantageous when coding is provided / designed directly on the cable to enable easy contacting, e.g., by inserting the insertion pins of a connector into the conductors.

[0019] Accordingly, the contour or cable end contours (each) can also be designed to form a coding on the cable. The coding can preferably be a geometric coding in which the specific shape of the contour allows for the assignment of the conductors to their function. This is achieved, for example, by the contour having at least one coding feature (such as an asymmetry and / or a notch and / or a marking and / or a geometric feature) that has a fixed distance and / or a fixed orientation and / or a fixed relative position to the conductors. This is also possible if the conductors have a varying position along the cable's direction of extension, e.g., due to twisting of the conductors. In this case, the coding feature can also change along the cable's direction of extension (i.e., in particular, its longitudinal axis), e.g.,The coding feature twists and / or rotates according to the twisting pattern and / or wraps around the cable. This coding feature can be, for example, a circumferential groove and / or notch and / or marking. This ensures that, regardless of where the cable is cut, correct coding and conductor identification are always possible.

[0020] The sheath can be made of polyurethane (PUR) or polyvinyl chloride (PVC), or comprise polyurethane (PUR) or polyvinyl chloride (PVC). These materials are elastic, which simplifies the installation and handling of such a cable. Furthermore, these materials are flame-resistant, which contributes to the safety of such cables. The cable preferably extends longitudinally, thus defining its direction of extension. The cable preferably extends in the direction of the cable's length.

[0021] Preferably, the direction of extension points from the second point to the first point or from the second cable end to the first cable end, particularly along the cable.

[0022] The contours at both locations are preferably identical or uniform in the direction of extension. The contours can also be identical or uniform in the opposite direction of extension. However, it is preferably not possible for the contour at one location to be identical in the direction of extension to the contour at the other location in the opposite direction of extension.

[0023] The first cable end contour preferably differs from the second cable end contour when the first cable end contour is viewed opposite to the direction of extension and the second cable end contour is viewed in the direction of extension. In other words, the two cable end contours are preferably viewed and compared from two different, particularly opposite, directions, resulting in a difference between them, wherein preferably the cable end contours or the contours at the locations where the cable ends can be formed are the same and / or identical when viewed in the same direction, for example, in or opposite to the direction of extension.

[0024] The contour can preferably be the inner and / or outer contour of the cable. The contour can be formed, in particular, by the sheath and / or insulating material, preferably electrically insulating, between the conductors. The sheath and the insulating material can preferably be formed in one piece.

[0025] The cable end contour can preferably be the inner and / or outer contour of the cable end. The cable end contour can be formed, in particular, by the sheath and / or insulating material, preferably electrically insulating, between the conductors. The sheath and the insulating material can preferably be formed as a single piece. The cable end contour can be defined, in particular, by the contour of the cable, preferably at the respective point of the cable end.

[0026] In principle, within the context of the disclosure of the invention, "transverse" can preferably mean "perpendicular." For example, the cable can have a substantially identical contour at both points perpendicular to its extension, instead of merely transverse to its extension. The phrase "the contour has the same relative position to the conductors at its respective point transverse to the cable's extension" can preferably mean that the contour at the first and / or second point has the same position or orientation relative to each, in particular individual, conductor, and preferably vice versa.

[0027] Furthermore, it is preferred if the cable comprises only or at least two, three, four or five conductors, wherein the conductors are preferably twisted together and wherein the conductors are in particular designed as stranded conductors.

[0028] Due to the twisting, the position or location of the conductors changes along the length of the cable.

[0029] In principle, within the context of the disclosure of the invention, "position" or "relative position" can preferably refer to a position or relative position.

[0030] Preferably, the cable ends extend perpendicular to the direction of extension. The cable ends can form contact surfaces and / or cut surfaces.

[0031] The contour can preferably be designed as a predominantly (essentially) circular contour. In particular, an asymmetrical deviation from the typical circular contour can be provided to allow for the differentiation of the cable ends.

[0032] 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 designed as an electrical or optical data line and preferably as a fieldbus and / or Ethernet line.

[0033] The cable can be designed as a power cable, and thus preferably for power and therefore energy supply, and / or as a data cable, and thus preferably for data communication. Accordingly, one or more of the cable's conductors can be primarily intended for energy transmission and one or more other conductors for data transmission.

[0034] 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 using Power over Data Line (PoDL) while simultaneously transmitting data.Preferably, the cable and / or the contacting device and / or the component and / or the connection system can be used or are suitable for use 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.

[0035] Furthermore, it is preferred if the contour is free of axial symmetry and / or rotational symmetry and / or asymmetric. In other words, the cable, and preferably the contour, can exhibit asymmetry. The freedom from axial symmetry and / or rotational symmetry preferably refers to the direction of extension or transverse to the direction of extension of the cable, particularly at the respective location. Alternatively or additionally, it is preferred if the first and / or the second cable end contour is free of axial symmetry and / or rotational symmetry.

[0036] Preferably, the first and / or the second cable end contour, in particular in conjunction with the relative position of the first and / or second cable end contour to the individual conductors, forms a code for the specific contacting of the conductors.

[0037] Furthermore, it is preferred if the second cable end contour corresponds to a reflection of the first cable end contour across a plane, in particular a mirror plane, between the two cable ends. The plane preferably extends transversely to the direction of extension. Preferably, the cable ends extend transversely to the direction of extension. The cable ends, and in particular the plane, preferably run parallel to each other.

[0038] In principle, within the scope of the disclosure of the invention, any feature or detail, individual features or details or several features or details may relate to a cable, a contacting device, a connection system and / or a method according to the invention, in which the cable extends in a straight line, solely for the purpose of defining the details or features.

[0039] Furthermore, it is preferred that the first cable end contour corresponds to the contour in a cross-section, transverse to the direction of extension of the cable, at one of the two locations from a first side, in particular the front, while the second cable end contour corresponds to the contour in the same cross-section from a second side, in particular the back, which is opposite to the first side. The first side can face the direction of extension, while the second side can face away from the direction of extension.

[0040] Furthermore, it is preferred if the contour and / or the first cable end contour is designed to interact with a corresponding counter contour in such a way that a specific coding and / or guidance for electrically contacting the first cable end with a contacting device having the counter contour is provided, and preferably electrical contacting, in particular any electrical contacting or electrical contacting according to the specific coding, of the second cable end with the same or the same contacting device is excluded and / or prevented. This prevents incorrect contacting due to the use of the wrong cable end.

[0041] Preferably, the first cable end has a first encoding and the second cable end has a second encoding that differs from the first encoding.

[0042] The contacting preferably comprises penetrating or inserting into the conductors, or exclusively penetrating or exclusively inserting into the conductors, by means of contact elements of a contacting device according to the invention, preferably such that an electrically conductive contact exists between the conductors by means of the contact elements. Exclusive penetration preferably means simply piercing the conductors without any cutting action. Mere insertion preferably means that a contact element which is inserted into a conductor at one point does not protrude from the conductor at a second point. In other words, the contact element preferably only penetrates a surface of the conductor at one point without exiting the conductor again.

[0043] Furthermore, it is preferred if the cable, in particular the two cable ends, the contour, the first and / or second cable end contour, is anisotropic, preferably with respect to interaction, in particular with respect to contacting, according to a specific coding, with a counter contour of a contacting device or the contacting device itself. Anisotropic preferably means that the conductors at the first cable end or on the first cable end contour can be contacted by means of a contacting device according to the invention, while the conductors at the second cable end or on the second cable end contour cannot be contacted.

[0044] Furthermore, it is preferred that the contour extends continuously and / or uninterrupted between the two points or along the entire length of the cable, and that the contour preferably has the same relative position and / or orientation to the conductors, particularly the individual conductors, along its entire length, in order to provide a specific coding, corresponding to the coding at the first and / or second point or the first and / or second cable end, particularly along the contour's length. This results in greater flexibility regarding the choice of cable length. In other words, the cable ends can be formed at any point along the cable.

[0045] Furthermore, it is preferred if the contour and / or the first and / or second cable end contour comprises a coding geometry on the cable sheath, in particular in the form of a groove or bead, and / or within the sheath, in particular in the form of a channel, cavity, or recess, wherein the coding geometry preferably represents a deviation of the contour geometry from a basic contour of the cable, in particular a circular or circular one, wherein the coding geometry preferably extends helically and / or continuously along the length of the cable, and wherein the coding geometry is preferably free of axial symmetry and / or rotational symmetry. The coding geometry can preferably be a continuous or multi-part, spaced-apart geometry of the contour and / or the first and / or second cable end contour.The basic contour can be an axisymmetric and / or rotationally symmetric geometry that is rendered axisymmetric and / or rotationally symmetric by the coding geometry. Furthermore, it is preferred that the contour includes a coding geometry, in particular a channel, cavity, or recess, within the shell.

[0046] Furthermore, it is preferred if the cable includes a fluid channel and that the coding geometry within the sheath is preferably formed by means of the cross-section of the fluid channel.

[0047] Furthermore, it is preferred that the first cable end is formed at the first location, and preferably the second cable end is formed at the second location, wherein preferably the first and / or second cable end runs perpendicular to the direction of extension of the cable, and wherein the first and / or second cable end is preferably formed as a cut surface. The cut surfaces are formed, in particular, after the cable has been cut to a desired length.

[0048] Preferably, the cable extends from the first cable end to the second cable end, if the first cable end and the second cable end are formed.

[0049] The invention also relates to a contacting device for electrically contacting a cable according to the invention as described in one of the preceding claims at the first or second cable end, wherein the contacting device comprises contact means, in particular insertion means, for electrically contacting the electrical conductors by inserting the contact means into the cable, in particular into the sheath and / or the corresponding cable end, wherein the contact means preferably lead electrically to a plug assembly or a socket assembly. In other words, a first contacting device is provided only for the first cable end and an optional second contacting device for the second cable end. Since the two cable end contours differ from each other, different contacting devices are necessary.

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

[0051] Also part of the invention is a connection system comprising a cable according to the invention and a contacting device according to the invention, wherein the contacting device is configured to contact the cable at the first cable end, wherein the contacting device, in particular the contact means, electrically contacts the cable, in particular the conductors, at the first cable end, and preferably a further contacting device according to the invention, which is configured to contact the cable at the second cable end, wherein the further contacting device, in particular the contact means, contacts the cable, in particular the conductors, at the second cable end.

[0052] The connection system according to the invention thus offers the same advantages as those described in detail with reference to a cable or contacting device according to the invention.

[0053] In other words, the connection system is preferably a connection system comprising a cable and a contacting device, wherein the cable, in particular a power and / or data cable, comprises at least two electrical conductors twisted to each other, preferably stranded conductors, extending along the direction of the cable, wherein the cable comprises an electrically insulating sheath surrounding the conductors, wherein the cable has two locations spaced apart from each other, in particular in the direction of the cable, wherein the cable has a substantially identical contour at both locations, transverse to the direction of the cable, wherein the contour at its respective location, transverse to the direction of the cable, has the same relative position to the conductors, wherein at the first of the two locations a first end-face cable end with a first cable end contour corresponding to the contour at the first location is formed.wherein at the second of the two locations a second end-face cable end with a second cable end contour, corresponding to the contour at the second location, is formed, wherein the second cable end faces away from the first cable end, wherein the first cable end contour differs from the second cable end contour, preferably in the direction of the respective cable end, in particular because the cable ends face away from each other, wherein the contour and thus also the cable end contours are formed without axial symmetry and / or rotational symmetry, wherein the contour and thus also the first cable end contour are formed to interact with a counter contour corresponding to the first cable end contour in such a way that a specific coding for electrically contacting the first cable end with a contacting device having the counter contour is provided and an electrical contacting, according to the specific coding,of the second cable end with the same or the same contacting device is excluded and / or prevented, wherein the contour extends continuously and / or uninterruptedly between the two locations or the entire length of the cable, wherein the contour has the same relative position to the conductors along its extent in order to provide the specific coding, in particular along the extent of the contour, wherein the contour comprises a coding geometry on the sheath of the cable, in particular in the form of a groove or bead, and / or within the sheath, in particular in the form of a channel or cavity or a recess, wherein the coding geometry forms a deviation of the geometry of the contour from a basic contour of the cable, in particular circular or circular, wherein the coding geometry preferably extends helically and continuously along the extent of the cable.wherein the coding geometry is designed to be free of axial symmetry and / or rotational symmetry, wherein the contacting device is designed to contact the cable at the first cable end, wherein the contacting device electrically contacts the cable, in particular the conductors, at the first cable end by inserting contact means of the contacting device, in particular insertion means, into the electrical conductors of the cable, in particular into the sheath and / or the first cable end, wherein the contact means preferably lead electrically to a plug arrangement or a socket arrangement.

[0054] The invention also relates to a method for manufacturing a connection system, comprising:

[0055] - Providing a cable according to the invention,

[0056] - Providing a first contacting device according to the invention,

[0057] - In particular, providing a second contacting device according to the invention,

[0058] - Shortening the cable to a target length by forming a, in particular a first, cable end at the first point of the cable and preferably by forming a second cable end at the second point of the cable,

[0059] - Contacting the cable, in particular the conductors, especially at the first cable end, by means of the first contacting device,

[0060] - In particular, contacting the cable, especially the conductor, preferably at the second cable end, by means of the second contacting device.

[0061] The method according to the invention thus offers the same advantages as those that have been described in detail with reference to a cable, a contacting device or a connection system according to the invention.

[0062] The cable provided for the process is preferably a cable in which the corresponding cable ends have not yet been formed. If a cable with already formed cable ends is provided, which is also conceivable, the process step of shortening the cable can be omitted or retained. If this process step is retained, it means that the provided cable is shortened by forming at least one new cable end, which replaces at least one of the existing cable ends.

[0063] Character description

[0064] 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.

[0065] They show:

[0066] Fig. 1 shows a schematic representation of an embodiment of a cable according to the invention.

[0067] Fig. 2 shows a view of section AA from Figure 1, which corresponds to a view of the two formable cable ends,

[0068] Fig. 3 shows a view of two axially symmetrical cable ends,

[0069] Fig. 4 shows a schematic representation of an embodiment of a contacting device according to the invention.

[0070] Fig. 5 shows a schematic representation of an embodiment of a connection system according to the invention, and

[0071] Fig. 6 shows a flowchart of an embodiment of the inventive method for manufacturing the connection system from Figure 5.

[0072] Figure 1 shows a schematic representation of an embodiment of a cable 100 according to the invention. The cable 100 is designed as a power and data cable and is provided on a cable drum 101. The cable 100 comprises a first section 108 and a second section 109, both of which have the same contour with respect to the same direction along the length of the cable 100. Two cable ends facing away from each other can be formed at the two sections 108 and 109, which are spaced apart along the length of the cable. A section AA is shown, which passes through the two sections 108 and 109 and perpendicular to the length of the cable 100.

[0073] Figure 2 shows a view of section AA from Figure 1, showing the cable ends 114, 115 that can be formed at the two locations 108, 109, with their respective cable end contours. In other words, the cable ends 114, 115 would look like this at the two locations 108, 109. For this purpose, the cable 100 can, for example, be cut to a target length at the two locations 108, 109. In the further description of the figures, it is assumed that a cable end 114, 115 has been formed at each of the two locations 108, 109. It can be seen that the cable 100 includes a channel 110, which is designed as a fluid channel 110 to convey a cooling fluid, for example, a coolant. The cooling fluid can be used, for example, to cool electrical conductors 102a, 102b, 102c of cable 100 in the form of stranded conductors, but also an electrical assembly that can be supplied with power and / or data via cable 100.Channel 110 is purely optional and can therefore be omitted or not present in other embodiments of the invention. The electrical conductors 102a, 102b, 102c preferably extend along the cable 100 in a twisted configuration to reduce electromagnetic interference and improve signal quality. The two cable end contours are formed according to the contour of the cable 100 at the two locations 108, 109. Therefore, the cable end contour of the first cable end 114 and the cable end contour of the second cable end 115 each have a circular base contour. The cable end contours differ from the circular base shape by a coding geometry 105, which is formed as a groove. Instead of a groove, a bead or another geometry would also be conceivable. The coding geometry 105 is free of axial symmetry.The cable end contours are each designed without axial symmetry and without rotational symmetry, making them clearly distinguishable from one another.

[0074] The cable end contours differ from each other, although they are formed according to the contour of cable 100, because cable ends 114 and 115 face away from each other along the length of cable 100. Therefore, the first cable end 114 with the first cable end contour is clearly distinguishable from the second cable end 115 with the second cable end contour.

[0075] Alternatively or additionally, a marking 310 shown in Fig. 2 can also be provided for differentiation.

[0076] The relative position of the first cable end contour to the conductors 102a, 102b, 102c creates a coding that allows specific electrical contact with a contacting device having a counter contour corresponding to the first cable end contour. Contacting the second cable end 115 with the same contacting device is prevented because the second cable end contour of the second cable end 115 differs from the first cable end contour of the first cable end 114. Thus, the counter contour of the contacting device does not correspond to the second cable end contour. In other words, this prevents the incorrect cable end from being electrically connected, which could otherwise lead to faulty contacts between the contact elements of the contacting device and the conductors of the cable. Therefore, the invention contributes to functional reliability.

[0077] The cable end 114 formed at the first position 108 has a cable end contour free of axial symmetry, particularly with respect to the illustrated axis 112, which runs through the center point 113. Due to the lack of axial symmetry, this cable end 114, and in particular the first cable end contour, is clearly distinguishable from the second cable end 115, and in particular the second cable end contour, of the same cable 100.

[0078] Figure 3 shows a view of two axially symmetrical cable ends 116, 117 of another cable. More precisely, it shows axially symmetrical cable end contours of the cable ends 116, 117 depicted here. Cable end 116 of the cable shown here has a cable end contour that is axially symmetrical with respect to axis 112, in particular with respect to the depicted axis 112, which passes through the center point 113 of the depicted cable end surface. The other cable end 117 is also designed in this way. The two cable ends 116, 117 face away from each other along the length of the cable. With such a cable end contour, accidental misconnections could occur, since the other cable end 117 also has a cable end contour like the first cable end of the cable. In other words, the two cable ends 116, 117 would be indistinguishable from each other due to their axially symmetrical cable end contours.Furthermore, since the individual conductors 102a, 102b, 102c would have different relative positions to the respective cable end contour, mirrored accordingly on the axis 112, incorrect contacts could occur, as both cable ends 116, 117 could interact with the same counter contour of a contacting device.

[0079] Figure 4 shows a schematic representation of an embodiment of a contacting device 200 according to the invention. The contacting device has an insertion opening 208 and contact means 202. The contact means are designed to electrically contact the conductors of the cable by being inserted, in particular by piercing, into the cable and the conductors. The insertion opening 208 has a counter contour 207 that is aligned with the first cable end contour of the first cable end of the cable from Figures 1 and 2 such that specific electrical contacting of the individual conductors of the cable is possible using only one specific contact means 202 each. The cable end contour can interact with the counter contour 207 to guide the cable.The counter contour 207 can also be designed such that the insertion of a second cable end into the contacting device 200, and thus contact between the conductors, is prevented if the second cable end has a cable end contour that does not match the counter contour. The counter contour 207 is designed without axial symmetry and without rotational symmetry, corresponding to the first cable end contour.

[0080] Figure 5 shows a schematic representation of an embodiment of a connection system 300 according to the invention. The connection system 300 comprises the cable 100 from Figures 1 and 2 with cable ends 114 and 115 formed at both locations. The connection system 200 has a first contacting device 200 and a second contacting device 201. The first contacting device 200 corresponds to the contacting device 200 from Figure 4, wherein the cable 100 with its first cable end 114 and the associated first cable end contour is inserted into the insertion opening 208 of the first contacting device, since the first cable end contour of the first cable end 114 corresponds to the counter contour of the insertion opening 208 of the first contacting device.The contact means 202 are designed as insertion means 203 and are inserted into the first cable end 114, where they electrically contact the conductors according to the coding formed on the first cable end 114. Furthermore, the first contacting device has a locking mechanism 204 designed as a seal 205, which holds the cable 100 to the first contacting device 200 in such a way that strain relief is provided for the cable 100. The seal 205 is designed as a sealing lip that is pre-tensioned against the sheath of the cable 100 and comprises an elastomer. The seal 205 prevents moisture or dust from the environment of the first contacting device 200 from reaching the contact points where the contact means 202 electrically contact the conductors. The contact means 202 of the two contacting devices 200, 201 each lead electrically to a connector assembly 206.Instead of the plug arrangement 206, a socket arrangement could also be provided. The second contacting device 201 is electrically contacted with the second cable end 115 by the contact means 202, which are also designed as insertion means, being inserted into the sheath 104 and the conductors of the cable 100 at the second cable end 115. The counter contour of the second contacting device 201 is aligned with the second cable end contour of the second cable end 115, such that the contact means 202 of the second contacting device 201 electrically contact the conductors according to the coding formed at the second cable end. The contact means 202 also lead electrically to a plug arrangement 206 of the second contacting device 201. Instead of a plug arrangement, the contact means 202 can also lead electrically to a socket arrangement.The first and / or second contacting device 201, 202 can also be designed as an electrical component or electrical assembly. The second cable end contour of the second cable end 115 corresponds to a mirror image of the first cable end contour of the first cable end 114 on a plane 111. Here, the cable 100 extends in a straight line, and the plane 111 extends perpendicular to the extension of the cable 100. Since the cable end contour of the first cable end 114 is free of axial symmetry and rotational symmetry, the cable end contour of the second cable end 115 is also free of axial symmetry and rotational symmetry. Furthermore, the cable ends 114, 115, in particular their cable end contours, are distinguishable from one another due to their different, mirrored, and axially symmetry-free cable end contours, and the respective cable end can be identified. The cable end contours differ from each other because cable ends 114 and 115 face away from each other.The coding geometry 105, which is formed as a groove, extends continuously, i.e., uninterrupted, from the first to the second cable end 114, 115, with the relative position to the twisted conductors of the cable 100 being the same over the entire length of the cable 100. This results in a helical extension of the groove in the sheath 104 of the cable 100 in the direction of extension 103 of the cable 100. The shape of the groove has the advantage that the cable ends 114, 115 can be formed at any desired location instead of at the points 108, 109 shown here. Despite the dashed line representing the groove, it is a continuous formation.

[0081] Figure 6 shows a flowchart of an embodiment of the inventive method for manufacturing the connection system from Figure 5. The method 400 comprises a first process step 401, which includes initializing the method 400. This is followed by the second process step 402, which includes providing the cable from Figures 1 and 2, the first contacting device 200 from Figures 4 and 5, and the second contacting device 201 from Figure 5. Next, a third process step 403 is performed, which includes shortening the cable to a target length by forming a first cable end at the first point on the cable and a second cable end at the second point on the cable. As a fourth process step 404, the conductors at the first cable end are then contacted by means of the first contacting device, and the conductors at the second cable end are contacted by means of the second contacting device.This is followed by a fifth and final process step 405, which includes the termination of process 400. List of reference symbols.

[0082] Cable

[0083] Cable drum a conductor b conductor c conductor

[0084] Length direction of mantle

[0085] Coding geometry

[0086] Contact surface

[0087] Cut surface

[0088] position

[0089] position

[0090] Channel, fluid channel

[0091] level

[0092] axis

[0093] center

[0094] cable end

[0095] cable end

[0096] cable end

[0097] cable end

[0098] Contact device

[0099] Contacting device, contact medium, piercing medium

[0100] Locking mechanism seal

[0101] Plug arrangement counter contour insertion opening

[0102] Connection system procedure first process step second process step third process step fourth process step fifth process step

Claims

Claims 1. Cable (100), in particular power and / or data cable, comprising at least two electrical conductors (102a, 102b, 102c), preferably stranded conductors, extending along the direction (103) of the cable (100), and an electrically insulating sheath (104) surrounding the conductors (102a, 102b, 102c), wherein the cable (100) has two locations (108, 109) spaced apart from each other, in particular in the direction (103) of the cable (100), wherein the cable (100) has a substantially identical contour at the two locations (108, 109), transverse to the direction (103) of the cable (100), wherein the contour at its respective location (108, 109), transverse to the direction (103) of the cable (100), has the same relative position to the conductors (102a, 102b, 102c) has, wherein at the first of the two locations (108) a first end-face cable end (114) with a first cable end contour corresponding to the contour at the first location (108) can be formed,wherein at the second of the two locations (109) a second end-face cable end (115) with a second cable end contour corresponding to the contour at the second location can be formed, wherein the second cable end (115) faces away from the first cable end (114), characterized in that the cable (100) and in particular the contour is formed such that the first cable end contour is distinguishable from the second cable end contour, in particular because the cable ends (114, 115) face away from each other and / or because at least one marking (310) is provided on the cable (100).

2. Cable (100) according to claim 1, characterized in that the contour is designed in such a way that the first cable end contour differs from the second cable end contour, in that the contour is free of axial symmetry and / or rotational symmetry and / or asymmetric.

3. Cable (100) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the second cable end contour corresponds to a mirror image of the first cable end contour on a plane (111) between the two cable ends (114, 115).

4. Cable (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first cable end contour corresponds to the contour in a cross-section, transverse to the extension direction (103) of the cable (100), at one of the two locations (108, 109) viewed from a first side, in particular front, while the second cable end contour corresponds to the contour in the same cross-section viewed from a second side, in particular back, which is opposite to the first side.

5. Cable (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the contour and / or the first cable end contour is designed to interact with a counter contour corresponding to the first cable end contour in such a way that a specific coding and / or guidance for electrical contacting of the first cable end (114) with a contacting device (200) having the counter contour is provided and preferably electrical contacting, in particular according to the specific coding, of the second cable end (115) with the contacting device (200) is excluded and / or prevented.

6. Cable (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the cable (100), in particular the two cable ends (114, 115), is anisotropic, preferably with respect to an interaction, in particular with respect to a contacting according to a specific coding, with a counter contour of a contacting device (200).

7. Cable (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the contour extends continuously and / or uninterruptedly between the two locations (108, 109) or along the entire length of the cable (100), and that the contour preferably has the same relative position to the conductors (102a, 102b, 102c) along its extent in order to provide a specific coding, in particular along the extent of the contour.

8. Cable (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the contour comprises a coding geometry on the sheath of the cable (100), in particular in the form of a groove or bead, and / or within the sheath (104), in particular in the form of a channel (110) or cavity or a recess, that the coding geometry preferably forms a deviation of the geometry of the contour from a, in particular circular or circular, basic contour of the cable (100), that the coding geometry preferably extends helically and / or continuously along the extent of the cable (100), that the coding geometry is preferably free of axial symmetry and / or rotational symmetry.

9. Cable (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the contour comprises a coding geometry, in particular a channel (110) or cavity or a recess, within the sheath (104).

10. Cable (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the cable (100) comprises a fluid channel (110) and that the coding geometry within the sheath (104) is preferably formed by means of the cross-section of the fluid channel (110).

11. Cable (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first cable end (114) is formed at the first location (108), that the second cable end (115) is preferably formed at the second location (109), that preferably the first and / or second cable end (114, 115) extends perpendicular to the direction of extension (103) of the cable (100), and that the first and / or second cable end (114, 115) is preferably formed as a cut surface.

12. Contacting device (200, 201) for electrically contacting a cable (100) according to one of the preceding claims at the first or second cable end (114, 115), wherein the contacting device (200, 201) comprises contact means (202), in particular insertion means (203), to electrically contact the electrical conductors (102a, 102b, 102c) by inserting the contact means (202) into the cable (100), in particular into the sheath (104) and / or the corresponding cable end (114, 115), wherein the contact means (202) preferably lead electrically to a plug arrangement (206) or a socket arrangement.

13. Connection system comprising a cable (100) according to claim 11 and one of claims 1 to 10 and a contacting device according to claim 12, wherein the contacting device (200) is configured to contact the cable (100) at the first cable end (114), wherein the contacting device (200) electrically contacts the cable (100) at the first cable end (114), and preferably a further contacting device (201) according to claim 13, which is configured to contact the cable (100) at the second cable end (115), wherein the further contacting device (201) contacts the cable (100) at the second cable end (115).

14. Connection system according to claim 13, characterized in that the cable end contours are each designed to form a coding on the cable, wherein the coding is a geometric coding in which, due to the specific shape of the contour, an assignment of the conductors (102a, 102b, 102c) to their function is possible, preferably by at least one coding feature of the cable (100).

5. Connection system comprising a cable and a contacting device, wherein the cable (100) is configured as a power and data cable for power supply and data communication, preferably as an Ethernet cable, comprising at least two electrically twisted conductors, preferably stranded conductors, extending along the direction (103) of the cable (100), wherein the cable (100) comprises an electrically insulating sheath (104) surrounding the conductors (102a, 102b, 102c), wherein the cable (100) has two locations (108, 109) spaced apart from each other, in particular in the direction (103) of the cable (100), wherein the cable (100) has a substantially identical contour at the two locations, transverse to the direction of the cable (100), wherein the contour at its respective location (108, 109), transverse to the direction (103) of the cable (100) Cables (100) have the same relative position to the conductors (102a, 102b, 102c),wherein at the first of the two locations (108, 109) a first end-face cable end with a first cable end contour corresponding to the contour at the first location (108) is formed, wherein at the second of the two locations (109) a second end-face cable end with a second cable end contour corresponding to the contour at the second location (109) is formed, wherein the second cable end faces away from the first cable end, wherein the first cable end contour differs from the second cable end contour, in particular because the cable ends face away from each other, wherein the contour and thus also the cable end contours are formed without axial symmetry and / or rotational symmetry, wherein the contour and / or the first cable end contour is designed to interact with a counter contour corresponding to the first cable end contour,that a specific coding for electrically contacting the first cable end with a contacting device (200) having the opposite contour is provided and electrical contacting of the second cable end (115) with the contacting device (200) is excluded and / or prevented according to the specific coding, wherein the contour extends continuously and / or uninterruptedly between the two locations (108, 109) or the entire length of the cable (100), wherein the contour has the same relative position to the conductors (102a, 102b, 102c) along its extent, in order to provide the specific coding, in particular along the extent of the contour, wherein the contour comprises a coding geometry on the sheath (104) of the cable (100), in particular in the form of a groove or bead, and / or within the sheath (104), in particular in the form of a channel or cavity or a recess, wherein the coding geometry forms a deviation of the geometry of the contour from a basic contour of the cable (100), in particular circular or circular, wherein the coding geometry preferably extends helically and continuously along the extent of the cable (100), wherein the coding geometry (105) is designed to be free of axial symmetry and / or rotational symmetry, wherein the contacting device (200) is configured to connect the cable (100) at the first cable end (114) to contactwherein the contacting device (200) electrically contacts the cable (100), in particular the conductors (102a, 102b, 102c), at the first cable end (114) by inserting contact means (202) of the contacting device (200), in particular insertion means (203), into the electrical conductors (102a, 102b, 102c) of the cable (100), in particular into the sheath (104) and / or the first cable end (114), wherein the contact means (202) preferably lead electrically to a plug arrangement (206) or a socket arrangement.

6. Method (400) for manufacturing a connection system (300), in particular according to one of claims 13 to 15, comprising: - Providing a cable (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 11, - Providing a first contacting device (200) according to claim 12, - In particular, providing a second contacting device (201) according to claim 12, - Shortening the cable (100) to a desired length by forming a, in particular first, cable end (114) at the first position (108) of the cable (100) and preferably by forming a second cable end (115) at the second position (109) of the cable (100), - Contacting the cable (100), in particular the conductors (102a, 102b, 102c), especially at the first cable end (114), by means of the first contacting device (200), - In particular, contacting the cable (100), especially the conductors (102a, 102b, 102c), preferably at the second cable end (115), by means of the second contacting device (201).

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