MULTI-WAY CONNECTOR, ASSEMBLY CONNECTION AND METHOD AND DEVICE FOR PRODUCING A MULTI-WAY CONNECTOR

Abstract

The invention relates to a multi-way connector (4) for electrically contacting electrical assemblies (2, 3). The multi-way connector (4) comprises a connector body (5) having a first connection surface (6) and having a second connection surface (7). The multi-way connector (1) also comprises a plurality of electrical contact elements (8), which extend through the connector body (5) at least from the first connection surface (6) to the second connection surface (7). The contact elements (8) form contact sections (9) in the region of the connection surfaces (6, 7) for electrically contacting corresponding counter contact elements (10) of the respective associated assembly (2, 3). The contact sections (9) on at least one of the connection surfaces (6, 7) can be mechanically secured to the respective associated counter contact elements (10). According to the invention, the connector body (5) has multiple foil elements (11) that are stacked on one another and connected to one another. A respective two of the foil elements (11) form a foil pair (12). At least one of the contact elements (8) runs between the two stacked foil elements (11) of at least one of the foil pairs (12).

Claims

1. A multi-way connector for electrically contacting electrical assemblies, comprising: a) a connector body with a first connection face and with a second connection face; b) a plurality of electrical contact elements which extend at least from the first connection face to the second connection face through the connector body, wherein the contact elements each form contact portions in the region of the connection faces for making electrical contact with corresponding mating contact elements of the associated assembly, and wherein the contact portions can be fastened mechanically on at least one of the connection faces to the associated mating contact elements; and wherein the connector body has a plurality of film elements stacked on top of one another and connected to one another, wherein in each case at least two of the film elements form a film pair, and wherein at least one of the contact elements runs between the two film elements stacked on top of one another of at least one of the film pairs.

2. The multi-way connector as claimed in claim 1, wherein the film pair forms for each of the contact elements a corresponding channel through which the contact element extends between the connection faces.

3. The multi-way connector (4) as claimed in claim 2, wherein the channels are formed by impressions of the contact elements in at least one of the film elements of the film pair and/or by grooves in at least one of the film elements of the film pair and/or by recesses in an intermediate film structure arranged between the film elements of the film pair.

4. The multi-way connector as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first connection face and the second connection face are arranged on different sides of the connector body.

5. The multi-way connector as claimed in claim 4, wherein the first connection face and the second connection face are arranged on opposite sides of the connector body.

6. The multi-way connector as claimed in claim 4, wherein the first connection face and the second connection face are arranged on sides of the connector body which are adjacent to one another via a common edge.

7. The multi-way connector (4) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the film elements of the connector body are connected to each other in an integrally bonded manner, at least in some regions.

8. The multi-way connector as claimed in claim 1, wherein in each case exactly two of the film elements of the connector body form one of the film pairs, wherein the contact elements run in each case between the mutually facing main faces of the film elements forming a film pair.

9. The multi-way connector as claimed in claim 1, wherein the contact portions of the contact elements protrude from the particular connection face.

10. The multi-way connector as claimed in claim 1, wherein the contact portions of the contact elements are designed as rounded contact heads, as contact pins, as contact assemblies of a plug connector and/or as soldering faces.

11. The multi-way connector as claimed in claim 1, wherein the contact elements, in particular the contact portions of the contact elements are incompressible along the longitudinal axis of the contact element.

12. The multi-way connector as claimed in claim 1, wherein the contact elements between the two connection faces have a zigzag course or an undulating course.

13. The multi-way connector as claimed in claim 1, wherein an inner portion of the contact elements running between the two contact portions (9); a) forms an electrical component or comprises an electrical component; and/or b) is designed to establish an electrical connection to at least one further inner portion of a further contact element.

14. The multi-way connector as claimed in claim 1, wherein: a) a plurality or all of the contact elements are arranged in a row next to each other in a common film pair; and/or b) a plurality or all of the contact elements in the connector body are arranged at different height levels and are distributed over a plurality of film pairs for this purpose.

15. The multi-way connector as claimed in claim 1, wherein the contact element and/or the channel are designed to interlockingly secure the contact element in the connector body against withdrawal.

16. The multi-way connector as claimed in claim 1, wherein the contact element is pressed and/or connected in an integrally bonded manner to at least one of the film elements of the film pair.

17. The multi-way connector as claimed in claim 1, wherein the contact portions of the contact elements are arranged in the first connection face according to a first pitch and are arranged in the second connection face according to a second pitch.

18. The multi-way connector as claimed in claim 1, wherein the connector body is fastened to at least one support body or is at least partially accommodated in at least one support body to mechanically stabilize the connector body.

19. The multi-way connector as claimed in claim 1, wherein the connector body is accommodated in an electrically conductive shielding housing to electromagnetically shield the connector body.

20. The multi-way connector as claimed in claim 1, wherein for the electromagnetic shielding of contact elements in the connector body: a) at least one of the film elements of one of the film pairs has a metal coating on a main face facing away from the contact elements; and/or b) a metal film or a metal sheet is arranged between at least two film pairs; and/or c) a shielding element is arranged between at least two of the contact elements of a common film pair.

21. An assembly connection having a first electrical assembly and/or a second electrical assembly as well as a multi-way connector as claimed in claim 1 for electrically contacting the first and second electrical assemblies.

22. A method for producing a multi-way connector which is designed for the electrical contacting of electrical assemblies, according to which a plurality of contact elements are inserted in parallel or sequentially into a connector body of the multi-way connector, said connector body having a plurality of film elements stacked one on top of the other and connected to one another, wherein the contact elements are inserted into the connector body in such a way that respective contact portions of the contact elements are arranged in the region of connection faces of the connector body for the electrical contacting and mechanical fastening of corresponding mating contact elements, and wherein the film elements are connected to one another in an integrally bonded manner, at least in some regions.

23. The method as claimed in claim 22, wherein the film elements are stacked on top of each other to produce the connector body layer by layer, wherein the contact elements are laid in the channels of the film pairs and/or are pressed together with the film elements during the stacking of the film elements.

24. The method as claimed in claim 23, wherein the contact elements are inserted into respective channels of film pairs formed from at least two film elements and/or are pressed into at least one film element of the film pair.

25. The method as claimed in claim 22, wherein: a) a plurality or all of the contact elements are inserted in a row adjacent to each other in a common film pair; and/or b) multiple film pairs are created to distribute multiple contact elements in the connector body at different height levels.

26. The method as claimed in claim 22, wherein a plurality of contact elements connected via a carrier strip are applied together to a film element.

27. The method as claimed in claim 22, wherein the contact elements are stamped out from a sheet material or are machined out by an etching process.

28. The method as claimed in claim 22, wherein the film elements are connected to one another by ultrasonic welding, laser welding, hot caulking and/or adhesive bonding of the main faces of the film elements.

29. (canceled)

Description

[0185] They show schematically:

[0186] FIG. 1 an assembly connection according to the invention with a first electrical assembly, a second electrical assembly and a multi-way connector according to the invention in accordance with a first exemplary embodiment;

[0187] FIG. 2 a multi-way connector according to a second exemplary embodiment in a perspective view;

[0188] FIG. 3 one of the film elements of the connector body of the multi-way connector of FIG. 2 in a plan view of one of the two main faces, with grooves embossed in the main face of the film element for receiving contact elements;

[0189] FIG. 4 a side view of the film element of FIG. 3;

[0190] FIG. 5 a plan view of the contact elements of a common height position of the multi-way connector of FIG. 2;

[0191] FIG. 6 a plan view of the film element of FIG. 3 with the contact elements of FIG. 5 laid in the grooves;

[0192] FIG. 7 the multi-way connector of FIG. 2 in a side view of one of the connection faces;

[0193] FIG. 8 a side view of one of the connection faces of a multi-way connector according to the invention in accordance with a third exemplary embodiment;

[0194] FIG. 9 a plan view of a plurality of film elements connected to each other via respective connection strips according to FIG. 3;

[0195] FIG. 10 a plan view of a plurality of contact elements connected to each other via a carrier strip, each with a common height position as shown in FIG. 5;

[0196] FIG. 11 a plan view of the contact elements of FIG. 10 laid together in the film elements of FIG. 9;

[0197] FIG. 12 a stack of a plurality of film elements and contact elements, with the respective connection strips and carrier strips for a multi-way connector according to FIG. 2 in a perspective view;

[0198] FIG. 13 a plurality of contact elements of a particular common height position connected to each other via a carrier strip and having pin-shaped contact portions;

[0199] FIG. 14 a plan view of a multi-way connector according to the invention in accordance with a fourth exemplary embodiment with connection faces with different pitches;

[0200] FIG. 15 the multi-way connector of FIG. 14 in a perspective view;

[0201] FIG. 16 a plurality of film elements connected to each other via respective connection strips for a multi-way connector according to FIG. 14 in a plan view of one of the two main faces, with grooves embossed in the main face of the film element for receiving contact elements;

[0202] FIG. 17 a plan view of a plurality of contact elements of a particular common height position connected to each other via a carrier strip for a multi-way connector according to FIG. 14;

[0203] FIG. 18 a plan view of an exemplary assembly of various contact elements and two shielding elements;

[0204] FIG. 19 a multi-way connector according to the invention in accordance with a fifth exemplary embodiment with connection faces arranged orthogonally to one another in a perspective view;

[0205] FIG. 20 a plurality of film elements connected to each other via respective connection strips for a multi-way connector according to FIG. 19 in a plan view of one of the two main faces, with grooves embossed in the main face of the film element for receiving contact elements;

[0206] FIG. 21 a plan view of a plurality of contact elements of a particular common height position connected to each other via a carrier strip for a multi-way connector according to FIG. 19;

[0207] FIG. 22 a stack of a plurality of film elements and contact elements, with the respective connection strips and carrier strips for a multi-way connector according to FIG. 19 in a perspective view;

[0208] FIG. 23 a multi-way connector according to the invention in accordance with a sixth exemplary embodiment with connection faces arranged orthogonally to one another in a perspective view;

[0209] FIG. 24 a multi-way connector according to the invention in accordance with a seventh exemplary embodiment with connection faces arranged orthogonally to one another in a perspective view;

[0210] FIG. 25 a plan view of a film element for a multi-way connector with an intermediate film structure applied to the film element to form recesses between individual film segments of the intermediate film structure;

[0211] FIG. 26 a side view of a film pair consisting of two film elements and an intermediate film structure arranged between the film elements in accordance with FIG. 25;

[0212] FIG. 27 a connection body with an intermediate film structure arranged between the film elements forming a film pair, in the intermediate film structure having conductive and insulating film segments to electrically shield the contact elements in each case in the manner of a coaxial line;

[0213] FIG. 28 a flow chart of a process for producing a multi-way connector with some exemplary method steps;

[0214] FIG. 29 a multi-way connector according to the invention in accordance with an eighth exemplary embodiment for electrically contacting electrical assemblies via connection faces arranged on the same side of the connector body and having a shielding housing; and

[0215] FIG. 30 a multi-way connector according to the invention in accordance with a ninth exemplary embodiment with zigzag contact elements that are not laid in corresponding channels of the film elements.

[0216] FIG. 1 shows an assembly connection 1, having a first electrical assembly 2, a second electrical assembly 3 and a multi-way connector 4 for electrically contacting the assemblies 2, 3. The multi-way connector 4 serves in particular to provide an electrical connection between the assemblies 2, 3.

[0217] The electrical assemblies 2, 3 can, for example, be electrical circuits accommodated in respective device housings, printed circuit boards equipped with respective electrical circuits, integrated circuits and/or circuit housings for accommodating and connecting to a corresponding integrated circuit. In principle, any types of assemblies in any combinations are possible. For example, the multi-way connector 4 can be used as a plug connector for a backplane application or as a board-to-board connector.

[0218] The multi-way connector 4 has a connector body 5 with a first connection face 6 and with a second connection face 7. The connection faces 6, 7 are arranged on opposite sides of the connector body 5. In principle, however, the connection faces 6, 7 can also be arranged on the same side of the connector body 5, as will be shown below with reference to the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 29.

[0219] The multi-way connector 4 additionally has a plurality of electrical contact elements 8 (see, for example, FIG. 5), which extend from the first connection face 6 to the second connection face 7 through the connector body 5. In the region of the connection faces 6, 7, the contact elements 8 each have respective contact portions 9 for electrically contacting corresponding mating contact elements 10 of the associated assembly 2, 3.

[0220] The contact portions 9 on at least one of the connection faces 6, 7 are designed in accordance with the invention to be mechanically fastened to the mating contact elements 10. In particular, the contact portions 9 can also be different. For example, the contact portions 9 on the two connection faces 6, 7 can each be designed differently, as shown in FIG. 1.

[0221] In FIG. 1, pin-shaped contact portions 9 are provided as an example on the first connection face 6 for connection or soldering to contact pads 10a of a first assembly 2 designed as a printed circuit board. The mating contact element 10 of the first assembly 2 is thus formed as a throughplating in the printed circuit board to receive the pin-shaped contact portions 9 of the multi-way connector 4. At the second connection face 7, on the other hand, the contact portions 9 are formed as rounded contact heads in order to make contact with corresponding mating contact elements 10 of the second assembly 3 on the end-face side. The contact heads (of the contact portions 9 and/or mating contact elements 10) can optionally be spring-loaded.

[0222] A multi-way connector 4 according to a second exemplary embodiment of the invention is shown in FIGS. 2 to 7. FIG. 2 shows the multi-way connector 4 in a perspective view; FIG. 7 shows a plan view of one of the connection faces 6, 7. The multi-way connector 4 according to the second exemplary embodiment has identically formed contact portions 9 in the manner of rounded contact heads on both connection faces 6, 7.

[0223] As can be seen particularly well from FIGS. 2 and 7, the connector body 5 of a multi-way connector 4 according to the invention has a plurality of film elements 11 stacked on top of one another and at least partially integrally bonded to one another. In each case, two of the film elements 11 form a film pair 12, between the mutually facing main faces of which the contact elements 8 run.

[0224] It can be provided that the film pairs 12 each form corresponding channels for the contact elements 8. In the exemplary embodiments of FIGS. 2 to 22, the channels are formed as grooves 13 in at least one of the film elements 11 of the film pair 12. The exemplary embodiments shown in FIGS. 25 to 27 show another way of forming the channels, although this will be described later. The channels can also be formed only by pressing the film elements 11 with the contact elements 8, which will be described in more detail below. If necessary, the channels can also be completely omitted (see FIG. 30).

[0225] As already mentioned, each of the contact elements 8 can thus be inserted into a corresponding groove 13 formed in at least one of the film elements 11—in the exemplary embodiment shown in FIGS. 2 to 7, in both film elements 11—of one of the film pairs 12.

[0226] To better illustrate the invention, one of the film elements 11 is shown in a plan view in FIG. 3 and in a side view in FIG. 4. FIG. 5 shows the contact elements 8 of a height level/row or the contact elements 8 which are inserted together between two of the film elements 11 or in a film pair 12. In FIG. 6, the contact elements 8 are shown in their state laid in the grooves 13 of one of the film elements 11.

[0227] The contact elements 8 can have a rigid portion between the two contact portions 9 (see in particular FIG. 5), which extends linearly or rectilinearly between the connection faces 6, 7.

[0228] For contacting the mating contact elements 10 of a particular assembly 2, 3, the contact portions 9 in the exemplary embodiment protrude from the particular connection face 6, 7 (see for example FIG. 2 or FIG. 6). In principle, however, a coplanar design can also be provided, according to which the contact portions 9 terminate flush with the corresponding connection face 6, 7 (see FIG. 27 or FIG. 30). Even an inwardly offset design of the contact portions 9 in the manner of a socket contact can be provided, wherein the mating contact elements 10 of the assemblies 2, 3 can then be inserted at least partially into the corresponding connection face 6, 7.

[0229] In the exemplary embodiments according to FIGS. 1 to 12 and 29, the contact portions 9 of the contact elements 8 have rounded contact heads. In principle, however, the contact portions 9 can be of any design, for example also as contact pins (see FIGS. 1, 13 to 18, 23, 24 and 29) or plug-in contacts (see FIGS. 19 to 22 and 24).

[0230] In order to interlockingly secure the contact element 8 in the channel or in the groove 13 in the longitudinal direction or along the longitudinal axis L of the contact element 8 against being pulled out of the connector body 5, the channel or the groove 13 can have a recess and can, for example be thinner in a central region than in the outer regions at the connection faces 6, 7, as a result of which the contact heads of the contact elements 8 can produce a form fit with the groove 13 and the contact elements 8 can no longer be removed from the channel or from the groove 13 after the film elements 11 have been connected.

[0231] In an optional embodiment, at least one supporting body 15 can be provided to reinforce the connector body 5. In FIG. 2, a supporting body 15 is indicated in dashed lines on a side face of the connector body 5 adjacent to the connection faces 6, 7. In principle, it can also be provided that the connector body 5 is at least partially accommodated in at least one supporting body. The connector body 5 can be mechanically stabilized by the at least one supporting body 15, for example if the stacked film elements 11 do not already have sufficient mechanical stability themselves.

[0232] The exemplary embodiments show exemplary multi-way connectors 4 of which the contact elements 8 are arranged in rows and columns, in the manner of a matrix. In principle, however, it is also possible for a multi-way connector 4 in the context of the invention to have only contact elements 8 in a row, which are inserted next to one another in corresponding channels or grooves 13 of only one film pair 12. A multi-way connector 4 can thus in principle also have only one film pair 12. Accordingly, it can also be provided that a multi-way connector 4 has only a single contact element 8 per film pair 12 and thus a plurality of individual contact elements 8 are stacked on top of each other and separated from each other by the film elements 11 lying in between.

[0233] In contrast to the exemplary embodiment of the invention shown in FIGS. 1 to 7, it can also be provided that only one of the film elements 11 of a film pair 12 has a groove 13 for receiving a corresponding contact element 8, as shown in FIG. 8. Thus, individual film elements 11 can also form a film pair 12 in each case with two further film elements 11. This is a preferred variant, since the embossing of the groove 13 then only has to be carried out in one of the two film elements 11 of a film pair 12, which can further simplify production. The exemplary embodiments shown in FIGS. 14 to 22 also feature, by way of example, a film pair 12 with only one groove 13 in one of the two film elements 11 forming the film pair 12.

[0234] Furthermore, it can be provided that further film elements 11 are arranged between film pairs 12 without enclosing a contact element 8 or a plurality of contact elements 8 with other film elements 11, as also indicated in FIG. 8. This can serve, for example, for a more flexible adaptation of the pitch of the connection faces 6, 7. For better adaptation of the pitch, it can also be provided that film elements 11 with different thicknesses are used.

[0235] Metal films 11a or metal sheets can also be provided between individual film elements 11, in particular between film pairs 12. This allows the contact elements 8 of different height levels in the connector body 5 to be electromagnetically shielded from each other. Instead of a metal film 11a or a metal sheet, it is also possible to provide at least one of the film elements 11 with a metal coating or to use one or more composite films.

[0236] An advantageous use of the multi-way connector 4 according to the invention can also be the harmonization of different pitches of the assemblies 2, 3 to be connected to each other. A corresponding multi-way connector 4, which can also be referred to as a “space translator”, is shown in FIGS. 14 to 17.

[0237] As can be seen particularly well from FIG. 14, the first connection face 6 of the connector body 5 has a first pitch (see first distance Di between the contact elements 8 of the first connection face 6), whereas the second connection face 7 has a second pitch (see second distance D.sub.2 between the contact elements 8 of the second connection face 7).

[0238] Corresponding film elements 11 with channels (again formed for example by corresponding grooves 13) are shown in FIG. 16. FIG. 17 shows the corresponding contact elements 8 for harmonizing the pitch, which can be inserted into the grooves 13 of the film elements 11 of FIG. 16.

[0239] The contact elements 8 can therefore in principle be of any complexity and do not necessarily have to follow a strictly linear course along their longitudinal axis L as in the previously described exemplary embodiments. To illustrate some particularly advantageous designs of contact elements 8, an exemplary combination of different contact elements 8 is shown in FIG. 18.

[0240] For example, a contact element 8 can be provided that has an electrical component 16 (for example a resistor, an inductor, a capacitor, a semiconductor component, or an integrated circuit). In principle, the contact element 8 can even comprise a plurality of interconnected electrical components 16. FIG. 18 shows an example of a contact element 8a with an electrical component 16 arranged between the two contact portions 9.

[0241] It can also be provided to use contact elements 8b (see FIG. 18) which have more than two contact portions 9, for example four contact portions 9, in particular two contact portions 9 per connection face 6, 7. Such a contact element 8b can, for example, be formed by two individual contact elements 8 which are electrically connected to each other, as shown in the middle portion of the contact element 8b of FIG. 18.

[0242] Furthermore, it can be provided that a contact element 8 is designed to establish an electrical connection to at least one further contact element 8 of another height level of the connector body 5, in the manner of a throughplating. A corresponding contact element 8c is also shown as an example in FIG. 18. The contact element 8c has in its central portion a contact tip 17 (preferably) running parallel to the connection faces 6, 7 and orthogonal to the main faces of the film elements 11, which is designed to pierce the film elements 11 running above the contact element 8c in order to contact a correspondingly higher contact element 8.

[0243] Lastly, contact elements 8 can also be used to harmonize the pin assignment between the connection faces 6, 7. FIG. 18 shows an example of a contact element 8d for swapping two lines between the connection faces 6, 7.

[0244] Dummy contact elements 8e can also be provided, for example if individual mating contact elements 10 of the corresponding assembly 2, 3 are not present, are not assigned or are not to be electrically connected.

[0245] As also demonstrated by way of example in FIG. 18, shielding elements 8f can also be provided, which are inserted between individual contact elements 8 or between groups of contact elements 8 (optionally also in corresponding channels) in order to electromagnetically shield contact elements 8 of a common height level from each other. The shielding elements 8f can be simple metal parts or sheet parts, for example.

[0246] In the exemplary embodiments described so far, the connection faces 6, 7 were always arranged on opposite sides of the connector body 5 in order to connect the first assembly 2 to the second assembly 3. However, this is not to be understood restrictively. In particular, the connection faces 6, 7 can also be arranged on sides of the connector body 5 that adjoin one another via a common edge, in particular on sides that run orthogonally to one another, as illustrated by way of example in the exemplary embodiments shown in FIGS. 19 to 24.

[0247] FIG. 19 shows a perspective view of an angled multi-way connector 4. The film elements 11 which can be advantageously used to form a suitable connector body 5 are shown in FIG. 20 and corresponding contact elements 8 accordingly in FIG. 21. Lastly, FIG. 22 shows a stack formed from the film elements 11 and the contact elements 8.

[0248] The contact portions 9 of the contact elements 8 of the multi-way connector 4 shown in FIGS. 19 to 22 are identical on both connection faces 6, 7 and are designed in the manner of plug-in contacts in order to latch mechanically with corresponding mating contact elements 10 of the particular assembly 2, 3. FIG. 23 shows a further angled multi-way connector 4 with contact portions 9 in the form of pin contacts on both connection faces 6, 7. Lastly, FIG. 24 shows a further exemplary angled multi-way connector 4 with plug-in contacts on the first connection face 6 and pin contacts on the second connection face 7.

[0249] The connection faces 6, 7 can in principle be provided on any sides of the connector body 5. The use of more than two connection faces 6, 7 for electrically contacting more than two assemblies 2, 3 is also possible within the scope of the invention.

[0250] A further possibility for forming the channels in the film pairs 12 for inserting the contact elements 8, already indicated above, is shown in FIGS. 25 and 26. In this case, it can be provided to apply an intermediate film structure 18 to at least one of the film elements 11 forming a film pair 12. The intermediate film structure 18 can comprise, for example, a plurality of film segments 19. FIG. 25 shows a plan view of a film element 11 (shown in dashed lines and cross-hatched for better representation) to which an intermediate film structure 18 has been applied, for example laid on. The individual film segments 19 are connected to one another by carrier strips 20 in order to simplify the application of the intermediate film structure 18—however, this is not absolutely necessary. Lastly, recesses 21 remain between the film segments 19 to form the channels for inserting the contact elements 8.

[0251] FIG. 26 shows, for further clarification, the structure of a single film pair 12 with the intermediate film structure 18. The intermediate film structure 18 is located between the two film elements 11 after the film elements 11 have been joined together. The carrier strip 20 is hidden for better illustration. Preferably, the contact elements 8 are still inserted into the recesses 21 before the film pair 12 is completed by applying the second film element 11 (also not shown).

[0252] To demonstrate the versatility of the potential uses of the multi-way connector 4 according to the invention, FIG. 27 shows a multi-way connector 4 with a particularly complex connector body 5. The individual contact elements 8 are electrically shielded in a manner comparable to a coaxial line. The multi-way connector 4 is thus designed in the manner of a coaxial multi-way connector 4. This allows the multi-way connector 4 to have particularly good electromagnetic compatibility and/or to be well suited for transmitting high-bit-rate data signals or for transmitting signals for high-frequency technology.

[0253] Once again, two film elements 11 each form a film pair 12. An intermediate film structure 18 is again provided between the film elements 11, although its structure is more complex than shown in FIGS. 25 and 26. In principle, the intermediate film structure 18 can have electrically conductive film segments 19a (for example, metal film segments 19a) and electrically non-conductive film segments 19b (for example, plastic film segments 19b) within the scope of the invention. In FIG. 27, the film segments 19a, 19b are suitably combined in a manner that results in the quasi-coaxial structure of the multi-way connector 4. Lastly, the middle non-conductive film segments 19b form the channel for the contact element 8. In FIG. 27, the contact elements 8 have coplanar contact portions 9. In principle, however, any contact element 8 can be provided for the coaxial structure.

[0254] It should be emphasized that FIG. 27 shows only one of many more complex examples of a multi-way connector 4 according to the invention. It should also be mentioned that the multi-way connector 4 can also be suitable for high-frequency technology if the multi-way connector 4 does not have a coaxial or quasi-coaxial structure. For example, differential signal routing through the multi-way connector 4 can also ensure high-bit-rate data transmission. In principle, of course, any signals with any signal transmission type can be transmitted through the multi-way connector 4.

[0255] The invention also relates to a method for producing a multi-way connector 4. An exemplary method sequence is shown in FIG. 28. The method can be carried out in a suitable device 22. For example, a computer program product with program code means can also be provided for this purpose.

[0256] In a first method step S1, it can be provided to stamp out the contact elements 8 from a sheet material. Alternatively, the contact elements 8 can also be produced by an additive method or a subtractive method.

[0257] The contact elements 8 can be stamped out here in such a way that they are connected to each other via a carrier strip 20 (see, for example, FIGS. 10, 13, 17 and 21). In contrast to, for example, the design in FIG. 10, it can also be possible for the carrier strip 20 to be fastened to the contact elements 8 on one side only, as shown in FIG. 13. By using a carrier strip 20, the interconnected contact elements 8 can later be inserted into the film elements 11, for example into the respective channels or into the grooves 13 or into the recesses 21, particularly advantageously in a common process.

[0258] In a second method step S2, which can be carried out in parallel with the first method step S1, it can be provided to form the film elements 11.

[0259] It can be provided, for example, that the film elements 11 are stamped or cut out from a plastic film, wherein a plurality of film elements 11 can optionally be connected to each other via connection strips 24 (see, for example, FIGS. 9, 16 and 20). The film elements 11 can thus be used as an endless film for the method.

[0260] The optional groove 13 can be inserted into at least one of the main faces of the film elements 11, for example by an embossing roll or other embossing method, or by a subtractive method.

[0261] Instead of through a groove 13, an optional channel can also be realized using the intermediate film structure 18, as already described. For this purpose, the intermediate film structure 18 as well as the film elements 11 can, for example, first be stamped or cut out from a plastic film, wherein carrier strips 20 preferably remain, which initially still connect the individual film segments 19 to one another (see FIG. 25). The intermediate film structure 18 can thus also preferably be produced as an “endless film”.

[0262] The first method step S1 and the second method step S2 are optional within the scope of the invention.

[0263] Within the scope of the method according to the invention, it can be provided in a third method step S3 that at least one of the contact elements 8 is applied to one of the film elements 11, for example laid in one of the channels (for example into one of the grooves 13 in a main face of one of the film elements 11). Preferably, a plurality of contact elements 8 can be applied to one film element 11 at the same time. In this way, a plurality of multi-way connectors 4 can also be produced simultaneously. The principle is illustrated, for example, with reference to FIGS. 9 to 11. The contact elements 8 of FIG. 10, which are connected to one another via the carrier strip 20, are laid together in the film elements 11 of FIG. 9, which are connected via the connection strips 24, as shown in FIG. 11.

[0264] Subsequently, in a fourth method step S4, a film pair 12 can be created by applying another film element 11 to the main face of the film element 11 equipped with the contact element 8. This allows a plurality of film elements 11 stacked on top of each other to form the connector body 5 shown.

[0265] In particular, a plurality of film pairs 12 can be produced in order to distribute a plurality of contact elements 8 in the connector body 5 at different height levels. The third method step S3 and the fourth method step S4 can be repeated a number of times for this purpose, for example. FIG. 12 shows an example of a corresponding stack of film pairs 12.

[0266] The method according to the invention can advantageously be parallelized. For example, a plurality of multi-way connectors 4 can be formed simultaneously, as indicated in FIGS. 9 to 12. Furthermore, a plurality of height levels of film elements 11 and contact elements 8 can be guided in a corresponding device 22 already running in parallel and at the same speed one above the other.

[0267] In a fifth method step S5, the film elements 11 can be at least partially integrally bonded to one another, preferably by ultrasonic welding, laser welding, hot caulking and/or adhesive bonding of the main faces of the film elements 11. Preferably, the film elements 11 are connected to one another successively during stacking. Thus, in a preferred embodiment, the method steps S3 to S5 can be repeated accordingly a number of times. However, it can also be possible to integrally bond more than two film elements 11 to one another at the same time.

[0268] Lastly, in a sixth method step S6, individual connector bodies 5 or individual multi-way connectors 4 can be cut or stamped out for a precise fit, for example from an endless strip. With reference to the illustrations in FIGS. 9 to 12, three multi-way connectors 4 can be produced simultaneously, for example.

[0269] The sixth method step S6 is optional within the scope of the invention.

[0270] It should be noted that the method sequence described above is to be understood as merely exemplary. In particular, individual method steps can be omitted, interchanged in sequence or subdivided into further individual steps. Individual method steps can additionally also be combined. Further method steps can also be provided.

[0271] For example, it can also be provided to first build up the connector body 5 without the contact elements 8 by stacking and connecting the film elements 11 (and, as applicable, the intermediate film structures 18) and only then to insert the contact elements 8 into the channels.

[0272] Lastly, FIG. 29 shows another example of a multi-way connector 4 according to the invention, in which the connection faces 6, 7 are arranged on the same side of the connector body 5. The corresponding side face is divided here into a plurality of regions which form the connection faces 6, 7. In principle, any number of connection faces can be distributed on the common side face. The connection faces can be distributed over the side face in any desired manner.

[0273] By way of example, the multi-way connector of FIG. 29 also has differently formed contact portions 9 and additionally also a different number of contact elements 8 in the respective connection faces 6, 7.

[0274] A multi-way connector 4 according to the invention can optionally also be accommodated in a shielding housing 25 in order to electromagnetically shield the connector body 5 and optionally also the plug connection between the multi-way connector 4 and the assemblies 2, 3. This is also shown as an example in FIG. 29. The shielding housing 25 surrounds the connector body 4 as completely as possible, wherein the connection faces 6, 7 generally remain accessible. The shielding housing 25 can be formed, for example, by a metal sheet and/or a metal coating of the outermost film elements 11 and/or the side faces of the connector body 5. In order to also shield the plug connection between the multi-way connector 4 and the electrical assemblies 2, 3, the shielding housing 25 can project at least partially beyond the connector body 5 in the plug-in direction, which is also indicated in FIG. 29.

[0275] The multi-way connector 4 according to FIG. 29 can be used, for example, as a multiple contact bridge to electrically bridge two assemblies 2, 3 (for example two printed circuit boards), wherein the contact elements 8 can then run through the multi-way connector 4, in particular in a U-shape.

[0276] FIG. 29 also shows, by dashed lines, contact elements 8 on the side of the multi-way connector 4 opposite the two connection faces 6, 7, said contact elements being able, for example, to be arranged in at least one further, third connection face (not shown in more detail). The multi-way connector 4 can then be designed, for example, to establish an electrical connection between a plurality of circuits to be tested and a test system, in order to forward test signals from the test system to the individual circuits and output signals from the circuits to be tested to the test system. For example, the test system can be connected to the multi-way connector 4 via the contact elements 8 of the third connection face. By means of such a multi-way connector 4, a plurality of circuits or assemblies 2, 3 can be contacted simultaneously in an advantageous manner, which can significantly reduce the test duration. A reduction in the test duration is desirable in particular for economic reasons in mass production.

[0277] As already mentioned, the channels of the film elements 11 for inserting the contact elements 8 can also be dispensed with completely if necessary. A corresponding multi-way connector 4 is shown as an example in FIG. 30. The contact elements 8 can be placed on the film elements 11 and pressed in between a corresponding film pair 12. By laminating or connecting in an integrally bonded manner the film elements 11 of the film pair 12, the contact elements 8 can then already be sufficiently fixed in the connector body 5.

[0278] An undulating or—as shown—zigzag course of the contact elements 8 between the contact portions 9 can further strengthen the fixation of the contact elements 8 between the film elements 11.

[0279] Optionally, a layer of adhesive or a curing substance can be applied to the film elements 11 to fill the spaces between the contact elements 8.

[0280] It can also be provided to press the contact elements 8 into the film elements 11 in such a way that channels are in turn formed in at least one of the film elements 11 forming a film pair 12 as a result of material displacement. The film elements 11 can preferably be formed here in such a way that sufficient material displacement is enabled and preferably no curvature is formed. If necessary, however, a curvature can also be tolerated or compensated for by further film elements 11 of the stack.