EP1801932A1 - Coaxial high frequency connecting device eletrically connected to a conductor board and associated connector unit - Google Patents

Abstract

High frequency plug-type connector arrangement comprises coaxial plug-type connectors (19) arranged axis-parallel and consisting of fixed plug-type connector units (17) connected to a circuit board (9). The inner conductors of the plug-type connector are electrically connected to an outer conductor of the plug-type connector. Protrusions are immersed into recesses in the circuit board and are aligned parallel to the axial direction of the plug-type connector. The plug-type connector unit is positioned perpendicular to the plane of the circuit board. Preferred Features: The ends of the protrusions terminate in front of the plane of the upper side of the circuit board. The recesses are arranged in the circuit board so that a patch antenna is positioned between the recesses.

Description

The invention relates to an electrically connected to a printed circuit board coaxial RF connector device according to the preamble of claim 1 and an associated connector unit.

In automotive engineering in particular, automotive roof antennas are frequently used today, which are suitable, for example, for reception in one or more mobile radio areas on the one hand and for receiving radio programs on the other hand. Furthermore, in this motor vehicle roof antennas also receiving systems for vehicle positioning are usually housed, which consist of the current standard of so-called GPS receivers.

Such motor vehicle antennas are usually housed in a mountable on the motor vehicle antenna housing, which includes an antenna hood, which is mounted on a corresponding base. On the pedestal usually a printed circuit board is housed in parallel, on which then the individual antenna elements are positioned and electrically connected.

Usually by suitable mechanical from below, i. can be installed from the vehicle interior mounting elements, the vehicle antenna can be mounted and anchored at a suitable location. It is also customary to pass a corresponding cable harness through an opening provided and to connect in the region of the printed circuit board. As a rule, at least one cable, often a coaxial cable, is provided per antenna.

In order to reduce the assembly and wiring costs, motor vehicle roof antennas are also known in which the antenna housing is equipped with a corresponding number of Koaxialsteckverbindern, wherein at the interface thus formed a corresponding number of further connectors are contacted, the end to a wiring harness are provided.

According to the generic DE 20 2005 004 658 U1 It has also been proposed that a corresponding number of so-called first coaxial connectors are mounted in a so-called plug-in interface on the antenna housing, and further that second coaxial connectors are provided, which are held on a further connector part, so that both connectors to produce an electrical connection of all Coaxial cables can be inserted into each other.

Because inherently tolerance problems occur and the mating of two or more coaxial connectors then would always raise problems is according to the generic DE 20 2005 004 658 U1 It has been proposed to incorporate and position elastically resiliently the connector held and positioned on the so-called plug-in interface, with the aid of elastic spring elements. These are arranged and designed so that the second coaxial connector are positioned at the respective predetermined position to tolerance deviations and from this point in the plane perpendicular to the insertion direction are resiliently deflectable.

Finally, multiple coaxial connectors have also become known, for example dual coaxial connectors which constitute a fixed assembly. They have connection pins, via which their outer conductor can be mechanically and electrically connected to a printed circuit board. Such a known dual connector can be fitted as a SMD component according to the pin-in-paste method on a printed circuit board. The mentioned with the printed circuit board mechanically and electrically to be connected pins are aligned perpendicular to the axial direction of the coaxial connector in the known multiple coaxial connectors, so that the coaxial connectors come to lie parallel to the plane of the printed circuit board.

Object of the present invention is in contrast to provide an improved connector system for a coaxial connector device.

The object is achieved with respect to the connector device according to the features specified in claim 1 or with respect to the connector unit solved according to the features specified in claim 34. Advantageous embodiments of the invention are specified in the subclaims.

The invention is in principle designed and suitable for a so-called FAKRA connector system, in particular for roof antennas, by means of which, for example, up to four coaxial connectors can be inserted into corresponding coaxial sockets or couplers. As a result of this so-called FAKRA connector system, the high-frequency contact points can be defined exactly in their relative position to one another by the manufacturer, in which case a corresponding quadruple coupler with identical pitch can be provided on the cable harness in order to be able to easily connect the coupler to the connector at the interface thus formed ,

According to the invention, a connector unit is improved which comprises at least two and preferably a plurality of coaxial connectors made of a one-piece or one-piece, i. consist of at least a fixed unit or are assembled and connected to such a fixed unit. The individual interconnected in this unit coaxial connector are aligned axially parallel to each other and positioned in the predetermined grid with side clearance to each other.

The connector unit according to the invention is characterized on the one hand by the fact that the at least one projection and preferably a plurality of projections connected to the respective outer conductor of a connector are provided parallel to the axial alignment of the connectors, so that the entire connector unit is perpendicular to the plane of the circuit board.

As an essential feature of the invention is further provided that the connector unit on the side facing the printed circuit board is at least partially equipped with a free space, which is used for routing and / or equipping the circuit board.

This clearance or these recesses are provided so that, for example, bearing surfaces or shoulders are provided on the connector unit, via which the connector unit rests against the relevant adjacent plane of the printed circuit board. Offset from these abutment shoulders sections are, however, provided with the recesses or spaces mentioned, which are dimensioned so that even in the region of the housing connection or the individual connectors connecting support frame sufficient clearance space is created to the circuit board level, so that here the circuit board with appropriate components can be equipped. A distance space of at least 0.5 mm or, for example, 1 mm is often sufficient.

Alternatively or additionally, it may be provided that the individual connectors are arranged in their parallel alignment with each other with lateral offset to each other, that between them also sufficient clearance for routing and / or loading of the printed circuit board is created.

In addition, it is preferably provided that this connector unit not only an electrical connection of the inner and outer conductors of the coaxial connector to the corresponding Guaranteed connection points on the circuit board, but above all, is mechanically firmly connected to the circuit board.

It has been found to be further positive in the context of the invention that, in such a construction, it becomes possible to electrically contact the inner conductors on the side of the printed circuit board on which the connector unit is positioned. In other words, the solution according to the invention opens up that the plug connector unit can be designed as an SMD component. This opens up a cost-effective installation, for example in the context of a so-called reflow soldering process.

A further significant advantage, in particular in contrast to the prior art, is further that the RF-conducting inner conductor is shielded on the side facing the plug connector unit (which is also sometimes referred to below as the printed circuit board underside or second printed circuit board side) by this SMD design namely, because the opposite printed circuit board side (which is also sometimes referred to as the printed circuit board top side or first printed circuit board side) may be provided, for example, with a large-area electrically conductive layer, a so-called potential or ground surface (which may be covered again with an insulating layer).

In contrast, it has heretofore been necessary in the prior art to pass the inner conductors through corresponding bores through the printed circuit board and to contact the upper side of the printed circuit board carrying the antenna elements.

It has thus been found in the context of the invention that a significant improvement of the high-frequency decoupling (RF decoupling) is possible by the construction according to the invention.

A mechanically good attachment of the connector unit can be realized that at least some coaxial connectors are provided with projections in the direction of insertion or with a corresponding electrically conductive additional part with corresponding projections, said projections protrude into corresponding openings or holes in the circuit board, said These openings or bores can preferably also be plated through. The ends of these projections are electrically soldered to the printed circuit board, i. usually with the formed there large-scale potential or ground surface, whereby the shielding is achieved. As a result, not only an electrical ground connection, but a firm mechanical connection of the connector unit with the integrated coaxial connectors is ensured with the circuit board.

Since the RF inner conductor no longer protrude through holes introduced in the printed circuit board to the upper side of the printed circuit board or protrude beyond this printed circuit board upper side, but are butt-soldered to the printed-circuit underside by means of reflow, it is now even possible within the scope of the invention, for example one Standard ceramic patch antenna to position above the plug connector unit, ie in a region in which would come to rest on the opposite side of the printed circuit board, the ends of the inner conductor of the connector and soldered there.

In a particularly inexpensive and preferred solution within the scope of the invention, the connector unit can be designed as a die-cast part, i. at least of the substantial part of the connector unit constituting mass body having corresponding axially parallel recesses, in which separated by a dielectric, the inner conductor of the connector thus formed are positioned.

But the mass body itself can also consist of a plastic frame or a plastic frame through which the plurality of connectors are positioned in fixed parallel alignment at a fixed predetermined axial distance from each other to avoid tolerance problems. In this case, corresponding contact pins, for example, on the individual coaxial connectors, be formed or connected thereto, which can be used for contacting with the printed circuit board.

Finally, however, other modifications are possible, for example, such that despite the use of a non-conductive dielectric material holding frame for the individual coaxial connector additionally an electrically conductive single sheet is used, about which the outer conductor of the individual plug connectors are preferably connected together electrically. On this single sheet then the corresponding projections may preferably be formed running perpendicular to the Leiterplatinenebene, which can then be inserted into corresponding holes or openings in the printed circuit board and preferably soldered to the opposite side of the connector unit on the printed circuit board and the ground surface preferably formed there.

The connector unit may be formed so that it comprises a plurality of plugs, or even that it consists of so-called "female part" only sockets. But it is also possible that the plug connector partially has plugs and partly sockets which can be joined together with a corresponding mating connector part.

In addition, the inventive connector unit but also in addition a combination of single or multi-pole shielded and unshielded connectors represent. The inventive connector unit therefore therefore preferably comprises at least two shielded coaxial connectors and, for example, at least one further single or multi-pole unshielded plug connection or, for example, at least one further double or multi-pole shielded plug connection.

In particular, the additional two- or multi-pole shielded lines can be used, for example, for the power supply or for other radio services such as the vehicle central locking etc. However, in other more demanding or expensive services that are more susceptible to interference by external frequencies, it may also be necessary to shield this signal line.

Figur 1:

eine schematische dreidimensionale Darstellung eines ersten Ausführungsbeispieles einer Kraftfahrzeugantenne mit einem Sockel, einer Leiterplatine, einer Patchantenne und einer an der Unterseite über den Sockel überstehenden SteckverbinderEinheit;

Figur 2:

eine Draufsicht auf das Ausführungsbeispiel gemäß Figur 1;

Figur 3:

eine zu Figur 1 entsprechende Darstellung, jedoch in explosionsartiger Wiedergabe der wesentlichen Teile;

Figur 4:

eine Draufsicht auf eine Kraftfahrzeugantenne vergleichbar der Draufsicht von Figur 2, jedoch mit einer davon abweichenden Anordnung einer Patchantenne;

Figur 5:

eine zu Figur 4 entsprechende räumliche Darstellung vergleichbar dem Ausführungsbeispiel nach Figur 1;

Figur 6:

eine räumliche Darstellung eines ersten Ausführungsbeispiels der erfindungsgemäßen Steckverbinder-Einheit unter Ausbildung von vier achsparallelen koaxialen Steckverbindern;

Figur 7:

eine vergleichbare Darstellung zu Figur 6, jedoch nur unter Wiedergabe des elektrisch leitfähigen Steckverbindergehäuses ohne darin eingesetzte Innenleiter unter Verwendung von entsprechenden Dielektrika;

Figur 8:

eine Draufsicht auf das Ausführungsbeispiel nach Figur 6;

Figur 9:

eine Ansicht von der gegenüberliegenden Seite auf die Steckverbinder-Einheit gemäß Figur 6;

Figur 10:

ein zu Figur 6 abgewandeltes Ausführungsbeispiel einer Steckverbinder-Einheit mit unterschiedlich gestalteten Verbindungsstegen;

Figur 11:

ein abgewandeltes Ausführungsbeispiel einer erfindungsgemäßen Steckverbinder-Einheit mit einem Halte- und Fixierrahmen für vier achsparallele koaxiale Steckverbinder;

Figur 12:

eine Explosionsdarstellung des Ausführungsbeispiels nach Figur 11;

Figur 13:

ein zu den vorausgegangenen Figuren nochmals abgewandeltes Ausführungsbeispiel mit einem Halte- und Fixierrahmen für die koaxialen Steckverbinder aus nicht leitendem (dielektrischem) Material und einem zusätzlichen, die Außenleiter der Steckverbinder elektrisch verbindenden Blech;

Figur 14:

eine Explosionsdarstellung des Ausführungsbeispiels nach Figur 13;

Figur 15:

eine schematische Draufsicht auf ein abgewandeltes Ausführungsbeispiel einer Steckverbinder-Einheit, deren koaxiale Steckverbinder in Draufsicht längs einer Linie nebeneinander im Abstand voneinander angeordnet sind;

Figur 16:

ein zu Figur 15 nochmals abgewandeltes Ausführungsbeispiel, bei der die die Verbindungsstege umfassende Verbindungseinrichtung offen gestaltet ist, wobei nicht alle Zentralachsen der Steckverbinder in einer Ebene liegen;

Figuren 17a bis 17c :

eine räumliche Draufsicht auf eine mit einem zusätzlichen Gehäuse als Schutzfunktion ausgestatteten, vier koaxiale Steckverbinder umfassende Steckverbinder-Einheit, sowie das erwähnte Gehäuse in räumlicher Alleindarstellung und die Steckverbinder-Einheit bei abgenommenen Gehäuse;

Figuren 18a bis 18c :

ein zu den Figuren 17a bis 17c vergleichbares Ausführungsbeispiel, bei dem jedoch anstelle eines koaxialen Steckverbinders 19 ein geschirmter Steckverbinder mit vier Innenleitern versehen ist;

Figuren 19a bis 19e :

eine räumliche Draufsicht auf ein abgewandeltes Ausführungsbeispiel, bei dem anstelle eines koaxialen geschirmten Steckverbinders eine vierpolige ungeschirmte Steckverbindung an der Steckverbinder-Einheit ausgebildet ist, sowie zwei Darstellungen um 180 gedreht bezüglich des abgenommenen Gehäuses sowie der ohne Gehäuse wiedergegebenen Steckverbinder-Einheit;

Figuren 20a bis 20c :

ein bezüglich den Figuren 19a bis 19e insoweit abgewandeltes Ausführungsbeispiel, als hier eine geschirmte Verbindung für einen vierpoligen Steckverbinder vorgesehen ist;

Figuren 21a bis 21e :

ein abgewandeltes Ausführungsbeispiel zu den Figuren 19a bis 19e, bei dem an vier Eckpunkten der Steckverbinder-Einheit sitzend vier geschirmte koaxiale Steckverbinder vorgesehen sind und zwischen zwei koaxialen Steckverbindern ein zusätzlicher ungeschirmter mehrpoliger Steckverbinder angeordnet ist, und

Figuren 22a bis 22c :

ein zu den Figuren 21a bis 21e abgewandeltes Ausführungsbeispiel, bei welchem der zusätzlich vorgesehene mehrpolige Steckverbinder als geschirmter Steckverbinder ausgebildet ist.

Further details, features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the embodiments discussed below. In detail:

FIG. 1:

a schematic three-dimensional representation of a first embodiment of a motor vehicle antenna with a Socket, a printed circuit board, a patch antenna, and a connector unit projecting over the socket at the bottom;

FIG. 2:

a plan view of the embodiment of Figure 1;

FIG. 3:

a representation corresponding to Figure 1, but in explosive representation of the essential parts;

FIG. 4:

a plan view of a motor vehicle antenna comparable to the plan view of Figure 2, but with a deviating arrangement of a patch antenna;

FIG. 5:

a corresponding to Figure 4 spatial representation comparable to the embodiment of Figure 1;

FIG. 6:

a spatial view of a first embodiment of the connector unit according to the invention to form four axially parallel coaxial connectors;

FIG. 7:

a comparable representation to Figure 6, but only with representation of the electrically conductive connector housing without inner conductor inserted therein using appropriate dielectrics;

FIG. 8:

a plan view of the embodiment of Figure 6;

FIG. 9:

a view from the opposite side of the connector unit of Figure 6;

FIG. 10:

a modified to Figure 6 embodiment of a connector unit with differently shaped connecting webs;

FIG. 11:

a modified embodiment of a connector unit according to the invention with a holding and fixing frame for four axially parallel coaxial connector;

FIG. 12:

an exploded view of the embodiment of Figure 11;

FIG. 13:

a to the preceding figures again modified embodiment with a holding and fixing frame for the coaxial connector of non-conductive (dielectric) material and an additional, the outer conductor of the connector electrically connecting plate;

FIG. 14:

an exploded view of the embodiment of Figure 13;

FIG. 15:

a schematic plan view of a modified Embodiment of a connector unit, the coaxial connectors are arranged in plan view along a line next to each other at a distance from each other;

FIG. 16:

a modified embodiment of Figure 15, in which the connecting webs comprehensive connecting device is designed to be open, wherein not all central axes of the connector lie in a plane;

FIGS. 17a to 17c:

a spatial plan view of a equipped with an additional housing as a protective function, four coaxial connector comprehensive connector unit, as well as the aforementioned housing in spatial isolation and the connector unit with the housing removed;

FIGS. 18a to 18c:

a comparable to Figures 17a to 17c embodiment in which, however, instead of a coaxial connector 19, a shielded connector is provided with four inner conductors;

FIGS. 19a to 19e:

a spatial plan view of a modified embodiment in which instead of a coaxial shielded connector, a four-pin unshielded connector is formed on the connector unit, and two representations rotated 180 with respect to the removed housing and reproduced without housing connector unit;

FIGS. 20a to 20c:

with respect to Figures 19a to 19e so far modified embodiment, as here a shielded connection is provided for a four-pin connector;

FIGS. 21a to 21e:

a modified embodiment of Figures 19a to 19e, in which sitting at four corners of the connector unit four shielded coaxial connectors are provided and between two coaxial connectors an additional unshielded multi-pin connector is arranged, and

FIGS. 22a to 22c:

a modified to Figures 21a to 21e embodiment in which the additionally provided multi-pin connector is designed as a shielded connector.

In the following, reference will first be made to the exemplary embodiment according to FIGS. 1 to 3.

In this embodiment, an antenna 1, in particular a motor vehicle antenna 1 is shown, as it can usually be mounted on a motor vehicle roof, often immediately adjacent to the upper edge of the rear window.

This antenna 1 comprises a recognizable in the exploded view of Figure 3 base 3, which is usually made of metal. The pedestal has a pedestal base 3a, on which a web 3c extending in the illustrated embodiment and extending transversely or perpendicularly to the plane of the pedestal base 3a is formed, leaving a marginal strip 3d behind, to the outer edge 3b.

The base or the chassis 3 may be made of suitable material. Usually, a diecasting part is used for this purpose, for example a zinc diecasting part. On the base thus formed is then mounted for electromagnetic radiation permeable protective hood which protects the underlying electrical circuits including the antenna elements, the printed circuit board and the relevant ports to the outside. For better illustration, this protective hood, which can be configured arbitrarily in many areas, has not been shown in the drawings.

On this web or within the web 3c, a printed circuit board 9 can be positioned and anchored in the interior 3e formed in this way (for example, by screwing in fixing screws at a suitable location, which can be screwed with their thread to corresponding counter-support devices on the base 3).

The printed circuit board has a first side or upper side 9a and a second or lower side 9b.

On the first or top 9a are usually several different radiator or antenna devices intended. In the embodiment shown, only one patch-shaped antenna 13 is shown, which is designed in plan view, for example, square and is commonly used as an antenna device for receiving satellite signals. The other antennas on the printed circuit board 9 are not shown. Any antenna designs come into consideration.

The first or upper side 9a of the printed circuit board 9 can be covered over a large area with an electrically conductive ground or potential surface 15, which is optionally also covered with an insulating plastic layer. At suitable locations where soldering is to be provided, this insulating layer (not shown in detail in the drawing) above the ground or potential surface 15 can be removed or omitted.

Finally, FIGS. 1 to 3 show a connector unit 17 positioned on the underside of the printed circuit board 9b, which in the exemplary embodiment shown comprises four axially parallel coaxial connectors 19.

Before discussing the further structure of the antenna thus formed and the connector unit, it will already be explained with reference to FIGS. 4 and 5 that, for example, the aforementioned patch antenna 13 can also be arranged at 45 '(or any other angle). compared to the embodiment according to Figures 1 to 3 twisted arrangement can be positioned on the printed circuit board 9, so that the diagonal in the plan view of the square-shaped patch antenna parallel to the longitudinal and transverse directions of the base 3 of the antenna 1 thus formed.

Usually further radiator and antenna devices are provided on the printed circuit board 9, in the embodiment shown usually three more antenna devices or antenna elements, so that four separate signals from four services can be received and sent via four coaxial connectors.

Reference is now made to Figure 6, in which now a connector unit 17 according to the invention is shown in a spatial representation, as used in the embodiment of Figures 1-5.

It is in this embodiment, a connector unit 17, which comprises four parallel to each other extending connector 19 each having an outer conductor 21, an inner conductor 23 and a dielectric 25 which between inner and outer conductors at least in a partial length of the connector 19 thus formed is provided.

The four connectors 19 are spatially arranged in the embodiment shown in a fixed predetermined pitch. In the exemplary embodiment shown, the axes of the RF contacts lie at the corners of a square with a predetermined edge length, for example in accordance with the standardized specifications of the so-called FAKRA plug-in system.

To form a uniformly manageable connector unit to the outer conductor 21 of the four connectors 19 are connected to connecting webs 27. In the embodiment shown, these connecting webs 27 extend perpendicular to the parallel axes of the individual Connector 19. In the embodiment shown, the connecting webs 27 are not provided or formed over the entire axial length of the connector 19, but only in a partial length and preferably on the top of the printed circuit board contact side 19a in FIG. The connecting webs 27 act on an outer conductor section 21a on the respective outer conductor of the plug connectors 19, which have a larger outer conductor diameter than the remaining outer conductor diameter.

FIG. 7 shows a representation of a so-called connector housing 17a which is comparable to FIG. 6, namely comprising the outer conductors 21, the connecting webs 27 connected thereto and the ground connection shoulders 29 discussed below, ie without the inner conductors inserted into the outer conductor 21 be held by the respective mentioned dielectric 25 relative to the associated outer conductor 21.

As can be seen, inter alia, from FIGS. 6 and 7, the boundary side 27a of the connecting webs facing the printed circuit board contact side 19a is situated lower in relation to the frontal boundary plane 21b of the outer conductor 21, so that a spacing space X1 under the printed circuit board for routing and Equipping with components is created.

In the embodiment shown in each case in the diagonal direction facing outward (ie at a 135 ° angle to the longitudinal direction of the connecting web 27) is provided an outwardly projecting ground connection approach 29, which in the embodiment shown in each case with a in Plug or connection direction 31 (Figure 7) and thus perpendicular to the printed circuit board projecting projection, ie pin or pin 33 is provided or formed therewith. The pin or pin 33 has a diameter which is smaller than the parallel thickness of the pin or pin 33 holding mass connection approach 29. As a result, an annular support surface or boundary plane 35 is provided in the illustrated embodiment.

It can also be seen from the drawings that these ground connection pins 33 rise from a boundary plane 35 that is a little higher in level than the front boundary surface 21b of the outer conductor 21 of the connector 19. Thus, the clearance space corresponds X1 between the end face 27a of the connecting webs 27 and the adjacent printed circuit board 19 (in the final populated position) the distance between the end face 27a and the boundary plane 35 at the mass connection lugs 29. For example, this distance space is more than 0.5 mm, in particular 1 mm , or optionally also 1.5 mm or 2 mm and more, so it can be made easily on the circuit board in this space X1 here. With today's dimension of the component parts, a spacing of 0.5 mm or 1 mm is often sufficient.

Finally, for the sake of completeness, it should be noted that the end faces 21 b, notwithstanding the illustration according to FIGS. 6 and 7, can also be provided with radial recesses permeating the material wall at least in a partial circumferential area, which are dimensioned at least so deep that the groove-shaped recess in Height of the end face 27a of the connecting webs 27 end. These recesses can also be used for routing, ie for connecting the inner conductors. As a result, the outer conductor 19 or the outer conductor sections 21a comes to lie in this area at a slightly greater distance from a connecting line running on the adjacent underside of the printed circuit board, via which an associated inner conductor of the connector 19 is connected.

Finally, the embodiment of Figures 6 and 7 also shows that between the coaxial connectors 19 by the circumferential, the connecting webs 27 comprehensive holding frame in the middle lying another space X2 is created, so that easily even larger-sized SMD parts on the PCB may be populated without colliding with this multiple coaxial connector (see Figures 6 and 7).

Preferably, the connector assembly thus formed (Figure 7) comprises the outer conductors 21 of the connectors 19 and the connecting webs 27 and the larger diameter outer conductor portions 21a and the ground connection lugs 29 and the pins or pins 33 projecting therefrom which form an electrically conductive connector housing 17 a with the connecting webs 27 comprehensive connecting frame or connecting device 127 form. This unit may preferably be made using electrically conductive material as a conductive and solderable surface casting, e.g. in the form of a zinc die-cast part.

FIG. 8 shows the plan view of the connector unit 17 from the printed circuit board connection side and in FIG Figure 9 can be seen from the opposite bottom. The ends of the inner conductors 23 shown here typically taper conically, as a result of which inner conductor tips 23a in FIG. 9 are visible. Adjacent to the inner conductor, a free space 37 is then formed in order to be able to insert a coupler counterpart here.

The thus formed connector housing, which is additionally provided with the inner conductors 23 and a respective inner conductor 23 supporting dielectric 25 can then be mounted on the circuit board 9 as an SMD component. The connector unit 17 is e.g. equipped as a multi-pin on the printed circuit board underside 9b according to the pin-in-paste method, said pins or pins 33 inserted into corresponding through holes 39 (holes) and soldered to the printed circuit board 9 (Figures 1 to 5). The dimensioning is thus selected such that the axial length of the pins or pins 33 extends at least to the vicinity of the plane of the upper side of the printed circuit board 9 in the mounted state.

In this position, then the annular support or limiting surface 35 of the ground connection approaches 29 on the bottom 9b of the printed circuit board 9 at. In this plane or in approximately this plane also terminate the terminal ends 23b of the inner conductor 23, which are soldered on the printed circuit board underside 9b, for example in a reflow soldering at corresponding solder joints on the printed circuit board.

The printed circuit board underside 9b in this case also has the correspondingly formed line connections and is usually also a component side with the other ones equipped electrical components that are not shown in detail in the drawings for simplicity.

Due to the overall electrically conductive design of the one-piece connector housing of the connector unit 17 is ensured by the pins or pins 33 of the ground connection lugs 29 not only an electrical, but also a mechanically strong connection to the circuit board.

The printed circuit board can then, as shown in Figures 1 to 5, are mounted on the base 3 of the antenna 1, in which case the cylindrical connector 19 are inserted through corresponding holes 41 (Figure 3) in the base base 3a. The diameter of the holes 41 is generally larger than the outer diameter of the connector 19, so that there is no contact between the connectors and the base base. By mechanically anchored in the printed circuit board 9 and electrically connected pins or pins 33, however, the connector 17 thus formed is also mechanically fixed to the base 3 via the printed circuit board.

In the final assembled state, the cylindrical plug connectors protrude sufficiently far beyond the plane of the socket, so that a counter-coupler can be plugged in here whose coupling sections come to lie in the same axial dimension as the central axes of the plug connectors 17.

Since, in the exemplary embodiment shown, the inner conductors end on the printed-circuit board underside and are soldered, and on the printed circuit board upper side preferably large-area ground surfaces are formed, there is an optimal shielding of the fed into the inner conductor RF signals. The large-scale ground surfaces on the top of the circuit board are usually provided only with recesses where, for example, further, not shown in detail antennas are mechanically anchored or electrically connected, the signals are then forwarded through corresponding vias to the PCB bottom.

Since, in particular, the inner conductor ends 23b terminate on the underside of the printed circuit board 9b and do not project on the opposite upper side, a patch antenna 13 on the printed circuit board upper side 9a can now be provided exactly at that location since these antennas do not then collide with the inner conductor ends 23b or electrically couple. Furthermore, can be ensured by the twisted by 45 ° arrangement of the patch antenna 13 according to the embodiment of Figures 4 and 5 that in each case to the longitudinal side of this twisted patch antenna pins or pins 33 may survive through the corresponding holes or recesses 39 in the circuit board and can be soldered there without colliding with the patch antenna.

In the exemplary embodiment according to FIGS. 1 to 3, the patch antenna is arranged so that its square longitudinal sides run parallel to the longitudinal direction of the antenna arrangement. In this case, the patch antenna covers two pins or pins 33 (which preferably terminate in the plane of the top of the printed circuit board), with the two other offset ends of the pins or pins 33 adjacent come to lie on the one transverse side on the patch antenna. Thus, this arrangement according to FIGS. 1 to 3 offers the advantage that, for example, a ceramic patch antenna can be placed over the ground pins 33, wherein it only has to be ensured that the ground pins 33 do not protrude over the printed circuit board 9 upwards. This restriction is not given in the embodiment according to FIGS. 4 to 5, since there is sufficient space for the ground pins 33 due to the twisted arrangement of the patch antenna.

A variant embodiment is described with reference to FIG. 10, in which the connecting webs 27 have a changed geometry. In this embodiment, the connecting webs are each approximated in plan view a quarter circle. But any other modifications are possible, for example, a rather cross-shaped connection of the four connectors or an arrangement in which reproduced in Figure 9 quarter-circular connecting webs 27 with their convex sides of the sheet do not point outwards, but are directed inwards. Any other modifications are conceivable here.

Referring to Figures 11 and 12, a further modification is shown, in which the individual connectors 19 are designed as combined milling or rotating parts, and then by a separate component, namely a connecting frame 127 are interconnected. This connection frame 127 may also consist of a milling or die casting, so be electrically conductive, for example. But it can also consist of a dielectric and thus non-conductive material, such as plastic.

In order that the connecting frame 127 is sufficiently strong and rigid in connection, it is in the embodiment shown still equipped with internal, cross-shaped or diagonal stiffening webs 127a.

The mentioned, here separately formed connector 19 also again have the already described in the previous embodiments, ground connection lug 29 (Figure 12), which is mechanically and electrically firmly connected to the respective outer conductor 21. This ensures a positioning and mechanical connection with the printed circuit board comparable to the preceding exemplary embodiments and a corresponding electrical connection to the printed circuit board.

In Figure 12 is shown in exploded view, as the plastic frame 127 is configured with corresponding cylindrical recesses 127b for the cylindrical connector 19 and with a corresponding pocket-shaped extension 127c for receiving the MasseverbindungsAnsätze 29. This connection frame 127 can be made in any suitable manner, for example as a cast or milled part.

In the embodiment according to FIGS. 13 and 14, again a connecting frame 127 has been used for mechanically holding the four connectors 19. However, the connectors 19 are not equipped with separate ground anchoring lugs 29 in this embodiment. The connectors are rather formed as rotationally symmetric parts, such as rotating parts. To here a Außenleiterkontaktierung with the To ensure ground surface on the circuit board, now a separate, electrically conductive sheet metal part 227 is used in addition to the electrically non-conductive connection frame 127. This sheet metal part 227 has concentric with the central axes of the connector 19 corresponding recesses 227a, through which the outer conductor 21 and provided with larger outer diameter outer conductor portions 21a are inserted and mechanically / electrically contacted with the sheet metal part 227. This sheet metal part 227 is otherwise also designed again frame-shaped, has in addition to the material portions 227b and the recesses 227a introduced therein and the connecting portions connecting these sections 227c still perpendicular to angled pairs of stiffening portions 227d, about which the sheet metal part thus formed on the existing plastic connection frame 127 can be placed. The pins or pin-shaped projections 233 are then formed on the outer sections 227a, which pins are then inserted again through corresponding recesses in the printed circuit board and are mechanically / electrically contacted with the printed circuit board, for example in the pin-in-paste method.

The individual connectors 19 can be firmly connected to the connecting frame 27, for example, by using a press fit. For this purpose, for example, the connectors 19 may be knurled on a corresponding circumferential portion and / or the connection frame is internally knurled in the recess for receiving the connector, whereby the desired interference fit can be realized by pressing. In the same way, however, the plug connectors 19 can also be encapsulated by means of plastic in order to form a solid composite to realize. Restrictions on certain production methods or procedures are not given.

The various embodiments have been described for the case that the connectors 19 are cylindrical or substantially cylindrical in shape. However, the outer conductors can also have any other cross-sectional shapes, for example, an n-polygonal cross-section, square, etc.

If an antenna is installed in the motor vehicle with a connector unit comprising four connectors in the corresponding exemplary embodiment in the motor vehicle, then a corresponding coupler with a corresponding number of connector counterparts can be easily plugged and electrically connected, from which the corresponding coaxial cables then run into the vehicle interior.

The illustrated connector has been described in the form of a multiple connector. Instead of a connector formed in the manner of a female part, it is just as possible to use bushes in the form of a female part for this purpose. In the same way, the multiple plug connector can also be designed such that, on the one hand, part plugs and, on the other hand, bushings are used. The plugged together mating connector or coupler would always be designed accordingly reversed.

With reference to FIGS. 15 and 16, only a schematic plan view shows that the mentioned connecting frame 127 comprising the connecting webs 27, which can also be a permanently connected unit or a separate component with the outer conductors 21 of the coaxial connectors 19, does not necessarily have to be designed as a circumferential closed frame. In the schematic plan view according to Figures 15 and 16 it is shown that this connection frame or this connection means 127 may be straight, arcuately designed in plan view, etc. So it can also be a non-closed open chain-like connection between the individual coaxial connectors may be provided in which a distance space X1 which is sufficient for routing and / or equipping and / or a further distance space X2 can likewise be provided.

The illustrated connector may be designed in different size configuration. In particular, in the embodiment according to Figures 6 and 7 but also, for example, according to the embodiment of Figure 10 or Figures 14 and 15, each two adjacent coaxial connector 19 connecting connecting webs 27 in their length (and thus in terms of the side distance of two adjacent Coaxial connector) dimensioned so that this length, for example, greater than the outer diameter of the individual connectors 19 and smaller than three or four times the diameter of the coaxial connector 19 is. In the illustrated embodiment, this distance corresponds approximately to twice the outer diameter of the individual connectors 19th

Finally, finally, it is also noted that preferably the entire connector unit can be provided with a coding. The coding may be that an asymmetrical rotational symmetry preventing device or measure is provided, for example, such that the cross-section or the cross-sectional shape of at least one coaxial connector 19 deviates from the cross-sectional shape or the cross-sectional size of the other connector 19, so that a connection with a plug can be made only in a clear association with each other. This is also possible, for example, by virtue of the fact that, for example, a projection is provided on the outside at least on a plug connector 19 in the plug-in region, and a mating plug or coupler not shown in detail in the drawings has a corresponding cutout at this point.

With reference to FIGS. 17a to 17c, an RF plug connection device according to the invention is now shown in a spatial representation, namely in FIG. 17a in an embodiment comparable to the embodiments of FIGS. 6 to 12 or also FIGS. 13, 14, with the HF signal thus formed being Plug connection device is still a corresponding housing 51 made of electrically non-conductive material, preferably plastic is placed. In Figure 17b case 51 is shown alone, wherein in Figure 17c, the corresponding connector unit 17 is shown with the four shielded coaxial connectors 19 without housing. In other words, the housing 51 includes corresponding, in the illustrated embodiment, rather cylindrical housing sections 51a, which protectively surround the respective coaxial plug connectors 19 and which have an opening 51b at the top in order to connect a coaxial plug here. The housing 51 is also formed in one piece and also covers the middle space with the connecting webs 27 through a corresponding housing portion 51c.

However, the described connector unit does not necessarily have - as in the previous embodiments discussed - be designed as a multi-coaxial connector. There are certainly applications, for example, in the case of a roof antenna, where the integrated services and / or unintentional power supply in addition also require single or multi-pole unshielded connectors or, for example, multi-pin shielded connectors or at least insofar have advantages.

For example, if the connector unit 17 is to be used in conjunction with a car antenna, use cases may be possible in which, for example, some signals or currents (eg, paths of the power supply) leading into or out of the antenna do not require expensive coaxial transmission systems , In many cases, a single-pole unshielded cable is sufficient (for example for the power supply). Radio services such as FZV (vehicle central locking) require two-pole or multi-pole, mostly unshielded lines.

In other more complex and demanding or by foreign frequencies (for example, with respect to the radiation and emission of EMC) trouble-prone services may be given the need for shielding the signal line.

Therefore, it will be shown with reference to the embodiment described further below that in the form of a compact SMD-populated connector assembly / connector unit 17 in addition to the coaxial connectors 19 can also be equipped with single or multi-pole unshielded or multipolar shielded connectors. It should not often differentiated in the language term "plug" not only for the term "plug" in a limited sense (male), but also apply to the application of a socket (female).

With reference to the figures 18a to 18c, such a connector unit 17 is now shown again in a spatial representation and with removed housing, in which, in deviation to the preceding embodiments instead of one of the four coaxial connector 19 now a connector 19 with the same or comparable shaped and dimensioned outer conductor 21 is provided, in which, however, internally not a single-pole, but four separate lines 123 are housed. This is therefore a shielded four-pin connector.

Deviating from this number, of course, two coaxial connectors and two other multi-pin shielded or unshielded connector can be provided.

An embodiment is now shown with reference to FIGS. 19a to 19e, in which, in deviation from FIGS. 17a to 17d, instead of a coaxial connector 19 shown there, an unshielded plug connection with four inner conductors 123 is now shown at one corner of the plug connector unit 17. In this case, the housing 51 has a corresponding housing portion 51a for this multi-pin connector 119, which is designed square or rectangular in plan view. Since this is an unshielded connection, the inner conductors 123 are connected via a base section 121, which is preferably likewise electrically conductive and is connected to the other connecting webs 27 and to the other plug connectors 19 to form a fixed plug connector unit 117. The ends of the multipolar ladder 123 are protected in the mating region by the aforementioned housing portion 51a, where a corresponding mating connector can be plugged.

In the embodiment according to FIGS. 20a to 20c, by way of derogation from the preceding exemplary embodiments, it is merely shown that an extension 121 'projecting beyond the base section 121 is provided, which in the exemplary embodiment shown has an n-polygonal or rectangular or square cross section and a part of the outer conductor 21, wherein the extension 121 'ends at the level of the ends of the inner conductor 123. This is therefore a shielded multi-pin connector 119, wherein the housing is formed as in the embodiment of Figures 19a to 19e and a corresponding square or rectangular housing portion 51a surrounds this in cross-section rectangular or square outer conductor 21.

In the embodiment shown in Figures 21a to 21e, a connector with four shielded coaxial connectors 19 is shown, comparable to the previous embodiment of Figures 6 to 14, wherein, however, the distance between two pairs of coaxial connectors 19 is dimensioned in one direction larger than in the transverse direction. This opens up the possibility of providing a multipolar shielded or unshielded connector 119 in the middle, for example.

In the exemplary embodiment according to FIG. 21a, a connection, which is square or rectangular in plan view, between two coaxial connectors for a multi-pole connection further connector 119 shown, which is again formed in this embodiment as unshielded connection, in which the four inner conductors 123 shown above the base portion 121 projecting upwards. In this case, the base portion 121 is again provided with an extension 121 'projecting in the direction of the four inner conductors 123, which forms an outer conductor 21, so that the extension 121' in the form of the outer conductor 21 is connected to the remaining connecting webs 27 to form a uniform connection frame 127, which is designed to be conductive.

On the basis of FIGS. 22a to 22c, it is once again shown comparable to the exemplary embodiment according to FIGS. 20a to 20e that the base section 121 is elongated as a rectangular or square outer conductor 21 and only ends approximately at the level of the free ends of the inner conductor 123 in order to provide this multi-pole Design the connection as a shielded connection.

The mentioned inner conductors 123 may be present in shielded and unshielded connectors in varying numbers.

Claims (34)

Coaxial RF connector device electrically connected to a printed circuit board, in particular for a motor vehicle antenna, having the following features: The RF connector device is designed as a coaxial multiple connector device and comprises at least two coaxial connectors (19), - The at least two coaxial connector (19) are arranged axially parallel to a predetermined or predetermined center distance to each other, - At the thus formed and with the printed circuit board (9) electrically connected connectors (19) second coaxial connector can be connected, - The plurality of connectors (19) consist of a firmly interconnected connector unit (17) or are connected to a firmly interconnected connector unit (17), - The connector unit (17) and / or to the connector unit (17) firmly assembled connector (19) are mechanically fixed to the printed circuit board (9), the inner conductors (23) of the coaxial connectors (19) are electrically connected to the second side or underside (9b) of the printed circuit board (9) facing the plug connector unit (17), - One or more projections (33, 233) are provided, which are electrically and at least one outer conductor (21) of a connector (19) electrically and mechanically fixedly connected or formed thereon or at least indirectly supported, and - The projections (33, 233) dive into recesses (39) in the printed circuit board (9), whereby they are mechanically anchored to the printed circuit board (9), characterized by the following further features - The projections (33, 233) are aligned parallel to the axial direction of the connector (19), via which the connector unit (17) is positioned perpendicular to the plane of the printed circuit board (9) or positionable, - The connector unit (17) has on the printed circuit board (9) facing side means to form a support surface and / or boundary plane (35) on which the adjacent plane of the printed circuit board (9) on the connector unit (17 ) is present, a) the plug connector unit (17) has on the side facing the printed circuit board (9) at least in sections a spacer space (X1) provided with at least one recess and / or recesses spaced apart from the adjacent plane of the printed circuit board (9) to come to rest,
and or
b) the outer conductor (21) of the connector (19) are arranged with a transverse offset from each other so that between the connectors (19) has a clearance space (X2) is formed, and - The distance space (X1) and / or the distance space (X2) serves as a space for routing and / or equipping. Connector device according to claim 1, characterized in that for each connector (19) has a projection (33, 233) is provided, which in a corresponding, preferably plated-through recess (39) in the printed circuit board (9) is immersed and preferably not over the Pcb top surface (9a) beyond which the projections (33, 233) are electrically connected to at least one ground or potential surface or corresponding ground or potential traces on the printed circuit board (9) located on the second or lower surface (9b) of the printed circuit board (9) opposite first or upper side (9 a) are provided or formed. Plug connection device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the ends of the projections (33, 233) terminate in front of the plane of the upper side (9a) of the printed circuit board (9). Plug connection device according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the recesses (39) in the printed circuit board (9) are arranged so that between an antenna, preferably a patch antenna (13) can be positioned. Plug connection device according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the recesses (39) in the printed circuit board (9) are arranged so that on the printed circuit board top side (9a) a patch antenna (13) is positionable so that only a part of the recesses (39) and thus a portion of the projections (33, 233) located therein are covered by the patch antenna (13) positioned on the printed circuit board upper surface (9a). Plug connection device according to one of Claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the inner conductors (23) have conductor board-side inner conductor ends (23a) which are electrically contacted on the underside of the printed circuit board (9b). Plug connection device according to claim 6, characterized in that the free ends of the projections (33, 233) of the connectors (19) protrude further than the inner conductor ends (23a). Plug connection device according to one of Claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the projections (33) are provided in the axial extension of a section of the outer conductors (21) of the plug connectors (19). Connector device according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the outer conductors (21) of the connectors (19) are provided with radially projecting ground connection lugs (29) on which parallel to the axes of the connectors (19) extending projections (33, 233) are formed. Connector device according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the connectors (19) via a connecting frame (127) and / or by connecting webs (27) to a fixed connector unit (17) are connected. Plug connection device according to claim 10, characterized in that the plug connector unit (17) on the printed circuit board (9) facing bottom (9b) with projections (33, 233) are provided, which are axially parallel to the axes of the connector (19 ), wherein the connecting frame (127) and / or the connecting webs (127a) are electrically conductive. Plug connection device according to one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the connectors (19) via a connecting frame (127) and / or connecting webs (127 a) are fixedly connected to each other, or consist of electrically non-conductive material. Plug connection device according to claim 12, characterized in that further comprises an electrically conductive connection or sheet metal part (227) is provided, which is electrically and mechanically connected to the outer conductors of the connector (19), wherein the connection or sheet metal part (227) on the circuit board side on the connecting frame (127) and / or the connecting webs (127a) rests and / or is supported and with electrically conductive projections (33, 233) is provided which extend parallel to the axial direction of the connector (19). Connector device according to one of claims 9 to 13, characterized in that the projections (33, 233) rise out of a support or limiting surface (35) which on the printed circuit board underside (9b) of the connector unit ( 17), the ground connection lugs (29) and / or the connecting or sheet metal part (227) is formed, wherein the support or boundary surface (35) in the mounted state at the bottom (9b) of the printed circuit board (9). Plug connection device according to one of claims 9 to 14, characterized in that the circuit board side boundary surfaces of the connector (19) in the assembled state at least a short distance to the bottom (9b) of the printed circuit board (9). Plug connection device according to one of claims 14 or 15, characterized in that the connecting frame (127) and / or the connecting webs (127a) and / or the electrically conductive connection or sheet metal part (227) in the mounted state at a distance from the underside (9b ) of the printed circuit board (9), whereby a space for connecting lines on the printed circuit board underside (9b) is created. Connector device according to one of claims 1 to 16, characterized in that the printed circuit board (9) in a base or chassis (3) of a motor vehicle antenna is anchored, wherein in the base or chassis (3) recesses (41) are formed through which project the connectors (19) onto the side of the base or chassis (3) opposite the printed circuit board for connection to second coaxial connectors. Plug connection device according to claim 17, characterized in that the plug connectors (19) are mechanically connected to the base or chassis (3) indirectly via the intermediate printed circuit board (9). A connector device according to any one of the claims 1 to 15, characterized in that the connector unit (17) consists of a casting, in particular a metal casting. Plug connection device according to one of claims 1 to 18, characterized in that the plug connectors (19) are formed from a turned and / or milled part, which are mechanically fixedly connected to each other via a connecting frame (127). Plug-in device according to one of claims 1 to 20, characterized in that the connectors (19) via the connecting webs (27) and / or the connecting webs (27) comprehensive connecting frame or connecting means (127) are designed in the form of a circumferential closed frame , Connector device according to one of claims 1 to 20, characterized in that the connector (19) via the connecting webs (27) and / or the connecting webs (27) comprising connecting frame or connecting means (127) is designed as an open connection means. Connector device according to one of claims 1 to 22, characterized in that the distance space (X1) between the connector unit (17) and the adjacent side (9b) of the printed circuit board (9) at least in sections more than 0.5 mm, in particular has more than 1 mm and preferably less than 5 mm, in particular less than 4 mm, 3 mm or 2 mm or 1.5 mm. Plug connection device according to one of claims 1 to 23, characterized in that the plug connector unit (17) is designed as a SMD-mountable plug assembly. Connector device according to one of claims 1 to 24, characterized in that the connector unit (17) comprises a housing (21) which is mounted on the connector (19) and surrounds the outer conductor (21) so that the plug connections lie free. Connector device according to one of claims 1 to 25, characterized in that at least two coaxial connectors (19) are provided, which are provided as a shielded coaxial connector (19) with a conductive outer conductor (21). Plug connection device according to one of claims 1 to 26, characterized in that at least one second connector (119) is provided, which is designed as a single or multi-pole unshielded connector (119) or as a shielded two- or multi-pin connector (119) , Plug connection device according to claim 27, characterized in that the at least one single-pole unshielded or multi-pole shielded or unshielded plug connector (119) has an outer conductor shape and / or dimensioning deviating from the shape of the outer conductor (21) of the shielded plug connector (19). Plug connection device according to claim 27 or 28, characterized in that the at least one single pole unshielded or multi-pole shielded or unshielded connector (119) has one of the shape of the outer conductor (21) of the shielded connector (19) same outer conductor shape and / or dimensioning. Connector device according to one of claims 27 to 29, characterized in that the connectors (19, 119) in the corner regions of an n-polygonal connector unit (17) are arranged, preferably at the corners of a rectangular or square shaped or this design approximated connector unit (17). Connector device according to one of claims 27 to 29, characterized in that the shielded coaxial connector (19) at the corners of an n-polygonal connector unit (17) are arranged and that the at least one additionally provided unshielded connector (119) and / or the at least one additionally provided multi-pin connector (119) between two shielded coaxial connectors (19) is arranged. Plug connection device according to one of claims 1 to 31, characterized in that the at least one inner conductor (123) of a single or multi-pole unshielded connector (119) projects beyond a base portion (121). Plug connection device according to one of Claims 1 to 31, characterized in that the inner conductors (123) of a multi-pole shielded connector (119) are surrounded by an extension (121 ') which extends over the base portion (121) rises and is part of the outer conductor (21). Connector unit according to one of claims 1 to 33.

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