Title of Invention	RAIL CONNECTION DEVICE AND CONNECTION SYSTEM FOR INSULATED ELECTRICAL CONDUCTORS
Abstract	Connection device for insulated electrical conductors, with a housing (2, 31) and with a plurality of single piece contact elements (3) held by the housing, each of which comprising at least a first insulation displacement contact (3.1) or piercing for the contacting of a first conductor, at least a second insulation displacement contact (3.2) or piercing contact for the contacting of a second conductor and with a transition section (3.3) extending between the first and the second insulation displacement - or piercing contact, wherein the contact elements form contact element pairs (11), characterised in that the contact elements (3) are asymmetrically shaped in such a manner, that the transition sections (3.3) of the two contact elements of at least one contact element pair (11) at least in certain areas are located closer together than the transition section (3.3) of one of the two contact elements to the transition section (3.3) of a next contact element of an adjacent contact element pair (11), and in that the first and second insulation displacement or piercing contacts of one single piece contact element are arranged in such a manner that the first conductor is guided on one side of the housing and the second conductor is guided on the opposite side of the housing. FIG.4

Title of Invention

RAIL CONNECTION DEVICE AND CONNECTION SYSTEM FOR INSULATED ELECTRICAL CONDUCTORS

Abstract

Connection device for insulated electrical conductors, with a housing (2, 31) and with a plurality of single piece contact elements (3) held by the housing, each of which comprising at least a first insulation displacement contact (3.1) or piercing for the contacting of a first conductor, at least a second insulation displacement contact (3.2) or piercing contact for the contacting of a second conductor and with a transition section (3.3) extending between the first and the second insulation displacement - or piercing contact, wherein the contact elements form contact element pairs (11), characterised in that the contact elements (3) are asymmetrically shaped in such a manner, that the transition sections (3.3) of the two contact elements of at least one contact element pair (11) at least in certain areas are located closer together than the transition section (3.3) of one of the two contact elements to the transition section (3.3) of a next contact element of an adjacent contact element pair (11), and in that the first and second insulation displacement or piercing contacts of one single piece contact element are arranged in such a manner that the first conductor is guided on one side of the housing and the second conductor is guided on the opposite side of the housing. FIG.4

Full Text	The invention concerns a connection device and a connection system for a plurality of electrically insulated conductors. For the connection of telephone- or data lines in telephone exchanges or distribution systems, frequently connection devices, for example, connector blocks are provided. These as a rule comprise a plurality of guides for first lines ("incoming lines"), a plurality of guides for second lines ("outgoing lines") as well as contact elements for the connection of each of a first with a second line. Preferred are connection devices, which are provided solder-free for insulated conductors and which are based on the Insulation Displacement Contact' (IDC) - technology. The contact elements then in preference each possess at least two insulation displacement contacts or - less preferably - two piercing contacts or one insulation displacement contact and one piercing contact. Devices of this kind are known in diverse embodiments, and many of these are available on the market. Mentioned as documents, which demonstrate devices of this kind, shall be, for example, EP-A-0 321 151, DE-A-2 301 398, and DE-A-196 52 422. From the European disclosure document 0 994 528 a multiple connector block is known, which is based on the insulation displacement contact technology and which is characterised by the fact that the housing is in one part. Assigned to the contact elements, apart from the insulation displacement contacts on one side (on the side of the incoming lines), is also a cutting edge. This makes it possible upon connecting a conductor to be connected to simultaneously cut the conductor to the necessary length, without this requiring an elaborate tool. A one piece terminal box is also known from US 4,964,812. In case of connection devices of the type mentioned, at least some of the following problem fields respectively come to bear. 1. Cross-talk behaviour between adjacent contact element pairs. This is of significance in particular in case of data transmission. The higher the data transmission rate, the greater the problems become. In order to assure the data transmission security, therefore the contact elements of connection devices for higher transmission frequencies have to be arranged as far apart as possible or all contact banks have to be equipped with compensating functionalities. This, however, is undesirable, or in many cases not possible for reasons of space and cost. 2. Easy connectability. Naturally there is the need to make the connection procedure as easy and as comfortable as possible. The necessity of complicated tools is to be avoided. 3. Manufacturing costs. In the market, there is an enormous pressure on prices for telecommunications equipment. In the US - patent document 5,556,296 and the US - patent document 5,160,273 a connection device with a disconnecting contact is disclosed. A disconnecting contact of this kind consists of two separate contact elements each with an insulation displacement contact and a spring-loaded end contact, wherein the spring-loaded end contacts of both contact elements are pressed against one another by the spring force. Between the two end contacts a separate element may now be inserted. Such an element may be electrically insulating, as a result of which the electric circuit is capable of being disconnected. It is also possible that a separate element of this kind, for example, is designed as a printed circuit and takes over a certain function, e.g., as an overload protection or for receiving signals. In accordance with the two documents mentioned, the two contacts elements now are asymmetrically shaped, so that the distance between the end contacts within a disconnection contact pair is smaller than the distance between adjacent end contacts between disconnection contact pairs, which results in a reduced cross-talk. Similar connection devices may be found in US 5,967,826, where apart from this a variant is demonstrated, in which the two contact elements opposite one another are connected by a bridge and therefore form a one-piece, U-shaped connection contact element. Connection devices of this type with disconnecting contacts are advantageous for special applications on the basis of their versatile functionality, they are, however, elaborate to manufacture, consist of many individual components and for geometrical reasons require a housing made out of several parts. Apart from this - also for geometrical reasons - the incoming and outgoing line are conducted on the same side of the housing and in the same direction, which calls for a precise cutting-off of the lines by a separate cutter and which may lead to uncontrolled contacts between conductors. Common to all devices in accordance with the documents mentioned above, is that they would not be suitable for high transmission rates of, for example, 100 Mbit/s or more on the basis of the cross-talk behaviour, unless they would be dimensioned to be very large. In addition they are partially very complex (i.e., expensive) in manufacture and in part elaborate in the wiring. It is consequently the objective of the invention to create a connection device, which also for high transmission rates and with small dimensions assures a satisfactory data transmission security according to the standards. An easy connectability and low manufacturing costs should in preference also be assured. The device in accordance with the invention possesses a housing, which is in one part and in which there are a plurality of one-piece contact elements, each of which respectively comprises at least one first and at least one second insulation displacement - or piercing contact. Between the first and the second contact of each contact element there is a transition section. The contact elements are arranged in pairs in an as such known manner. In accordance with the invention, the contact elements are now asymmetrical in such a manner, that the transition section is constructed in such a way, that the transition sections of both the contact elements of the pairs are closer together than the transition sections of adjacent contact elements of different pairs. As a result of these differing distances between the transition sections, the cross-talk behaviour between adjacent pairs is reduced with fixed distances between the contacts. The differing distances between the transition sections are the result of an asymmetrical design of the contact elements. This results in a range of advantages. A first advantage is the fact, that the insulation displacement -, or piercing contacts if so required may be arranged equidistantly. The asymmetrical shaping ensures, that the sections of the contact elements mainly relevant for the cross-talk behaviour - these are those, in which current flows - are nonetheless optimised, i.e., are arranged as far apart from one another as possible between the different pairs. This makes it possible, without any change of dimensions in comparison with existing connection devices, to fulfil the requirements of a higher data transmission rate. For example, on the basis of the invention it is possible that a connection device corresponds to the category 5 according to ISO/TEC 11801 (2002), and this with dimensions, as are known from an existing device of the category 3. Plugs, sockets, etc., of the existing system therefore may be utilised for the higher category 5. With the invention also connection devices of the category 6 are capable of being implemented in a tight space, wherein for this purpose preferably screening plates are utilised between the contact element pairs. By the approach in accordance with the invention it is made possible, that the housing is a single part. The manufacturing of the housing as a single, for example, injection-moulded part, has significant advantages: The manufacturing costs are lower than in case of multi-part housings. The construction in accordance with the invention enables the simple inserting of the contact elements into the single part housing. For the assembling of the connection device, therefore in the single part housing solely chambers for the contact elements have to be provided. Apart from this, as a further advantage the contact elements may be designed as plane and it is possible that they lie in a common plane. This is particularly favourable for the manufacture: all contact elements or at least groups of contact elements can be jointly stamped out of one metal sheet. Following possible deformations, in particular by embossing and/or shearing, they are able to be inserted into the housing together, held together by a transport strip (bridge). If the contact elements comprise at least one essentially plane section, they are, for example, asymmetrical with respect to that plane, which connects the two insulation displacement - or piercing contacts and which runs vertically to the plane section. It is possible that the contact elements comprise elements protruding from the contact element plane and deviating from the plane configuration, produced, e.g., by embossing. Such elements may be designed as latching catches, which prevent a longitudinal displacement of the contact elements inserted into the housing. As further contact plane elements protruding from the contact element plane, reinforcements may be present, which at critical points increase the mechanical stability and which therefore permit the utilisation of very thin metal sheets. Reinforcements of this type may in particular serve to assure the forces of the two forks of an insulation displacement contact. It is possible that the first and second conductors run essentially parallel to one another and vertical to the contact elements, in an as such known manner in the area, in which they are contacted. Apart from this, they are conducted in general at opposite sides ("front" and "back") of the housing, when they are contacted. Although a construction of this kind is preferred, it is also possible to utilise the invention for connection devices, in which the first and second conductors are not parallel (angled connection device). This may be implemented, for example, with bent contact elements. Frequently the contact elements of each pair corresponding to one another (i.e., all "left-hand" or all "right-hand" contact elements of each pair) are designed identically. Every pair then contains respectively a first and a second contact element, wherein the first and the second contact element differ by their shaping or their orientation. Within the contact element pair therefore the contact elements with a defined orientation are in accordance with the invention not identical. In the case of many preferred embodiments, however, the first and the second contact element of each pair of contact elements are mirror inverted to one another. Therefore it is possible, that so-to-say two types of contact elements, "right-hand" and left-hand" ones, or first and second ones are present. The first and the second contact elements may have an identical shape and solely differ with respect to their orientation. I.e., the second contact elements are then first contact elements, which, for example, are rotated by 180 degree around a longitudinal axis. This is applicable in particular in those cases, in which contact elements do not comprise any elements protruding from the plane (latching catches, reinforcements, etc.). Into the - for this purpose enlarged - intermediate spaces between the transition sections of contact elements of adjacent pairs, it is possible for screening elements to be inserted. These are advantageous in particular in case of connection devices, which are foreseen for high data transmission rates: they make a more compact construction possible, while adhering to the standards (for example, category 6). The housing in an as such known manner may comprise insertion slots for the conductors. By the insertion of insulated conductors into the insertion slots and the subsequent pressing into the contact, the conductors are contacted, because the cutting terminals or piercing tips of the contacts protrude into these slots. It is possible that the sliding-in of the conductors - i.e. the connection - takes place with the help of a wiring tool. It is possible, that the housing furthermore comprises catches for the attachment to an installation channel. These may be asymmetrical in such a manner, that it is possible to latch on to the installation channel in two orientations. In a first orientation then a first side (for the wiring of the first, here the "incoming" lines) and in the other orientation a second side (for the wiring of the second, here the "outgoing" lines) is located at the front and as a result of this is easily accessible. Catches of this type are known, for example, from EP-A-0 994 528, to which document reference is explicitly made here, in particular to Figure 1 and to its description. In accordance with a preferred embodiment, the contact elements are each assigned at least one, frequently two cutters. By means of this or these, an over-length of a conductor is cut off directly during the wiring. As a result of the fact that the cutter is integrated into the connection device, the wiring tool is able to be designed in a very simple manner. Nonetheless, for the wiring and the cutting-off of over-lengths only a single working step is necessary. Solutions, in the case of which a cutter is provided on the wiring tool, in contrast are more complicated. The cutter or at least one cutter may be provided as a component separate from the contact element. This has advantages with respect to manufacturing technology: the cutter (or its cutting edge) naturally has to fulfil the prerequisite, that it is provided in a different plane than the insulation displacement contact or the piercing contact. From prior art it is known, that the cutter is constructed as a single piece together with the contact element. In this case it is only possible to comply with the prerequisite mentioned, if the contact element (with cutting edge) is three- dimensionally shaped, therefore not in a single plane. Following the manufacture by punching out from a metal sheet, in accordance with prior art therefore some reshaping of the element still has to be carried out, which is expensive. A further advantage of having the cutter as a separate component is that the selection of materials in case of the components contact element and cutter may be optimised. Thus, for example, in the case of the cutter it is possible to select a harder material than for the contact element itself. Especially preferred is a construction, in the case of which the contacted conductors do not touch the cutter anymore following the wiring operation. Then the cutter does not contribute to the cross-talk behaviour and the capacitance of the arrangement becomes smaller, which also minimises losses. Also the electrical potential of the cutter is not relevant then, and in principle it is possible that an electrical contact exists between the cutters of adjacent contact elements. The connection device may even be designed in such a manner, that a cutting element forms several cutters and possibly comprises a single, common cutting edge running transverse to the direction of the conductor, which cuts off the over-lengths of several adjacent conductors. Apart from the housing, the contact elements if so applicable the cutters, it is possible that the connection device still comprises further components. For example, on one of the sides (typically on the side of the second "outgoing" conductors) there may be a wiring lid serving as a covering, on which it is possible to write or print. With this component the insertion slots can be covered and the pairs of conductors may be written or printed on in accordance with their function. As a further additional component, it is possible that the connection device - typically for the side of the first "incoming" conductors - is provided with a second cover, which may comprise a tension relieving element for a multi-strand cable. Also additionally in one of the wiring lids and/or coverings or directly in the insertion slots for the conductors it is possible that a gel or a weather protection grease is present, which acts as a corrosion protection. In the following, embodiments of the invention are described on the basis of the accompanying drawings. These drawings illustrate: Figure 1 a representation of a connection device in accordance with the invention with two coverings, Figure 2 an illustration of a connection device in accordance with the invention with in some areas uncovered contact elements and cutters, Figure 3 a connection device in cross section, Figure 4 an arrangement of two contact element pairs within a connection device in accordance with the invention, Figure 5 a depiction, on the basis of which the relative positions of contact element, cable and cutter following the wiring operation is evident, - Figure 6 primary products manufactured by punching out and embossing with a multitude of contact elements and cutters for a connection device in accordance with the invention, together with a housing, Figure 7 an illustration of two connection devices in an installation channel. - Figure 8 a housing and screening element of an embodiment of the connection device in accordance with the invention with screens between contact element pairs, Figure 9 a contact element pair for a variant of a connection device in accordance with the invention, in which incoming and outgoing conductors are positioned at an angle to one another, Figure 10 a plug for a patch cable for connecting to a connection device in accordance with the invention, Figure 11 a plug contact for a plug according to Figure 10 in three separate views. The connection device 1 according to Figure 1 complies with the category 5. It comprises a housing 2, which in an as such known manner comprises a plurality of chambers for contact elements. The chambers a located between insertion slots 2.1, which serve as guides for electrically insulated conductors to be contacted (not illustrated). The contact elements are arranged in pairs. In the depicted embodiment, the contact element pairs 11 are provided with a numbering 2.2. The insertion slots 2.1 in the embodiment illustrated are arranged equidistantly, i.e., the distances between two insertion slots 2.1 of a pair are at the same distance from one another as the distance from one insertion slot to the closest insertion slot of an adjacent pair. Laterally relative to the contact elements the housing comprises catches 2.3, which serve for the attachment in an installation channel. Apart from the housing and the contact elements, the connection device comprises cutters 4, 5. Their function will be explained further below. In addition shown are a marking covering 6 for second lines (outgoing) lines) as well as a cable covering 7 for first lines (incoming lines). The cable covering 7 comprises a tension relief shackle 7.1, on which an incoming cable comprising several conductors may be mechanically guided and/or attached. In Figure 2 the housing 2 is illustrated only in part. Therefore one can see the contact elements 3 arranged in pairs next to one another as well as first cutters 4 and second cutters 5. Per contact element there is a first cutter 4 and a second cutter 5. The contact elements are essentially plane and define a contact element plane. The cutters in preference are arranged parallel to this contact element plane and are electrically insulated from the contact elements. The construction and arrangement of the contact elements in contact element pairs 11 are particularly well visible in the Figures 3 and 4. Each contact element forms a first insulation displacement contact 3.1, a second insulation displacement contact 3.2 and a transition section 3.3 running in between. It is possible that the insulation displacement contacts 3.1, 3.2 are shaped in an as such known manner and are provided for the multiple contacting of insulated conductors of a certain diameter or diameter range. In the illustrated embodiment, the insulation displacement contacts possess reinforcements 3.4, which have been produced by embossing and which ensure a mechanical stability and sufficient clamping forces also in case of the utilisation of very thin sheet metal. The also visible embossings (here as rectangular elements) in the area on the tightest point of the insulation displacement contact serve for the adjustment of the width of the contact slot, independent of the punching tool. In the area of the transition section 3.3 the contact elements comprise latching catches 3.5 formed by shearing, which following the insertion of the contact elements into the chambers of the housing 2 latch with a latching cog 2.4 of the housing and prevent a displacement of the contact elements in the direction of their longitudinal axis. During "shearing" contrary to punching, the material is not completely removed; here simultaneously the latching catch is bent over. Depicted are two latching catches 3.5 per contact element. If the chambers are asymmetrical and shaped in such a manner, that during the insertion they form a stop for the latching elements; then one latching catch per latching element is sufficient. The contact elements are asymmetrically shaped and in particular in such a manner, that also in the case of an equidistant arrangement of the insulation displacement contacts the transition sections 3.3 of the two contact elements of a contact element pair are closer to one another than to the transition section of a contact element of an adjacent pair. This is in contrast to the prior art, in accordance with which the contact elements are respectively symmetrical (in this, the plane of symmetry is the plane extending in longitudinal direction, vertically to the contact element plane). On the basis of the elements provided by embossing (latching catches 3.5, reinforcements 3.4), the first and the second contact element 3 of every contact element pair are not only different with respect to their orientation, but they also differ geometrically. In the illustrated example, the first and the second contact elements are mirror inverted to one another. During the wiring operation, conductors are inserted into the insertion slots 2.1 of the housing from the outside, as a result of which in an as such known manner the insulation is locally cut through and displaced by the cutters of the insulation displacement contacts 3.1, 3.2, so that the insulation displacement contacts contact the conducting insides of the conductors. During the wiring simultaneously over- lengths of the conductor are cut off by the cutters 4, 5. The cutters are constructed and arranged in such a manner, that following the wiring operation they are not contacted by the conductors. This is illustrated particularly clearly in Figure 5, where a wired conductor 12, a section of a contact element 3 and a cutter 4 are depicted. The cutter in the illustrated embodiment comprises an indentation 4.1, on the basis of which a safety distance between the conductor and the cutter is assured, as a result of which it is also ensured, that no electrical contacting between the conductor and the cutter takes place. Figure 6 illustrates how the utilisation of essentially plane contact elements makes possible a particularly simple manufacturing of the device in accordance with the invention. The housing 1 is in preference manufactured as a single injection-moulded part. For the manufacturing of the contact elements 3, of the first cutters 4 and of the second cutters 5, by punching and subsequent embossing respectively out of a metal sheet - for example sheet steel - a primary product is manufactured. This comprises a plurality of contact elements/cutters, which are held together by bridges 13, 14, or 15. The primary products if so required are cut to a length, which corresponds to the length of the connection device and subsequently in the orientation according to Figure 6 are pressed into the chambers of the housing provided for this purpose. Thereupon the bridges are broken off. The cutters are held in the housing by wedging the cutters in the plastic housing (by barbs). The contact elements - for example, in contrast to the contact elements in accordance with EP 0 994 528 - do not comprise any sections, which are bent over by more than 90 degrees relative to the contact element plane. It is only this circumstance that makes it possible for the contact elements (and also the cutters) to be manufactured solely by punching and embossing. Figure 7 illustrates two connection devices, in the case of which the coverings 6, 7 are affixed, in an installation channel 21. The catches 2.3 engage in opening 21.1 provided for this purpose on the side walls of the cable channel, by means of which the connection devices are attached. In Figure 8 the housing 31 of an alternative embodiment of the connection device in accordance with the invention is illustrated. This connection device differs from the one described above by the fact, that between the contact element pairs (not illustrated) respectively a screening element is present. This is formed by screening walls 32.1, which are present on a screening element 32. For the screening walls in the housing 31, special insertion slots 31.1 between contact element pairs are provided. As a result it is also possible to insert the screening element into the housing from the outside. The screening walls 32.1 screen the contact elements of adjacent pairs, in particular in the zone, where the insulation displacement contacts are spatially closer together than in the zone of the transition sections. The screening walls 32.1 are all electrically connected with one another. Apart from this, the screening element 32 as a whole is grounded through fork contacts 32.2, which in the installed condition of the device make contact with side walls of the installation channel 21. The embodiment according to Figure 8, for example, corresponds to the category 6. The contact elements may be identical with the contact elements illustrated in Figure 4, wherein the distances between the contact element pairs possibly are greater than in the case of the embodiment described above. Of course the utilisation of different types of asymmetrical contact elements is also possible. In contrast to the device of the category 5 with 10 contact element pairs described above, in the device with the same overall width according to Figure 8 only 8 pairs are provided. In Figure 9 a contact element pair of an embodiment is illustrated, in which the incoming and outgoing conductors are at an angle relative to one another. Even if for the manufacturing of these angled contact elements 42 one additional processing step is necessary than in the case of the above embodiments and the housing possibly is not in a single piece, the idea in accordance with the invention is still implemented also in this embodiment. The transition sections 41.3 of the two contact elements of a pair also here on the basis of the asymmetrical construction (with respect to a plane, which connects the insulation displacement contacts together and runs vertically to the plane sections) are closer together than the distance to the adjacent contact element of a different pair amounts to. The Figures 10 and 11 illustrate a plug of a connection system, which instead of the direct contacting of cable cores (corresponding to the conductors) is capable through the insulation displacement contacts of being utilised to make a contact between a two-core cable and a contact element pair. The plug possesses a plug housing 51 with at least two plug contacts 52. The plug, for example, can be plugged into the connection device on the side of the outgoing conductors, wherein the housing, e.g., comprises holding tongues 51.1, which are inserted into the connection device and there guide and hold the plug. During the insertion into the connection device, a contact between the plug contacts 52 and the contact elements is made. This can be seen particularly clearly in Figure 11, where apart from a plug contact 52 also a section of a contact element 2 is illustrated. In Figure 11 the drawing A depicts a side view of a contact element with plug contact. Drawing B is a view of this arrangement obliquely from above, while drawing C represents the arrangement in a section along the line C-C (in drawing A) in a view from above. The plug contact at the end side comprises a wire-like section 52.1, which for the purpose of forming the electric contact is brought between the forks of the insulation displacement contact 3.2. The wire-like section in cross-section, for example, is round or rectangular. It has, for example, a diameter, which corresponds to that of a conductor with its insulation stripped off. It extends between two parallel tongues 52.3, which form a plane. Here, this plane extends vertically to the contact element plane. At the other end the plug contact comprises a cable contacting section 52.4, which on its part may comprise at least one insulation displacement contact 52.5. Conceivable are also plugs with more than two plug contacts, for example, with four plug contacts. WE CLAIM : 1. Connection device for insulated electrical conductors, with a housing (2, 31) and with a plurality of single piece contact elements (3) held by the housing, each of which comprising at least a first insulation displacement contact (3.1) or piercing for the contacting of a first conductor, at least a second insulation displacement contact (3.2) or piercing contact for the contacting of a second conductor and with a transition section (3.3) extending between the first and the second insulation displacement - or piercing contact, wherein the contact elements form contact element pairs (11), characterised in that the contact elements (3) are asymmetrically shaped in such a manner, that the transition sections (3.3) of the two contact elements of at least one contact element pair (11) at least in certain areas are located closer together than the transition section (3.3) of one of the two contact elements to the transition section (3.3) of a next contact element of an adjacent contact element pair (1 1), and in that the first and second insulation displacement or piercing contacts of one single piece contact element are arranged in such a manner that the first conductor is guided on one side of the housing and the second conductor is guided on the opposite side of the housing. 2. Connection device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the contact elements comprise a plane section and are asymmetrical with respect to that plane, which connects the insulation displacement - and/or piercing contacts (3.1, 3.2) and which extends vertically to the plane section. 3. Connection device as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein by the housing (2) a row of first insertion slots (2.1) and a row of second insertion slots (2.1) are formed, and that the contact elements (3) are arranged in such a manner, that a first insulated conductor is capable of being contacted by a first insulation displacement - or piercing contact, in that it is inserted into a first insertion slot and a second insulated conductor is capable of being contacted by a second insulation displacement - or piercing contact, in that it is inserted into a second insertion slot. 4. Connection device as claimed in one of the preceding claims, wherein to every contact element at least one cutter (4, 5) for cutting off an over-length of a conductor is assigned. 5. Connection device as claimed in claim 4, wherein to every contact element a first cutter (4) for cutting off the over-length of a first conductor and a second cutter (5) for cutting off the over-length of a second conductor is assigned. 6. Connection device as claimed in claim 4 or 5, wherein the cutter (4.-5) assigned to a contact element or at least one of the cutters (4, 5) assigned to the contact element is constructed as a separate component. 7. Connection device as claimed in claim 6, wherein the at least one cutter (4, 5) constructed as a separate component is plane and is arranged parallel to a first contact element plane. 8. Connection device as claimed in claim 6 or 7, wherein the housing (2) and the cutter (4, 5) constructed as a separate component are shaped and mutually arranged in such a manner, that a contacted conductor does not contact the cutter after the cutting off of the over-length. 9. Connection device as claimed in one of the preceding claims, characterised by a covering (6. 7) for covering the contacts following the wiring operation. 10. Connection device as claimed in claim 9, wherein the covering (7) or at least one covering comprises a fixing element (7.1) for the attachment of a cable as tension relief device. 11. Connection device as claimed in one of the preceding claims, wherein the contact elements (3) comprise latching catches (3.5) for the prevention of longitudinal movements of the contact element (3) arranged in the housing (2). 12. Connection device as claimed in one of the preceding claims, wherein the first and the second insulation displacement - or piercing contacts (3.1, 3.2) are arranged in such a manner, that the first and the second conductors are guided on sides of the housing located opposite one another. 13. Connection device as claimed in claim 12, wherein the contact elements constructed as plane and are located in a common plane. 14. Connection device as claimed in claim 12 or 13, wherein the contact elements (3) are flat except for possible elements produced by embossing and/or shearing of a punched out metal sheet. 15. Connection device as claimed in one of the preceding claims, characterised by electrically conductive screening walls (32.1) arranged between the contact element pairs. 16. Connection device as claimed in claim 15, wherein the housing (31) comprises insertion slots (31.1), into which it is possible to insert screening walls (31.1) from the outside. 17. Connection device as claimed in claim 15 or 16, wherein the screening walls (32.1) are formed on a single screening element (32), and that the screening element (32) in preference comprises contact means (32.2) for grounding the screening walls (32.1). 18. Connection system comprising a connection device as claimed in one of the preceding claims, wherein at least the second insulation displacement contact (3.2) or piercing contact of every contact element (3) is an insulation displacement contact, as well as a plug for the connection of a cable containing at least two conductors, said plug having plug contacts (52), which are capable of being directly contacted by the second insulation displacement contacts (3.2), and, preferably, the plug contacts comprising a section with a wire-like shape (52.1) for the insertion between cutters of the second insulation displacement contact (3.2). ABSTRACT RAIL CONNECTION DEVICE AND CONNECTION SYSTEM FOR INSULATED ELECTRICAL CONDUCTORS Connection device for insulated electrical conductors, with a housing (2, 31) and with a plurality of single piece contact elements (3) held by the housing, each of which comprising at least a first insulation displacement contact (3.1) or piercing for the contacting of a first conductor, at least a second insulation displacement contact (3.2) or piercing contact for the contacting of a second conductor and with a transition section (3.3) extending between the first and the second insulation displacement - or piercing contact, wherein the contact elements form contact element pairs (11), characterised in that the contact elements (3) are asymmetrically shaped in such a manner, that the transition sections (3.3) of the two contact elements of at least one contact element pair (11) at least in certain areas are located closer together than the transition section (3.3) of one of the two contact elements to the transition section (3.3) of a next contact element of an adjacent contact element pair (11), and in that the first and second insulation displacement or piercing contacts of one single piece contact element are arranged in such a manner that the first conductor is guided on one side of the housing and the second conductor is guided on the opposite side of the housing. FIG.4

Full Text

The invention concerns a connection device and a connection system for a plurality
of electrically insulated conductors.
For the connection of telephone- or data lines in telephone exchanges or distribution
systems, frequently connection devices, for example, connector blocks are provided.
These as a rule comprise a plurality of guides for first lines ("incoming lines"), a
plurality of guides for second lines ("outgoing lines") as well as contact elements for
the connection of each of a first with a second line. Preferred are connection devices,
which are provided solder-free for insulated conductors and which are based on the
Insulation Displacement Contact' (IDC) - technology. The contact elements then in
preference each possess at least two insulation displacement contacts or - less
preferably - two piercing contacts or one insulation displacement contact and one
piercing contact.
Devices of this kind are known in diverse embodiments, and many of these are
available on the market. Mentioned as documents, which demonstrate devices of this
kind, shall be, for example, EP-A-0 321 151, DE-A-2 301 398, and
DE-A-196 52 422.
From the European disclosure document 0 994 528 a multiple connector block is
known, which is based on the insulation displacement contact technology and which
is characterised by the fact that the housing is in one part. Assigned to the contact

elements, apart from the insulation displacement contacts on one side (on the side of
the incoming lines), is also a cutting edge. This makes it possible upon connecting a
conductor to be connected to simultaneously cut the conductor to the necessary
length, without this requiring an elaborate tool. A one piece terminal box is also
known from US 4,964,812.
In case of connection devices of the type mentioned, at least some of the following
problem fields respectively come to bear.
1. Cross-talk behaviour between adjacent contact element pairs. This is of
significance in particular in case of data transmission. The higher the data
transmission rate, the greater the problems become. In order to assure the data
transmission security, therefore the contact elements of connection devices for
higher transmission frequencies have to be arranged as far apart as possible or all
contact banks have to be equipped with compensating functionalities. This,
however, is undesirable, or in many cases not possible for reasons of space and
cost.
2. Easy connectability. Naturally there is the need to make the connection procedure
as easy and as comfortable as possible. The necessity of complicated tools is to
be avoided.
3. Manufacturing costs. In the market, there is an enormous pressure on prices for
telecommunications equipment.
In the US - patent document 5,556,296 and the US - patent document 5,160,273 a
connection device with a disconnecting contact is disclosed. A disconnecting contact

of this kind consists of two separate contact elements each with an insulation
displacement contact and a spring-loaded end contact, wherein the spring-loaded end
contacts of both contact elements are pressed against one another by the spring force.
Between the two end contacts a separate element may now be inserted. Such an
element may be electrically insulating, as a result of which the electric circuit is
capable of being disconnected. It is also possible that a separate element of this kind,
for example, is designed as a printed circuit and takes over a certain function, e.g., as
an overload protection or for receiving signals. In accordance with the two
documents mentioned, the two contacts elements now are asymmetrically shaped, so
that the distance between the end contacts within a disconnection contact pair is
smaller than the distance between adjacent end contacts between disconnection
contact pairs, which results in a reduced cross-talk.
Similar connection devices may be found in US 5,967,826, where apart from this a
variant is demonstrated, in which the two contact elements opposite one another are
connected by a bridge and therefore form a one-piece, U-shaped connection contact
element.
Connection devices of this type with disconnecting contacts are advantageous for
special applications on the basis of their versatile functionality, they are, however,
elaborate to manufacture, consist of many individual components and for geometrical
reasons require a housing made out of several parts. Apart from this - also for
geometrical reasons - the incoming and outgoing line are conducted on the same side
of the housing and in the same direction, which calls for a precise cutting-off of the
lines by a separate cutter and which may lead to uncontrolled contacts between
conductors.

Common to all devices in accordance with the documents mentioned above, is that
they would not be suitable for high transmission rates of, for example, 100 Mbit/s or
more on the basis of the cross-talk behaviour, unless they would be dimensioned to
be very large. In addition they are partially very complex (i.e., expensive) in
manufacture and in part elaborate in the wiring.
It is consequently the objective of the invention to create a connection device, which
also for high transmission rates and with small dimensions assures a satisfactory data
transmission security according to the standards. An easy connectability and low
manufacturing costs should in preference also be assured.
The device in accordance with the invention possesses a housing, which is in one part
and in which there are a plurality of one-piece contact elements, each of which
respectively comprises at least one first and at least one second insulation
displacement - or piercing contact. Between the first and the second contact of each
contact element there is a transition section. The contact elements are arranged in
pairs in an as such known manner. In accordance with the invention, the contact
elements are now asymmetrical in such a manner, that the transition section is
constructed in such a way, that the transition sections of both the contact elements of
the pairs are closer together than the transition sections of adjacent contact elements
of different pairs.
As a result of these differing distances between the transition sections, the cross-talk
behaviour between adjacent pairs is reduced with fixed distances between the
contacts. The differing distances between the transition sections are the result of an
asymmetrical design of the contact elements. This results in a range of advantages. A
first advantage is the fact, that the insulation displacement -, or piercing contacts if so
required may be arranged equidistantly. The asymmetrical shaping ensures, that the

sections of the contact elements mainly relevant for the cross-talk behaviour - these
are those, in which current flows - are nonetheless optimised, i.e., are arranged as far
apart from one another as possible between the different pairs. This makes it
possible, without any change of dimensions in comparison with existing connection
devices, to fulfil the requirements of a higher data transmission rate. For example, on
the basis of the invention it is possible that a connection device corresponds to the
category 5 according to ISO/TEC 11801 (2002), and this with dimensions, as are
known from an existing device of the category 3. Plugs, sockets, etc., of the existing
system therefore may be utilised for the higher category 5. With the invention also
connection devices of the category 6 are capable of being implemented in a tight
space, wherein for this purpose preferably screening plates are utilised between the
contact element pairs.
By the approach in accordance with the invention it is made possible, that the
housing is a single part. The manufacturing of the housing as a single, for example,
injection-moulded part, has significant advantages: The manufacturing costs are
lower than in case of multi-part housings. The construction in accordance with the
invention enables the simple inserting of the contact elements into the single part
housing. For the assembling of the connection device, therefore in the single part
housing solely chambers for the contact elements have to be provided.
Apart from this, as a further advantage the contact elements may be designed as plane
and it is possible that they lie in a common plane. This is particularly favourable for
the manufacture: all contact elements or at least groups of contact elements can be
jointly stamped out of one metal sheet. Following possible deformations, in particular
by embossing and/or shearing, they are able to be inserted into the housing together,
held together by a transport strip (bridge).

If the contact elements comprise at least one essentially plane section, they are, for
example, asymmetrical with respect to that plane, which connects the two insulation
displacement - or piercing contacts and which runs vertically to the plane section.
It is possible that the contact elements comprise elements protruding from the contact
element plane and deviating from the plane configuration, produced, e.g., by
embossing. Such elements may be designed as latching catches, which prevent a
longitudinal displacement of the contact elements inserted into the housing. As
further contact plane elements protruding from the contact element plane,
reinforcements may be present, which at critical points increase the mechanical
stability and which therefore permit the utilisation of very thin metal sheets.
Reinforcements of this type may in particular serve to assure the forces of the two
forks of an insulation displacement contact.
It is possible that the first and second conductors run essentially parallel to one
another and vertical to the contact elements, in an as such known manner in the area,
in which they are contacted. Apart from this, they are conducted in general at
opposite sides ("front" and "back") of the housing, when they are contacted.
Although a construction of this kind is preferred, it is also possible to utilise the
invention for connection devices, in which the first and second conductors are not
parallel (angled connection device). This may be implemented, for example, with
bent contact elements.
Frequently the contact elements of each pair corresponding to one another (i.e., all
"left-hand" or all "right-hand" contact elements of each pair) are designed identically.
Every pair then contains respectively a first and a second contact element, wherein
the first and the second contact element differ by their shaping or their orientation.
Within the contact element pair therefore the contact elements with a defined

orientation are in accordance with the invention not identical. In the case of many
preferred embodiments, however, the first and the second contact element of each
pair of contact elements are mirror inverted to one another.
Therefore it is possible, that so-to-say two types of contact elements, "right-hand"
and left-hand" ones, or first and second ones are present. The first and the second
contact elements may have an identical shape and solely differ with respect to their
orientation. I.e., the second contact elements are then first contact elements, which,
for example, are rotated by 180 degree around a longitudinal axis. This is applicable
in particular in those cases, in which contact elements do not comprise any elements
protruding from the plane (latching catches, reinforcements, etc.).
Into the - for this purpose enlarged - intermediate spaces between the transition
sections of contact elements of adjacent pairs, it is possible for screening elements to
be inserted. These are advantageous in particular in case of connection devices,
which are foreseen for high data transmission rates: they make a more compact
construction possible, while adhering to the standards (for example, category 6).
The housing in an as such known manner may comprise insertion slots for the
conductors. By the insertion of insulated conductors into the insertion slots and the
subsequent pressing into the contact, the conductors are contacted, because the
cutting terminals or piercing tips of the contacts protrude into these slots. It is
possible that the sliding-in of the conductors - i.e. the connection - takes place with
the help of a wiring tool.
It is possible, that the housing furthermore comprises catches for the attachment to an
installation channel. These may be asymmetrical in such a manner, that it is possible

to latch on to the installation channel in two orientations. In a first orientation then a
first side (for the wiring of the first, here the "incoming" lines) and in the other
orientation a second side (for the wiring of the second, here the "outgoing" lines) is
located at the front and as a result of this is easily accessible. Catches of this type are
known, for example, from EP-A-0 994 528, to which document reference is
explicitly made here, in particular to Figure 1 and to its description.
In accordance with a preferred embodiment, the contact elements are each assigned at
least one, frequently two cutters. By means of this or these, an over-length of a
conductor is cut off directly during the wiring. As a result of the fact that the cutter is
integrated into the connection device, the wiring tool is able to be designed in a very
simple manner. Nonetheless, for the wiring and the cutting-off of over-lengths only a
single working step is necessary. Solutions, in the case of which a cutter is provided
on the wiring tool, in contrast are more complicated.
The cutter or at least one cutter may be provided as a component separate from the
contact element. This has advantages with respect to manufacturing technology: the
cutter (or its cutting edge) naturally has to fulfil the prerequisite, that it is provided in
a different plane than the insulation displacement contact or the piercing contact.
From prior art it is known, that the cutter is constructed as a single piece together
with the contact element. In this case it is only possible to comply with the
prerequisite mentioned, if the contact element (with cutting edge) is three-
dimensionally shaped, therefore not in a single plane. Following the manufacture by
punching out from a metal sheet, in accordance with prior art therefore some
reshaping of the element still has to be carried out, which is expensive. A further
advantage of having the cutter as a separate component is that the selection of
materials in case of the components contact element and cutter may be optimised.
Thus, for example, in the case of the cutter it is possible to select a harder material
than for the contact element itself.

Especially preferred is a construction, in the case of which the contacted conductors
do not touch the cutter anymore following the wiring operation. Then the cutter does
not contribute to the cross-talk behaviour and the capacitance of the arrangement
becomes smaller, which also minimises losses. Also the electrical potential of the
cutter is not relevant then, and in principle it is possible that an electrical contact
exists between the cutters of adjacent contact elements. The connection device may
even be designed in such a manner, that a cutting element forms several cutters and
possibly comprises a single, common cutting edge running transverse to the direction
of the conductor, which cuts off the over-lengths of several adjacent conductors.
Apart from the housing, the contact elements if so applicable the cutters, it is possible
that the connection device still comprises further components.
For example, on one of the sides (typically on the side of the second "outgoing"
conductors) there may be a wiring lid serving as a covering, on which it is possible to
write or print. With this component the insertion slots can be covered and the pairs of
conductors may be written or printed on in accordance with their function.
As a further additional component, it is possible that the connection device - typically
for the side of the first "incoming" conductors - is provided with a second cover,
which may comprise a tension relieving element for a multi-strand cable.
Also additionally in one of the wiring lids and/or coverings or directly in the insertion
slots for the conductors it is possible that a gel or a weather protection grease is
present, which acts as a corrosion protection.

In the following, embodiments of the invention are described on the basis of the
accompanying drawings. These drawings illustrate:
Figure 1 a representation of a connection device in accordance with the invention
with two coverings,
Figure 2 an illustration of a connection device in accordance with the invention
with in some areas uncovered contact elements and cutters,
Figure 3 a connection device in cross section,
Figure 4 an arrangement of two contact element pairs within a connection device
in accordance with the invention,
Figure 5 a depiction, on the basis of which the relative positions of contact
element, cable and cutter following the wiring operation is evident,
- Figure 6 primary products manufactured by punching out and embossing with a
multitude of contact elements and cutters for a connection device in accordance
with the invention, together with a housing,
Figure 7 an illustration of two connection devices in an installation channel.

- Figure 8 a housing and screening element of an embodiment of the connection
device in accordance with the invention with screens between contact element
pairs,
Figure 9 a contact element pair for a variant of a connection device in accordance
with the invention, in which incoming and outgoing conductors are positioned at
an angle to one another,
Figure 10 a plug for a patch cable for connecting to a connection device in
accordance with the invention,
Figure 11 a plug contact for a plug according to Figure 10 in three separate views.
The connection device 1 according to Figure 1 complies with the category 5. It
comprises a housing 2, which in an as such known manner comprises a plurality of
chambers for contact elements. The chambers a located between insertion slots 2.1,
which serve as guides for electrically insulated conductors to be contacted (not
illustrated). The contact elements are arranged in pairs. In the depicted embodiment,
the contact element pairs 11 are provided with a numbering 2.2. The insertion slots
2.1 in the embodiment illustrated are arranged equidistantly, i.e., the distances
between two insertion slots 2.1 of a pair are at the same distance from one another as
the distance from one insertion slot to the closest insertion slot of an adjacent pair.
Laterally relative to the contact elements the housing comprises catches 2.3, which
serve for the attachment in an installation channel. Apart from the housing and the
contact elements, the connection device comprises cutters 4, 5. Their function will be
explained further below. In addition shown are a marking covering 6 for second lines
(outgoing) lines) as well as a cable covering 7 for first lines (incoming lines). The

cable covering 7 comprises a tension relief shackle 7.1, on which an incoming cable
comprising several conductors may be mechanically guided and/or attached.
In Figure 2 the housing 2 is illustrated only in part. Therefore one can see the contact
elements 3 arranged in pairs next to one another as well as first cutters 4 and second
cutters 5. Per contact element there is a first cutter 4 and a second cutter 5. The
contact elements are essentially plane and define a contact element plane. The cutters
in preference are arranged parallel to this contact element plane and are electrically
insulated from the contact elements. The construction and arrangement of the contact
elements in contact element pairs 11 are particularly well visible in the Figures 3
and 4. Each contact element forms a first insulation displacement contact 3.1, a
second insulation displacement contact 3.2 and a transition section 3.3 running in
between. It is possible that the insulation displacement contacts 3.1, 3.2 are shaped in
an as such known manner and are provided for the multiple contacting of insulated
conductors of a certain diameter or diameter range. In the illustrated embodiment, the
insulation displacement contacts possess reinforcements 3.4, which have been
produced by embossing and which ensure a mechanical stability and sufficient
clamping forces also in case of the utilisation of very thin sheet metal. The also
visible embossings (here as rectangular elements) in the area on the tightest point of
the insulation displacement contact serve for the adjustment of the width of the
contact slot, independent of the punching tool. In the area of the transition section 3.3
the contact elements comprise latching catches 3.5 formed by shearing, which
following the insertion of the contact elements into the chambers of the housing 2
latch with a latching cog 2.4 of the housing and prevent a displacement of the contact
elements in the direction of their longitudinal axis. During "shearing" contrary to
punching, the material is not completely removed; here simultaneously the latching
catch is bent over. Depicted are two latching catches 3.5 per contact element. If the
chambers are asymmetrical and shaped in such a manner, that during the insertion
they form a stop for the latching elements; then one latching catch per latching
element is sufficient.

The contact elements are asymmetrically shaped and in particular in such a manner,
that also in the case of an equidistant arrangement of the insulation displacement
contacts the transition sections 3.3 of the two contact elements of a contact element
pair are closer to one another than to the transition section of a contact element of an
adjacent pair. This is in contrast to the prior art, in accordance with which the contact
elements are respectively symmetrical (in this, the plane of symmetry is the plane
extending in longitudinal direction, vertically to the contact element plane).
On the basis of the elements provided by embossing (latching catches 3.5,
reinforcements 3.4), the first and the second contact element 3 of every contact
element pair are not only different with respect to their orientation, but they also
differ geometrically. In the illustrated example, the first and the second contact
elements are mirror inverted to one another.
During the wiring operation, conductors are inserted into the insertion slots 2.1 of the
housing from the outside, as a result of which in an as such known manner the
insulation is locally cut through and displaced by the cutters of the insulation
displacement contacts 3.1, 3.2, so that the insulation displacement contacts contact
the conducting insides of the conductors. During the wiring simultaneously over-
lengths of the conductor are cut off by the cutters 4, 5. The cutters are constructed
and arranged in such a manner, that following the wiring operation they are not
contacted by the conductors. This is illustrated particularly clearly in Figure 5, where
a wired conductor 12, a section of a contact element 3 and a cutter 4 are depicted.
The cutter in the illustrated embodiment comprises an indentation 4.1, on the basis of
which a safety distance between the conductor and the cutter is assured, as a result of
which it is also ensured, that no electrical contacting between the conductor and the
cutter takes place.

Figure 6 illustrates how the utilisation of essentially plane contact elements makes
possible a particularly simple manufacturing of the device in accordance with the
invention. The housing 1 is in preference manufactured as a single injection-moulded
part. For the manufacturing of the contact elements 3, of the first cutters 4 and of the
second cutters 5, by punching and subsequent embossing respectively out of a metal
sheet - for example sheet steel - a primary product is manufactured. This comprises a
plurality of contact elements/cutters, which are held together by bridges 13, 14, or 15.
The primary products if so required are cut to a length, which corresponds to the
length of the connection device and subsequently in the orientation according to
Figure 6 are pressed into the chambers of the housing provided for this purpose.
Thereupon the bridges are broken off. The cutters are held in the housing by wedging
the cutters in the plastic housing (by barbs).
The contact elements - for example, in contrast to the contact elements in accordance
with EP 0 994 528 - do not comprise any sections, which are bent over by more than
90 degrees relative to the contact element plane. It is only this circumstance that
makes it possible for the contact elements (and also the cutters) to be manufactured
solely by punching and embossing.
Figure 7 illustrates two connection devices, in the case of which the coverings 6, 7
are affixed, in an installation channel 21. The catches 2.3 engage in opening 21.1
provided for this purpose on the side walls of the cable channel, by means of which
the connection devices are attached.
In Figure 8 the housing 31 of an alternative embodiment of the connection device in
accordance with the invention is illustrated. This connection device differs from the
one described above by the fact, that between the contact element pairs (not
illustrated) respectively a screening element is present. This is formed by screening

walls 32.1, which are present on a screening element 32. For the screening walls in
the housing 31, special insertion slots 31.1 between contact element pairs are
provided. As a result it is also possible to insert the screening element into the
housing from the outside. The screening walls 32.1 screen the contact elements of
adjacent pairs, in particular in the zone, where the insulation displacement contacts
are spatially closer together than in the zone of the transition sections. The screening
walls 32.1 are all electrically connected with one another. Apart from this, the
screening element 32 as a whole is grounded through fork contacts 32.2, which in the
installed condition of the device make contact with side walls of the installation
channel 21.
The embodiment according to Figure 8, for example, corresponds to the category 6.
The contact elements may be identical with the contact elements illustrated in Figure
4, wherein the distances between the contact element pairs possibly are greater than
in the case of the embodiment described above. Of course the utilisation of different
types of asymmetrical contact elements is also possible. In contrast to the device of
the category 5 with 10 contact element pairs described above, in the device with the
same overall width according to Figure 8 only 8 pairs are provided.
In Figure 9 a contact element pair of an embodiment is illustrated, in which the
incoming and outgoing conductors are at an angle relative to one another. Even if for
the manufacturing of these angled contact elements 42 one additional processing step
is necessary than in the case of the above embodiments and the housing possibly is
not in a single piece, the idea in accordance with the invention is still implemented
also in this embodiment. The transition sections 41.3 of the two contact elements of a
pair also here on the basis of the asymmetrical construction (with respect to a plane,
which connects the insulation displacement contacts together and runs vertically to
the plane sections) are closer together than the distance to the adjacent contact
element of a different pair amounts to.

The Figures 10 and 11 illustrate a plug of a connection system, which instead of the
direct contacting of cable cores (corresponding to the conductors) is capable through
the insulation displacement contacts of being utilised to make a contact between a
two-core cable and a contact element pair. The plug possesses a plug housing 51 with
at least two plug contacts 52. The plug, for example, can be plugged into the
connection device on the side of the outgoing conductors, wherein the housing, e.g.,
comprises holding tongues 51.1, which are inserted into the connection device and
there guide and hold the plug. During the insertion into the connection device, a
contact between the plug contacts 52 and the contact elements is made. This can be
seen particularly clearly in Figure 11, where apart from a plug contact 52 also a
section of a contact element 2 is illustrated. In Figure 11 the drawing A depicts a side
view of a contact element with plug contact. Drawing B is a view of this arrangement
obliquely from above, while drawing C represents the arrangement in a section along
the line C-C (in drawing A) in a view from above.
The plug contact at the end side comprises a wire-like section 52.1, which for the
purpose of forming the electric contact is brought between the forks of the insulation
displacement contact 3.2. The wire-like section in cross-section, for example, is
round or rectangular. It has, for example, a diameter, which corresponds to that of a
conductor with its insulation stripped off. It extends between two parallel tongues
52.3, which form a plane. Here, this plane extends vertically to the contact element
plane. At the other end the plug contact comprises a cable contacting section 52.4,
which on its part may comprise at least one insulation displacement contact 52.5.
Conceivable are also plugs with more than two plug contacts, for example, with four
plug contacts.

WE CLAIM :
1. Connection device for insulated electrical conductors, with a housing (2, 31)
and with a plurality of single piece contact elements (3) held by the housing,
each of which comprising at least a first insulation displacement contact (3.1)
or piercing for the contacting of a first conductor, at least a second insulation
displacement contact (3.2) or piercing contact for the contacting of a second
conductor and with a transition section (3.3) extending between the first and
the second insulation displacement - or piercing contact, wherein the contact
elements form contact element pairs (11), characterised in that the contact
elements (3) are asymmetrically shaped in such a manner, that the transition
sections (3.3) of the two contact elements of at least one contact element pair
(11) at least in certain areas are located closer together than the transition
section (3.3) of one of the two contact elements to the transition section (3.3) of
a next contact element of an adjacent contact element pair (1 1), and in that the
first and second insulation displacement or piercing contacts of one single
piece contact element are arranged in such a manner that the first conductor is
guided on one side of the housing and the second conductor is guided on the
opposite side of the housing.
2. Connection device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the contact elements
comprise a plane section and are asymmetrical with respect to that plane, which
connects the insulation displacement - and/or piercing contacts (3.1, 3.2) and
which extends vertically to the plane section.
3. Connection device as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein by the housing (2) a row
of first insertion slots (2.1) and a row of second insertion slots (2.1) are formed,
and that the contact elements (3) are arranged in such a manner, that a first
insulated conductor is capable of being contacted by a first insulation

displacement - or piercing contact, in that it is inserted into a first insertion slot
and a second insulated conductor is capable of being contacted by a second
insulation displacement - or piercing contact, in that it is inserted into a second
insertion slot.
4. Connection device as claimed in one of the preceding claims, wherein to every
contact element at least one cutter (4, 5) for cutting off an over-length of a
conductor is assigned.
5. Connection device as claimed in claim 4, wherein to every contact element a
first cutter (4) for cutting off the over-length of a first conductor and a second
cutter (5) for cutting off the over-length of a second conductor is assigned.
6. Connection device as claimed in claim 4 or 5, wherein the cutter (4.-5) assigned
to a contact element or at least one of the cutters (4, 5) assigned to the contact
element is constructed as a separate component.
7. Connection device as claimed in claim 6, wherein the at least one cutter (4, 5)
constructed as a separate component is plane and is arranged parallel to a first
contact element plane.
8. Connection device as claimed in claim 6 or 7, wherein the housing (2) and the
cutter (4, 5) constructed as a separate component are shaped and mutually
arranged in such a manner, that a contacted conductor does not contact the
cutter after the cutting off of the over-length.

9. Connection device as claimed in one of the preceding claims, characterised by
a covering (6. 7) for covering the contacts following the wiring operation.
10. Connection device as claimed in claim 9, wherein the covering (7) or at least
one covering comprises a fixing element (7.1) for the attachment of a cable as
tension relief device.
11. Connection device as claimed in one of the preceding claims, wherein the
contact elements (3) comprise latching catches (3.5) for the prevention of
longitudinal movements of the contact element (3) arranged in the housing (2).
12. Connection device as claimed in one of the preceding claims, wherein the first
and the second insulation displacement - or piercing contacts (3.1, 3.2) are
arranged in such a manner, that the first and the second conductors are guided
on sides of the housing located opposite one another.
13. Connection device as claimed in claim 12, wherein the contact elements
constructed as plane and are located in a common plane.
14. Connection device as claimed in claim 12 or 13, wherein the contact elements
(3) are flat except for possible elements produced by embossing and/or
shearing of a punched out metal sheet.
15. Connection device as claimed in one of the preceding claims, characterised by
electrically conductive screening walls (32.1) arranged between the contact
element pairs.

16. Connection device as claimed in claim 15, wherein the housing (31) comprises
insertion slots (31.1), into which it is possible to insert screening walls (31.1)
from the outside.
17. Connection device as claimed in claim 15 or 16, wherein the screening walls
(32.1) are formed on a single screening element (32), and that the screening
element (32) in preference comprises contact means (32.2) for grounding the
screening walls (32.1).
18. Connection system comprising a connection device as claimed in one of the
preceding claims, wherein at least the second insulation displacement contact
(3.2) or piercing contact of every contact element (3) is an insulation
displacement contact, as well as a plug for the connection of a cable containing
at least two conductors, said plug having plug contacts (52), which are capable
of being directly contacted by the second insulation displacement contacts
(3.2), and, preferably, the plug contacts comprising a section with a wire-like
shape (52.1) for the insertion between cutters of the second insulation
displacement contact (3.2).

ABSTRACT

RAIL CONNECTION DEVICE AND CONNECTION SYSTEM FOR INSULATED
ELECTRICAL CONDUCTORS
Connection device for insulated electrical conductors, with a housing (2,
31) and with a plurality of single piece contact elements (3) held by the housing,
each of which comprising at least a first insulation displacement contact (3.1) or
piercing for the contacting of a first conductor, at least a second insulation
displacement contact (3.2) or piercing contact for the contacting of a second
conductor and with a transition section (3.3) extending between the first and the
second insulation displacement - or piercing contact, wherein the contact
elements form contact element pairs (11), characterised in that the contact
elements (3) are asymmetrically shaped in such a manner, that the transition
sections (3.3) of the two contact elements of at least one contact element pair
(11) at least in certain areas are located closer together than the transition
section (3.3) of one of the two contact elements to the transition section (3.3) of a
next contact element of an adjacent contact element pair (11), and in that the first
and second insulation displacement or piercing contacts of one single piece
contact element are arranged in such a manner that the first conductor is guided
on one side of the housing and the second conductor is guided on the opposite
side of the housing.
FIG.4

RAIL CONNECTION DEVICE AND CONNECTION SYSTEM FOR INSULATED ELECTRICAL CONDUCTORS

Documents:

Inventors:

PCT Conventions: