Plug connector, contact carrier for a plug connector, and retaining plate for a plug connector

Abstract

The invention relates to a plug connector (1) which is designed for being plugged together with a mating plug connector (2) in a plug-in direction (z), the plug connector (1) comprising: - a plurality of contact chambers (53) which is designed to be populated with contact elements (50) in an insertion direction (E); - a plurality of contact channels (54); - at least one Ethernet contact chamber (40) which differs from the contact chambers (53) and is designed to be populated with an Ethernet contact element (5), wherein: each contact channel (54) has an end face (55) which faces the external surroundings (28) of the plug connector (1); the plug connector (1) has a plurality of population regions (90a, 90b, 90c, 90d), in each of which at least one contact channel (54) is arranged; the end faces (55) of the contact channels (54) of each population region (90a, 90b, 90c, 90d) lie substantially at a defined height (H1, H2, H3, H4) when viewed in the insertion direction (E); and the defined heights (H1, H2, H3, H4) of at least two population regions (90a, 90b, 90c, 90d) differ from one another. The invention also relates to a contact carrier for a plug connector and to a retaining plate for a plug connector.

Description

[0001] Description

[0002] title

[0003] Connector, contact carrier for a connector and mounting plate for a connector

[0004] Field of invention

[0005] The invention relates to a connector. It also relates to a contact carrier for a connector and a retaining plate for a connector.

[0006] State of the art

[0007] Recently, the demands on data transmission rates have increased, particularly in the automotive sector. To enable high-performance applications such as driver assistance systems, multimedia applications, or autonomous driving, data within the vehicle can be transmitted and received, for example, via high-frequency data transmission modules or Ethernet modules (hereinafter referred to simply as "Ethernet modules" for ease of reading). It is common practice to mount Ethernet modules or network modules on control units as separate components. A corresponding number of high-frequency data transmission contact elements or Ethernet contact elements (hereinafter referred to simply as "Ethernet contact elements" for ease of reading) can then be plugged into these Ethernet modules, or a corresponding number of Ethernet contact elements can be connected to the Ethernet modules. Such Ethernet modules can, for example...An Ethernet contact element comprises two high-frequency data transmission contacts or Ethernet contacts, and is connected to a high-frequency data transmission cable or Ethernet cable with two twisted conductors. The Ethernet contact element may have a shield or shielding plate on its outer surface, which may partially enclose the Ethernet cable and may have sharp edges. Such an Ethernet contact element can have larger dimensions (in width or footprint and length) than conventional signal contacts or power contacts, which are hereinafter simply referred to as contact elements, in contrast to an Ethernet contact element.

[0008] For the sake of readability, the short term "Ethernet" will be used synonymously with high-frequency data transmission below. It is understood that the elements associated with the term "Ethernet" (e.g., Ethernet contact element, Ethernet contact channel, etc.) can implicitly also be used for elements where high-frequency data transmission is intended or where high data rates can be transmitted (e.g., high-frequency data transmission contact element, high-frequency data transmission contact channel, etc.), even if the transmission protocol used differs from the Ethernet protocol.

[0009] In the automotive sector, it is known to seal plug connections as needed to prevent fluid media (e.g., moisture, gases, liquids) and dirt, etc., from penetrating the interior of the plug or connector.

[0010] To seal the Ethernet modules, it is advisable to apply an additional seal to the Ethernet cable or the Ethernet module's cable conduit, for example, a single-wire or single-cable seal. This seal is fitted around the cable like a sleeve or is pushed onto the cable and forms a sealing gap on its outer surface with the connector or connector components, such as parts of a housing. This prevents the seal from being pushed through a mat seal or gel seal, which is advantageous due to the size of the Ethernet contact element and also because of any sharp edges on the Ethernet contact element's shielding plates.

[0011] An Ethernet contact element, especially if it is equipped with a single-cable seal, may have a greater longitudinal extent or height parallel to the insertion direction or mounting direction or assembly direction than the contact elements.

[0012] This is known, for example, from DE 10 2024 202 796 A1 or from DE 10 2024 202 797 A1.

[0013] Disclosure of the Invention: The invention is based on the understanding that providing additional Ethernet modules to the usual connectors for the (normal) contact elements is disadvantageous, resulting in increased space requirements and additional assembly steps when connecting the contact partners: on the one hand, a connector with a large number of contact elements, e.g., with more than ten or even more than 20 contact elements, must be connected to a mating connector or a terminal block, e.g., of a control unit; in addition, in a separate step, one or more Ethernet contact elements must be connected to the Ethernet module, which then has to be connected to a mating Ethernet connector. This can lead to major assembly problems in confined spaces and is cumbersome and time-consuming.

[0014] The invention further proceeds from the understanding that the assembly of a connector with contact elements, or with at least one Ethernet contact element, should be as simple as possible, and possibly even automated by a machine. Such assembly processes can, for example, provide that a gripper grasps a contact element in a first step and inserts it into an upper section of a contact channel of the connector (e.g., along an assembly direction, insertion direction, or component placement direction, which may, for example, run parallel to a mating direction of the connector (but does not have to)) – this can cause an initial pause. In a second step, the gripper can, for example, release the contact element and re-engage it by grasping a cable attached to the contact element above the rear or upper end of the contact element. In a third step, for example,The contact element gripped on the cable is mounted, e.g., along the assembly or insertion direction, into the corresponding contact chamber, e.g., inserted, plugged in, or pushed in. Preferably, no further gripping of the gripper is required. In the case of unsealed connectors or connectors with individual cable seals on the contact elements, the contact channel can, for example, be directly connected to the contact chamber. In the case of sealed connectors or connectors that have, for example, a mat seal or a gel seal and a retaining plate, the initial engagement (e.g., in the first step) can, for example, take place in a section of the contact channel provided in the retaining plate.

[0015] The invention further proceeds from the understanding that the connector should be manufactured with as little material as possible and that the assembly paths required for inserting, plugging in, or mounting the contact elements or the at least one Ethernet contact element into the connector (e.g., through a contact channel to a respective associated contact chamber) should be as short as possible. For example, a gripper should mount the contact element into the contact chamber by gripping the cable for only the shortest possible distance.

[0016] The invention further assumes that, depending on customer requirements, the largest possible number of contact elements should be placed on the smallest possible area, since, for example, in the automotive sector, space for connectors is very limited, material consumption for the connector should be as low as possible for cost and sustainability reasons (e.g., due to CO2 targets), and the weight of the connector should also be as low as possible.

[0017] Finally, the invention is based on the realization that, due to the different heights or longitudinal extensions of (a) contact elements on the one hand and (b) the at least one Ethernet contact element on the other, automated assembly is made difficult or impossible, since different lengths of the contact channels or contact chambers occur compared to Ethernet contact channels or Ethernet contact chambers, and a gripper may collide laterally with the longer and thus potentially further protruding Ethernet contact channel of the Ethernet contact element.

[0018] Therefore, there may be a need to provide a connector equipped with a plurality of contact elements and at least one Ethernet contact element (e.g., for the secure and reliable transmission of high-frequency signals with a frequency of at least 100 MHz or at least 500 MHz or at least 1 GHz, etc.).for transmission with transmission rates of at least 100 Mbit / s, preferably at least 200 Mbit / s and particularly preferably for transmission of at least 500 Mbit / s), wherein it should be manufactured with as little material as possible, wherein it should also have the shortest possible assembly paths for the contact elements in the connector, wherein a dense arrangement of contact elements and the at least one Ethernet contact element should be achievable, and wherein, above all, a safe, fast and reliable automated assembly of all contact elements and all Ethernet contact elements should be enabled.

[0019] Advantages of the invention: This need can be met by the subject matter of the present invention according to the independent claims. Advantageous embodiments of the present invention are described in the dependent claims.

[0020] According to a first aspect of the invention, a connector designed for mating with a mating connector along a mating direction is proposed.

[0021] The connector has a plurality of contact chambers configured for the insertion of contact elements along a direction of insertion, and a plurality of contact channels. The connector further has at least one Ethernet contact chamber, distinct from the other contact chambers, configured for the insertion of an Ethernet contact element. Each contact channel has an end face facing an external environment of the connector, the connector having a plurality of insertion areas, each containing at least one contact channel, the end faces of the contact channels of each insertion area being substantially at a defined height when viewed along the insertion direction, the defined heights of at least two insertion areas being different from each other.

[0022] In other words, the surface of the connector relevant for the placement of the contact elements is not a flat surface, especially one that extends perpendicular to the mounting direction, placement direction, or insertion direction, but rather this surface has at least one step (at least one placement area or the end faces of the contact channels of the respective placement area are located at each step height), or this surface is at least partially inclined with respect to the plane that is perpendicular to the mounting direction or insertion direction. In other words, the surface relevant for the placement of the contact elements has areas with different heights, especially when viewed perpendicular to the insertion direction. In yet other words, the placement areas or...The contact channels arranged within them have different defined heights such that, during assembly, especially during automated assembly, there is no collision with the adjacent assembly area or the area around the Ethernet contact element, and / or that sufficient (collision-free) operating space is available for a placement tool during assembly. This surprisingly makes assembly, especially automated assembly, particularly simple and reliable. Furthermore, it also surprisingly solves other problems.

[0023] The proposed solution advantageously allows the connector to simultaneously have at least one Ethernet contact element and a plurality of contact elements. Furthermore, the contact elements (particularly laterally or perpendicular to the insertion direction) can be arranged close to the at least one Ethernet contact element (thus reducing the space requirement and / or increasing the packing density). Despite this, simple manual or automated assembly with a placement tool (e.g., a gripper) is still possible without the placement tool (or a hand or finger during manual assembly) colliding with parts of the Ethernet contact element or with any element of the connector necessary for housing the Ethernet contact element (e.g., a protruding Ethernet contact channel, etc.). This is because the space requirement or operating space requirement of a gripper can, for example, be significantly reduced.The gripper should be shaped like an inverted truncated cone or cone. The deeper a gripper descends below a defined height level, the more lateral space it requires at that level. Such a collision would at least make automated assembly impossible or significantly more difficult, requiring either multiple repositioning of the gripper or a slow, precise search for the open end or mounting opening of the contact channel near the Ethernet contact element. Furthermore, considerable material and weight can be saved, as it eliminates the need to extend the mounting side of the connector to the height of the tallest element (e.g., the Ethernet contact element), thus avoiding the unnecessary length of the contact channels for all contact elements. This also reduces the assembly path for many of the contact elements (the assembly path could be, for example, [a certain length of]).The distance the contact element travels in the contact channel until it is correctly positioned in the contact chamber must be understood. By using at least two assembly areas with different heights, it is possible to ensure that only a few contact channels need to be longer than would be necessary if no Ethernet contact element were used. This saves material and reduces assembly distances.

[0024] For example, it may be provided that the assembly area (or the end faces of the contact channels arranged within it) that is located (especially laterally) adjacent to the at least one Ethernet contact element has a greater defined height than an assembly area (or the end faces of the contact channels arranged within it) that is further away from the at least one Ethernet contact element. In other words, it may be provided – merely as an example – that the assembly areas decrease in their defined height in stages. In this way, the (lateral) (operational) space requirement of a gripper can be optimized in view of the height differences of different contact element types (Ethernet contact element vs. Ethernet contact element).The other contact elements) with a high packing density for the contact elements are reconciled by a (fine) staggering of the defined heights of the placement areas facing the gripper. This advantageously avoids a collision of the placement tool or a restriction of the lateral operational capability of the placement tool (e.g., the gripper) with parts of the connector.

[0025] The contact elements can be inserted into the contact chambers, for example, through the contact channels. In other words, when viewed along the mounting direction or insertion direction of a contact element into its respective contact chamber, the contact channel is located upstream of the contact chamber.

[0026] The contact channel can, for example, be formed in a single section (e.g., from the contact chamber to the end face). In other embodiments, the contact channel can, for example, have several sections arranged one after the other from the contact chamber to the end face facing the external environment. When the contact element is inserted or mounted, it is first pushed into the contact channel from the external environment, in particular through a mounting opening, in the area of ​​its end face (the end face can, for example, form the edge of the mounting opening) and then guided into the contact chamber, possibly traversing different sections of the contact channel along the mounting or insertion direction. The different sections of the contact channel can be arranged or formed in different elements of the connector.

[0027] The at least one Ethernet contact element is, in particular, a contact element distinct from the other contact elements. It may, for example, have a greater length or longitudinal extent than some or all of the other contact elements. The Ethernet contact element is preferably connected to two (Ethernet) lines, which may, for example, be part of an Ethernet cable of the Ethernet contact element. It may have two internal chambers, for example, for inserting Ethernet mating contacts of an Ethernet mating contact element. It may, for example, be provided that the two (Ethernet) lines are twisted together. It may, for example, be provided that a contact element (distinct from the Ethernet contact element) is simply attached to a cable or line.

[0028] The assembly areas for the contact elements can be designed, for example, in a plane perpendicular to the insertion direction, the assembly direction, or the assembly direction. An assembly area can be understood, for example, as a kind of surface or as the boundary of a surface. This surface can be located, for example, on an upper side of the connector, approximately at the level of the end faces of the plug channels arranged within the assembly area. It can be provided, for example, that the assembly of the contact channels and contact chambers of the associated assembly area takes place via an assembly space volume located above the assembly area. This space can, for example, extend from the assembly area parallel to the insertion direction towards the outside environment. In other words, an assembly area can be, for example, an area in which...Within this area, the contact elements are inserted from the external environment into the contact channels and then into the contact chambers. In other words, within the placement area, or in the area or volume above the placement area, insertion tools, assembly tools, or placement tools (e.g., hands, fingers, mechanical grippers, etc.) move during the placement process.

[0029] If the end face of a contact channel is not at the same height everywhere, e.g., with respect to the mounting direction or the insertion direction (e.g., because a wall or wall section of the associated pluggable channel has a different height than the rest of the wall or wall sections of the pluggable channel), then, for example, the highest section of the end face or the average height of the end face can be used to determine its height. Thus, the statement that the end faces of the contact channels of each assembly area, viewed along the insertion direction, are essentially at a defined height can mean that, for example, the highest sections of the end faces of the contact channels of each assembly area, or the average height of the end faces of the contact channels of each assembly area, viewed along the insertion direction, are essentially at a defined height. For example,It is intended that two contact channels are designed as a kind of contact channel pair and that the wall separating the two contact channels has an end face section that is, for example, lower than the other end face sections (in the case of rectangular contact channels: for example, lower than the other three walls of the respective contact channel, e.g., between 0.3 mm and 1 mm lower). In such a case, for example, the average end face height or the height of the highest section of the end face can be used as the defined height.

[0030] For example, it may be provided that each contact chamber can be equipped with one contact element.

[0031] In its final assembled position, the contact element is positioned within the contact chamber. It can be locked in the contact chamber, for example, by primary locking (e.g., by a locking lug on the contact element that engages an undercut in the contact chamber and / or by a locking lug provided in the contact chamber that engages an undercut of the contact element). Alternatively or additionally, the contact element can be locked in the contact chamber (e.g., by a secondary locking slide). Once mounted or inserted in the contact chamber, the contact element can reliably and securely contact a mating contact element (or, in the case of optical contact elements, establish a communication link with an optical mating contact element).

[0032] It may be provided, for example, that exactly one cable or line (or optical fiber) is attached to a contact element. It may also be provided, for example, that the contact elements differ from the Ethernet contact element(s) in that exactly one line or cable is attached to the contact elements (or that the contact elements are each attached to exactly one line or cable) and that the Ethernet contact element(s) is / are each attached to two or at least two (Ethernet) lines, or that two or at least two (Ethernet) lines are attached to the Ethernet contact element(s), or that the Ethernet contact element has at least two (Ethernet) lines.

[0033] For example, it may be provided that an Ethernet contact element is attached to at least two twisted (Ethernet) cables.

[0034] For example, it may be provided that each contact chamber is assigned one or exactly one contact channel, whereby the contact channel may have exactly one or more sections that follow one another, for example, along the assembly or insertion direction. It may also be provided, for example, that a contact channel connects to the assigned contact chamber.

[0035] For example, it may be intended that the end face of the contact channel faces the contact element when the contact element is inserted into the connector or contact chamber, and / or that the end face of the contact channel faces away from the contact chamber. If several contact channel sections are provided, the end face relevant for the defined height of the insertion area may be, for example, the end face that is reached first during insertion.

[0036] It is understood that within a component placement area, preferably all end faces of the contact channels present in the component placement area, viewed along the insertion direction, lie essentially at the same defined height.

[0037] It may be intended, for example, that the contact elements—which differ from the Ethernet contact element(s)—are designed differently from one another, e.g., with regard to their function, size, length, width, etc. For instance, one group of contact elements may be designed as signal contact elements, through which no high power and / or voltages need to be transmitted. Another group of contact elements may, for example, be designed as power contact elements, intended, for example, for supplying power to a control unit or other component. Other types of contact elements, different from an Ethernet contact element, may also be provided.

[0038] For example, the automated assembly of the contact elements into their respective contact chambers can proceed as described above. A gripper, as an example of a placement device, grasps the contact element, for example, at its upper or rear end (the front or lower end is inserted into the contact channel first). The gripper can then align the contact element (e.g., rotate it around its longitudinal axis, correctly adjust the tilt relative to the assembly direction, etc.). The gripper can, for example, access the assigned contact channel in the designated placement area. The gripper can, for example, insert the contact element (e.g., through a placement opening) into the contact channel. This initial insertion can, for example, extend to a depth below the end face of the contact channel. For example, the initial insertion can...Initial insertion occurs to a depth of 0.5 mm to 2 mm. The gripper then releases from the contact element and moves upwards (particularly against the insertion direction, e.g., away from the component placement area) and repositions its grip, e.g., by grasping the cable or wire. The gripper then pushes the contact element along the cable or wire into the contact chamber.

[0039] It is understood that the gripper has a lateral extension (in the plane perpendicular to the insertion or assembly direction) and / or requires space in the plane perpendicular to the insertion direction for the assembly processes (e.g., opening the gripper, rotating the gripper, positioning the gripper, etc.). Collisions with connector components should be avoided as far as possible within this operating space.

[0040] It may be provided, for example, that at least one Ethernet contact element is not located in any of the assembly areas (the (“, normal“ contact elements)) or that, for example, none of several Ethernet contact elements is located in the assembly areas (also no Ethernet contact channel).

[0041] The term "encompass" is used synonymously with the term "exhibit" in the context of this application, unless otherwise stated.

[0042] In a further development project, it is stipulated that the connector has two, specifically exactly two, assembly areas. This advantageously enables particularly simple and efficient manufacturing of the connector. Sufficient height gradation on the assembly side of the connector is ensured to allow for dense packing and automated assembly. Furthermore, this facilitates automated assembly, as a placement tool or automated placement system only needs to consider two different heights. This simplifies, for example, the learning process for a placement pattern or, in the case of an automated target height search, e.g., with a camera system or similar, makes finding the correct target height (e.g., for the first stack) easy and reliable. The placement process can thus be carried out particularly quickly, saving valuable time.

[0043] The two assembly areas can be separated from each other, for example, by a step along the assembly direction or mounting direction or insertion direction in the surface of the connector, whereby the surface in question is the one through which the assembly takes place or through which the cables or wires of the contact elements are usually led out of the connector into the external environment.

[0044] Alternatively, the connector is provided with more than two assembly areas. This advantageously allows for a finer gradation or staggering of the defined heights. This also allows for a close (lateral) arrangement of the contact elements relative to each other and to the at least one Ethernet contact element, even with large differences in height or length between them, without impairing automated assembly, without requiring high material consumption for the connector, and without necessitating a long assembly path for all or a large number of contact elements.

[0045] It may be provided, for example, that adjacent, especially immediately adjacent, assembly areas have different defined heights.

[0046] For example, the surface of the connector, through which the components are inserted, may have a stepped structure with multiple steps, each step having a defined height. Alternatively or additionally, it may be provided that the height difference is overcome across at least two, preferably more than two, insertion areas in the manner of a ramp. This may also mean that the surface is flat and has a surface normal that is tilted relative to the mounting or insertion direction. For example, in such a case, the end face of a contact channel or channels in the corresponding insertion areas may be cut at an angle. The defined height of the respective end face can then be determined, for example, based on the average height of the end face or on the highest section of the corresponding end face.

[0047] In a further training course, it is stipulated that the assembly areas are designed to be contiguous. For example, it may be stipulated that all contact channels of an assembly area have at least one direct neighbor whose front face has essentially the same defined height.

[0048] This advantageously simplifies an automated placement process, as a placement machine only needs to target the same height within a continuous area and does not have to adjust the target height from contact channel to contact channel, for example, for the first insertion. The placement process can therefore be faster and more reliable.

[0049] In a further training course, it is stipulated that along a direction perpendicular to the insertion direction or perpendicular to the assembly direction, adjacent assembly areas have a continuously decreasing defined height or a continuously increasing defined height.

[0050] This makes automated assembly easier and safer. A placement system or tool can be more easily calibrated in this case. There are also fewer shadows or reflections at the transitions between different placement areas. In particular, when using an automated placement system for optical surface detection, this reduces the risk of incorrectly determining the target height. Furthermore, the time required to correctly insert the contact element into the contact channel is reduced (less readjustment, e.g., by rotating the contact element, is necessary). Even with manual assembly, the process is simplified when the placement areas have a continuous decrease or increase in height, and the risk of failed placement attempts due to shadows or interfering reflections is reduced.

[0051] In particular, this design is intended to avoid a pattern of, for example, successive rows of contact channels that follow the form "High" (first defined height) - "Low" (second defined height) - "High" - "Low" - "High" - etc.

[0052] However, a pattern of successive assembly areas of the type "first height" - "second height" - "third height" - "fourth height" - "third height" - "second height" - "first height" (where the heights from the first height to the fourth height, for example, initially decrease continuously and then rise again, or vice versa) would not be excluded.

[0053] Alternatively or additionally, it is provided that the defined height of all assembly areas located between the assembly area with the greatest defined height and the assembly area with the least defined height decreases from assembly area to assembly area, particularly when viewed along a straight line from the assembly area with the greatest defined height to the assembly area with the least defined height. This advantageously enables particularly simple and reliable assembly with an automated placement device. The teaching of a placement process for the connector and / or the autonomous navigation via the interface during placement is thereby simplified and made more reliable.

[0054] It may be provided that the assembly area with the greatest defined height is lower (or that its defined height is lower) than an Ethernet end face of an Ethernet contact channel for the assembly of the at least one Ethernet contact element.

[0055] In a further training, it is stipulated that a component placement area, especially when viewed in the direction of an adjacent component placement area with a different defined height, has at least two contact channels or two rows of contact channels.

[0056] This makes automated assembly particularly simple and reliable, and also makes the assembly process particularly easy to teach. The first placement takes place at the same defined height for at least two rows of contact channels. Furthermore, the same reach path is required for at least two consecutive rows (at least for identical contact elements), and subsequently, the same mounting path (sliding along the cable) is required for the final placement into the contact chamber (at least for identical contact elements). This eliminates the need to adjust and optimize these paths for each individual contact element or for each (individual) row. This reduces the time required to teach the assembly pattern and facilitates troubleshooting in case of incorrect placement, etc.Furthermore, this reduces the risk of shadowing at the edges of the assembly areas, making assembly safer. Manual assembly is also simplified, as the installer does not have to adjust their hand or finger movements for each row of contact channels, allowing them to focus their attention on other important parameters (e.g., haptic feedback, etc.).

[0057] In a further development, it is provided that the height difference between the defined heights of the component placement areas, or the maximum height difference between the defined heights of all component placement areas, is in the range of 0.3 mm to 8 mm, preferably in the range of 0.5 mm to 6 mm, and particularly preferably in the range of 0.8 mm to 4.5 mm. This advantageously provides a sufficiently fine gradation to overcome height differences between the at least one Ethernet contact element and the contact elements for automated assembly. At the same time, optical recognition of the different height levels or the different defined heights is not impaired (e.g., there is sufficient contrast).

[0058] For example, it may be provided that a step height between adjacent assembly areas, especially if there are more than two defined heights, is 0.5mm or 0.8mm or 1.0mm or 1.2mm or 1.5mm or 2.0mm.

[0059] If only two defined heights are available, the height difference can be, for example, 2mm, 3mm, 4mm, 5mm, 6mm, 7mm, or 8mm.

[0060] The overall height difference can, for example, advantageously be in the range of 4 mm to 8 mm. With such overall height differences, the invention can advantageously ensure particularly good automatic loading while simultaneously maintaining high packing density, small lateral clearances, and low material consumption.

[0061] In a further training course, it is stipulated that a guidance structure is provided in at least one contact channel of at least one of the assembly areas.

[0062] This advantageously enables a defined and easy insertion of the contact element. Manufacturing tolerances in one or more walls of the plug channel are no longer as critical when the contact element is primarily guided by the guide structure as it moves through the contact channel. Furthermore, the guide structure advantageously reduces the risk of the contact element twisting during repositioning or re-engaging during assembly. The insertion process thus becomes safer, more reliable, and faster.

[0063] For example, it may be provided that the guide structure has a guide structure distance of no more than 1 mm from the end face of the contact channel, particularly when viewed parallel to or along the insertion direction. In other words, when the contact element is inserted into the contact channel, the contact element can couple with the guide structure after a maximum insertion depth of 1 mm.

[0064] The guide structure can be designed, for example, as a defined, e.g., smooth, contact surface that projects radially inward from a wall of the contact channel into the contact channel. The contact element can be guided along this defined contact surface (like a guide rail) into the contact chamber. A positive-locking guide or coupling between the contact element and the guide structure (e.g., a tongue-and-groove system) is not required, but also not excluded.

[0065] Alternatively or additionally, an orientation structure is provided in at least one contact channel of at least one of the assembly areas. This advantageously ensures that the contact element is inserted into the contact channel and then into the contact chamber in the correct orientation (e.g., rotation around the longitudinal axis). This can be relevant, for example, for correct (primary) locking with a (primary) locking lance in the contact chamber. Furthermore, this can advantageously ensure that the correct contact element is inserted into the corresponding contact channel (poka-yoke).

[0066] For example, the orientation structure can be designed to have a maximum distance of 1 mm from the end face of the contact channel, particularly when viewed along or parallel to the insertion direction. This advantageously means that during the placement process, the placement tool (e.g., the gripper) does not need to be moved too far towards the surface of the connector for the initial positioning. As soon as the orientation structure is reached, it can be reliably determined whether the contact element is inserted into the contact channel in the correct orientation. By only slightly moving the placement tool towards the surface for the initial positioning, the risk of collision with adjacent structures of the connector and / or with cables or wires of already installed contact elements is reduced.

[0067] The orientation structure can be formed, for example, as a nose or rib projecting into the contact channel, e.g. in one corner or in several corners of the contact channel.

[0068] For example, orientation structures can be provided in all contact channels of a component placement area.

[0069] The orientation structure can be provided in the contact channel, for example, up to just before reaching the contact chamber. If a sealed connector is used, the orientation structure (and / or the guide structure, if applicable) may be interrupted in the area of ​​the seal (e.g., if a mat seal or gel seal is used) where a section of the contact channel runs. It can be provided, for example, that the orientation structure along the contact channel is always designed such that the orientation of the contact element, once set, is not lost when the contact element is inserted or plugged in through the contact channel. In other words, it can be provided that, until the contact chamber is reached, the contact element is always coupled to the orientation structure along the contact channel as soon as the beginning of the orientation structure has been reached and an initial coupling has occurred.

[0070] In a further development, it is provided that the connector still has a contact carrier, with the contact chambers arranged in the contact carrier, and the end faces (and in particular the component openings) of the contact channels being formed in the contact carrier. In other words: component placement is carried out through the surface of the contact carrier.

[0071] In other words, the stepped surface, or the surface with different heights, is formed in the contact carrier.

[0072] This results in a particularly simple connector design and enables particularly easy manufacturing. Furthermore, the connector can be easily automated and achieve a high packing density.

[0073] At least one Ethernet contact chamber can, for example, be at least partially located in the contact carrier.

[0074] The contact carrier can, for example, have the component placement areas. The surface of the contact carrier can, for example, face the external environment (the placement of a contact element takes place directly into the contact carrier and further into the contact chamber within the contact carrier).

[0075] Furthermore, this advantageously allows the connector to be modularly constructed. For each customer's specific purpose or configuration requirement (e.g., exclusively signal contacts in one case, a mix of signal and power contacts in another, etc.), a different contact carrier can be provided without altering the fundamental design of the connector. For example, the connector can incorporate an operating element or actuator, such as a lever or slider, designed to reduce the insertion force. Such an operating element or actuator can remain the same regardless of the contact carrier used.

[0076] Such a modular design allows for cost savings.

[0077] For example, the contact carrier may be mounted or arranged on or in a base body. The actuating device or actuating element described above may, for example, be arranged or mounted on the base body.

[0078] The contact carrier can, for example, be part of a connector housing or the connector housing itself. An optional base body can alternatively or additionally be part of the connector housing.

[0079] In a further development, the connector is provided with a contact carrier, a mat seal or gel seal for the contact elements, and a retaining plate for holding the mat seal or gel seal on the contact carrier and / or for compressing the mat seal or gel seal between the retaining plate and the contact carrier. The contact chambers are arranged in the contact carrier. The end faces (and in particular the component placement openings) of the contact channels are formed in the retaining plate. In other words, component placement is performed through the surface of the retaining plate.

[0080] This allows for the advantageous and simple provision and manufacturing of a sealed connector. Assembly is also made particularly easy.

[0081] The term "mat seal" can be understood here as either a mat seal or a gel seal. Preferably, a mat seal or a gel seal is understood to be a sealing element that is not designed as a single-wire seal or a single-cable seal. In other words, it does not just seal a single contact element or its conductor within the associated contact channel. The mat seal or gel seal can, for example, preferably seal more than one contact element. It is, for example, arranged above or on an end face of a contact carrier. For the sake of readability, the term "mat seal" is used in the context of this application, whereby the term "gel seal" is also implied.

[0082] At least one Ethernet contact chamber can, for example, be at least partially located in the contact carrier.

[0083] The mounting plate can, for example, have the assembly areas. The surface of the mounting plate can, for example, face the external environment (the assembly of a contact element takes place from the external environment into the mounting plate or into the section of the contact channel in the mounting plate and then through the section of the contact channel in the mat seal and through the section of the contact channel in the contact carrier into the contact chamber in the contact carrier).

[0084] Furthermore, this design advantageously allows for a modular connector construction. For each customer's specific purpose or configuration requirement (e.g., exclusively signal contacts in one case, a mix of signal and power contacts in another, etc.), a different contact carrier can be provided without altering the fundamental design of the connector. Additionally, the thickness and material of the mat seal and the direction of the contact can be selected according to customer specifications. Furthermore, even if individual contact chambers are not used, the corresponding contact channels in the sealing mat can be defined.

[0085] A mat seal or gel seal may not be present. Furthermore, the mounting plate can be manufactured modularly according to customer requirements.

[0086] For example, the connector may have a control element or actuator, such as a lever or slider, designed to reduce the insertion force. Such a control element or actuator may remain the same regardless of the contact carrier, sealing mat or mat seal, and / or retaining plate used.

[0087] Such a modular design allows for cost savings.

[0088] For example, the contact carrier and / or the sealing mat or gel seal and / or the retaining plate may be mounted or arranged on or in a base body. The operating element or actuator described above may, for example, be arranged or mounted on the base body. The contact carrier and / or the sealing mat or mat seal or gel seal and / or the retaining plate may, for example, be part of a connector housing or a housing of the connector. An optional base body may alternatively or additionally be part of the connector housing.

[0089] In a further training, it is stipulated that the connector has at least one Ethernet contact channel, with each Ethernet contact channel having an Ethernet end face that faces the external environment of the connector.

[0090] This advantageously ensures that the Ethernet contact element can be inserted into the Ethernet contact chamber in a well-defined manner, that a well-defined interface of the connector for the Ethernet contact element to the external environment is provided, and that automated assembly is enabled.

[0091] It may be provided, for example, that the Ethernet contact element can be inserted through the Ethernet contact channel into at least one Ethernet contact chamber, particularly along the insertion direction E.

[0092] For example, the connector may be provided with a cap that is mounted, or can be mounted, or is already mounted over the front face of the Ethernet contact channel to prevent, for example, a single cable seal of the Ethernet contact element from slipping out.

[0093] For example, it may be provided that more than one Ethernet contact channel is provided in the area of ​​the Ethernet contact element facing the external environment, with these multiple contact channels being arranged concentrically around each other. For instance, an outer Ethernet contact channel may surround an inner Ethernet contact channel with its Ethernet end face. The two end faces may, for example, have different heights. It may be provided, for example, that the outer Ethernet contact channel is designed to secure the cap. It may be provided, for example, that the inner Ethernet contact channel extends into the Ethernet contact chamber. It may be provided—only by way of example—that the outer Ethernet contact channel is formed in or on a first element of the connector, and the inner Ethernet contact channel in or on a second element of the connector.For example, the outer Ethernet contact channel can be formed in a mounting plate or in a contact carrier. Similarly, the inner Ethernet contact channel can be formed in a base body or in the contact carrier. If nested Ethernet contact channels are used, the Ethernet contact element is inserted through both during the assembly process.

[0094] In a further development, it is provided that at least one contact channel has a (particularly lateral) distance of at most 0.5mm from an outside or outer wall of the Ethernet contact channel, preferably at most 0.25mm and particularly preferably at most 0.2mm.

[0095] In other words, there is only an extremely small (especially lateral) distance between the Ethernet contact element or its Ethernet contact channel and at least one "normal" contact element: the contact channel of this contact element is at most 0.5 mm from the outer wall of the Ethernet contact channel. Therefore, no larger (especially lateral) distance is necessary to, for example, carry out the placement process simply and ideally automatically. The distance can be determined, for example, perpendicular to the insertion direction, or preferably, it can be the distance perpendicular to the insertion direction.

[0096] This results in a particularly high packing density and / or optimal utilization of the available space in the connector. It also allows for material savings.

[0097] It can be provided, for example, that several contact channels are arranged so close (especially laterally) to the outer wall of the Ethernet contact channel, i.e. at most 0.5mm, preferably at most 0.25mm and particularly preferably at most 0.2mm from the outer wall of the Ethernet contact channel.

[0098] If several Ethernet contact channels are provided, e.g. nested around each other, e.g. concentric, then the contact channel can, for example, have the above-mentioned maximum distance relative to a wall of the outermost Ethernet contact channel.

[0099] To determine the distance, for example, the inner wall of the contact channel closest to the outside of the Ethernet contact channel can be used. The distance can be determined, for example, particularly perpendicular to the insertion direction. In a further development, it is provided that the connector has at least one Ethernet component area in which at least one Ethernet contact channel is arranged, wherein the Ethernet end faces of the Ethernet contact channels of each Ethernet component area, viewed along the insertion direction, lie essentially at a defined Ethernet height.

[0100] If the end faces of an Ethernet contact channel are not uniformly high, the defined Ethernet height can be determined, for example, by the highest sections of the Ethernet end faces of the Ethernet contact channels in each Ethernet assembly area, or by the average height of the Ethernet end faces of the Ethernet contact channels in each Ethernet assembly area. If several Ethernet contact channels for an Ethernet contact element are nested or arranged concentrically, the highest Ethernet end face of these nested Ethernet contact channels can be used to determine the defined Ethernet height, or the average height of the Ethernet end faces of the nested Ethernet contact channels.

[0101] In a further training course, it is stipulated that the defined Ethernet height of the Ethernet assembly area differs from the defined height of the adjacent assembly area (the "normal" contact elements).

[0102] This can advantageously reduce material consumption during the manufacture of the connector and / or advantageously reduce the necessary assembly distance for the assembly of the contact elements of the assembly area adjacent to the Ethernet assembly area - compared to a situation in which the end faces of the contact channels (of the "normal" contact elements) are all raised to the defined Ethernet height of the Ethernet end face.

[0103] Alternatively or additionally, it is provided that the defined Ethernet height of the Ethernet assembly area is greater than the height of all assembly areas (the “normal” contact elements).

[0104] This allows for significant material savings and advantageously reduces or optimizes the required assembly path for installing the contact elements. Further development proposes assigning a contact channel to each contact chamber.

[0105] This advantageously makes it particularly easy and reliable to load the contact chambers with contact elements – upon reaching the contact chamber, the contact element is already in the correct orientation and tilt. Furthermore, this protects the contact chambers from the direct ingress of dirt, grime, and fluids.

[0106] For example, the contact channel can be aligned with the associated contact chamber. This advantageously simplifies the assembly process.

[0107] Alternatively or additionally, it is provided that each Ethernet contact chamber is assigned an Ethernet contact channel.

[0108] This advantageously makes it particularly easy and reliable to populate the at least one Ethernet contact chamber with an Ethernet contact element – ​​upon reaching the Ethernet contact chamber, the Ethernet contact element is already in the correct orientation and tilt. Furthermore, this advantageously protects the at least one Ethernet contact chamber from the direct ingress of dirt, grime, and fluids.

[0109] For example, the Ethernet contact channel can be aligned with the associated Ethernet contact chamber. This significantly simplifies assembly.

[0110] According to a second aspect of the invention, a contact carrier for a connector is proposed, comprising a plurality of contact chambers for contact elements and at least one Ethernet contact chamber distinct from the other contact chambers for an Ethernet contact element. The contact carrier can, for example, serve as part of the connector or be arranged or mounted on or in the connector.

[0111] The contact carrier has a plurality of contact channels, in particular through which the contact elements can be inserted into the contact chambers, wherein each contact channel has an end face that faces an external environment, wherein the contact carrier has a plurality of assembly areas, in particular in a plane perpendicular to the insertion direction, in each of which at least one contact channel is arranged, wherein the end faces of the contact channels of each assembly area, in particular the highest sections of the end faces of the contact channels of each assembly area or the mean height of the end faces of the contact channels of each assembly area, viewed along the insertion direction, are essentially at a defined height, wherein the defined heights of at least two assembly areas differ from each other.

[0112] This advantageously provides a contact carrier that enables automated or manual assembly of the connector in a simple and safe manner and consumes little material.

[0113] The contact carrier can be designed, for example, for a sealed and / or a non-sealed connector.

[0114] The contact carrier can, for example, include the contact chambers of the connector. The Ethernet contact chamber can, for example, be at least partially located within the contact carrier.

[0115] According to a third aspect of the invention, a retaining plate for a connector is proposed, comprising a plurality of contact chambers for contact elements and at least one Ethernet contact chamber distinct from the other contact chambers for an Ethernet contact element. The retaining plate can, for example, serve as part of the connector or be arranged or mounted on or in the connector. In particular, it can be configured to fix or hold a mat seal and / or a gel seal of the connector.

[0116] The retaining plate has a plurality of contact channels, in particular through which the contact elements can be inserted into the contact chambers, wherein each contact channel has an end face that faces an external environment, wherein the retaining plate, in particular in a plane perpendicular to the insertion direction, has a plurality of insertion areas in which at least one contact channel is arranged, wherein the end faces of the contact channels of each insertion area, in particular the highest sections of the end faces of the contact channels of each insertion area or the mean height of the end faces of the contact channels of each insertion area, are substantially at a defined height when viewed along the insertion direction, wherein the defined heights of at least two insertion areas differ from each other.This advantageously provides a mounting plate that enables automated or manual assembly of the connector in a simple and safe manner and consumes little material.

[0117] The mounting plate can be designed, for example, for a sealed connector. In principle, its use with a non-sealed connector is also conceivable.

[0118] Drawings

[0119] Further features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent to the person skilled in the art from the following description of exemplary embodiments, which, however, are not to be interpreted as limiting the invention, with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0120] They show

[0121] Fig. 1: a schematic view of a

[0122] Connector arrangement;

[0123] Fig. 2: a longitudinal section through a connector;

[0124] Fig. 3: a mounting plate for a connector;

[0125] Figs. 4a - 4d: various steps in the process of fitting a connector with a contact element;

[0126] Fig. 4e: a schematic view of a connector at

[0127] Stocking;

[0128] Fig. 5: a perspective view of part of a

[0129] connectors;

[0130] Fig. 6: an enlarged section from Fig. 5; Fig. 7: a perspective exploded view of

[0131] Elements of a connector;

[0132] Figs. 8a - 8c: Cross-sectional views of various

[0133] Types of connectors.

[0134] Figure 1 shows a schematic view of a connector arrangement 100.

[0135] Figure 2 shows a longitudinal section through a connector 1 of the connector assembly 100 from Figure 1, and Figure 3 shows, by way of example, a retaining plate 25 of the connector 1 from Figure 2. The purely schematic and exemplary representations of the connector 1 and the retaining plate 25 result from internal simulations and tests of the applicant and are therefore marked as (internally known to the applicant) prior art (C.SdT). The designation as "SdT" expressly does not indicate whether or not this knowledge was publicly known at the time of filing. Figures 1 to 3 are described together below.

[0136] Figure 1 schematically shows a side view of a connector assembly 100. The connector assembly 100 comprises a connector 1 and a mating connector 2. The connector 1 is designed to be mated with the mating connector 2 along a mating direction z. The mating direction z, together with an X-direction x and a Y-direction y, forms a Cartesian coordinate system. It is understood that the X-direction x can also be referred to as the longitudinal direction or the transverse direction, depending on the application, and the Y-direction y can also be referred to as a transverse direction, a longitudinal direction, or a cross direction.

[0137] Connector 1 (or a housing 3 of connector 1) is designed here, by way of example, to receive a collar of the mating connector 2. Connector 1 is thus designed here, by way of example, as an external connector.

[0138] It is understood that connector 1 can also be designed as an inner plug, which is inserted into a mating connector housing of mating connector 2.

[0139] The mating connector 2 has a mating connector housing 60. The mating connector housing 60 also has (only as an example and optionally) the collar described above. This collar is designed, by way of example, to be inserted into the connector (in particular into an element of the connector 1, e.g., into the housing 3, in particular a base body 21, of the connector 1).

[0140] Here, by way of example and as an option, at least one counter-engagement element is arranged on the outer side of the collar (the mating connector 2 and / or the mating connector housing 60 may also be designed differently). A seal can be provided on the outer side of the collar, for which purpose a circumferential seal, in particular a radial seal 71 (see Fig. 2), can be arranged on the housing 3, in particular on the base body 21, of the connector 1.

[0141] The connector 1 has a plurality of contact elements 50 arranged in the interior of the housing 4, one of which is shown as an example in Fig. 1 (several are shown in Fig. 2), here by way of example as a female contact element, e.g. as a socket contact element. In particular, various types of contact elements 50 (e.g. signal contact elements, power contact elements or contact elements of different dimensions) are arranged in the connector 1. The contact element 50 can, for example, be contacted with a mating contact element 51 of the mating connector 2. The mating contact element 51 can, for example, be designed as a male contact element, e.g. as a pin or as a flat blade. The contact element 50 is electrically connected, for example, to a cable 63 or a conductor, e.g. the cable 63 or the conductor can be crimped, soldered, or welded to the contact element 50, etc.

[0142] Furthermore, the connector 1 has at least one Ethernet contact element 5 arranged in the interior of the housing 4 (e.g., for the secure and reliable transmission of high-frequency signals with a frequency of at least 100 MHz or at least 500 MHz or at least 1 GHz, or, for example, for transmission with transmission rates of at least 100 Mbit / s, preferably at least 200 Mbit / s, and particularly preferably at least 500 Mbit / s) with an Ethernet cable 6 connected thereto, wherein the Ethernet contact element 5 is a contact element of a different type from the contact elements 50 described above. Thus, the Ethernet contact element 5 is integrated into the connector 1, or into its housing 3, or into its interior 4, together with the other contact elements 50.It is arranged together with the other contact elements 50 under the common (optional) cover 61. The Ethernet contact element 5 – like the majority of the contact elements 50 – is inserted or mounted into the connector 1 or its housing 3 along a mounting direction or insertion direction E. Here, the insertion direction E runs parallel to the insertion direction z, but only as an example. The Ethernet contact element 5 can, for example, have two Ethernet contacts: a first Ethernet contact 83 and a second Ethernet contact 84 (see Fig. 2). The Ethernet contacts 83 and 84 can, for example, be configured as female contacts. They can each be contacted by a mating Ethernet contact 52, which is arranged in the mating connector 2, here, for example, configured as a male contact.The first Ethernet contact 83 is connected to a first Ethernet line 81, and the second Ethernet contact 84 is connected to a second Ethernet line 82. The first Ethernet line 81 and the second Ethernet line 82 are enclosed by a common cable insulation 80 of the Ethernet cable 6. They can be twisted around each other (C, twisted-pair arrangement) within the cable insulation 80 (see Fig. 2). On the outside, the Ethernet contact element 5 is, for example, surrounded by an Ethernet shield 86, or the Ethernet shield 86 forms an outer surface of the Ethernet contact element 5. As can be seen in Fig. 2, the Ethernet shield 86 also extends upwards into the area of ​​the Ethernet cable 6 and runs outside the cable insulation 80. In contrast, the contact elements 50 can, for example, each be attached to a single conductor or cable 63.be connected by a single line or cable 63.

[0143] The connector 1 also features a single-cable seal 7, or single-wire seal, which is arranged or mounted on the Ethernet cable 6. The single-cable seal 7 can, for example, be (loosely) pushed onto the Ethernet cable 6 and enclose it (see Fig. 2).

[0144] The single-cable seal 7 is shown here as an example not crimped to the Ethernet contact element 5 or otherwise (permanently) attached to it. Rather, it is generally slidable along the Ethernet cable 6. The connector 1 further has a cap 10, in particular round or oval, with an opening 11, in particular central, through which the Ethernet cable 6 passes (see Fig. 2). The cap 10 is attached to the housing 3, in particular detachably. The cap 10 is designed to secure the single-cable seal 7 in the housing 3, in particular along or parallel to the insertion direction E of the Ethernet contact element 5 or of the Ethernet cable 6 into the connector 1 or into the housing 3, or parallel to the direction of extension of the Ethernet cable 6 from the connector 1 or in the housing 3. In this way, the single-cable seal 7 can be secured against being dislodged from the connector 1.

[0145] A radial direction R runs perpendicular to the insertion direction E or perpendicular to the extension direction of the Ethernet cable 6. A circumferential direction U revolves around the insertion direction E.

[0146] Connector 1 has a wall. Mating connector 2 can be mounted on a device, such as a control unit. It has a mating connector housing 60 with at least one mating contact element 51, which is designed here by way of example as a male contact element, e.g. as a pin or as a contact blade. The mating contact element 51 is electrically connected to the at least one contact element 50 of connector 1, particularly when connector 1 and mating connector 2 are plugged together. The electrical connection between contact element 50 and mating contact element 51 is effected in particular by insertion into one another. Connector 1 has in particular a plurality of contact elements 50, which are to be connected to corresponding mating contact elements 51 (here, for example, more than 40 contact elements).The housing 3 is designed here as an example to be correspondingly long, especially along the X-direction x, in order to accommodate the large number of contact elements 50.

[0147] The connector 1 and the housing 3, shown here as examples, have an approximately rectangular cross-section in the xy-plane. The cover 61 also has this cross-sectional shape. In principle, other cross-sections (e.g., round, oval, polygonal) for the connector 1 and the housing 3 are also conceivable.

[0148] In this exemplary embodiment, the connector 1 has a connecting device 67 designed for connecting and / or locking the connector 1 and the mating connector 2. The connecting device 67 can, for example, have a first engagement element 68, a second engagement element 69, and an intermediate element 70 arranged between the two engagement elements 68 and 69. The first and second engagement elements 68 and 69 can interact with or engage in mating elements of the mating connector 2 (not shown). The engagement elements 68 and 69 can, for example, be designed in the form of gears. The at least one mating element can, for example, be designed in the form of a rack.

[0149] An operating element 65, e.g., a lever 66, which can be moved between an initial position and an end position, can also be arranged on the connector 1 or on the housing 3. The operating element 65 can, for example, be connected to the connecting device 67, e.g., to the first engagement element 68.

[0150] It is understood that other connection devices are also conceivable, e.g., the operating element 65 being designed as a slide. In other cases, the engagement element and counter-engagement element can be designed as a pin and cam, etc.

[0151] Fig. 2 shows that the cap 10, in particular in a radially inner section 19 (which is exemplarily spaced apart from an outer section 15 in radial direction R perpendicular to the insertion direction E), has at least one positioning projection 20 which projects in the direction of the single cable seal 7 and is designed to limit an axial position of the single cable seal 7.

[0152] Figure 2 shows an exemplary embodiment of a connector 1. The connector 1 has a base body 21, which is frame-shaped in this example, with an interior cavity 22 (the housing interior 4 and the base body interior 22 overlap), the wall of which has a cavity or pocket 72. This cavity or pocket 72 is designed to receive a collar of the mating connector 2. The connector 1 is thus designed here as an external connector that receives the mating connector 2 (in other embodiments, an internal connector design is also conceivable). A radial seal 71 is arranged on an inner wall of the pocket 72. When the mating connector 2 is inserted, the radial seal 71 can interact with the collar of the mating connector 2 and seal the housing interior 4.

[0153] The connector 1 has a plurality of contact chambers 53, configured for the insertion of contact elements 50 (along the insertion direction E already described above) (in Fig. 2, individual contact chambers 53 are shown already fitted with contact elements 50). The connector 1 further has a plurality of contact channels 54, in particular through which the contact elements 50 can be inserted into the contact chambers 53. The connector 1 further has at least one Ethernet contact chamber 40, distinct from the contact chambers 53, configured for the insertion of an Ethernet contact element 5, in particular one distinct from the contact elements 50. Each contact channel 54 has an end face 55 that faces an external environment 28 of the connector 1. The connector 1 from Fig.2 has, in particular in a plane perpendicular to the insertion direction z, exactly one assembly area 90a in which all contact channels 54 are arranged, wherein the end faces 55 of the contact channels 54 of the single assembly area 90a, viewed along the insertion direction E of the contact elements 50 into the connector 1, lie essentially at a defined height, a defined first height H1 .

[0154] The majority of the contact elements 50 – which differ from the Ethernet contact element 5 – can be of different types (e.g., dimensions, cross-section, function, etc.). This is clearly visible in Fig. 3, where mounting openings 92 (on the left: approximately round mounting openings 92 and contact channels 54, from the middle to the right approximately rectangular mounting openings 92 and contact channels 54) are shown in a mounting plate 25 for the various contact elements 50, which will be described in more detail below.

[0155] In connector 1 from Fig. 2, each contact chamber 53 is assigned a contact channel 54 – this is merely an example. It is shown here, by way of example, that the contact channels 54 are aligned with their assigned contact chamber 53.

[0156] The connector 1 of Fig. 2 includes, by way of example, a contact carrier 23, a mat seal 24 for the contact elements 5, and a retaining plate 25 (see also Fig. 3) for holding the mat seal 24 on the contact carrier 23 and / or for pressing the mat seal 24 between the retaining plate 25 and the contact carrier 23. The contact chambers 53 are arranged in the contact carrier 23. Here, by way of example, it is provided that the at least one Ethernet contact chamber 40 is at least partially arranged in the contact carrier 23. The end faces 55 of the contact channels 54 are, by way of example, formed in the retaining plate 25. The contact elements 50 are mounted from the side of the retaining plate 25 or from the end faces 55 in the retaining plate. The housing 3 of the connector 1 can, for example, comprise or include the base body 21, the contact carrier 23, the mat seal 24, and the retaining plate 25.

[0157] The connector 1 from Fig. 2 further comprises at least one Ethernet contact channel. Here, an Ethernet contact channel is provided, which is shown here by way of example as an outer Ethernet contact channel 41a and as an inner Ethernet contact channel 41b (which is arranged radially within the outer Ethernet contact channel 41a). It is provided here by way of example that the Ethernet contact element 5 can be inserted into the at least one Ethernet contact chamber 40 through the at least one Ethernet contact channel (here in the form of the two Ethernet contact channels 41a, 41b), in particular along the insertion direction E, wherein each Ethernet contact channel 41 has an Ethernet end face 42 which faces the external environment 28 of the connector 1.

[0158] Furthermore, in the connector shown in Fig. 2, the Ethernet contact channel, here designated as outer Ethernet channel 41a and inner Ethernet channel 41b, is assigned to the Ethernet contact chamber 40 by way of example. It is shown here, by way of example, that the Ethernet contact channel is aligned with the Ethernet contact chamber 40.

[0159] The connector 1 from Fig. 2 further comprises at least one Ethernet assembly area 91 in which at least one Ethernet contact channel (here, a single Ethernet contact channel is shown in cross-section as an example, which is formed by or includes outer and inner Ethernet contact channels 41 a, 41 b) is arranged, wherein the Ethernet end faces 42 of the Ethernet contact channels 41 of each Ethernet assembly area 91, viewed along the assembly direction or insertion direction E (here: simultaneously parallel to the insertion direction z), are essentially located at a defined Ethernet height HU.

[0160] In the embodiment of connector 1 shown in Fig. 2, it can be seen that the connector 1 for the Ethernet contact element 5 has two parts of the Ethernet contact channel on its upper side (facing the external environment 28): the outer Ethernet contact channel 41a and the inner Ethernet contact channel 41b. The inner Ethernet contact channel 41b is shown here, by way of example, formed in or on the base body 21. The outer Ethernet contact channel 41a is shown here, by way of example, formed on or in the retaining plate 25 (see also Fig. 3). The outer Ethernet contact channel 41a lies outside the inner Ethernet contact channel 41b. Both Ethernet contact channels 41a and 41b are thus nested around each other, by way of example, like a matryoshka doll. The outer Ethernet contact channel 41a can, for example, be designed such that the cap 10 can be attached to it and / or guided during assembly. The inner contact channel 41b can, for example,The device may be designed to form a housing sealing surface 9 for the single-cable seal 8 of the Ethernet contact element 5 and / or it may be designed to guide the Ethernet contact element 5 into the Ethernet contact chamber 40 during assembly or component placement. During component placement, the Ethernet contact element 5 is guided through the outer and inner Ethernet contact channels 41a and 41b.

[0161] The Ethernet end faces 42 of the two (outer and inner) Ethernet contact channels 41a, 41b are approximately at the same height. To determine the defined Ethernet height HU of the Ethernet mounting area 91, the mean height HU of the two end faces 42 can be used, or alternatively, the higher of the two end faces 42. Here, the mean height is used as an example – in Fig. 3, the level of the Ethernet height HU is therefore slightly above the end face 92 of the outer Ethernet contact channel 41a.

[0162] It is clearly visible in Fig. 2 (and also in Fig. 3) that the defined first height H1 is significantly lower than the defined Ethernet height HE. There is a large step between the Ethernet end face 42 of the Ethernet assembly area 91, relevant for assembly, and the defined first height H1 of the single assembly area 90, relevant for the placement of the contact elements 50. For example, the height difference can range from 2.5 mm to 8 mm, e.g., 3 mm, 3.5 mm, 4 mm, 4.5 mm, 5 mm, or 5.5 mm. Therefore, the connector 1 from Fig. 2, in its depicted form, is not well suited for automated assembly, as shown in Figs.The gripper 95, described in more detail in sections 4a to 4d, is at risk of colliding with the outer Ethernet contact channel 41a (laterally, in the xy-plane) when placing at least the contact element 50 adjacent to the outer Ethernet contact channel 41a (laterally, in the xy-plane) into the associated contact chamber 53, or at least does not have enough space to perform all the necessary operations for successful and fast placement.

[0163] To perform automated assembly of this connector 1, for example, the contact chamber 53 closest to the Ethernet contact element 5 would have to remain unpopulated, or the (lateral) distance of the contact chamber(s) 53 adjacent to the Ethernet contact element 5 would have to be increased. This would negatively reduce the packing density and require a significant amount of additional material. Another option would be to raise the defined first height H1 to the same level as the defined Ethernet height HE, thus creating a single flat surface and a uniform assembly area for all types of contact elements 50. However, this would necessitate a significant and unnecessary extension of the contact channels 54 for all contact elements 50. Furthermore, this would require considerably more material and space for the connector 1 (parallel to the insertion direction E).Furthermore, this would significantly lengthen the assembly path for all contact elements 50. This would considerably increase the risk of problems during assembly (manual and / or automated), especially at the end of the assembly process (in the step where the contact element 50 is grasped by the cable 63 or line and pushed into the contact chamber 53), particularly for high-pin-count connectors 1, where a very large number of contact elements 50 are required (e.g., more than 20, 40, or even 60). The step between the Ethernet end face 42 of the Ethernet contact channel 41 and the end faces 55 of the contact channels 54 thus presents a major challenge in achieving the desired automated assembly while simultaneously maintaining high packing density, low material consumption, and the shortest possible assembly path.

[0164] Figures 4a to 4d show, in a highly schematic form, various steps in the assembly of a connector 1 with a contact element 50, in order to illustrate the problem described above of significantly different defined heights between adjacent assembly areas. These purely schematic and exemplary representations of the assembly process result from internal simulations and tests conducted by the applicant and are therefore marked as (internally known to the applicant) prior art (C.SdT). The designation "SdT" expressly does not indicate whether or not this knowledge was publicly known at the time of filing.

[0165] The contact element 50 is inserted here from the outer environment 28 of the connector 1 into a contact chamber 53, which is (laterally) adjacent to an Ethernet contact chamber 41. The contact channel 54 of the contact chamber 53 (for the "normal" contact element 50) has several sections that run in the contact carrier 23, in the mat seal 24, and in the retaining plate 25. Its end face 55 is located at the upper end and is shown here as an example in the retaining plate 25. This end face 55—like the associated assembly area 90—has the defined first height H1. The Ethernet end face 42 of the Ethernet contact channel 41 has the defined Ethernet height HE, which is higher than the defined first height H1, e.g., by several millimeters.

[0166] The contact element 50 shown here has – by way of example only – a locking lance 58 or primary locking lance, which is elastically and reversibly displaceable transversely to the longitudinal extent of the contact element 50 and can lock behind an undercut 59 in the contact chamber 53. In other embodiments, for example, a locking lance can be arranged in the contact chamber 53 and an undercut on the contact element 50. In still other embodiments, a (primary) locking mechanism can be omitted (neither a locking lance is provided on the contact element 50 nor in the contact chamber 53).

[0167] Figure 4a shows a first step of a placement process during assembly, in particular the placement of the contact chamber 53, which is located directly adjacent to the Ethernet contact chamber 41. The gripper 95 (as an exemplary embodiment of a placement device) grips the contact element 50, in particular at its rear or upper end. Here, the contact element 50 is rigid, and a change in its spatial position by the gripper 95 is possible simply and precisely. In further steps (not shown here), the gripper 95 positions the contact element 50 above the placement opening 92 and sets the correct orientation and position. It thus performs at least one placement operation. This can be done, for example, by rotating the contact element 50 about its longitudinal axis, by tilting, and / or by pivoting the contact element 50.around one or more axes that run in a radial direction R perpendicular to the insertion direction E and / or by displacing the contact element in the lateral plane perpendicular to the insertion direction E, here i.e. in the XY plane).

[0168] The gripper 95 moves the contact element 50 towards the insertion opening 92 and inserts it into the contact channel 54 until a first or initial stop or insertion position is reached (see Fig. 4b). The gripper 95 has a lateral extension (transverse to the insertion direction E) and, together with the contact element 50, also requires an operating space 96 for the insertion operation(s), particularly up to the first insertion. This operating space 96 extends upwards from the lower or front end of the contact element 50, for example, in the form of a truncated cone or a wedge shape. This operating space 96 is necessary – as described above – for example, for positioning the contact element 50 over the insertion opening 92 of the contact channel 54, for rotating the contact element 50 about its longitudinal axis, for tilting the contact element 50, etc. In this operating room 96, there should be no contact with or during the assembly process.Avoid colliding with other structures, especially not with inflexible or rigid structures.

[0169] Figure 4b shows a further step of the placement process, in which the gripper 95 has inserted the contact element 50 through the placement opening 92, which is surrounded by the end face 55, into the contact channel 54 below its end face 55 until a first insertion. The contact element 50 is now temporarily secured, so that the gripper 95 can grip it in a further step (see Fig. 4c).

[0170] Figure 4c shows a further step in which the gripper 95 has first released the contact element 50 and moved further upwards (parallel to the insertion direction E, away from the connector 1 or the contact chamber 53), e.g., upwards along the cable 63. At this new position, the gripper 95 has grasped the cable 63. This new position is preferably chosen such that the gripper 95 can guide the contact element 50 into the contact chamber 53 in a single further step without having to re-grip. Furthermore, it is preferably chosen to be as close as possible to the upper end of the contact element 50, since the cable 63 is flexible and applying pressure in the insertion direction E by the gripper 95 can cause the cable 63 to deflect to the side, which slows down the assembly process or necessitates a re-attempt or even an abort of the assembly process.The gripper 95, shown with solid lines, grips the cable 63 at the optimal position. The gripper 95, shown with dashed lines, grips the cable higher than optimal.

[0171] The contact element 50 remains in the position of the first insertion (here: in the contact channel 54 in the section that is shown here as an example in the retaining plate 25). Figure 4d shows a further step of the placement process in which the gripper 95 has pushed the contact element 50 into its final position in the contact chamber 53. This is achieved by pushing the gripper 95 in the insertion direction E along the cable 63. The locking lance 58 is now engaged in the undercut 59 and represents, for example, a primary locking mechanism for the contact element 50.

[0172] Due to the (large) height difference between the defined Ethernet height HE and the defined first height H1 (e.g., more than 3 mm), especially in conjunction with the small lateral distance (here denoted as Dmax as the maximum distance, which can be, for example, a maximum of 0.5 mm) between contact chamber 53 and Ethernet contact chamber 40 or between contact channel 54 and Ethernet contact channel 41, problems arise during the assembly process with the gripper 95 in the form of (potential) collisions between the gripper and Ethernet contact channel 41. This is illustrated by the circles in Figures 4a, 4b, and 4d. They indicate conflict zones in which the gripper 95 (Fig. 4b and, at optimal gripping height on the cable, also Fig. 4d) or the operating space 96, and thus potentially the gripper 95 or parts of the contact element 50, overlaps with the Ethernet contact channel 41 or its outer wall during its movements (see Fig. 4a), which would correspond to a collision.

[0173] In the situation described, the assembly process would now need to be adjusted (this applies to both manual and automated, machine-based assembly).

[0174] For example, for positioning and orienting the contact element 50 over the associated contact channel 54 or the assembly opening 92 (Fig. 4a), and also for the first stacking (Fig. 4b), the gripper 95 would have to grasp the contact element 50 at its cable 63 or conductor to ensure sufficient clearance and avoid collisions. Since the cable 63 or conductor is flexible, this significantly complicates and reduces the precision of positioning and orientation within the assembly opening 92 or contact channel 53. This increases the time required and the probability of errors.

[0175] In the further course of the process, the gripper 95 would also have to reposition itself more frequently, or grip the cable 63 at a position further away from the contact element 50 than is optimal for the placement process (Fig. 4c, gripper 95 shown with dashed lines). This can lead to a longer placement process and / or more frequent errors. Alternatively, the end faces 55 of the contact channels can be easily raised to the height of the Ethernet end face 42, thus increasing the thickness of the entire retaining plate 25 (in other cases: the contact carrier 23 or another element that has the placement surface). However, this increases the placement path from the first stack to the contact chamber 53 for all contact elements 50. Since this placement path is achieved by gripping the cable 63 and pushing along the insertion direction E, the flexibility of the cable 63 increases the distance to the contact element 50.The length of the conductor and the placement path increase the risk that contact element 50 will get stuck, etc., requiring the placement process to be aborted and restarted. It may also become necessary to reposition the workpiece more frequently than desired. Furthermore, this approach results in higher material consumption (in this case, for the mounting plate) and makes the connector larger and heavier. In other words, this scenario makes the placement process more complex, error-prone, and time-consuming, while also increasing the weight, material consumption, and cost of the connector.

[0176] The problems illustrated in Figures 4a to 4d, as well as the problems of the possible solutions outlined above, can be overcome in a surprising way, as schematically shown in Figure 4e. For this purpose, connectors 1 can be provided, such as those (or parts thereof) shown by way of example in Figures 4e and 5 to 8c below.

[0177] As can be seen in Fig. 4e (and also in Figs. 5 to 8c below), the problem shown in Figs. 4a to 4d and the resulting problems (more frequent repositioning, less than optimal (rather high) point of contact of the gripper 95 on the cable, longer placement path for all contact elements 50, higher material consumption and greater weight of the connector 1) are surprisingly easily overcome by providing three placement areas 90a, 90b, 90c, whose defined heights H1, H2, H3 differ. The total height difference between the first placement area 90a and the third placement area 90c, or between the third placement area 90c and the Ethernet placement area 91, is surprisingly reduced stepwise or by at least one (intermediate) step. The figures in Figs. Collision risks of gripper 95 shown in 4a to 4d and described above.The restriction of the operating space 96 for gripper 95 and contact element 50 is avoided. To schematically illustrate the advantages of this surprising solution, individual steps of the assembly process (analogous to those in Figs. 4a, 4b and 4d) in a single connector 1 are shown simultaneously in Fig. 4e. This makes the improved situation apparent.

[0178] In Fig. 4e, on the far right, the step is shown in which (analogous to Fig. 4a) the gripper 95 correctly aligns the contact element 50 (position and orientation) in order to insert it into the contact channel 54. The first height H1 of the first assembly area 90a, which is only slightly lowered (relative to the defined Ethernet height HE), or the surface of the first assembly area 90a, which is only slightly stepped downwards, allows the gripper 95 with the contact element 50 to move within the operating space 96 without colliding with the Ethernet contact channel 41 or its wall. The gripper 95 itself is also not at risk of collision. The height difference between the Ethernet height HE and the first height H1 can, for example, be in the range of 10% to 50% of the height difference shown in Fig. 5a.

[0179] In Fig. 4e, the point of the first or initial step (analogous to Fig. 4b) is shown in the center. The second assembly area 90b has a defined second height H2, which is less than the defined first height H1 of the first assembly area 90a. This difference can be referred to as the first height difference h1. In other words, another step is provided here, between the first assembly area 90a and the second assembly area 90b. This step has the first height difference h1. This first height difference h1 is less than the height jump in Fig. 4b. Even if the reference height in Fig. 4e were not the first defined height H1, but the Ethernet height HU, the first height difference h1 in Fig. 4e would still be less than in Fig. 4b. For example, the first height jump or the first height difference h1 can be in the range of 10% to 50% of the height difference between the Ethernet height HE and the first height H1 from the Figs.4a to 4d are located where the difference in altitude is not gradually reduced.

[0180] This small initial height difference h1 in Fig. 4e allows the first stacking to be carried out without risk of collision of the gripper 95 (see the difference to Fig. 4b). This consideration of collision-free first stacking also applies analogously to the first assembly area 90a and the contact element 50, which is to be inserted directly next to the Ethernet contact channel 41. In Fig. 4e on the left (now in the third assembly area 90c), the point in time is shown at which the contact element 50 is finally placed in the contact chamber 53 – and here, by way of example, is (primarily) latched in the contact chamber 53. This situation corresponds to the situation in Fig. 4d. It is understood that this consideration can also be applied to the two other situations described above in the first assembly area 90a and in the second assembly area 90b.

[0181] The third mounting area 90c has a defined third height H3, which differs from the second defined height H2 (second height difference h2). Here too, a step is provided between the second mounting area 90b and the third mounting area 90c. The second height difference h2 is again less than the total height difference between the Ethernet height HU and the first height H1 from Figures 4a to 4d; for example, the second height difference h2 is only 10% to 50% of this (total) height difference from Figures 4a to 4d.

[0182] The gripper 95 can thus grasp the cable 63 or the conductor of the contact element 50 significantly lower or closer to the contact element 40 without risk of collision than is possible in Figures 4a to 4d (see especially Figure 4d). Alternatively or additionally, the number of gripping operations can be reduced. Figure 4e (left) shows a dashed line representing the gripper position on the cable 63 or conductor, as if the total height difference from the Ethernet height HE to the third height H3 had been reduced in a single step (as in Figures 4a to 4d). At least for the contact element 50, which must be inserted into the contact channel 54 adjacent to the Ethernet contact channel 41, such a high gripping position would be necessary to avoid collisions between the gripper and the Ethernet contact channel 41.The higher the gripping position on cable 63, the greater the risk that the assembly will not proceed as planned and the assembly process will have to be repeated or even aborted.

[0183] These advantages of the assembly areas 90a, 90b, 90c with different defined heights also apply regardless of whether reference is made to the defined Ethernet height (HE). A small height difference between the individual (especially adjacent) assembly areas 90a, 90b, 90c can significantly facilitate the assembly of all contact channels 54, particularly automatically. This is especially true if a height difference is unavoidable or if the connector 1 has components of different lengths to be assembled (e.g., contact elements 50, Ethernet contact element(s) 5, etc.). Figure 5 shows a perspective view of part of an exemplary connector 1. Figure 6 shows an enlarged section from Figure 5. Figure 7 shows a perspective exploded view of components of a connector 1. Figures 8a to 8c show cross-sectional views of various embodiments of a connector 1.

[0184] Figures 5 to 8c are described together below.

[0185] Figures 4e and 5 to 8c show a connector 1 (or different embodiments of connectors) designed for mating with a counterpart connector (not shown here) along a mating direction z. The respective connector 1 has a plurality of contact chambers 53, configured for the insertion of contact elements 50 along a mating direction E. It further comprises a plurality of contact channels 54, in particular through which the contact elements 50 can be inserted into the contact chambers 53, and at least one Ethernet contact chamber 40, distinct from the contact chambers 53, configured for the insertion of an Ethernet contact element 5, in particular a different Ethernet contact element 5 than the contact elements 50. Here, only a single Ethernet contact element 5 is shown by way of example, but several Ethernet contact elements 5 can also be provided.

[0186] Each contact channel 54 has an end face 55 that faces an external environment 28 of the connector 1. In contrast to the connector from Fig. 2, which has only a single assembly area 90, the connector 1 (or the embodiments of the connectors 1) of Figs. 4e and 5 to 8c have a plurality of assembly areas 90a, 90b, 90c, 90d, particularly in a plane perpendicular to the insertion direction z. In Figs. 5 to 8a, two assembly areas are provided: a first assembly area 90a and a second assembly area 90b. In Fig. 4e, as described above, three assembly areas 90a, 90b, 90c are provided. 8b and 8c each have four assembly areas: a first assembly area 90a, a second assembly area 90b, a third assembly area 90c and a fourth assembly area 90d. In each assembly area 90a, 90b, 90c, 90d at least one contact channel 54 is arranged.The end faces 55 of the contact channels 54 of each assembly area 90a, 90b, 90c, 90d, in particular the highest sections 56 of the end faces 55 of the contact channels of each assembly area 90a, 90b, 90c, 90d, or the mean height (first mean height HM1, second mean height HM2, third mean height HM3, fourth mean height HM4) of the end faces 55 of the contact channels 54 of each assembly area 90a, 90b, 90c, 90d, are located essentially at a defined height when viewed along the assembly direction or the insertion direction E. In Figures 5 to 8a, this is at a defined first height H1 and a defined second height H2. In Figure 4e, as described above, it is at the defined first, second, and third heights H1, H2, H3. 8b and 8c at a defined first height H1, a defined second height H2, a defined third height H3 and a defined fourth height H4.The defined heights H1, H2, H3, H4 of at least two component placement areas 90a, 90b, 90c, 90d differ from each other. This means that at least two of the component placement areas are located at different heights.

[0187] As shown in Figures 4e and 5 to 8b, the various assembly areas 90a, 90b, 90c, 90d can be staggered relative to each other. This means that the transition from one assembly area to an adjacent assembly area with a different height is achieved by an abrupt, almost vertical or completely vertical drop in the defined height.

[0188] Figures 5 and 6 show that the contact channels 54 – shown here as rectangular examples – in the first assembly area 90a are each formed in pairs. In other words, two contact channels 54 share a wall whose end face 55 is slightly lower than the end faces 55 of the other three walls of the contact channel 54. In this exemplary embodiment, the defined first height H1 of the first assembly area 90a can be determined, for example, by the mean height HM1 of the end face 55, which is thus slightly lower than the three equally high sections of the end face 55. Alternatively, the defined first height H1 can be determined, for example, as the highest section of the end face 55 of a contact channel 54. This highest section corresponds, for example, to the height of the end face 55 of the three walls that are not lower.

[0189] In Figs. 5 to 8c, the mean height HM1 , HM2, etc. is shown as an example, provided that the end face 55 of a contact channel 54 has different heights (relative to the insertion direction E).

[0190] In the embodiment shown in Fig. 8c, unlike in Figs. 5 to 8b, a stepped transition is provided only from the third assembly area 90c to the fourth assembly area 90d. The transition from the first assembly area 90a to the second assembly area 90b and from the second assembly area 90b to the third assembly area 90c, on the other hand, occurs along an inclined plane, a straight line, or in the form of a ramp. Here, the ramp is quite steep and extends (viewed in the x-direction X) only over two rows of contact elements 50. In other embodiments, it can also extend over a longer area, e.g., over three, four, or five rows of contact elements 50, contact chambers 53, or contact channels 54. It is also conceivable that the entire height difference between the uppermost or highest contact channel 54 (in the cross-section of Figs. 8c) could be a single step.8a to 8c on the right side) and the lowest contact channel 54 (in Figs. 8a to 8c on the left side) is completely overcome by a ramp, in particular a ramp with a constant slope.

[0191] Due to the different defined heights H1, H2, H3, H4, the height difference to the Ethernet contact channel 41 can be overcome by at least one intermediate step, so that a close (especially lateral) approach of at least one contact channel 54 to the Ethernet contact channel 41, in particular the outer Ethernet contact channel 41a, is possible (high packing density) and at the same time automated assembly is possible without problems, since neither the gripper 95 nor the operating space 96 (see Figs. 4a to 4d) overlaps with the nearest higher wall (here: the outer wall of the outer Ethernet contact channel 41a). At the same time, material is saved in the lower-lying assembly areas 90b, 90c, 90d, and an extended assembly path is only necessary for a few contact elements 50 (e.g., in the first assembly area 90a in Figs. 5a to 8a, in the first two assembly areas 90a, 90b in Fig.4e as well as in the first assembly area 90a, the second assembly area 90b and the third assembly area 90c in Figs. 8b and 8c).

[0192] As described above, the connectors in Figures 5 to 8a have exactly two component placement areas 90a, 90b. The connectors in Figures 4e, 8b, and 8c have more than two component placement areas, namely, for example, three component placement areas 90a, 90b, 90c in Figure 4e and four component placement areas 90a, 90b, 90c, 90d each in Figures 8b and 8c. Here, by way of example only, adjacent, and in particular directly adjacent, component placement areas 90a, 90b (or 90b, 90c, or 90c, 90d) have different defined heights H1, H2, H3, H4. In the illustrated embodiments, the component placement areas 90a, 90b, 90c, 90d are, for example only, formed as continuous units.

[0193] For example, all contact channels 54 of a component area 90a, 90b, 90c, 90d can have at least one direct neighbor whose front face 55 has essentially the same defined height H1 , H2, H3, H4.

[0194] Viewed along a direction transverse to the assembly direction or insertion direction E, adjacent assembly areas 90a, 90b, 90c, 90d in the exemplary embodiments have a continuously decreasing defined height H1, H2, H3, H4 (here: from right to left in Figs. 4e and 5 to 8c). It is also conceivable that they have a continuously increasing defined height H1, H2, H3, H4.

[0195] At the same time, in the exemplary embodiments shown in Figures 8b and 8c, which have more than two assembly areas, it can be seen that the defined height H1, H2, H3, H4 of all assembly areas 90b, 90c located between assembly area 90a with the greatest defined height Hmax (here, by way of example, the first assembly area 90a) and assembly area 90d with the smallest defined height Hmin decreases from assembly area 90b to assembly area 90c. This is particularly evident when considering a straight line from assembly area 90a with the greatest defined height Hmax to assembly area 90d with the smallest defined height Hmin.

[0196] In the exemplary embodiments of Figs. 4e and 5 to 8b, it is provided that a component placement area 90a, 90b, 90c, 90d in the direction of an adjacent component placement area 90a, 90b, 90c, 90d with a different defined height H1 , H2, H3, H4 has at least two contact channels 54 or two rows of contact channels 54 (in Fig. 4e, for example, at least three rows each).

[0197] For example, connector 1 in Fig. 8a has eight rows of contact channels 54 in the second assembly area 90b, while the first assembly area 90a has even more than eight rows of contact channels 54 (in each case viewed along the x-direction X, parallel to which the two assembly areas 90a, 90b are adjacent). In Fig. 8b, at least six rows of contact channels 54 are provided in each of the first three assembly areas 90a, 90b, 90c and eight rows in the fourth assembly area 90d.

[0198] In Fig. 8d, only the transition from the third to the fourth assembly area 90c, 90d is shown, and these assembly areas 90c, 90d are provided with at least two rows of contact channels 54 extending towards the adjacent assembly area. The transition from the first assembly area 90a to the third assembly area 90c, however, is ramped, so that each row of successive contact channels 54 has a different defined height H1, H2. The defined height H1, H2 can be determined, for example, by the highest section of the respective end face 55 of the sloping end faces 55 of the contact channels 54, or by the average height HM1, HM2 of these end faces 55.

[0199] The height difference h1 , h2, h3 between the defined heights H1 , H2, H3, H4 of the assembly areas 90a, 90b, 90c, 90d is, for example, in the range of 0.3mm to 8mm, preferably in the range of 0.5mm to 6mm, particularly preferably in the range of 0.8mm to 4.5mm.

[0200] It may be provided that the height difference h1, h2, h3 of the defined heights, in particular of adjacent assembly areas 90a, 90b, 90c, 90d, is in a range of 5% to 50%, preferably 10% to 35% of the total height difference between the largest defined height Hmax and the smallest defined height Hmin or between the defined Ethernet height HE and the smallest defined height Hmin.

[0201] The maximum height difference h between the defined heights H1, H2, H3, H4 of all assembly areas 90a, 90b, 90c, 90d is, for example, in the range of 0.3mm to 8mm, preferably in the range of 0.5mm to 6mm, particularly preferably in the range of 0.8mm to 4.5mm.

[0202] For example, the maximum height difference between the component placement areas may be 3 mm, and in Figures 4e and 5 to 8a, the first height difference h1 is 1.5 mm, and the height difference from the first defined height H1 to the Ethernet height HE is 1 mm. In Figures 8b and 8c, the first height difference h1, the second height difference h2, and the third height difference h3 can each be 1 mm, and the height difference from the first defined height H1 to the Ethernet height HE can also be 1 mm.

[0203] Without the steps of the assembly areas 90a, 90b, 90c, 90d, the entire height difference of 4 mm between the Ethernet height HU and the lowest defined height Hmin (here in the second assembly area 90b in Figs. 5 to 8a, in the third assembly area 90c in Fig. 4e and in the fourth assembly area 90d in Figs. 8b and 8c) would have to be overcome in one step.

[0204] In at least one contact channel 54 of at least one of the assembly areas 90a, 90b, 90c, 90d, a guide structure 56 (not shown here for clarity) can be provided. Such a guide structure 56 can have a guide structure distance of at most 1 mm to the end face 55 of the contact channel 54, in particular along or parallel to the insertion direction E.

[0205] An orientation structure 57 can be provided in at least one contact channel 54 of at least one of the assembly areas 90a, 90b, 90c, 90d, in particular wherein the orientation structure 57 has an orientation structure distance dK of at most 1 mm to the end face 55 of the contact channel 54, especially when viewed along or parallel to the insertion direction E. Such orientation structures 57 can be clearly seen, for example, in Figures 5 and 6. They advantageously ensure, firstly, that the inserted contact element has the correct orientation, e.g., with respect to rotation about a longitudinal axis of the contact element 50. Furthermore, they can help ensure that only a correct contact element 50 can be inserted into the contact channel 54.The arrangement of the orientation structure(s) 57 close to the front face 55 is helpful in order to place the contact element 50 in the correct position or orientation in the contact channel 54 during the placement process already at the first stop (i.e. before the gripper 95 grips over), since a later (precise) rotation when gripping the (relatively flexible compared to the contact element) cable 63 is difficult.

[0206] In an embodiment not shown here, the connector 1 has no mat seal 24 and no retaining plate 25. This can be the case, for example, if a sealed connector 1 is not required. It can also be the case if all contact elements 50 or contact chambers 53 to be sealed are sealed by individual cable seals or individual wire seals. In such a case, the connector may have a contact carrier 23, wherein the contact chambers 53 are arranged in the contact carrier 23, and in particular, the at least one Ethernet contact chamber 40 is at least partially arranged in the contact carrier 23, with the end faces 55 of the contact channels 54 being formed in the contact carrier 23. In other words, the steps or the different component placement areas are, by way of example, formed in the contact carrier 23 in this case.

[0207] The contact carrier 23 can also have mounting openings 92 for the contact elements 50. The contact elements 50 are inserted into these mounting openings 92 from the outer area 28.

[0208] It is also possible that the connector 1 has a (e.g., frame-shaped) base body 21. The contact carrier 23 can, for example, be integrally connected to the base body 21 or be mounted on or in the base body 21.

[0209] In the embodiments shown in Figures 4e and 5 to 8c, the connector 1 comprises a contact carrier 23, a mat seal 24 (alternatively or additionally, a gel seal may also be provided) for the contact elements 5, and a retaining plate 25 for holding the mat seal 24 on the contact carrier 23 and / or for pressing the mat seal 24 between the retaining plate 25 and the contact carrier 23. The contact chambers 53 are arranged, by way of example, in the contact carrier 23, wherein, in particular, the at least one Ethernet contact chamber 40 is, by way of example, arranged at least partially in the contact carrier 23 (here, by way of example, part of the Ethernet contact chamber 40 is also arranged, by way of example, partially in the base body 21). The end faces 55 of the contact channels 54 are arranged in the retaining plate 25. Mounting openings 92 for the contact elements 50 are thus also arranged in the retaining plate 25.The contact elements 50 are inserted into these assembly openings 92 from the outside 28.

[0210] In other words, the gradation of the surface or the component placement areas 90a, 90b, 90c, 90d, which face the external environment 28, is formed here in the retaining plate 25.

[0211] The connector 1 has at least one Ethernet contact channel 41, in particular through which the Ethernet contact element 5 can be inserted into the at least one Ethernet contact chamber 40, especially along the insertion direction E. It can be provided that each Ethernet contact channel 41 has an Ethernet end face 42 which faces the external environment 28 of the connector 1.

[0212] As shown in Fig. 2, the connectors 1 shown in Figs. 5 to 8c also have an outer Ethernet contact channel 41a (here exemplarily formed in the mounting plate 25) and an inner Ethernet contact channel 41b (here exemplarily formed in the base body 21). It is understood that in other embodiments the contact channels 41a, 41b can also be formed in other elements of the connector 1 (e.g. in the base body 21, in the contact carrier 23, in the mounting plate 25).

[0213] At least one contact channel 53 has a (maximum) distance Dmax from an outer surface 44 of the Ethernet contact channel 41, wherein the (maximum) distance Dmax is at most 0.5 mm, preferably at most 0.25 mm, and particularly preferably at most 0.2 mm. This advantageously enables a particularly high packing density and low material consumption while simultaneously allowing for automated assembly.

[0214] The connector 1 of the exemplary embodiments of Figs. 4e and 5 to 8c has at least one Ethernet assembly area 91 in which at least one Ethernet contact channel 41 is arranged.

[0215] It may be provided (especially if, for example, more than one Ethernet contact element 5 is provided in the connector 1) that the Ethernet end faces 42 of the Ethernet contact channels 41, 41a, 41b of each Ethernet assembly area 91, in particular the highest sections 43 of the Ethernet end faces 42 of the Ethernet contact channels 41, 41a, 41b of each Ethernet assembly area 91 or the mean height HME of the Ethernet end faces 42 of the Ethernet contact channels 41, 41a, 41b of each Ethernet assembly area 91, viewed along the insertion direction E, are essentially at a defined Ethernet height HU.

[0216] In the embodiments shown in Figures 4e and 5 to 8c, it is merely an example that the defined Ethernet height HU of the Ethernet assembly area 91 differs from the defined heights H1, H2, H3, H4 of the adjacent assembly areas 90a, 90b, 90c, 90d. In other words, as can be seen particularly well in Figures 4e, 5, and 7 to 8c, there is a step between the Ethernet assembly area 91 and the adjacent first assembly area 90a. It can be seen in the exemplary embodiments shown in Figures 4e, 5, and 7 to 8c that the defined Ethernet height HU is greater than the heights H1, H2, H3, H4 of all assembly areas 90a, 90b, 90c, and 90d.

[0217] As described above, the difference between the defined Ethernet height He and the lowest defined height (here the second or fourth defined height H2, H4) can be, for example, 4 mm. It can be, for example, in the range of 0.3 mm to 10 mm, preferably in the range of 2 mm to 8 mm, and particularly preferably in the range of 3 mm to 6 mm. In principle, heights greater than 10 mm are also conceivable.

[0218] Each contact chamber 53 is assigned, for example, a contact channel 54, in particular a contact channel 54 aligned with the contact chamber 53.

[0219] In the embodiments shown in Figures 4e and 5 to 8c, each Ethernet contact chamber 40 (there is only one in each case) is assigned an Ethernet contact channel 41, in particular a contact channel 41 that is aligned with the Ethernet contact chamber 40. This can also apply, by way of example, to embodiments with more than one Ethernet contact element 5 and, accordingly, more than one Ethernet contact chamber 40.

Claims

Claims 1. Connector (1) designed for mating with a mating connector (2) along a mating direction (z), the connector (1) having: - a plurality of contact chambers (53), designed for the insertion of contact elements (50) along an insertion direction (E), - a plurality of contact channels (54), in particular through which the contact elements (50) can be inserted into the contact chambers (53), - at least one Ethernet contact chamber (40) different from the contact chambers (53), configured for assembly with an Ethernet contact element (5), in particular different from the contact elements (50), wherein each contact channel (54) has an end face (55) facing an external environment (28) of the connector (1), wherein the connector (1) has, in particular in a plane perpendicular to the insertion direction (z), a plurality of assembly areas (90a, 90b, 90c, 90d) in each of which at least one contact channel (54) is arranged, wherein the end faces (55) of the contact channels (54) of each assembly area (90a, 90b, 90c, 90d), in particular the highest sections (56) of the end faces (55) of the contact channels (54) of each assembly area (90a, 90b, 90c, 90d) or the mean height (HM1, HM2, HM3, HM4) of the end faces (55) of the contact channels (54) of each assembly area (90a, 90b, 90c, 90d),along the insertion direction (E) are essentially at a defined height (H1, H2, H3, H4), wherein the defined heights (H1, H2, H3, H4) of at least two assembly areas (90a, 90b, 90c, 90d) differ from each other.

2. Connector (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the connector (2) has two assembly areas (90a, 90b), or wherein the connector has more than two assembly areas (90a, 90b, 90c, 90d), in particular wherein adjacent, in particular immediately adjacent, assembly areas (90a, 90b) have different defined heights (H1 , H2, H3, H4).

3. Connector (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the component placement areas (90a, 90b, 90c, 90d) are interconnected, in particular wherein all contact channels (54) of a component placement area (90a, 90b, 90c, 90d) have at least one direct neighbor, the end face (55) of which has substantially the same defined height (H1 , H2, H3, H4).

4. Connector (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein, viewed along a direction transverse to the insertion direction (E), adjacent component areas (90a, 90b, 90c, 90d) have a continuously decreasing defined height (H1, H2, H3, H4) or a continuously increasing defined height (H1, H2, H3, H4), and / or wherein the defined height (H1, H2, H3, H4) of all component areas (90a, 90b, 90c, 90d) lying between the component area (90a, 90b, 90c, 90d) with the greatest defined height (Hmax) and the component area (90a, 90b, 90c, 90d) with the least defined height (Hmin) of component area (90a, 90b, 90c, 90d) to assembly area (90a, 90b, 90c, 90d), in particular considered along a straight line from the assembly area (90a, 90b, 90c, 90d) with the greatest defined height (Hmax) to the assembly area (90a, 90b, 90c, 90d) with the least defined height (Hmin).

5. Connector (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein a component placement area (90a, 90b, 90c, 90d), in particular in the direction of an adjacent component placement area (90a, 90b, 90c, 90d) with different defined heights (H1, H2, H3, H4), has at least two contact channels (54) or two rows of contact channels (54).

6. Connector (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the height difference (h1 , h2, h3) of the defined heights (H1 , H2, H3, H4) of the assembly areas (90a, 90b, 90c, 90d) among each other or the maximum height difference (h) between the defined heights (H1 , H2, H3, H4) of all assembly areas (90a, 90b, 90c, 90d) is in the range of 0.3mm to 8mm, preferably in the range of 0.5mm to 6mm, particularly preferably in the range of 0.8mm to 4.5mm.

7. Connector (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein a guide structure is provided in at least one contact channel (54) of at least one of the assembly areas (90a, 90b, 90c, 90d), in particular wherein the guide structure has a guide structure distance of at most 1 mm to the end face (55) of the contact channel (54), in particular viewed along the insertion direction (E), and / or wherein an orientation structure (57) is provided in at least one contact channel (54) of at least one of the assembly areas (90a, 90b, 90c, 90d), in particular wherein the orientation structure (57) has an orientation structure distance (dK) of at most 1 mm to the end face (55) of the contact channel (54), in particular viewed along the insertion direction (E).

8. Connector (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the connector (1) further comprises: - a contact carrier (23) wherein the contact chambers (53) are arranged in the contact carrier (23), wherein in particular the at least one Ethernet contact chamber (40) is at least partially arranged in the contact carrier (23), wherein the end faces (55) of the contact channels (54) are formed in the contact carrier (23).

9. Connector (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the connector (1) further comprises: - a contact carrier (23); - a mat seal (24) or a gel seal for the contact elements (5); - a retaining plate (25) for holding the mat seal (24) or the gel seal on the contact carrier (23) and / or for pressing the mat seal (24) or the gel seal between the retaining plate (25) and the contact carrier (23); wherein the contact chambers (53) are arranged in the contact carrier (23), wherein in particular the at least one Ethernet contact chamber (40) is at least partially arranged in the contact carrier (23), wherein the end faces (55) of the contact channels (54) are formed in the retaining plate (25).

10. Connector (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the connector (1) has at least one Ethernet contact channel (41 , 41 a, 41 b), in particular through which the Ethernet contact element (5) can be inserted into the at least one Ethernet contact chamber (40), in particular along the insertion direction (E), wherein each Ethernet contact channel (41 , 41a, 41 b) has an Ethernet end face (42) which faces the external environment (28) of the connector (1).

11. Connector (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein at least one contact channel (53) has a distance (Dmax) of at most 0.5mm from an outside (44) of the Ethernet contact channel (41 , 41a, 41 b), preferably of at most 0.25mm and particularly preferably of at most 0.2mm, in particular transverse to the insertion direction (E).

12. Connector (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein the connector (1) has at least one Ethernet assembly area (91) in which at least one Ethernet contact channel (41, 41a, 41b) is arranged, wherein the Ethernet end faces (42) of the Ethernet contact channels (41, 41a, 41b) of each Ethernet assembly area (91), in particular the highest sections (43) of the Ethernet end faces (42) of the Ethernet contact channels (41, 41a, 41b) of each Ethernet assembly area (91) or the mean height (HME) of the Ethernet end faces (42) of the Ethernet contact channels (41, 41a, 41b) of each Ethernet assembly area (91), viewed along the insertion direction (E), are substantially at a defined Ethernet height (U).

13. Connector according to the preceding claim, wherein the defined Ethernet height (U) of the Ethernet assembly area (91) differs from the defined height (H1, H2, H3, H4) of the adjacent assembly area (90a, 90b, 90c, 90d), and / or wherein the defined Ethernet height (U) of the Ethernet assembly area (91) is greater than the height (H1, H2, H3, H4) of all assembly areas (90a, 90b, 90c, 90d).

14. Connector according to one of the preceding claims, wherein each contact chamber (53) is associated with a contact channel (54), in particular a contact channel (54) aligned with the contact chamber (53), and / or wherein each Ethernet contact chamber (40) is associated with an Ethernet contact channel (41, 41a, 41b), in particular an Ethernet contact channel (41, 41a, 41b) aligned with the Ethernet contact chamber (40).

15. Contact carrier (23) or retaining plate (25) for a connector (1) having a plurality of contact chambers (53) for contact elements (50) and at least one Ethernet contact chamber (40) different from the contact chambers (53) for an Ethernet contact element (5), comprising the contact carrier (23) or the retaining plate (25): - a plurality of contact channels (54), in particular through which the contact elements (50) can be inserted into the contact chambers (53), wherein each contact channel (54) has an end face (55) facing an external environment (28), wherein the contact carrier (23) or the retaining plate (25), in particular in a plane perpendicular to the insertion direction (z), has a plurality of assembly areas (90a, 90b, 90c, 90d) in each of which at least one contact channel (54) is arranged, wherein the end faces (55) of the contact channels (54) of each assembly area (90a, 90b, 90c, 90d), in particular the highest sections (56) of the end faces (55) of the contact channels of each assembly area (90a, 90b, 90c, 90d) or the middle The height (HM1 , HM2, HM3, HM4) of the end faces (55) of the contact channels (54) of each assembly area (90a, 90b, 90c, 90d), viewed along the insertion direction (E), are substantially at a defined height (H1 , H2, H3, H4), wherein the defined heights (H1 , H2, H3, H4) of at least two assembly areas (90a, 90b, 90c, 90d) differ from each other.

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