Multi-part plug connector and electrical network topology

Abstract

The invention relates to a multi-part plug connector (8), having a plug connector component (7) and at least one compatible plug connector component (9, 9'), each of which has: - at least one electrical contact element (11, 12); - a connection interface (10) in which the plug connector component (7) and the at least one compatible plug connector component (9, 9') are connected; - a primary interface region (15) for forming at least part of a primary interface (16) of the multi-part plug connector (8) for connecting to a corresponding mating plug connector (3, 3'); and - a connection region (13) for connecting the at least one electrical contact element (11, 12) to an associated electrical conductor (6) of an electrical line (5). When the multi-part plug connector (8) and the corresponding mating plug connector (3, 3') are not plugged together, the electrical contact elements (11) of the plug connector component (7) are electrically connected to the corresponding electrical contact elements (12) of the at least one compatible plug connector component (9, 9') in order to form respective contact element assemblies (14). A contact element chamber (16') for at least one of the contact element assemblies (14) is formed at least in the primary interface (16). According to the invention, when the multi-part plug connector (8) and the corresponding mating plug connector (3, 3') are plugged together, the respective contact elements (11, 12) of the contact element assemblies (14) a) are electrically connected directly to one another in the connection interface (10) and / or are electrically connected to one another via the mating plug connector (3, 3') plugged therebetween in the primary interface (16), the primary interface (16) being formed at an axial distance from the connection interface (10); or b) are electrically connected to one another indirectly via the mating plug connector (3, 3') plugged therebetween in the connection interface (10) located in the primary interface (16).

Description

[0001] Multi-part connector and electrical network topology

[0002] The present application claims the priorities of German patent application No. 10 2024 121 267.5, international PCT application No. PCT / EP2024 / 072047, European patent application No. 24214414.5 and European patent application No. 24200043.8, the respective contents of which are incorporated herein in full by reference.

[0003] The invention relates to a multi-part connector, in particular a multi-part bus connector, comprising at least two connector components, each with a connection interface for connection with the other connector component, a primary interface area for connection with a corresponding mating connector, a connection area for connecting at least one electrical conductor, at least one electrical line and at least one electrical contact element.

[0004] The invention also relates to an electrical network topology, in particular a bus system, comprising at least two multi-part connectors and associated compatible mating connectors.

[0005] Electrical network topologies, particularly (differential) bus systems, are used in many application areas, such as industry, vehicles, and workplaces, for data transmission between multiple electrical devices. The wiring system of an electrical network topology typically includes at least one main line to which each device is connected. For flexible or on-demand connection of the electrical devices, electrical connectors are usually attached to the main line, which can be connected to mating connectors on the devices. These electrical connectors can be, for example, T-, F-, or Y-shaped. EP 4 322 341 A1 serves as an example of a known differential bus system.

[0006] A conventional bus connector requires a relatively large amount of installation space due to its design, which hinders the miniaturization of the overall electrical system. Furthermore, the assembly effort for common network topologies is sometimes high and therefore costly and time-consuming. The assembly effort, for example in an automotive plant or at an original equipment manufacturer (OEM, Tier 1 supplier), can be considerable and also prone to errors, since at least one electrical conductor of the overall system must be connected to each of the connector's interfaces.

[0007] As an alternative to assembly on-site, the entire system can be pre-assembled by the manufacturer, which, however, hinders flexible application, as the branch points for the participants in the network topology are fixed.

[0008] In view of the prior art, the object of the present invention is to provide a multi-part connector which can be advantageously used in a network topology in order to preferably enable a flexible and technically simple connection of electrical participants to the network topology.

[0009] Furthermore, the invention aims to provide an electrical network topology that can be assembled modularly.

[0010] The problem is solved for the multi-part connector by the features of claim 1. With regard to the electrical network topology, the problem is solved by claim 25.

[0011] The dependent claims and the features described below relate to advantageous embodiments and variants of the invention.

[0012] The invention relates to a multi-part connector comprising a connector component and at least one further or compatible connector component (hereinafter also sometimes collectively referred to as "connector components"). The connector component and the compatible connector component each have a connection interface via which they are connected to each other. The connector components thus preferably together form the multi-part connector, which can therefore have at least a two-part structure.

[0013] The connection of the connector components is preferably detachable without damage as required (e.g. a snap-fit ​​connection can be provided, as described below).

[0014] In the context of the present invention, a "multi-part connector" is understood to be, in particular, a connector that is only functionally (fully) usable when the connector component is assembled with at least one other compatible connector component, and preferably also only offers a functional interface for connecting a bus participant when assembled. The multi-part connector can be characterized, in particular, by the fact that it is delivered pre-assembled by the manufacturer with at least two cables or wires and can therefore be integrated into a bus system or a more complex network topology by the installer (e.g., an automotive manufacturer) without any assembly effort.

[0015] Preferably, a complete connection of all participating connector components may be required for the proper use of the multi-part connector. However, it may also be provided that, in the case of several compatible connector components that can be connected together with the connector component, at least one of the compatible connector components can only be connected to the connector component at a later date. For example, this may be provided to expand the functionality of the multi-part connector as needed (e.g., to optionally provide additional mating options).

[0016] Preferably, the connector component or the compatible connector component is not an electrical connector that can be used independently. The at least one further compatible connector component may preferably (but not necessarily) have the same features described above and below with respect to the connector component – ​​and vice versa. The compatible connector component may be functionally and, if necessary, also partially or completely geometrically analogous or complementary to the connector component.

[0017] The applicant reserves the right to claim the connector component or the “compatible connector component” separately, if necessary.

[0018] The connector component according to claim 1 is hereinafter also referred to as the “first connector component” and the compatible connector component as the “second connector component”.

[0019] The connection interface is preferably at least an electrical interface for electrically connecting the connector components. Particularly preferably, the connection interface is also a mechanical interface for mechanically connecting the connector components. The connection interface may include the contact element mentioned below (in the case of the compatible connector component, sometimes also referred to as a "compatible contact element") and / or mechanical guides, locking devices, or the like, as described in detail below.

[0020] The connector components or their connection interfaces can be configured for connection with any number of further connector components. The invention is described below essentially with reference to a two-part connector that has exactly one further compatible connector component for connection with the connector component. However, in principle, for example, two, three, four, or even more compatible connector components can also be provided for connection with the connector component.

[0021] According to the invention, the connector component and preferably also the at least one compatible connector component each have a primary interface area for forming at least part of a primary interface of the multi-part connector for connection with a corresponding mating connector. In particular, the primary interface (and also the "secondary interface" mentioned below) can be a plug-in interface.

[0022] It may be provided that only the connector component or only one of the compatible connector components forms the primary interface for connection with the mating connector. Preferably, however, the connector component forms only a part of the primary interface, with at least a further part of the primary interface being formed by the compatible connector component(s). The primary interface for connection with the corresponding mating connector is preferably only geometrically and / or functionally complete when the connector component is connected to at least one other compatible connector component.

[0023] The primary interface and the primary interface area can be configured electrically and / or mechanically in any way imaginable. The invention is not limited to a specific type or standard of interface. The primary interface can, among other things, have pin- or socket-shaped contact elements. In addition to rotationally symmetrical or elongated contact elements, flat contacts, for example, are also possible. The (plugging) compatibility of the primary interface can be arbitrary and may, for example, be suitable for connection with an Ethernet connector standard (e.g., RJ connectors) or another connector standard. The connector components can have an at least substantially straight or angled path. Accordingly, the multi-part connector formed from the connector components can be straight or angled (angled connector).A straight connector or straight connector component may preferably, but not necessarily, be elongated.

[0024] Preferably, but not necessarily, the primary interface is designed for an electrical and a mechanical connection with the corresponding mating connector.

[0025] According to the invention, the connector component and the compatible connector component each have at least one contact element and a connection area for connecting the at least one contact element to an associated electrical conductor of an electrical line.

[0026] It should be noted here that the at least one electrical conductor and / or the at least one electrical line are preferably not to be understood as part of the claimed multi-part connector. However, the applicant explicitly reserves the right to define that the at least one electrical conductor and / or the at least one electrical line may also be claimed as part of the multi-part connector, such that they are connected to the connector components or their contact elements via the connection areas.

[0027] In summary, each connector component preferably has at least three connection options: a first connection option (connection interface) to which at least one further (compatible) connector component can be connected to form the multi-part connector; a second connection option (primary interface area) to which a corresponding mating connector can be connected, in particular an electrical (bus) participant; and a third connection option (connection area) for connecting the said at least one electrical conductor.

[0028] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the connection areas of the connector components can be connected to different electrical conductors. That is, each connector component is preferably connected to its own electrical conductor. Thus, in the connected state of the connector components, at least two electrical conductors, each with one or more electrical conductors, preferably terminate in the multi-part connector. Preferably, at least one electrical conductor is provided per connector component.

[0029] It can be provided that each of the connector components involved (or at least two of the connector components involved) is connected or connectable to at least one electrical conductor running in a respective electrical line, which could, for example, be a different main conductor section of the network topology. In other words, several links in a chain consisting of multi-part connectors and their respective branching electrical conductors or lines can together form the network topology.

[0030] In an unmated state of the multi-part connector and the corresponding mating connector, the electrical contact elements of the connector component are, according to the invention, electrically connected to the associated electrical contact elements of the at least one compatible connector component to form respective contact element assemblies. This connection is preferably formed in the respective connection interface of the connector components.

[0031] The electrical connector can have any number of contact element assemblies, each consisting of at least one electrical contact element of the connector component and at least one corresponding electrical contact element of the at least one compatible connector component. However, a single contact element assembly may also be sufficient (e.g., in the case of a coaxial connector). Preferably, the electrical connector has several contact element assemblies, for example, two, three, four, five, six, or even more. If several contact element assemblies are provided, the contact element assemblies can also be configured differently, for example, by having a different number of contact elements.

[0032] It can be provided that at least in the primary interface for at least one of the contact element assemblies, a contact element chamber is formed. Separate contact element chambers can be provided for each contact element assembly; however, several or all contact element assemblies can optionally be accommodated in one or more common contact element chambers. In the case of multiple contact element chambers, these can optionally be interconnected or merge into one another. While a contact element chamber is advantageous within the scope of the invention, it is not strictly necessary.

[0033] According to the invention, in a plugged-in state of the multi-part connector and the corresponding mating connector, the associated contact elements for the contact element assemblies are each a) indirectly (e.g., by means of the "contact bridge" mentioned below) or preferably directly electrically connected to each other in the connection interface, wherein the primary interface in this case is spaced apart (preferably axially or in the plugging direction) from the connection interface; and / or b) connected to each other in the primary interface via the mating connector inserted between them, wherein the primary interface in this case is spaced apart (preferably axially or in the plugging direction) from the connection interface;a) are spaced apart in the direction of insertion) from the connection interface; or c) are electrically connected to each other in the connection interface, which is located (at least partially) in the primary interface, via the mating connector inserted between them.

[0034] In a further development of the invention, it can be provided that a) opposing initial contact areas of the contact elements of the respective contact element assembly in the primary interface are each contactable (preferably electrically contactable) by the mating connector, in particular by the associated mating contact element of the mating connector, at least at one initial contact; or b) at least one of the associated contact elements per contact element assembly is not contactable by the mating connector in the primary interface (preferably only one of the contact elements per contact element assembly is contactable for the at least one mating contact element in the primary interface).

[0035] The choice as to whether only one of the contact elements of a contact element assembly or both (or even more) contact elements of the contact element assembly extend into the primary interface can be made by the person skilled in the art depending on the respective application or the mating connector type intended for the connection.

[0036] Preferably, the initial contact areas of the contact elements of the respective contact element assembly are arranged directly opposite each other, so that the respective initial contact areas are aligned parallel to each other (in the case of surface or line contacts). In particular, it can be provided that opposing contact elements of the respective contact element assembly form a common surface normal in the initial contact area. Most preferably, the contact elements of a contact element assembly can be shaped symmetrically about a central axis of the multi-part connector.

[0037] Alternatively or additionally, it may also be provided that the contact elements of a contact element assembly are arranged symmetrically to each other in the insertion direction, particularly when the mating contact element is not inserted and / or during initial contact with the mating contact element. The symmetry may be related to the central or longitudinal axis of the multi-part connector and / or the mating connector. In particular, axial symmetry or surface symmetry with respect to a surface extending along the central or longitudinal axis may be provided.

[0038] In this context, "initial contact" refers in particular to a common initial contact of at least one mating contact element with the respective corresponding contact element of the respective contact element assembly. Thus, it can be provided that the mating connector contacts at least one contact element, preferably all contact elements of a respective contact element assembly, simultaneously during the mating process.

[0039] In a further development of the invention, the contact elements can be formed in one piece. Alternatively, the contact elements can also be formed in multiple parts, for example, to create more complex contact structures. Individual contact element segments of a multi-part contact element can be connected to one another by positive locking, friction locking, or material locking. Preferably, the contact elements, or at least their components, can be formed as stamped and bent parts. However, contact elements manufactured as turned parts, deep-drawn contact elements, or contact elements manufactured in other ways can also be provided within the scope of the invention.

[0040] Preferably, the contact elements of the contact element pair each have a closed end face.

[0041] Preferably, the contact elements have a material thickness that is at least substantially constant along their longitudinal extent.

[0042] The contact elements of the connector components are sometimes referred to collectively as "contact elements" below.

[0043] The electrical contact element thus extends through the corresponding connector component, at least between the connection area and the interface. This allows for an electrical connection between the electrical conductors connected to the connector components when the connector component is connected to at least one compatible connector component (i.e., signal transmission between the electrical conductors of the connector components involved). Simultaneously, this connection option can be provided for the corresponding mating connector, and thus, in particular, for a participant in the network topology. As described below, at least one of the electrical contact elements can preferably extend into the primary interface area.

[0044] It should be emphasized that the invention is not limited to a specific arrangement of the primary interface area, the connection interface, and the terminal area relative to each other, nor to the specific path of the contact element between said areas. The arrangements of the individual areas or interfaces proposed below are therefore merely exemplary and represent preferred, but not necessary, variants of the invention.

[0045] The advantages and features described above and below with regard to the electrical contact element are also transferable to the "compatible electrical contact element" of the compatible connector component - and vice versa.

[0046] In principle, the connector component (and also the compatible connector component) can have any number of contact elements or compatible contact elements. For example, exactly one electrical contact element may be provided, but possibly also two contact elements (especially to form a differential contact element pair), three, four, five, six, seven, eight or even more contact elements or compatible contact elements. The number of contact elements and compatible contact elements can also differ between the connector component and the compatible connector component.

[0047] In a further development of the invention, it can be provided that, at least in the inserted state of the mating connector or the mating contact element, at most a single contact section of the contact elements can be contacted by the associated mating contact element in the axial direction.

[0048] Preferably, in the case of multiple contact elements of a contact element assembly, the contact sections are arranged (directly) opposite each other, and are particularly preferably symmetrically shaped and / or symmetrically arranged. The contact section can be identical to the initial contact area (for the initial contacting) mentioned above, although this is not necessarily the case.

[0049] Because, in the mated state of the mating connector, the mating contact elements each contact the corresponding contact elements only at a single contact section, a particularly robust electrical signal transmission can be achieved, which is especially suitable for transmitting high-frequency signals, as the risk of passive intermodulation is significantly reduced. Within the scope of the invention, a "first contact area" and a "contact section" are understood to be areas or sections of the respective contact element that are in direct contact with the corresponding mating contact element during the respective contacting process. These can, in principle, be contact surfaces, but preferably point or line contacts (especially preferably transverse, and in particular orthogonal, to the insertion direction).

[0050] The initial contact areas and / or contact sections are preferably formed on side surfaces of the contact elements of the contact element assembly (therefore, preferably, no end-face contact of the contact elements by the counter-contact element is provided).

[0051] In a particularly advantageous embodiment of the invention, it can be provided that the connection area of ​​the connector component is arranged at a first axial or longitudinal end section and the primary interface area is arranged at an opposite, second axial or longitudinal end section of the connector component.

[0052] The connection interface can preferably be arranged between the aforementioned two end sections. The connection interface can also partially or completely overlap with the connection area and / or the primary interface area, so that the connection option with at least one other compatible connector component, or the connection option between the contact element and the compatible contact element, can also be provided in the connection area and / or in the primary interface area. In particular, it can also be provided that the connection interface, the connection area, and / or the primary interface area are completely aligned or identical, or have the same dimensions and positions.

[0053] Particularly when only one of the contact elements of a contact element assembly extends into the primary interface, the connection interfaces of the connector components can be arranged outside the primary interface. This ensures that the contact elements can make contact with each other, while only one of the contact elements is accessible for contact with the mating connector.

[0054] Nevertheless, an arrangement of the connection interfaces outside the primary interface can also be advantageous if more than one contact element or all contact elements of a respective contact element assembly are located in the primary interface for contacting with at least one mating contact element.

[0055] The connection area and the primary interface area can optionally merge directly into one another, particularly if the connection interface is partially or completely located in one or both of these areas. Furthermore, an intermediate area that does not offer any further connection options may optionally be provided between the connection area and the primary interface area. The contact elements of the respective contact element assembly can preferably have at least partially identical longitudinal sections (e.g., identically designed spring tabs). These identical longitudinal sections can be formed in a front, middle, and / or rear section of the contact elements, particularly in areas where the contact elements make contact with each other (e.g.,in the connection interfaces); in areas where the contact elements are available for contacting with the at least one mating contact element (e.g. in the interface areas); and / or in areas where the contact elements are connected to the electrical conductors (e.g. in the connection areas).

[0056] In particular, it may be provided that the identical longitudinal sections of the contact elements form the opposing initial contact areas for the initial contact; and / or contact each other at the connection interfaces.

[0057] Preferably (but not necessarily), the contact elements of at least one contact element assembly can be designed to be completely identical. This preferably allows the use of identical parts in manufacturing, which can reduce manufacturing costs.

[0058] Particularly preferred are the interconnected connector components, especially in the case of exactly two interconnected connector components, being shaped and / or arranged symmetrically to each other along the central axis of the multi-part connector.

[0059] As mentioned above, the arrangement of the interfaces or connection areas relative to each other is not necessarily critical. Therefore, for example, the connection area can be arranged at a first axial or longitudinal end section of the connector component, and the connection interface at the second axial or longitudinal end section, with the primary interface area located between the connection area and the connection interface. The contact element can then extend from the connection area, through the primary interface area, and into the connection interface.

[0060] As part of another conceivable arrangement of the connection options, it can be provided, for example, that the connection area is arranged in a middle section of the connector component and is surrounded by the connection interface and the primary interface area, with the contact element then extending at least from the connection area to the connection interface - and possibly additionally (T-shaped) into the primary interface area.

[0061] The invention can also cover a distribution of said connection options in at least one spatial direction transverse to the longitudinal axis of the connector components, although this is not described in more detail below for the sake of simplicity.

[0062] In an advantageous further development of the invention, it can be provided in particular that the connection interface and the primary interface area are formed on different sides of the connector component.

[0063] Preferably, the connection interface and the primary interface area are formed on adjacent sides of the connector component, for example, on an end face on the one hand (this can be particularly advantageous for the primary interface area) and on a shell side on the other (this can be particularly advantageous for the connection interface). It is also possible for the connection interface and the primary interface area to be arranged on two shell sides connected via a common edge.

[0064] Of course, the connection interface and the primary interface area can also be located on the same side of the connector component, provided this appears suitable for the application.

[0065] In particular, the connection area can also be arranged on a different side of the connector component than the connection interface and / or the primary interface area. Preferably, the connection area can be arranged on a side of the connector component opposite the primary interface area. Thus, the connection area and the primary interface area can, for example, be arranged at opposite axial or longitudinal ends of the connector component. However, the connection area can also optionally be arranged on the same side as the connection interface and / or the primary interface area. For example, the connection interface can be located in the connection area (e.g., a crimp section of a contact element can have a contact tab to contact the compatible contact element, which may also have a contact tab).

[0066] According to a further development of the invention, the connection interface can extend at least partially along a shell side (in the case of an elongated connector component, therefore, in particular, a longitudinal side) of the connector component to enable a shell-side connection with the at least one compatible connector component. A shell-side connection of the connector component with the at least one compatible connector component has proven to be particularly suitable, since, especially in this case, an axial or end-face end section of the connector component can be advantageously used to form the primary interface area (particularly together with the at least one compatible connector component). In this way, the primary interface can be established with technically simple measures by means of a shell-side connection (i.e., for example, a longitudinal or end-face connection).lateral) joining of two connector components designed as respective half-shells.

[0067] It should be noted, however, that the connection interface may optionally also be arranged at an axial end of the connector component to enable an end-face connection with the at least one compatible connector component. In this case, the primary interface area may preferably (but not necessarily) also be arranged in the area of ​​the end face of the connector component, so that preferably the connector component and the at least one compatible connector component are able to jointly form the primary interface at the axial or end-face transition between them.

[0068] According to a further development of the invention, it can be provided that a connection direction for establishing the connection with the compatible connector component runs at an angle to a plugging direction of the primary interface.

[0069] The contact between two or more of the aforementioned connector components to form the multi-part connector can therefore preferably be achieved by a movement that is not in the actual insertion axis for the mating connector.

[0070] For example, the connection direction may be designed to be at least approximately orthogonal to the insertion direction. However, any angle between the connection direction and the insertion direction is generally possible, such as an angle of approximately 10°, 20°, 30°, or 45°.

[0071] It should be noted that the connection direction and the insertion direction can, in principle, also run parallel to each other, particularly if the connection interface and the primary interface area are located on the same side or on opposite sides of the connector component. An at least substantially parallel course of the connection direction and the insertion direction can, for example, also be provided to allow the contact elements and the compatible contact elements to slide against each other on the outer shell or longitudinally / laterally during the assembly of the connector components, whereby the contact pressure between the contact elements and the compatible contact elements can nevertheless preferably be perpendicular to the insertion direction.As already indicated above, in a further development of the invention it may be provided that the connection interface and the primary interface area overlap at least partially.

[0072] It can therefore be provided in particular that the connection between the at least one electrical contact element of the connector component and the associated at least one compatible electrical contact element of the compatible connector component takes place in the primary interface area or in the primary interface.

[0073] It can be provided that the contact elements for contact with the at least one mating contact element of the mating connector have said initial contact area (which can also correspond to the "contact section" for the subsequent or final contact in the plugged-in state). Additionally, the contact elements can have a connection area for electrical and mechanical contact with at least one further contact element of the same contact element assembly (in particular for contact within the connection interface). The initial contact area and the connection area are preferably different areas from each other.

[0074] Preferably, the connection area is arranged outside the primary interface area or outside the primary interface, or is accessible during a regular contacting and / or plugging process of the connector with the mating connector to prevent direct influence or...

[0075] The contact area is inaccessible or out of reach of the mating connector. Therefore, unlike the initial contact area, the connection area is preferably not directly mechanically contactable by the mating connector (especially by its mating contact elements) during normal operation.

[0076] In a further development of the invention, it can be provided that at least one of the contact elements of an associated contact element assembly is deformable (particularly preferably elastically or reversibly deformable) and / or displaceable (preferably against an elastic restoring force) by a contacting process with the counter-contact element (in particular via the initial contact area), starting from a mechanically unaffected basic state, such that a contacting of the contact elements of the contact element assembly existing before the contacting process (in particular at the connection area) is separated in the connection interface.

[0077] In particular, the contacting process with the mating contact element can be designed to cause movement (preferably only) of a partial section of at least one of the contact elements of the associated contact element assembly, preferably a pivoting movement, to disconnect the contact between the respective contact elements in the connection interface. This movement can preferably be a rotary movement or a pivoting movement. However, a translational movement or a displacement, or a combination of translation and rotation, can also be provided. Preferably, the at least one contact element in the primary interface area can be selectively connected either to the compatible contact element or to a mating contact element of the mating connector.It can therefore be provided that inserting the mating connector into the primary interface disconnects the direct connection between the contact elements of the respective contact element assembly, and conversely, corresponding mating contact elements of the mating connector contact the respective contact element of the connector component and / or the respective compatible contact element of at least one compatible connector component. This results in various possibilities for (re)establishing the signal flow between the connector components indirectly via the mating connector after their direct electrical connection has been severed.

[0078] For example, the mating connector can be designed to transmit the signal flow at least substantially unaffected, so that the electrical connection between the connector components is re-established after the mating connector is inserted (the electrical signal is "passed through"; a tap for an electrical participant in the network topology can, for example, be made electrically in parallel). The electrical connection between the corresponding contact elements of the connector components can be established for this purpose by a common mating contact element (i.e., the contact elements of the associated contact element assembly contact the common mating contact element and are electrically connected to each other via the mating contact element) or via individual mating contact elements that are connected to each other via an electrical connection (e.g.,through electrical conductors, an electrical circuit, conductor tracks or vias on the circuit board mentioned below, etc.).

[0079] As an alternative to simply forwarding the signal, the mating connector or the electrical device connected to it can also manipulate the electrical signal in a defined way using an electrical circuit, or even replace it entirely with another electrical signal. In this way, an electrical device can, for example, be inserted into an electrical series circuit and / or be used to electrically influence the network topology in a defined manner.

[0080] The mating contact elements can be arranged individually in the mating connector or on or in a common carrier. For example, the carrier could be the electrical circuit board mentioned below. However, the carrier can be any component used to fix one or more mating contact elements together (e.g., an electrically insulating carrier or plate). The mating contact elements can be arranged on opposite sides of the carrier or on the same sides. A mating contact element could, for example, be an electrically conductive plate, a pin contact, or another contact form. The carrier with the mating contact elements, or at least one of the mating contact elements, can be...For example, they can be inserted between the contact element and compatible contact elements to take over or influence signal transmission. Optionally, several mating contact elements can be electrically connected directly to each other or via electrical conductors, components, or circuits.

[0081] In the manner described above, for example, an electrical device in a network topology can be added to an existing series connection of various electrical devices using simple measures. Furthermore, electrical devices can be easily removed or replaced from an existing series connection without negatively affecting the function of the overall system.

[0082] Alternatively, using the connector component, parallel connection of electrical participants can also be provided if the connection between contact element and compatible contact element is not broken by inserting the mating connector, but only an additional connection of said contact elements with the at least one mating contact element is established.

[0083] In a further development of the invention, it can be provided in particular that the at least one contact element extends into the primary interface area in order to provide a direct contacting possibility for a mating contact element of the mating connector.

[0084] Insofar as the connector component has multiple contact elements, it may be provided that one, several, or all of the contact elements extend into the primary interface area to provide a corresponding contacting option for one or more mating contact elements of the mating connector. It should be emphasized in particular that the configuration of the compatible connector component may differ from that of the connector component in this respect. In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, it may be provided that at least one contact element (for example, exactly one contact element) of a contact element assembly extends into the primary interface area, e.g., such that contact elements of the connector component and the compatible connector component, which together form a contact element assembly, extend alternately into the primary interface area.It is even possible for one of the connector components to have no contact elements extending into the primary interface area. In principle, any configuration or distribution of the contact elements in the primary interface, preferably formed jointly by the connector component and the compatible connector components, is possible; this includes, in particular, a configuration in which all contact elements of the connector component and all compatible contact elements of the compatible connector component extend into the primary interface.

[0085] In a further development of the invention, it can be provided that the initial contact areas of the contact elements of an associated contact element assembly for the initial contact with the mating contact element are spaced further away from a central axis of the multi-part connector than connection areas of the contact elements at which said contact elements contact each other in the connection interface in the unplugged state of the mating contact element.

[0086] In this way, it can be advantageously ensured that an enlarged insertion area is provided for inserting the mating contact element or a carrier with mating contact elements (for example, a carrier plate such as an electrical circuit board). Thus, the plugging process can be carried out with comparatively little force, while simultaneously disconnecting the contacts of the contact element assembly.

[0087] In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, it can be provided that the connector component, in particular the at least one contact element, has at least one associated connection means in the connection area for electrical and mechanical contact with the associated electrical conductor.

[0088] Preferably, the at least one contact element in the connection area forms a crimp section for a crimp connection with the associated electrical conductor. The crimp section can be implemented, for example, as a crimp sleeve and / or crimp tab(s). Alternatively, instead of a crimp section, the at least one contact element in the connection area can also be soldered, welded, or otherwise connected to the associated electrical conductor. Preferably, a permanent or non-destructively inseparable connection is provided between the at least one contact element and the associated electrical conductor in the connection area.

[0089] In special cases, an interface for connecting the electrical conductor to the corresponding contact element may also be provided in the connection area (for example, the electrical conductor could be an electrical conductor of a printed circuit board, in particular in the form of a pin, a contact recess, or part of a PCB connector). Preferably, however, the connection means is not an interface.

[0090] In a further development of the invention, it may be provided that the connector component and / or the compatible connector component have at least one secondary interface area for forming at least part of a secondary interface for connection with a further mating connector of the multi-part connector.

[0091] The secondary interface (and any additional interfaces, if present) allows for the addition of further (bus) participants to the network topology and / or the connection of additional electrical lines to the existing system. This enables a modular and flexible expansion of the network topology. With at least one secondary interface, even complex network structures, such as star, tree, or mesh network topologies, can be implemented flexibly and with technical simplicity.

[0092] Advantageously, within the scope of the invention, any number of secondary interface areas can be provided for contacting further mating connectors, for example exactly one secondary interface area, two secondary interface areas, three secondary interface areas or even more secondary interface areas.

[0093] The at least one secondary interface area may preferably be located on a different side than the primary interface area (though this is not mandatory). For example, the primary interface area and a secondary interface area may be arranged at opposite ends, particularly opposite axial ends, of the connector component. The secondary interface area may optionally be located on the same side of the connector component as the terminal area of ​​the connector component.

[0094] Features and advantages mentioned above and below with regard to the primary interface area can also be applied to the secondary interface area – and vice versa. For example, it may be provided that the secondary interface area, and thus the secondary interface, is only fully formed by joining the connector component with at least one compatible connector component.

[0095] The primary interface area and the secondary interface area can differ in their design or be functionally and / or geometrically identical, so that the same or different mating connector types can be used to connect an electrical device to the primary and secondary interfaces – depending on the requirements of the overall system. The secondary interface areas, if multiple are provided, may also differ from each other. However, multiple secondary interface areas are usually functionally and / or geometrically identical.

[0096] In a further development of the invention, it can be provided that the at least one contact element in the connection interface can be directly connected to the associated at least one compatible contact element of the compatible connector component.

[0097] In the connected state of the connector components or in the assembled state of the multi-part connector, the contact elements of the connection partners preferably contact each other directly in the area of ​​the connection interface or are in direct contact with one another. In a further development of the invention, it can alternatively (or optionally for some of the contact elements, insofar as several contact elements are provided) also be provided that the at least one contact element can be indirectly connected to the associated at least one compatible contact element, for example via a separate contact bridge that can be jointly mounted in the connector component and in the at least one compatible connector component. In principle, any conductive component (e.g.,a separate contact plate) or electronic component or multiple components may be arranged between the contact element and the compatible contact element to provide indirect contacting.

[0098] This contact bridge can, for example, be a clamp-like or comb-like electrically conductive component that can be inserted into the previously connected connector components. In principle, a separate contact bridge can be provided for each contact element to be connected and for each compatible contact element (i.e., for each contact element assembly). Optionally, several contact bridges can be electrically isolated from one another and attached to a common electrically insulating carrier element, allowing for convenient assembly in a single mating operation.

[0099] Optionally, the contact bridge can also serve as a fixing means to connect the connector components to each other, in particular to fasten the contact carriers of the connector components to each other.

[0100] It should be noted here that, as a rule, in the connection interface, one contact element of the connector component can be connected to exactly one compatible contact element of the compatible connector component to form an electrically connected contact element assembly. However, it is also possible for one contact element of the connector component to be connected to several compatible contact elements of the compatible connector component – ​​or vice versa – for example, to provide predefined contact bridges or even electrical connections between the contact elements or the connector components.

[0101] In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the at least one contact element of the connector component can be directly accessible from the compatible contact element of the at least one compatible connector component in the connection interface for connection with the corresponding contact element of the compatible connector component. In particular, the contact elements in the connection interface can be exposed for contact by the compatible contact elements of the compatible connector component. Preferably, the at least one contact element can be contacted by the at least one compatible contact element against an elastic restoring force – or vice versa. In this way, a suitable contact pressure for a robust electrical connection can be established.

[0102] The at least one contact element can be designed in particular in the form of a spring tab attached on one or both sides.

[0103] It may be provided that at least one contact element projects from the connection interface in the direction of the compatible contact element or connector component. Alternatively, at least one contact element may be arranged coplanarly or recessed within the connection interface relative to the corresponding side face of the connector component.

[0104] It can also be provided that at least one contact element is designed in a pincer-like manner in order to grip the compatible contact element, at least partially. Preferably, this contacting also occurs against an elastic restoring force, for example, by the compatible contact element spreading the pincer-like contact element from its rest position in the contacted state.

[0105] It can also be provided that at least one contact element is pin-shaped to contact the compatible contact element in a contact receptacle – or vice versa. The pin-shaped contact element can optionally have one or more contact springs distributed along its circumference to generate an advantageous contact pressure for contacting. The contact receptacle can optionally have one or more contact springs distributed along its inner circumference to generate an advantageous contact pressure for contacting (the contact receptacle can, for example, be designed in the form of a spring cage).

[0106] In principle, the at least one contact element and / or the at least one compatible electrical contact element can be configured in any way. The preceding examples are therefore to be understood merely as preferred variants and not as limiting to the invention.

[0107] The contact between the contact element and the compatible electrical contact element is preferably lateral, i.e., such that the contact element and the compatible contact element are in contact with each other on the outer surface, for example along their length, when in contact.

[0108] In a further development of the invention, the connector component and / or the at least one compatible connector component may have an electrically insulating contact carrier in which the at least one contact element is received and preferably fixed directly or indirectly. Preferably, the contact carrier also forms at least the primary interface area and optionally also the connection interface and / or the terminal area. It may be provided that the contact carrier forms all areas or sections of the respective connector component. The contact carrier may preferably be a one-piece or monolithic component.

[0109] The contact carrier may simultaneously be the outer housing of the connector component and thus part of the outer housing of the multi-part connector. Alternatively, a separate outer housing may be provided to accommodate the contact carrier. In the case of a shielded multi-part connector, the contact carrier may preferably be the insulator between the outer conductor and the inner conductors.

[0110] The insulating contact carrier may be provided with a contact chamber, channel, or groove for each contact element, in which the contact element is at least partially received and optionally fixed. The positioning, orientation, and / or path of the at least one contact element can be defined and predetermined by the contact carrier. For example, the contact carrier may have one or more axial stops for the at least one contact element and / or one or more locking elements for fixing the at least one contact element.

[0111] It may be provided that one, several or all of the contact chambers or other contact points of the contact carrier are unpopulated.

[0112] In particular, it may be provided that at least one contact element is fixed in a loss-proof manner (especially in the contact carrier) at least in the direction of the compatible connector component.

[0113] The contact element can be securely fixed in the connector component, particularly in the insulating contact carrier, for example, by means of claw-like areas on the contact element that allow it to interlock positively with the contact carrier. Alternatively or additionally, the contact element can be locked in place by means of a retaining clip on the contact carrier. It is also possible for the contact element's locking hooks to engage in corresponding recesses on the contact carrier – or vice versa.

[0114] The connector component and the compatible connector component (especially their respective contact carriers) can be completely separate or (non-destructively) separable components. Optionally, the connector components can also be mechanically connected to each other, at least partially. This connection can be a single piece, for example, via a connecting bridge or a film hinge between the contact carriers. This provides a secure connection and also enables at least a partially guided closing movement or a partially guided mutual connection (linear and / or rotary). It should be noted that a guided closing movement can also be achieved with multiple components, for example, via a mutual hinge connection or a cam guide between the connector components or their contact carriers.

[0115] In a further development of the invention, it can be provided that the connector component has one or more mechanical guide means to specify the connection with the compatible connector component along a defined connection path.

[0116] The at least one mechanical guiding means of the connector component can, for example, be designed as a guide groove or guide rib or guide web to accommodate a corresponding counter-guiding means of the compatible connector component and to guide it along the said connection path during the manufacture of the connection between the connector component and the compatible connector component.

[0117] In a further development of the invention, it can be provided that the connector component has one or more locking elements and / or latching elements to mechanically secure the connection with the compatible connector component.

[0118] A locking element can be, in particular, an element that is at least partially elastic or movable and capable of locking into a corresponding counter-locking element, especially such that the locking element is able to "snap" into the counter-locking element – ​​or vice versa. Therefore, an unstable intermediate state can preferably be overcome first until the locking element and the counter-locking element are subsequently in a stable, positive-locking state. A locking element can, in particular, be an element that can be connected to a corresponding counter-locking element at least substantially without force. For this purpose, the locking element and / or counter-locking element can, for example, be freely displaceable in a first spatial direction in order to provide a mutual positive lock in at least one further spatial direction orthogonal to the first spatial direction when locked.

[0119] It is possible for the mechanical guides, locking elements, and / or locking elements to be formed on any component of the connector assembly. In particular, an insulating or conductive housing component of the connector assembly (e.g., the aforementioned outer housing), the aforementioned insulating contact carrier, at least one of the contact elements, the outer conductor contact element mentioned below, or any other component may be provided to form a guide, a locking element, and / or a locking element.

[0120] In a further development of the invention, it can be provided that the connector component and / or the at least one compatible connector component (each) have an outer conductor contact element which is arranged laterally around the connector component or the compatible connector component, in particular around a contact carrier designed as an insulator element, at least partially circumferentially in cross-section. Preferably, all connector components have a corresponding outer conductor contact element.

[0121] The connector components can thus also form an electrically shielded, multi-part connector. Preferably, each of the connector components involved, i.e., the connector component itself and the at least one compatible connector component, can form part of the common outer conductor contact element. The outer conductor contact elements of the connector components can therefore preferably be electrically and mechanically connected to each other when the connector components are connected.

[0122] It may be provided that at least one contact element remains accessible for connection with the compatible contact element when the respective connector component is connected to the outer conductor contact element. Similarly, it may be provided that the contact elements and compatible contact elements to be arranged in the primary interface remain contactable by the corresponding mating contact elements.

[0123] The outer conductor contact element can preferably be designed as a contact plate, preferably as a formed contact plate. This contact plate can optionally be fixed to the outer sides of the insulating contact carrier of the connector component. Alternatively, instead of a contact plate, the outer conductor contact element can also be designed as a metallic or other conductive coating or as a metallic foil.

[0124] The outer conductor contact element of a single connector component can be a one-piece or monolithic (preferred) or multi-piece component.

[0125] The contacting and fixing of the outer conductor contact elements of the connector component and the compatible connector component can be achieved, for example, by means of elastically designed contact tabs of one outer conductor contact element, which can be inserted into corresponding contact pockets of the other outer conductor contact element.

[0126] To connect the outer conductor contact elements to each other or to, for example, one of the electrical conductors or the electrical cable, a crimping or compression fitting can also be provided. This also allows for an optional electrical connection to a cable shield of the cable, and can additionally provide strain relief.

[0127] It has proven particularly suitable if the outer conductor contact element is at least substantially U-shaped, so that all sides of the connector component are covered except for the side of the connector component that has the connection interface. Alternatively, however, it can also be provided, for example, that the outer conductor contact element is at least substantially sleeve-shaped and completely encloses the connector component in the circumferential direction, wherein a recess, for example a window, can preferably be formed in the outer conductor contact element in the area of ​​the connection interface, in which the at least one contact element is to be contactable with the at least one compatible contact element, and / or in the area of ​​the primary interface area, in which the contact elements are to be contactable with the at least one mating contact element.

[0128] It should be noted that it is also possible to provide for at least one essentially sleeve-shaped outer conductor contact element or outer conductor sleeve to be mounted on the multi-part connector only after the connector components have been connected. This outer conductor sleeve can be provided as a supplement (e.g., to increase mechanical stability) or as an alternative to the individual outer conductor contact elements distributed across the connector component. The sleeve-shaped outer conductor contact element or outer conductor sleeve can be mounted from an axial end of the multi-part connector, for example, from a cable-side or conductor-side axial end, or from a plug-side axial end.

[0129] The outer conductor sleeve can extend over only a partial axial section of the multi-part connector or completely along its axial extent. In said section, the at least one outer conductor sleeve preferably encloses all connector components of the multi-part connector together. Multiple outer conductor sleeves distributed along the axial extent of the multi-part connector can also be provided. The at least one outer conductor sleeve can be fixed to the connector components, for example, by snapping, pressing, or crimping.

[0130] For example, an outer conductor sleeve can be arranged at least in the connection area for the electrical conductor. In this case, the outer conductor sleeve can be designed, in particular, as a crimp sleeve to establish a mechanical and, if necessary, electrical connection with the electrical conductor or cable. An outer conductor sleeve can also be provided in the area of ​​the connection interface and / or the primary or secondary interface.

[0131] In a further development of the invention, it can be provided that the connector component or the compatible connector component each has at least two of the said electrical contact elements, which can be used together for differential signal transmission.

[0132] Alternatively or additionally, it may also be provided that at least two of the aforementioned electrical contact elements can be used together for electrical energy transmission.

[0133] In principle, the connector component or multi-part connector can be suitable for any type of signal and / or power transmission. In the case of differential signal transmission, an electrical connection can optionally be formed between the differential contact elements to provide electrical termination for the differential signal transmission if required. Alternatively, termination can also be achieved, for example, by inserting a corresponding mating connector or a separate end piece.

[0134] Advantageously, a multi-part connector, in particular a multi-part bus connector, can be provided which, in the plugged-in state of the two connector components, establishes an electrical connection between the two bus line sections adjoining the connector components, and also provides a plug-in option for a mating connector or a (bus) participant, which can optionally be plugged in or not plugged in.

[0135] It may be optionally provided that the connector components of the multi-part connector, or at least components of the connector components, such as the contact carriers, are hermaphroditic, which can further simplify their manufacturability due to the possibilities of using identical parts.

[0136] Preferably, each electrical contact element of the connector component is assigned a corresponding, compatible electrical contact element of the compatible connector component(s) to form a respective contact element assembly connected at the connection interface. Where the term "contact element pair" is used below, it refers, by way of example, to a contact element assembly consisting of one contact element and one compatible contact element. The term "contact element pair" is not intended to be restrictive, but merely illustrative. It should be noted that, in principle, more than two contact elements and compatible contact elements can be connected to each other (e.g., one contact element of the connector component with two or more compatible contact elements of the compatible connector component – ​​or vice versa), or that individual contact elements or...Compatible contact elements are not connected to a corresponding counterpart. Finally, the contact elements of a single connector component can also be connected to each other.

[0137] In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, it can be provided that the connector component is connected via the connection interface to two, three, four or more compatible connector components.

[0138] Therefore, apart from a two-part connector, a three-part, four-part or five-part connector can also be provided, for example.

[0139] The multiple compatible connector components can preferably be arranged side by side or one behind the other, i.e., in a row and / or column arrangement, relative to each other. Preferably, the multiple compatible connector components are connected via the connection interface of the connector component on a common side or in a common connection plane of the connector component.

[0140] The multiple compatible connector components can also be connected to the connector component on different sides. For example, the connection interface of the connector component can be distributed across several sides of the connector component. In this way, a "stacked" arrangement of multiple connector components can be advantageously implemented.

[0141] It may be specifically provided that one of the compatible connector components is exclusively dedicated to electrical data transmission and a second of the compatible connector components exclusively to electrical power supply. It may also be possible to distribute different differential signal transmission pairs across different connector components.

[0142] In a further development of the invention, it can be provided that the connector component and the compatible connector component together form the primary interface.

[0143] As mentioned above, for example, in the case of a two-part connector consisting of one connector component and exactly one other compatible connector component, the connector components can be designed as respective half-shells to form the primary interface. Similarly, when using multiple compatible connector components, these can form the primary interface together with the connector component, for example, by one of the connector components forming a half-shell onto which several other connector components (e.g., two more connector components) can be arranged side by side.

[0144] As already mentioned, a further development of the invention may also provide that only the connector component forms the primary interface. In this case, the at least one compatible connector component is essentially intended to pass the electrical connection from its terminal area via its connection interface to the connection interface of the connector component and thus to the terminal area of ​​the connector component (i.e., to "loop through" a data signal or a power supply to the other connector component).

[0145] According to a further development of the invention, the multi-part connector can be designed such that when the compatible connector component is connected to the connection interface of the connector component, the primary interface is simultaneously formed. By connecting the connector component to the at least one compatible connector component, a connection via the connection interfaces can thus be established in a single assembly operation, and the primary interface for the mating connector can be formed simultaneously. This assembly step thus enables the transmission of data and supply signals from a main conductor section of a network topology to another "link" or another main conductor section of the same network topology, and also provides an additional connection point for further electrical devices.

[0146] In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, it can be provided that the contact elements of the connector component and the compatible contact elements of the compatible connector component are mechanically secured by means of a common, separate secondary locking mechanism.

[0147] The common, separate secondary locking mechanism can be designed in particular in the form of a clamp or a comb.

[0148] The separate secondary locking mechanism is preferably an electrically insulating component and, for securing the at least one contact element and the at least one compatible contact element, preferably has at least one locking leg each, optionally with a locking projection at a preferably front, free end for locking with at least one of the connector components (for example, with a contact carrier). The multiple locking legs preferably form a common component and can be inserted individually or together into the pre-assembled, multi-part connector, in particular into the electrically insulating contact carrier, which may have suitable recesses for the locking legs. To fix the contact elements, the locking legs can form a positive fit with the respective contact elements, for example by a suitable shape (e.g.,Projection and / or rebound) in the contact elements for the safety legs.

[0149] It is also possible for the separate secondary fuse and the contact bridge mentioned above to be designed as a single component (and, if applicable, the aforementioned fixing means for fastening the connector components together), which can advantageously be assembled in a single assembly operation. For example, the contact legs of the contact bridge and the locking legs of the secondary fuse can extend from a common base plate. The contact legs of the contact bridge and the locking legs of the secondary fuse can also be identical (in which case the locking legs of the secondary fuse are preferably electrically conductive).

[0150] In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, it can also be provided that the contact elements of the connector component and the compatible contact elements of the compatible connector component are secured by means of mutual secondary locking elements. A secondary locking element of the connector component (in particular, a secondary locking element formed on the contact carrier of the first connector component) secures at least one of the compatible contact elements of the compatible connector component, and a secondary locking element of the compatible connector component (in particular, a secondary locking element formed on the contact carrier of the second connector component) secures at least one associated contact element of the connector component. Advantageously, the secondary locking mechanism can thus be formed integrally with the connector components, in particular integrally with their contact carriers.If the multi-part connector has more than two connector components, even more complex mutual safeguards may arise through respective secondary safeguarding elements of the connector components. In particular, it may be provided that each connector component safeguards an (immediately) adjacent connector component by means of its secondary safeguarding element, whereby said adjacent connector component safeguards the connector component safeguarding it or safeguards another adjacent connector component.

[0151] It should be noted here that the electrical conductors may also be distributed across multiple electrical wires or cables, meaning that several electrical wires or cables can be supplied to a single connector component. At least one electrical conductor can also be routed individually or independently of a wire or cable into the connection area of ​​the connector component, particularly if it is an electrical conductor of an electrical assembly, such as a printed circuit board.

[0152] The invention also relates to an electrical network topology, in particular a bus system, comprising at least two multi-part connectors according to the preceding and following embodiments.

[0153] The electrical network topology preferably also includes at least two compatible mating connectors, which are each incorporated in the primary interfaces of said connected connector components or multi-part connectors.

[0154] In the context of the preceding invention, a "network topology" refers to the topology or overall system of an electrical network, with a specific arrangement of the respective participants and lines in relation to one another for exchanging data and / or electrical energy or power. The electrical network topology can be, among other things, a ring structure, a mesh structure, a star structure, a fully meshed structure, a series structure, a tree structure, or a bus structure (bus system). The specific design or topology is not essential in this case. Ultimately, what matters is that several electrical participants can be interconnected to form a common network within the framework of the electrical network topology according to the invention.The multi-part connector allows electrical devices to be advantageously integrated into the network topology using technically simple means.

[0155] In a further development of the invention, it can be provided that the electrical network topology has at least two electrical participants, each of which is connected to one of the mating connectors or which each has the mating connector.

[0156] Typically, the electrical network topology can be designed to include more than two electrical devices, for example, three, four, five, ten, or even more. Each of the electrical devices can preferably be connected to the network topology via a corresponding mating connector through the primary interfaces of the multi-part connectors.

[0157] The electrical participant can be any electrical assembly that is connected or connectable to other electrical participants for the exchange of energy and / or data via the network topology.

[0158] The electrical component can be, for example, a control device, a voltage and / or power supply (e.g., a battery or accumulator), a microprocessor, a computer, an electrical circuit, an electrical load (e.g., a light source), an electrical sensor system (e.g., a camera system), or an electrical input device. The invention is not fundamentally limited to any particular type of electrical component.

[0159] In a further development of the invention, it may be provided that at least one of the mating connectors is designed as a multi-part connector, preferably (but not necessarily) according to the preceding and following descriptions.

[0160] In this way, for example, a second network topology can be connected to the proposed network topology. The electrical device that can be connected to the multi-part connector via the primary interface can therefore itself be an independent network topology.

[0161] According to a further development of the invention, at least one mating contact element of the mating connector can be arranged on a carrier (e.g., on an insulating carrier plate or an electrical circuit board, in particular by contact pads or contact surfaces or conductor tracks of the circuit board forming the mating contact elements), wherein the carrier (e.g., the electrical circuit board) can be inserted into the primary interface to establish an electrical contact between the at least one contact element of the multi-part connector and the associated mating contact element. The mating contact element of the mating connector can, in principle, be of any design. As an alternative to using electrical contacts of an electrical circuit board, the mating contact element of the bus participant can, for example, also be designed as a pin, a socket, or a flat contact.As mentioned above, the invention is not to be understood as being limited to a specific contact type or a specific connector standard, but can be used for any contact type and connector standard.

[0162] In particular, it may be provided that the at least one mating contact element is arranged in advance on the carrier (especially on the electrical circuit board) such that the first mechanical contact (i.e., the initial contact) between the carrier or the electrical circuit board and the at least one contact element of the multi-part connector simultaneously establishes the electrical contact between the at least one mating contact element and the associated at least one contact element of the multi-part connector during the insertion of the carrier or the electrical circuit board into the primary interface.

[0163] The advantage of the leading mating contact element can be that the connection of the network topology with the other electrical participant can be made relatively interference-free, since the main line section of the network topology is forwarded via the multi-part connector or via the mating connector and thus the electrical participant to the other main line section of the network topology.

[0164] Alternatively, the main line can also be interrupted initially during the insertion of the mating connector. This means that the contact between the mating contact elements and the contact elements of the multi-part connector can be deliberately delayed during insertion of the mating connector. In this case, a further development of the invention provides that the at least one mating contact element is set back from a front end of the carrier (in particular the circuit board) in the insertion direction, so that during the insertion of the carrier or the circuit board into the primary interface, a mechanical contact is first established between the carrier or the circuit board and the contact element of the multi-part connector, and only upon further insertion of the carrier or the circuit board is the electrical contact established.Initial contact is established between the at least one mating contact element and the associated at least one contact element of the multi-part connector.

[0165] A temporary interruption of the electrical connection in the main conductor of the overall system while plugging in another electrical device or the mating connector can be advantageous, for example, to signal to a control unit (e.g., a master) of the network topology that a change has occurred in the network regarding the connected devices. This allows for a faster update of the device inventory, as needed, compared to a cyclical, regular update.

[0166] If the mating contact elements are arranged on a circuit board of the mating connector, they can be distributed across both main areas of the circuit board. Thus, opposing mating contact elements on the circuit board can be interconnected by electrical traces and / or metallic vias to transmit an electrical data or power signal from one connector component, across the circuit board of the mating connector, to the compatible connector component when the mating connector is inserted into the primary interface.

[0167] The invention also relates to a compatible electrical connector component for a multi-part connector, comprising at least one compatible electrical contact element that can be connected to an electrical conductor in a connection area and that can be connected to an electrical contact element of a connector component (in particular, but not necessarily, to the connector component described above and below).

[0168] The invention also relates to an assembly method for assembling an electrical network topology, in particular a bus system, comprising at least the following method steps:

[0169] Providing a connector component;

[0170] Provide at least one additional connector component compatible with the first connector component;

[0171] Assembling the connector components to form a multi-part connector, such that an electrical contact element of the connector component electrically contacts a compatible electrical contact element of the at least one compatible connector component, wherein the electrical contact element and the compatible electrical contact element are each connected to an electrical conductor, and wherein one or more of the connector components together form a primary interface for connection with a corresponding mating connector.

[0172] Optionally, the following process steps may also be included in the above assembly procedure:

[0173] Connecting the electrical contact elements to the respective electrical conductors, in particular crimping the electrical contact elements to the electrical conductors; and / or providing further connector components, each connected to a different end of the electrical conductors; and / or

[0174] Connecting one or more electrical participants of the network topology by means of respective mating connectors to at least one primary interface of one of the multi-part connectors. The invention further relates to an independent connector component for a multi-part connector, which can be combined with the features of the aforementioned connector component and the compatible connector component, and also with the features of the multi-part connector, in particular as described in the dependent claims, comprising a connection interface for connection with at least one further compatible connector component of the multi-part connector; a primary interface area for forming at least a part of a primary interface for connection with a corresponding mating connector of the multi-part connector;a connection area for connecting at least one electrical conductor; and at least one electrical contact element which can be connected to the electrical conductor in the connection area and which extends from the connection area at least to the connection interface, wherein the electrical contact element can be connected in the connection interface to a compatible electrical contact element of the compatible connector component.

[0175] Features described in connection with one of the objects of the invention, namely the multi-part connector according to the invention, the electrical network topology according to the invention, and the assembly method according to the invention, can also be advantageously implemented for the other objects of the invention. Likewise, advantages mentioned in connection with one of the objects of the invention can also be understood to relate to the other objects of the invention.

[0176] It should also be noted that terms such as "comprehensive," "exhibiting," or "with" do not exclude other characteristics or steps. Furthermore, terms such as "a" or "the," which indicate a singular number of steps or characteristics, do not exclude a plurality of characteristics or steps—and vice versa.

[0177] In a purist embodiment of the invention, however, it may also be provided that the features introduced in the invention with the terms "comprising," "comprising," or "with" are exhaustively listed. Accordingly, one or more lists of features within the scope of the invention may be considered complete, for example, for each claim. The invention may, for instance, consist exclusively of the features mentioned in claim 1.

[0178] It should be noted that designations such as "first" or "second" etc. are primarily used for the purpose of distinguishing between the respective device or process features and are not necessarily intended to indicate that features are mutually dependent or related to each other.

[0179] Furthermore, it should be emphasized that the values ​​and parameters described herein include deviations or fluctuations of ±10% or less, preferably ±5% or less, more preferably ±1% or less, and most preferably ±0.1% or less of the respective named value or parameter, provided that such deviations are not excluded in the practical implementation of the invention. The specification of ranges by initial and final values ​​also includes all those values ​​and fractions that are encompassed by the respective named range, in particular the initial and final values ​​and a respective mean value.

[0180] Within the scope of the present disclosure, the applicant explicitly reserves the right to claim one of the following subject matter separately from claim 1, whereby all features, developments, claims, advantages and drawings described above and below may also be transferred to the separate subject matter mentioned herein, provided that this is not technically excluded:

[0181] A first independent article relates to a connector component for an electrical connector, comprising at least one first contact receptacle for at least one first electrical contact element, wherein the connector component is connectable to a compatible, further connector component of the electrical connector, which has at least one second contact receptacle for at least one second electrical contact element, and wherein the connector component has at least one first secondary locking element configured to secure the at least one second contact element of the compatible connector component in the at least one second contact receptacle (in the insertion direction of the contact elements and / or at an angle to the insertion direction of the contact elements), and wherein the at least one first contact element, when received in the at least one first contact receptacle,secured by a second secondary locking element of the compatible connector component. This first independent item may optionally have the following advantageous further developments, which may be combined with one another in any way:

[0182] The at least one first contact point can be equipped with the associated at least one electrical contact element and / or the at least one second contact point can be equipped with the associated at least one second electrical contact element;

[0183] The securing of the contact elements by the respective secondary locking elements can be positive locking and / or force locking; in particular, it can be provided that the secondary locking elements can be mechanically engaged with the respective contact element (e.g. in a receptacle of the contact element) and / or mechanically block the movement of the respective contact element in at least one spatial direction;

[0184] The contact elements included in the contact receptacles can be secured (primarily) in the respective contact receptacle, for example by being latched or locked in an axial and / or lateral direction (e.g. by an undercut in the contact receptacle or by a locking hook);

[0185] The connector component can have a first contact carrier (in particular an insulating contact carrier, for example made of plastic) in which the at least one first electrical contact element is received, preferably mechanically fixed;

[0186] The compatible connector component can have a second contact carrier (in particular an insulating contact carrier, for example made of plastic) in which the at least one second electrical contact element is received, preferably mechanically fixed;

[0187] The first contact carrier can have the first contact points and the second contact carrier can have the second contact points, in which the contact elements can each be received and optionally (primarily) fixed;

[0188] The contact surfaces can be fitted with the respective contact elements axially and / or laterally (preferred);

[0189] The first contact carrier and / or the second contact carrier can have respective contact channels, contact grooves, contact bores and / or contact chambers for the at least one first or for the at least one second contact element, which preferably form said contact receptacles;

[0190] The connector component can have a first connection area for connecting at least one electrical conductor in order to connect the at least one electrical conductor to the associated first contact element, for example by crimping;

[0191] The compatible connector component may have a second connection area for connecting at least one electrical conductor in order to connect the at least one electrical conductor to the associated second contact element, for example by crimping;

[0192] The connector component can have a first primary interface area to form at least part of a primary interface for connection with a corresponding mating connector;

[0193] The compatible connector component may have a second primary interface area to form at least part of a primary interface for connection with a corresponding mating connector;

[0194] The first secondary locking element can be formed in one piece or monolithically with the connector component, preferably with the first contact carrier;

[0195] The second secondary locking element can be formed in one piece or monolithically with the compatible connector component, preferably with the second contact carrier;

[0196] The secondary locking elements can also be designed to secure the connector component and the compatible connector component (especially the respective contact carriers) to each other, for example by locking them together;

[0197] The connector component and the compatible connector component (or at least their contact carriers) can be hermaphroditic to each other or designed as identical parts; the connector component can be a connector component according to the definition in claim 1 (along with all dependent claims and embodiments);

[0198] The connector component (especially the first contact carrier) and the compatible connector component (especially the second contact carrier) can optionally be mechanically connected to each other at least partially (in one piece, for example via a connecting bridge, a film hinge, etc., or in multiple pieces, for example via a hinge connection or a cam guide) in order to enable at least a partially guided closing movement or a partially guided mutual connection (linear and / or rotary);

[0199] An electrical connector can comprise the connector component and at least one compatible connector component, wherein the connector component and the compatible connector component are connected to each other;

[0200] The first contact points can be designed such that the first contact elements contained therein are arranged solely in the connector component or only partially in the connector component (and therefore, for example, protrude at least partially axially and / or laterally into the compatible connector component);

[0201] The second contact receptacles can be designed such that the second contact elements contained therein are arranged solely in the compatible connector component or only partially in the compatible connector component (and therefore, for example, protrude at least partially axially and / or laterally into the connector component);

[0202] The electrical connector can have a single interface for connection with the mating connector and at least two leads for supplying at least two leads (in particular, the electrical connector can be a conventional connector, for example a cable connector, a printed circuit board connector or an adapter);

[0203] The electrical connector can be a multi-part connector, for example (but not necessarily) a multi-part connector according to claim 1 (together with all dependent claims and further developments);

[0204] In particular, the features of Figures 30 and 31, along with their descriptions, may represent further developments of the multi-part connector.

[0205] A second independent article relates to a contact bridge for an electrical connector, wherein the contact bridge is configured to indirectly connect at least two electrical contact elements of the electrical connector to one another. This second independent article may optionally have the following advantageous embodiments, which may be combined with one another in any way:

[0206] The contact bridge can be designed in a clamp-like or comb-like manner;

[0207] The contact bridge can have at least two contact legs extending from a common base element, preferably at least in the same direction, and in particular at least substantially parallel to each other; the contact bridge can be a stamped and bent part;

[0208] The contact bridge, in particular the contact legs, can be designed to be elastic at least in sections in the lateral direction in order to provide a lateral mechanical contact pressure for the connection with the contact elements;

[0209] The contact bridge can be configured to provide an axial and / or lateral (secondary) locking function for at least one of the contact elements, preferably for all contact elements electrically connected to each other via the contact bridge;

[0210] The contact bridge can be configured to secure the at least one contact element, preferably all contact elements of a contact element assembly electrically connected to each other via the contact bridge, in a form-fit and / or force-fit axially and / or laterally in the electrical connector, in particular in a one- or multi-part contact carrier; The contact legs can have detent recesses, detent projections or detent recesses to form a detent, preferably acting in a lateral and / or axial direction, and / or a form-fit with the contact elements and / or with other components of the electrical connector (e.g. with a housing component, a contact carrier, etc.);

[0211] An electrical connector can have a contact bridge, wherein the contact bridge indirectly connects the at least two contact elements of a contact element assembly to each other electrically;

[0212] The electrical connector can have several of the aforementioned contact bridges, in particular a respective contact bridge for connecting two or more electrical contact elements of a contact element assembly, wherein optionally the (secondary) locking function described above can be provided for the respective contact elements in the connector;

[0213] Several contact bridges can optionally be electrically separated from each other and attached to a common electrically insulating support element;

[0214] The electrical connector can have one or more connector components; the electrical connector can have a one-piece or multi-piece contact carrier for the contact elements, the contact carrier being, for example, an insulating housing component, such as a housing shell;

[0215] Insofar as the electrical connector has a multi-part contact carrier for the contact elements, it can be provided that the contact bridge electrically connects (and optionally mechanically secures) contact elements that are distributed across different parts of the multi-part contact carrier;

[0216] The electrical connector can have only a single, one-piece contact carrier; the connector components or contact carriers can be interconnected;

[0217] The connector components can each have housing components or contact carriers for the electrical contact elements, or be designed as housing components or contact carriers; The connector components can be connector components according to the definition in claim 1 (including all dependent claims and embodiments) or according to the first independent item described above (including its embodiments); The contact bridges can be connectable to one of the connector components (or their housing components / contact carriers) or to several connector components (or their respective housing components / contact carriers) (in particular simultaneously, i.e., in a common plugging operation), and in particular can be locked in place;

[0218] The contact bridges can be designed to mechanically connect or fix multiple connector components or contact carriers to each other;

[0219] The electrical connector can be a multi-part connector, for example (but not necessarily) a multi-part connector according to claim 1 (together with all dependent claims and further developments);

[0220] In particular, the features of Figures 26 to 29, along with their descriptions, can represent further developments of the contact bridge or the electrical connector.

[0221] Exemplary embodiments of the invention are described in more detail below with reference to the drawings.

[0222] The figures each show preferred embodiments in which individual features of the present invention are combined with one another. Features of an embodiment can also be implemented independently of the other features of the same embodiment and can therefore be readily combined by a person skilled in the art to form further meaningful combinations and subcombinations with features of other embodiments.

[0223] In the figures, functionally identical elements are provided with the same reference symbols.

[0224] They show schematically:

[0225] Figure 1 Connecting elements of an electrical network topology according to an embodiment in a disconnected state;

[0226] Figure 2 shows the connecting elements according to Figure 1 in a state connected to an electrical network topology with a mating connector;

[0227] Figure 3 shows a longitudinal section through a multi-part connector of one of the connecting elements of Figures 1 and 2;

[0228] Figure 4 shows a longitudinal section through a multi-part connector according to a further embodiment, in an unmated state of the mating connector; Figure 5 shows the multi-part connector according to Figure 4 in a partially mended state of the mating connector;

[0229] Figure 6 shows a longitudinal section through a multi-part connector according to a further embodiment, with a secondary interface, in an unconnected state of the connector components;

[0230] Figure 7 shows the multi-part connector according to Figure 6 in a connected state of the connector components, with a mating connector for the secondary interface;

[0231] Figure 8 shows a front view of a three-part connector, according to a further embodiment;

[0232] Figure 9 shows a variant for producing the connection between a contact element and a compatible contact element of a multi-part connector according to the embodiment of Figure 3, based on a single view of the contact elements;

[0233] Figure 10 shows another variant for producing the connection between a contact element and a compatible contact element of a multi-part connector according to the embodiment of Figure 3, based on a single view of the contact elements;

[0234] Figure 11 shows a variant of a multi-part connector with the connection interface and primary interface area arranged on the front face;

[0235] Figure 12 shows another variant of a multi-part connector with the connection interface and primary interface area arranged on the front face;

[0236] Figure 13 shows a variant of the multi-part connector with contact elements of the connector components designed as spring tabs;

[0237] Figure 14 shows a variant of the multi-part connector with a pincer-like contact element in a side view;

[0238] Figure 15 shows the pincer-like contact element according to Figure 14 in a front view;

[0239] Figure 16 shows a variant of the multi-part connector with a pin-like contact element and a compatible contact element with a contact receptacle, in a side view; Figure 17 shows the pin-like contact element according to Figure 16 in an enlarged detail view;

[0240] Figure 18 shows another variant of the multi-part connector with contact elements of the connector components designed as spring tabs;

[0241] Figure 19 shows a variant for the captive fixing of contact elements in a contact carrier in a lateral direction;

[0242] Figure 20 shows a cross-section through the contact carrier of Figure 19 in the area of ​​fixation;

[0243] Figure 21 shows the process of inserting and interlocking a contact element of a connector component into an electrically insulating contact carrier;

[0244] Figure 22 shows the contact element fixed in the contact carrier according to Figure 21;

[0245] Figure 23 shows a shielded, multi-part connector in a perspective view;

[0246] Figure 24 shows the shielded, multi-part connector according to Figure 23 in a side view in an unassembled state;

[0247] Figure 25 shows the shielded, multi-part connector according to Figure 23 in a cross-sectional view;

[0248] Figure 26 shows a multi-part connector with a separate contact bridge for the indirect connection of the contact elements of the connector components, in a perspective view;

[0249] Figure 27 shows the multi-part connector according to Figure 26 in a cross-sectional view to illustrate the contact tap through the contact bridge;

[0250] Figure 28 shows a multi-part connector with a separate secondary locking mechanism for securing the contact elements of the connector components, in a perspective view;

[0251] Figure 29 shows the multi-part connector according to Figure 28 in a longitudinal section view to illustrate the securing of the contact elements by the secondary locking mechanism; Figure 30 shows a multi-part connector with a secondary locking mechanism formed by the connector components to secure the respective other contact elements of the connector components, in a front view;

[0252] Figure 31 shows the multi-part connector according to Figure 30 in a cross-sectional view, to illustrate the securing of the contact elements by the mutual secondary locking;

[0253] Figure 32 shows an alternative variant for the mutual contacting of the contact elements of the connector components in a non-connected state of the connector components;

[0254] Figure 33 shows the connector components according to Figure 32 in a connected state;

[0255] Figure 34 shows a longitudinal section through a multi-part connector according to a further embodiment, with flat contacts arranged in the primary interface area;

[0256] Figure 35 shows a longitudinal section through a multi-part connector according to a further embodiment, with contact elements folded over the end face of the connector;

[0257] Figure 36 shows a detailed view of the contact carriers of the connector components according to a further embodiment in a side view, not connected to each other, to illustrate the mechanical guidance possibilities between the connector components;

[0258] Figure 37 shows a longitudinal section through a multi-part connector in an unplugged state of the mating connector, according to a further embodiment;

[0259] Figure 38 shows the multi-part connector according to Figure 37 in a plugged-in state of the mating connector;

[0260] Figure 39 shows a longitudinal section through a multi-part connector according to a further embodiment, with a primary interface for a second mating connector, in an unplugged state of the mating connectors;

[0261] Figure 40 shows the electrical connector according to Figure 39 in a plugged-in state of the mating connector; Figure 41 shows a variant of a multi-part connector according to a further embodiment, with a central arrangement of the primary interface between two connection areas arranged at opposite ends, in an unplugged state of the mating connector;

[0262] Figure 42 shows the electrical connector according to Figure 41 in a plugged-in state of the mating connector;

[0263] Figure 43 shows a longitudinal section through another multi-part connector in an unplugged state of the mating connector, according to a further embodiment;

[0264] Figure 44 shows the electrical connector according to Figure 43 in a mated state with the mating connector; and

[0265] Figure 45 shows an enlarged section of the electrical connector according to Figure 44.

[0266] Figures 1 and 2 each show several connecting elements 1 of an electrical network topology 2 according to a first embodiment of the invention. In Figure 1, the connecting elements 1 are shown in an unconnected state, and in Figure 2, they are shown in a connected state, thereby providing the electrical network topology 2 with multiple plug-in options for respective mating connectors 3 of an electrical device 4 (shown as dashed lines in Figure 2).

[0267] Each of the electrical connecting elements 1 has an electrical conductor 5 in which at least one electrical conductor 6 (indicated in Figure 3 for the upper connector component) runs. A first connector component 7 for a multi-part connector 8 is connected to a first end of the electrical conductor 5 or the electrical conductor 6, and a second connector component 9, also for forming a multi-part connector 8, is connected to a second end of the electrical conductor 5 or the electrical conductor 6. The connector components 7 and 9 arranged at the respective ends of the electrical conductor 5 are compatible with each other so that they can be connected to form a common, multi-part connector 8 (see Figure 2). A longitudinal section through a multi-part connector 8 of Figure 2 is shown by way of example in Figure 3.

[0268] The multi-part connector 8, in particular a multi-part bus connector, comprises a connector component (hereinafter referred to as the "first connector component 7" in the exemplary embodiments, but above sometimes simply as the "connector component"), and at least one further compatible connector component (hereinafter also referred to as the "second connector component 9"). The first connector component 7 is connected to the compatible or second connector component 9 via a respective connection interface 10. Each of the connector components 7, 9 also has at least one electrical contact element 11, 12, which is connected in a connection area 13 of the respective connector component 7, 9 to the at least one electrical conductor 6 of the electrical line 5.In the following, a distinction is sometimes made between the electrical contact element 11 of the first connector component 7 and the compatible electrical contact element 12 of the second connector component 9 - however, the characteristics are fundamentally transferable between the contact elements 11 , 12.

[0269] The electrical contact elements 11, 12 of the connector components 7, 9 extend from the respective connection area 13 at least to the connection interface 10, so that at least one of the electrical contact elements 11 of the first connector component 7 forms an electrically connected contact element assembly 14 with one of the compatible electrical contact elements 12 of the compatible or second connector component 9 (see in particular Figure 3).

[0270] At least one of the connector components 7, 9 has a primary interface area 15 for forming at least part of a primary interface 16 for connection with the corresponding mating connector 3 of the electrical participant 4 of the electrical network topology 2. In the exemplary embodiments, both connector components 7, 9 have a primary interface area 15 to jointly form the primary interface 16; however, it should be emphasized that, in principle, only one of the connector components 7, 9 can form the primary interface 16. As already mentioned, an exemplary mating connector 3 is indicated by dashed lines in Figure 2.

[0271] By mechanically and electrically connecting the connecting elements 1 to each other, any network topology 2, in particular a bus system, can finally be set up on the assembly side, whereby by joining the connector components 7, 9 to form a respective multi-part connector 8, a contact closure for the transmission of current and / or data between the respective electrical lines 5 of the connecting elements 1 and also an additional plug-in option in the primary interface 16 for the electrical participant 4 of the network topology 2 is created.

[0272] In the exemplary embodiments, the connection interfaces 10 for connecting the connector components 7, 9 and the primary interface area 15 are located on different sides of the respective connector components 7, 9. Specifically, in the side views and longitudinal sectional views shown in the figures, the connection interface 10 is located along a shell side or longitudinal side of the connector component 7, 9, and the primary interface area 15 is located on an adjacent end face or axial end section of the connector component 7, 9. This provides a shell-side or longitudinal connection option for the connector components 7, 9, with the insertion direction or connection direction V (see Figure 1) for establishing the connection with the compatible connector component 7, 9 being perpendicular to a mating direction S (see Figure 2) of the mating connector 3.It should be emphasized at this point, however, that the exemplary embodiments are not to be understood as limiting in this respect, since the connection interface 10 and the primary interface area 15 can, for example, also be arranged on the same sides or on sides of the connector component 7, 9 other than those shown. The connection direction V can optionally also run parallel to the insertion direction S of the primary interface 16.

[0273] In the exemplary embodiments, the contact elements 11, 12 are each designed for radial and lateral contacting, respectively (i.e., for contacting transversely to the insertion direction S). The contact elements 11, 12 can each provide a planar, linear, or point-like contact option in the primary interface 16.

[0274] To connect the at least one contact element 11, 12 with the at least one electrical conductor 6 of the at least one electrical line 5, the at least one contact element 11, 12 has at least one connection means in the connection area 13, which in the exemplary embodiments is a crimp section 17 for a crimp connection with the at least one electrical conductor 6 (see, for example, Figure 3). In principle, however, the connection between the at least one contact element 11, 12 and the at least one electrical conductor 6 can be established in any way.

[0275] In the exemplary embodiments, it is provided that the at least one contact element 11 , 12 of the connector component 7, 9 extends into the primary interface area 15 in order to provide a direct contacting possibility for a mating contact element 18 (see Figure 2) of the mating connector 3.

[0276] To contact at least one mating contact element 18 of the mating connector 3, it is generally sufficient if only one of the contact elements 11, 12 of a respective contact element assembly 14 extends into the primary interface 16, as shown in Figure 3. In particular, it can be provided that only one of the contact elements 11, 12 of a respective contact element assembly 14 can be contacted by the mating connector 3 in the primary interface 16. To illustrate this, the compatible contact element 12 in Figure 3 is folded back and arranged outside the primary interface 16. Alternatively, however, both contact elements 11, 12 of the respective contact element assembly 14 can extend into the primary interface 16, as indicated, for example, in the embodiments shown in Figures 4 to 7 or 13.

[0277] The interface of the contact elements 11, 12, or the design of the contact elements 11, 12, at the end section arranged in the primary interface 16, can be configured in any way. For example, a single contact element 11, 12 can form a single spring tab for contacting a corresponding mating contact element 18 (as shown in Figure 3). Alternatively, for example, both contact elements 11, 12 of the respective contact element assembly 14 can form the interface for connection with the mating contact element 18 (see Figure 4). More complex structures can also be provided, such as pin or socket contacts (see, for example, Figure 19). The invention is fundamentally suitable for use with any type of contact and connector interface.Preferably, however, it is provided that in the inserted state of the counter-contact element 18, only a single contact section Ai of the counter-contact element 18 can be contacted in the axial direction for each contact element 11 , 12 of the contact element assembly 14.

[0278] Based on a comparison of the first embodiment shown in Figures 1 to 3 and the second embodiment shown in Figures 4 and 5, two particularly advantageous contacting variants for the mating connector 3 and two variants for integrating the electrical participant 4 into an existing network topology 2 will now be presented.

[0279] As can be seen in Figure 3, the contact between the contact element 11 of the first connector component 7 and the compatible contact element 12 of the second connector component 9 is unaffected by the mating process of the mating connector 3. The electrical device 4 can therefore be connected in parallel to the existing network topology 2, which is particularly suitable for tapping into a power supply for the electrical device 4.

[0280] Whereas in the embodiment shown in Figures 1 to 3 the primary interface area 15, the connection interface 10 and the connection area 13 are arranged axially adjacent to each other, in the embodiment shown in Figures 4 and 5 it is provided that the connection interface 10 and the primary interface area 15 overlap or lie on top of each other, so that the contact elements 11, 12 in the primary interface area 15 can be connected either directly to each other or indirectly via a corresponding counter-contact element 18 and an electrical connection between corresponding counter-contact elements 18 of the mating connector 3 or of the electrical participant 4.An intermediate area extends between the primary interface area 15, the connection interface 10, and the terminal area 13. The contact elements 11 and 12 extend through this intermediate area from the terminal area 13 to the connection interface 10 (i.e., without mutual contact). Therefore, the opposing initial contact areas A2 of the contact elements 11 and 12 of the respective contact element assembly 14 can be contacted in the primary interface 16 at least upon initial contact with at least one mating contact element 18 of the mating connector 3, 3' – preferably with each mating contact element 18 of the mating connector 3, 3'. The contact element assembly 14 is located in a contact element chamber 16' of the primary interface 16, so that at least one associated contact element 11 or 12 can be contacted by the mating connector 3, 3'.In the embodiment shown in Figures 4 and 5, the initial contact (i.e., the first contact) is located in the primary interface 16 (although this is not strictly necessary, as will be explained in subsequent embodiments). This allows the electrical signal to be passed directly from one connecting element 1 to the next, as long as the mating connector 3 is not plugged into the primary interface 16. However, if the mating connector 3 is plugged in (see the plugging process in Figure 5), the electrical connection is routed via the electrical device 4. The electrical device 4 can thus be advantageously integrated into an existing series circuit using simple means, which can be particularly useful for data transmission.In this way, the electrical signal can be passed through unchanged from the contact element 11 of the connector component 7 via the electrical participant 4 or its mating connector 3 to the compatible contact element 12 of the compatible connector component 9, modified by an electrical circuit or completely replaced.

[0281] The mating contact elements 18 of the mating connector 3 can, for example, be arranged on the opposing main surfaces 19 of an electrical circuit board 20 (alternatively, any carrier for the mating contact elements 18 can be provided instead of an electrical circuit board 20). The mating contact surfaces 18 arranged on the opposing main surfaces 19 of the circuit board 20 can, for example, be connected to each other by signal conductors of the electrical circuit board 20 or via vias (for a parallel connection of the electrical device 4) or be processed for further signal processing by the electronics of the electrical device 4.

[0282] When inserting the electrical circuit board 20 into the primary interface 16, two possibilities for the plugging process can arise:

[0283] On the one hand, it can be provided that a permanent signal transmission between the contact elements 1 1 , 12 is ensured even during the plugging process by arranging the at least one mating contact element 18 in advance on the electrical circuit board 20 such that the first mechanical contact between the electrical circuit board 20 and the contact elements 11 , 12 during the insertion of the electrical circuit board 20 into the primary interface 16 simultaneously also establishes the first electrical contact or the initial contact (not the case in the embodiment of Figure 5).

[0284] Alternatively, a deliberate interruption of contact during the insertion process can also be implemented (as shown in Figure 5). In this case, the at least one mating contact element 18 can be arranged set back from a front end of the electrical circuit board 20 in the insertion direction S, so that during the insertion of the electrical circuit board 20 into the primary interface 16, a mechanical contact is first established between the electrical circuit board 20 and the contact elements 11, 12, and only upon further insertion of the electrical circuit board 20 is the electrical contact, or initial contact, established between the at least one mating contact element 18 and the associated at least one contact element 11, 12. For the sake of completeness, it should also be mentioned here that the mating connector 3 itself can also be a multi-part connector, which may optionally be equipped with the features described above and below.This can be particularly advantageous when much more complex network topologies are to be built, such as a mesh or tree structure.

[0285] To form more complex network topologies 2, it can also be provided that at least one of the connector components 7, 9 has at least one secondary interface area 21 for forming at least part of a secondary interface 22 for connection with another mating connector 3' of the multi-part connector 8. This is illustrated with reference to Figures 6 and 7. Figure 6 shows the connector components 7, 9 in a state that is not yet assembled, and Figure 7 shows the fully assembled multi-part connector 8.

[0286] As an example, the contact closure between the contact elements 11, 12 of the connector components 7, 9 in the embodiment of Figures 6 and 7 (i.e. the connection interface 10) is formed in the secondary interface area 21 or in the secondary interface 22, whereby the secondary interface 22 is designed similarly to the primary interface 16 of the embodiment of Figures 4 and 5.

[0287] In the embodiment shown in Figures 6 and 7, the connection interface 10, the connection area 13 and the secondary interface area 21 overlap, with a free intermediate area running between these three areas and the primary interface area 15.

[0288] Figure 7 also shows, by way of example, a corresponding additional mating connector 3' for insertion into the secondary interface 22. The additional mating connector 3' has, by way of example, a mating contact element 18 designed as a contact pin. The additional mating connector 3' can, in particular, be a cable connector or a connector of a bus participant.

[0289] Again, purely by way of example, the primary interface 16 in the embodiment of Figures 6 and 7 is designed without a contact closure, whereby, by way of example, both contact elements 11 , 12 of the respective contact element assembly 14 project into the primary interface 16.

[0290] Similar to the examples shown in Figures 6 and 7, further secondary interface areas or interfaces for connecting to additional mating connectors can also be provided. Figures 6 and 7 are intended to illustrate the basic principle only by way of example.

[0291] The preceding embodiments each depicted a two-part connector 8, consisting of a first connector component 7 and exactly one further, compatible second connector component 9. However, this is also purely illustrative. In principle, any number of compatible connector components can be connected to the interface 10 of the first connector component 7. This will be illustrated by Figure 8, which shows a front view of a three-part connector 8. For example, the first connector component 7 can form a single connection shell (a lower shell in Figure 8), while the upper shell is jointly provided by two compatible connector components 9, 9'.Such a division can be advantageous, for example, if a first of the compatible connector components 9 is exclusively for electrical data transmission and a second of the compatible connector components 9' is exclusively for electrical power supply transmission. Each of the connector components 7, 9, 9' can thus be connected to its own line 5 (indicated by dashed lines in Figure 8).

[0292] Figures 9 and 10 illustrate two exemplary variants for establishing the contact between the contact element 11 of the first connector component 7 and the compatible contact element 12 of the second connector component 9, for example, the multi-part connector 8 of Figure 3. The two contact elements 11 and 12 are shown individually for this purpose. For example, as already mentioned, the connection direction V can be perpendicular, in particular orthogonal, to a mating direction S of the primary interface 16 (see Figure 10). Alternatively, a connection direction V parallel to the mating direction S of the primary interface 16, as shown in Figure 9, can also be provided.

[0293] Figures 11 and 12 illustrate that the connection interfaces 10 of the connector components 7, 9 can also be arranged at an end face or axial end of the connector components 7, 9. A shell-side connection of the connector components 7, 9 is therefore not strictly necessary within the scope of the invention. In this case, the primary interface area 15 can preferably (but not necessarily) also be arranged in the area of ​​the end face of the respective connector component 7, 9, so that preferably the first connector component 7 and the second connector component 9 can jointly form the primary interface 16 at the axial or end face transition between them.

[0294] Figure 11 shows an exemplary cylindrical primary interface 16, wherein in a first sub-variant the contact element assembly 14 has only a single contact element 11 projecting into the primary interface 16, the compatible contact element 12 extending in the connection direction V, so that it contacts the contact element 11 laterally or radially when connected. In an alternative, second sub-variant of Figure 11, both contact elements 11, 12 project into the primary interface 16 (indicated by dashed lines), initially making direct contact until the signal transmission is taken over by the mating connector 3 (not shown). Figure 12 shows a further variant of an end-face connection of the connector components 7, 9, in which the primary interface 16 is formed in a recess of the multi-part connector 8.By way of example only, a direct contacting of the contact elements 11, 12 in the primary interface 16 is provided, comparable to the second sub-variant of Figure 11.

[0295] It should be noted that, for reasons of improved accessibility to the crimp section 17, the variants shown in Figures 11 and 12 may optionally be designed, for example, by making the lower housing part of the contact carrier 23 in the figures multi-part or with an access opening. For instance, the lower housing part of the contact carrier 23 shown in Figures 11 and 12 may be designed as a cover element. However, this is not strictly necessary.

[0296] The contact elements 11, 12 are preferably stamped and bent parts. These are inexpensive to manufacture and are relatively well suited for use with the proposed multi-part connector 8. However, the contact elements 11, 12 can, in principle, be manufactured in any way. The invention is therefore also suitable, for example, for use with turned parts.

[0297] Figures 13 to 18 below illustrate various exemplary variants of contact elements 11, 12 and compatible contact elements 12, 11 for direct contact between the connector components 7, 9. Figures 13 to 17 show the contact elements 11, 12 in individual views as examples.

[0298] The variants shown in Figures 3, 13, and 18 have in common that the at least one contact element 11, 12 is directly accessible for connection with the respective compatible contact element 12, 11 and can be contacted by the associated compatible contact element 12, 11 against an elastic restoring force. In the embodiment shown in Figure 3, only a single contact element 11 of the contact element assembly 14 is arranged in the primary interface 16, with the other contact element 12 folded back, which simultaneously provides the elasticity for the connection in the connection interface 10. In the embodiment shown in Figure 13, however, two spring tabs 26 are provided, each attached on one side, and in the embodiment shown in Figure 18, two spring tabs 26 are provided, each attached on both sides (in the embodiments shown in the figures).

[0299] Thus, both contact elements 11 and 12 of a respective contact element assembly protrude from 13 and 18.

[0300] 14 into the primary interface 16).

[0301] A possible alternative for connecting the at least one contact element 11, 12 with the compatible contact element 12, 11 is shown in Figures 14 and 15, wherein the contact element 11, 12 is designed in a pincer-like manner to grip the compatible contact element 12, 11 at least partially. By spreading the pincer-like contact element 11, 12, a mechanically stable contact can also be achieved, supported by the elastic restoring force.

[0302] Another exemplary contacting option is shown in Figures 16 and 17, where the contact element 11, 12 is designed as a pin to contact the compatible contact element 12, 11 in a contact receptacle 27. Optionally, the elastic contact springs 28, clearly visible in the enlarged view of Figure 17, can be provided along the outer circumference of the pin-shaped contact element 11, 12.

[0303] It should be mentioned here that, if necessary, the contact elements 11 and 11' or 12 and 12' of a single connector component 7, 9 can also be electrically connected to each other, as indicated in Figure 25 for the contact elements 11, 11' of the connector component 7. For example, two electrical contact elements 11 and 11' or 12 and 12' of the same connector component 7, 9, which can be used together for differential signal transmission (e.g., contact element 11 Data+ and contact element 11') can be connected to each other. Data-), are connected to each other by means of an electrical connection E (see dashed line in Figure 25) in the connector component 7, 9 to provide electrical termination for differential signal transmission.

[0304] To provide a secure fixation of the contact elements 11, 12 in the contact carrier 23, particularly in the lateral direction, an exemplary locking mechanism is shown with reference to Figures 19 and 20. Contact retaining clips 29 can be provided that grip the contact elements 11 or 12 at least partially laterally or circumferentially to prevent them from falling out of the associated contact chamber or contact groove. Figure 20 shows a corresponding cross-section along the section line shown in Figure 19 for further clarification.

[0305] Figures 21 and 22 illustrate another possibility for the lateral (and axial) fixation of the contact elements 11 and 12 in their respective electrically insulating contact carriers 23. The contact carrier 23 is able to receive the contact elements 11 and 12 and preferably fix them securely, at least in the direction of the other connector component 7 and 9. For this purpose, the claw-shaped areas of corresponding locking tabs 24 of the contact elements 11 and 12, clearly visible in Figures 21 and 22, can be used, which ultimately engage in a corresponding locking recess 25 in the insulating contact carrier 23 (see Figure 22). Of course, further alternative or additional measures are also conceivable within the scope of the invention.

[0306] An axial fixation of the contact elements 11, 12 in the contact carrier 23, in particular in addition to a lateral fixation, can of course also be provided.

[0307] To illustrate that the invention is also suitable for use with a shielded multi-part connector 8, corresponding connector components 7, 9 with a respective outer conductor contact element 31, 31' are shown in Figures 23 to 25. Figure 23 shows the shielded multi-part connector 8 in a perspective view, Figure 24 in a side view, and Figure 25 in a cross-sectional view.

[0308] The respective outer conductor contact element 31, 31' extends laterally around the connector component 7, 9 at least partially (at least substantially in a U-shape) in cross-section, whereby the at least one contact element 11, 12 remains accessible for connection with the compatible contact element 12, 11 on the sheath or longitudinal side of the connector component 7, 9. Alternatively, for example, an outer conductor contact element that is at least almost completely closed on its circumference (sleeve-shaped) could be provided, which has recesses or windows to ensure accessibility to the contact elements 11, 12.

[0309] As can be clearly seen from Figures 24 and 25, the outer conductor contact elements 31 , 31 ' can have a combination of contact tabs 32 and contact pockets 33 to form a mutual electrical and mechanical connection and to close the outer conductor shield circumferentially when the connector components 7, 9 are connected to each other.

[0310] In addition to or as an alternative to the use of an outer conductor contact element 31, 31' per connector component 7, 9, it can be provided that an outer conductor sleeve 34, for example the crimp sleeve 34 indicated in Figure 23, is finally applied to the fully assembled multi-part connector 8, thereby providing optimized mechanical fixation to a cable shield as well as cable strain relief. The outer conductor sleeve 34 can, in principle, extend over any length along the multi-part connector 8 (possibly even over the full axial length). Several outer conductor sleeves 34 can also be provided. The outer conductor sleeve 34 can be mounted on the cable side or on the connector side.

[0311] The previously described contact elements 11, 12 could each be directly contacted by their respective compatible contact element 12, 11 in the connection interface 10 of the connector component 7, 9. Figures 26 and 27 illustrate another possibility for establishing contact between contact element 11, 12 and compatible contact element 12, 11. As an alternative to direct contact, indirect contact between contact element 11, 12 and compatible contact element 12, 11 can also be achieved by inserting a separate contact bridge 35 into the multi-part connector 8. The contacting of the contact elements 11, 12 by the contact bridge 35 is well illustrated in the cross-sectional view in Figure 26.

[0312] A so-called secondary locking device is frequently used to secure contact elements 11, 12 in a connector. Such a device can also be provided in the connector components 7, 9 proposed here. Two advantageous variants are illustrated with reference to Figures 28 to 31. As can be seen from Figures 28 and 29, the contact elements 11, 12 of connector component 7, 9 and the compatible contact elements 12, 11 of compatible connector component 9, 7 can be mechanically secured by means of a common, separate secondary locking device 36. The separate secondary locking device 36 is preferably an electrically insulating component having one or more locking arms 37 that can be inserted into corresponding receptacles 38 in the contact carrier 23 to positively lock the respective contact elements 11, 12 (see in particular the sectional view in Figure 29).At preferably the free ends, the locking legs also have suitable locking projections 39 for locking with the contact carrier 23.

[0313] It is also possible for the contact bridge 35 described above and the separate secondary fuse 36 to be formed by a common component. For example, the contact bridge 35 can be configured to provide a positive locking connection for fixing the contact elements 11, 12, in addition to the electrical contacting of the contact elements 11, 12.

[0314] As an alternative to a common, separate secondary locking element 36, the connector components 7, 9, preferably their respective contact carriers 23, can also form mutual secondary locking elements. For this purpose, for example, a secondary locking element 40 formed on the contact carrier 23 of the first connector component 7 can mechanically lock at least one of the contact elements 12 of the second connector component 9, and a secondary locking element 40' formed on the contact carrier 23 of the second connector component 9 can mechanically lock at least one of the contact elements 11 of the first connector component 7 (see Figures 30 and 31). The provision and assembly of a separate secondary locking element 36 can therefore be omitted, which can further simplify the assembly of the multi-part connector 8.

[0315] In the preceding embodiments, it was proposed that the contact elements 11, 12 in the connection interface 10 be placed on top of each other simultaneously with the assembly of the connector components in the same direction of movement. That is, a contact direction vector K of the contacting of the contact element assemblies 14 ran parallel to the connection direction V or the surface vector of the outer surface of the connector component 7, 9 (see, for example, Figure 6). Alternatively, however, a lateral, adjacent contacting of the contact elements 11, 12 can also be provided, as shown in Figures 32 and 33. The contact direction vector K of the contacting of the contact element assemblies 14 therefore runs at an angle, preferably orthogonally, to the connection direction V.

[0316] Figures 34 and 35 illustrate two further possibilities for the design of the primary interface areas 15 for contacting the respective mating contact element 18 of the mating connector 3. As shown in Figure 34, contacting the mating contact elements 18 can, for example, be achieved via flat contact points 41 of the contact elements 11 on the end face. For this purpose, the contact elements 11 can be folded onto the end face of the respective connector component 7, 9, 9'. A certain axial spring travel can be intentionally provided to ensure a suitable, spring-force-based contact pressure when in contact with the mating contact element 18. In the embodiment proposed in Figure 34, the connection interface 10 can be located in the area of ​​the primary interface area 15, which is arranged at the axial end or on the end face.The connection interface 10 can, for example, also be provided outside the primary interface area 15, e.g. in a middle axial section or in the connection area 13.

[0317] Figure 35 shows a further development of the multi-part connector 8, in which the contact elements 11 are folded around the end face or around the axial end of the respective connector component 7, 9, 9' or around their contact carrier 23, so that radial or lateral contacting with the mating contact elements 18 can take place in the area of ​​the outer shell surfaces of the connector components 7, 9, 9'.

[0318] Furthermore, Figure 36 serves to illustrate by way of example that the insulating contact carrier 23 can also have mechanical guide means, for example the guide elevation 44 shown in Figure 36 and the corresponding counter-guide means indicated by dashed lines in the form of an inner wall guide groove 45, in order to specify the connection with the compatible connector component 7, 9 along a defined connection path.

[0319] Particularly advantageous contacting variants of the invention will now be presented.

[0320] Figures 37 and 38 show a longitudinal section through a multi-part connector 8 according to a further embodiment of the invention. The electrical connector 8 forms a common electrical connection with a mating connector 3 (not shown in detail), which is depicted in an unmated state in Figure 37 and in a mated state in Figure 38. The electrical connector 8 has a contact element assembly 14 formed from an electrical contact element 11 and a compatible electrical contact element 12. In the exemplary embodiment, only a single contact element assembly 14 is shown, which, however, is not to be understood as limiting the invention. In principle, any number of contact element assemblies 14 can be provided.In the embodiment shown in Figures 37 and 38, the contact elements 1 1 , 12 are identical in design, which can be advantageous in principle, but is not absolutely necessary.

[0321] The contact elements 11, 12 of at least one contact element assembly 14 each have a primary contact area A2, which is accessible for initial contact with the corresponding mating contact element 18 of the mating connector 3. In the following embodiments, the primary contact area A2 is arranged in the primary interface area 15 or in the primary interface 16 (indicated by dashed lines in Figures 37 and 38) in a contact element chamber 16' of the electrical connector 8.

[0322] Even when the mating contact element 18 is inserted, in the embodiment of Figures 37 and 38 and in the following embodiments, in the axial direction only the first contact area A2 of the associated mating contact element 18 can be contacted for each contact element 11, 12 of the contact element assembly 14 (that is, the first contact area A2 is also the aforementioned "contact section Ai").

[0323] Furthermore, at least one of the contact elements 11, 12 has a connection area A3, distinct from the primary contact area A2, for the electrical and mechanical contacting of at least one further contact element 12, 11 of the same contact element assembly 14. The connection area A3 is preferably located out of reach of the mating contact element 18 or the mating connector 3. In Figures 37 and 38, the connection area A3 is arranged behind an end stop that limits the insertion area of ​​the mating contact element 18 in the primary interface 16, although this is not strictly necessary. The connection area A3 can also be arranged completely outside the primary interface 16.

[0324] In the present and subsequent embodiments, it is provided that the contact elements 11, 12 are deformable and / or displaceable by a contacting process with the corresponding counter-contact element 18, starting from a mechanically unaffected basic state (see Figure 37), such that a contacting of said contact elements 11, 12 of the same contact element assembly 14 existing before the contacting process is separated (see Figure 38).

[0325] The relevant mechanical interaction between the mating connector 3 and the initial contact area A2 of the respective contact element 11, 12 can result directly from the mating contact element 18 itself or from a carrier 20 having the mating contact element(s) 18, e.g. from an electrical circuit board on which one or more mating contact elements 18 are formed on the same or on opposite side surfaces.

[0326] As can be seen from a comparison of Figures 37 and 38, the primary interface 16 of the electrical connector 8 forms a large receptacle for the depicted mating contact element 18, which is why the insertion of the mating contact element 18 is possible with a comparatively low insertion force. At the same time, the direct contact between the contact elements 11, 12 in the respective connection area A3 can be separated without the connection area A3 being directly affected by the mating contact element 18. In order to indirectly manipulate the connection area A3 by influencing the primary contact area A2, the primary contact area A2 and the connection area A3 are integrally or monolithically connected in the exemplary embodiments. The respective contact elements 11, 12 can, in particular, be designed as stamped and bent parts, as already mentioned above.

[0327] Preferably, a mechanical manipulation of at least one of the contact elements 11, 12 by the contacting process with the mating connector 3 or its mating contact element 18 in the initial contact area A2 causes a movement of at least a partial section of the respective contact element 11, 12, preferably a pivoting and / or translational movement, in order to separate the contacting of the contact elements 11, 12 at the connection area A3.

[0328] In the illustrated embodiment of the invention, the electrical signal between the two contact elements 11, 12 of the same contact element assembly 14 is only passed on directly as long as the mating contact element 18 is not inserted into the primary interface 16. If, however, the connector is in a plugged-in or connected state, as indicated in Figure 38, the electrical connection is subsequently routed via the electrical participant 4 or at least via the mating electrical connector 3 with the at least one mating electrical contact element 18. An electrical participant 4 can thus be advantageously integrated into an existing series circuit using simple technical means, as previously proposed.

[0329] To form more complex network topologies, the electrical connector 8 can again be provided with at least one secondary interface 22 for connection to a further mating connector 3'. This variant of the invention will be illustrated by way of example using the embodiment shown in Figures 39 and 40 in combination with the contacting principle of the primary interface 16 already explained with reference to Figures 37 and 38. Figure 39 shows the mating connectors 3, 3' in an unplugged state, and Figure 40 shows them plugged in. By plugging the first mating contact element 18 into the primary interface 16, a participant 4 of the network topology 2 can be added to an existing series circuit, analogous to what has already been described, and the previously existing direct contact between the contact elements 1, 12 can be broken.

[0330] The additional secondary interface 22 at the opposite end of the electrical connector 8 provides yet another connection option, for example, to connect another electrical device 4 in parallel. However, it can also be provided that the insertion process of the second mating connector 3' or of at least one second mating contact element 18' alternatively or additionally causes a contact separation between the contact elements 11, 12. For example, at least one of the contact elements 11, 12 can be deformable and / or displaceable by the contacting process with the second mating contact element 18' via a further (second) initial contact area (not shown) such that the contact is separated at the connection area A3.

[0331] Similar to the examples shown in Figures 39 and 40, additional interfaces for connecting to other mating connectors can also be provided. Figures 39 and 40 are merely intended to illustrate the basic principle.

[0332] Figures 41 and 42 further demonstrate that the primary interface 16, which in this case is formed jointly by the two connector components 7, 9, does not necessarily have to be located at an axial end of the connector 8, but can also be located centrally between the two connection areas 13. In this case as well, at least one of the contact elements 11, 12 (in the embodiment shown in Figures 41 and 42, both contact elements 11, 12) can have a primary contact area A2 for initial contact with the mating contact element 16, which is spaced apart from a connection area A3, so that, as can be clearly seen in Figure 42, only the mechanical interaction of the contact elements in the primary contact separates the contacting of the two contact elements 11, 12 in the connection interface 10.

[0333] In the preceding embodiments, it was proposed to contact the contact elements 11, 12 of the contact element assembly 14 on their inner side, i.e., on their side facing the central axis M of the connector 8, by means of the mating contact element 18. The contact elements 11, 12 were therefore bent outwards or spread apart to effect the separation of the contact at the connection area A3. As an alternative to such an inner contact, an outer contact can also be provided (in particular, a pincer-like gripping), as will be illustrated by way of example with reference to Figures 43 to 45.

[0334] Figure 43 shows the connector in its unplugged state, and Figure 44 shows it in its plugged state. Figure 45 also shows a close-up of the section X highlighted with dashed lines in Figure 44. The mating connector 3 has two mating contact elements 18, between which an insulator element 46 is formed. When the connector 8 and the mating connector 3 are plugged together, the insulator element 46 creates a pivot point D in an axial section between the respective initial contact area A2 and the connection area A3 of the contact elements 11, 12. This pivot point allows the respective contact element 11, 12 to rest against the corresponding mating contact element 18 when contact is made.A contact force acting inwards in the initial contact area A2, i.e., towards the central axis M of the connector 8, thus causes an outwards force at the connection area A3, thereby breaking the electrical contact (see Figures 43 and 44 together). It should be noted here that the pivot point D does not necessarily have to be provided by the insulator element 46 of the mating connector 3. The connector 8 itself, or its connector components 7, 9, can also potentially have the pivot point D.

Claims

P a t e n t a n s p r ü c h e 1. Multi-part connector (8), in particular a multi-part bus connector, comprising a connector component (7) and at least one compatible connector component (9, 9'), the connector component (7) and the at least one compatible connector component (9, 9') each comprising: at least one electrical contact element (11, 12); a connection interface (10) in which the connector component (7) and the at least one compatible connector component (9, 9') are connected; a primary interface area (15) for forming at least part of a primary interface (16) of the multi-part connector (8) for connection with a corresponding mating connector (3, 3'); and a connection area (13) for connecting the at least one electrical contact element (11, 12) to an associated electrical conductor (6) of an electrical line (5).wherein, in an unmated state of the multi-part connector (8) and the corresponding mating connector (3, 3'), the electrical contact elements (11) of the connector component (7) are electrically connected to the associated electrical contact elements (12) of the at least one compatible connector component (9, 9') to form respective contact element assemblies (14), wherein at least in the primary interface (16) a contact element chamber (16') is formed for at least one of the contact element assemblies (14), wherein, in a mated state of the multi-part connector (8) and the corresponding mating connector (3, 3'), the associated contact elements (11, 12) for the contact element assemblies (14) are a) directly electrically connected to each other in the connection interface (10) and / or in the primary interface (16) via the mating connector (3, 3') inserted between them.3') are electrically connected to each other, wherein the primary interface (16) is axially spaced from the connection interface (10); or b) are electrically connected to each other indirectly via the mating connector (3, 3') inserted in the connection interface (10), which is located in the primary interface (16).

2. Multi-part connector (8) according to claim 1, characterized in that a) opposing first contact areas (A2) of the contact elements (11, 12) of the respective contact element assembly (14) in the primary interface (16) are electrically contactable by the mating connector (3, 3') at least at one first contact; or b) per contact element assembly (14) at least one of the associated contact elements (11, 12) is not contactable by the mating connector (3, 3') in the primary interface (16).

3. Multi-part connector (8) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that at least in the plugged-in state of the mating connector (3, 3') in the axial direction, at most one single contact section (Ai) can be contacted for each contact element (11, 12) of the contact element assembly (14).

4. Multi-part connector (8) according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the contact elements (11, 12) belonging to the respective contact element assembly (14) are shaped and / or arranged symmetrically with respect to a central axis (M) of the multi-part connector (8).

5. Multi-part connector (8) according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the contact elements (11, 12) belonging to the respective contact element assembly (14) have at least partially identical longitudinal sections which form the opposing initial contact areas (A2) for the initial contact; and / or which contact each other in the connection interfaces (10), wherein the contact elements (11, 12) of at least one of the contact element assemblies (14) are preferably each completely identical.

6. Multi-part connector (8) according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the connection areas (13) of the connector components (7, 9, 9') can be connected to different electrical conductors (5).

7. Multi-part connector (8) according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the connector component (7) and the at least one compatible connector component (9, 9') each have a contact carrier (23) in which the contact elements (11, 12) are each directly attached, and which also forms at least the primary interface area (15), wherein the contact carrier (23) is preferably a one-piece component.

8. Multi-part connector (8) according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that at least one of the contact elements (11, 12) or at least one of the contact element assemblies (14) is deformable and / or displaceable by a contacting process with the mating connector (3, 3'), in particular with a mating contact element (18) of the mating connector (3, 3'), starting from a mechanically unaffected basic state, that a contacting of the contact elements (11, 12) of the contact element assembly (14) existing prior to the contacting process is separated in the connection interface (10).

9. Multi-part connector (8) according to claim 8, characterized in that the contacting process with the mating connector (3, 3'), in particular with the mating contact element (18), is able to effect a movement of only a partial section of at least one of the contact elements (11, 12) of the associated contact element assembly (14), preferably a pivoting movement, in order to disconnect the contacting of the respective contact elements (11, 12) in the connection interface (10).

10. Multi-part connector (8) according to one of claims 2 to 9, characterized in that the initial contact areas (A2) of the contact elements (11, 12) belonging to the respective contact element assembly (14) for the initial contact with the mating connector (3, 3') are spaced further apart from a central axis (M) of the multi-part connector (8) than connection areas (A3) of the contact elements (11, 12) at which said contact elements (11, 12) contact each other in the connection interface (10) in the unplugged state of the mating connector (3, 3').

11. Multi-part connector (8) according to one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the connection interface (10) and the primary interface area (15) are formed on different sides of the connector component (7), preferably on adjacent sides.

12. Multi-part connector (8) according to one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that the connection interface (10) extends at least sectionally along a shell side of the connector component (7) to enable a shell-side connection with the at least one compatible connector component (9, 9').

13. Multi-part connector (8) according to one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that a connection direction (V) for making the connection with the at least one compatible connector component (9, 9') is perpendicular to a plugging direction (S) of the primary interface (16).

14. Multi-part connector (8) according to one of claims 1 to 13, characterized in that the at least one contact element (11, 12) in the connection area (13) has at least one connection means for electrical and mechanical contact with the associated electrical conductor (6), preferably a crimp section (17) for a crimp connection with the associated electrical conductor (6).

15. Multi-part connector (8) according to one of claims 1 to 14, characterized in that the connector component (7) and the at least one compatible connector component (9, 9') each have at least one secondary interface area (21) for forming at least one part of a secondary interface (22) of the multi-part connector (8) for connection with a further mating connector (3, 3').

16. Multi-part connector (8) according to one of claims 1 to 15, characterized in that the contact elements (11) of the connector component (7) a) can be contacted directly in the connection interface (10) by the respective associated contact element (12) of the at least one compatible connector component (9, 9') against an elastic restoring force, wherein the contact elements (11) are in particular designed as a spring tab (26) attached on one or both sides; or b) are designed in a pincer-like manner to at least partially encompass the respective associated contact element (12) of the at least one compatible connector component (9, 9'); or c) are designed in a pin-like manner to contact the respective associated contact element (12) of the at least one compatible connector component (9, 9') in a contact receptacle (27);or d) have respective contact receptacles (27) into which the respective contact element (12) of the at least one compatible connector component (9, 9') can be inserted.; 17. Multi-part connector (8) according to one of claims 1 to 16, characterized in that the connector component (7) and the at least one compatible connector component (9, 9') each have one or more mechanical guide means (44, 45) to specify the mutual connection along a defined connection path.

18. Multi-part connector (8) according to one of claims 1 to 17, characterized in that the connector component (7) and the at least one compatible connector component (9, 9') each have an outer conductor contact element (31, 31') which is laterally circumferential in cross-section around the connector component (7) or around the at least one compatible The connector component (9, 9') is arranged at least partially around the perimeter, so that its respective contact elements (11, 12) remain accessible for connection in the connection interface (10).

19. Multi-part connector (8) according to one of claims 1 to 18, characterized by at least one outer conductor sleeve (34) which extends at least along an axial subsection of the multi-part connector (8) and preferably circumferentially encloses all connector components (7, 9, 9') in said axial subsection.

20. Multi-part connector (8) according to one of claims 1 to 19, characterized in that at least two of said electrical contact elements (11, 12) are usable for differential signal transmission, wherein an electrical connection is formed between said two contact elements (11, 12) to provide electrical termination for differential signal transmission.

21. Multi-part connector (8) according to one of claims 1 to 20, characterized in that the connector component (7) is connected via the connection interface (10) to at least two further compatible connector components (9, 9'), wherein preferably a first of the compatible connector components (9) is configured exclusively for electrical data transmission and a second of the compatible connector components (9') is configured exclusively for electrical power supply transmission.

22. Multi-part connector (8) according to one of claims 1 to 21, characterized in that the connector component (7) and the at least one compatible connector component (9, 9') together form the primary interface (16).

23. Multi-part connector (8) according to one of claims 1 to 21, characterized in that only the connector component (7) forms the primary interface (16).

24. Multi-part connector (8) according to one of claims 1 to 23, characterized in that the contact elements (11) of the connector component (7) and the contact elements (12) of the at least one compatible connector component (9, 9') are mechanically secured by means of a common, separate secondary locking device (36); or b) are secured by means of mutual secondary locking elements (40, 40'), wherein a secondary locking element (40) of the connector component (7), preferably a secondary locking element (40) formed on the contact carrier (23) of the connector component (7), mechanically secures at least one of the contact elements (12) of the compatible connector component (9, 9') and a secondary locking element (40') of the compatible connector component (9, 9'), preferably a secondary locking element (40') formed on the contact carrier (23) of the at least one compatible connector component (9, 9'), mechanically secures at least one associated contact element (11) of the connector component (7).

25. Electrical network topology (2), in particular bus system, comprising at least two multi-part connectors (8) according to any one of claims 1 to 24, which are connected to each other via a common electrical line (5), and the associated compatible mating connectors (3, 3') which are received in the respective primary interface (16) of the connected connector components (7, 9) of the multi-part connectors (8).

26. Electrical network topology (2) according to claim 25, characterized by at least two electrical participants (4) of the electrical network topology (2) which are each connected to one of the mating connectors (3, 3').

27. Electrical network topology (2) according to claim 25 or 26, characterized in that at least one of the mating connectors (3, 3') is designed as a multi-part connector, preferably according to one of claims 1 to 24.

28. Electrical network topology (2) according to one of claims 25 to 27, characterized in that at least one mating contact element (18) of the mating connector (3, 3') is arranged on a carrier, in particular on an electrical circuit board (20), wherein the carrier or the electrical circuit board (20) can be inserted into the primary interface (16) to establish an electrical contact between the at least one mating contact element (18) and the associated contact element (11, 12) of the multi-part connector (8).

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

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