EP2529451B1 - Circuit board coaxial connector - Google Patents

Description

The present invention is in the field of coaxial connectors for printed circuit boards.

After the assembly of printed circuit boards with SMD components and the subsequent soldering, printed circuit boards are contacted with each other in terms of frequency. This position and position inaccuracies of the SMD (Surface Mounted Device) components, in the radial and axial direction must be compensated so that the high-frequency characteristics are maintained. As a rule, a plurality of connectors must be connected simultaneously.

Various circuit board coaxial connectors are known in the art. These connectors have a multi-part construction with a first and a second connector part, which are operatively connected to each other via an adapter piece. Problems are that these connectors usually have a complicated structure and / or allow only insufficient room for maneuver.

US4925403 was published in 1988 and shows a Koxialverbinder of the type described with an adapter piece. The connector is constructed so that it can compensate for a certain lateral offset. About an outer conductor of the adapter piece a mechanical snap connection is made.

US5879177 shows a further connector with a first and a second connector part, which can be operatively connected by an adapter piece. The adapter piece is used to compensate for a certain lateral offset.

WO0052788A1 The same applicant was published in 2000 and shows an improved connector of the generic type. The connector has a first and a second connector part on, which can be operatively connected via an adapter piece. To reduce arising forces, a ball joint is used at least on one side.

EP1207592 was published in 2002 and relates to a coaxial connector assembly having a first and a second coaxial connector and a contact sleeve connecting them. The contact sleeve is designed so that it can be tilted laterally in a predetermined range. The first coaxial connector and the contact sleeve have a latching connection in the region of their outer conductor. The locking connection in the outer conductor has a restricting effect on the freedom of movement. All first coaxial connectors are in a common first plastic housing and all second coaxial connectors are arranged in a common second plastic housing.

Other connectors with one of the generic type are made US2004038586 . US2007026698A . US2006194465A . CN2879475Y , such as CN101459304A known.

An object of the invention is to show an improved connector of the generic type. Another object is to show a connector with an extended range of functions.

This object is achieved by the connector defined in the independent claims.

An inventive coaxial connector PCB (henceforth coaxial connector) has a multi-part construction with a first and a second coaxial connector part, which can be operatively connected to each other via an adapter piece with a coaxial structure. The adapter piece has a first and a second end with an inner and an outer conductor, which with corresponding inner, resp. External conductors of the connector parts can be operatively connected. At least one connector side has mechanical Operative connection means, which "firmly" connects the corresponding connector part and the associated end of the adapter with each other, ie the connection is under normal circumstances not solvable or solvable against an increased force. In contrast, the operative connection of the other connector part can be solved with the adapter at a lower level of force. The active connection means are arranged opposite the conductors so that the greatest possible offset in the axial and lateral direction is possible. For example, in one embodiment, at a distance of 13 mm, the connector may allow for an offset of ± 1.2 mm while maintaining a predetermined radial capture area. In particular, to compensate for axial displacements, the connector parts in one embodiment telescopically extend apart. For this purpose, at least one of the connector parts or the adapter on a sleeve-shaped inner conductor, in which the corresponding counterpart dips a ball-like element and is arranged displaceably in this in the axial direction. So that the largest possible axial and lateral displacement is possible, the sleeve-shaped conductor protrudes in the axial direction over the operative connection means.

The inner and the outer conductor of the adapter piece are positioned over a spacer relative to each other. The spacer may have a multi-part construction in the axial direction, so that the adapter piece is e.g. is easily scalable in length, without the spacer has to be adapted consuming. One advantage is that always the same spacers can be used. Another advantage is that the spacers can have different colors, which makes the correct assembly of the very small parts visually easy to control.

In one embodiment, the first and the second connector part are identical. This can reduce production costs. Nevertheless, in order to make available the optimal catch area when connecting, the connector parts are designed such that a drogue can be attached to them. This can eg by pressing, Gluing, friction welding, etc. are attached. The drogue is usually mounted on a detachable connector side and serves to catch the counterpart. One advantage is that the drogue can be adapted to the requirements. If necessary, the drogue can be made of a cheaper material. Furthermore, it is possible to combine several drogue in a component. Depending on the application, the drogue can also be used for other connectors.

In the prior art, the defined by the funnel radial catching area must be adjusted by increasing the size of the funnel, as a rule, when the PCB distance is greater, so that the longer and thus further swiveling adapter can be deflected when connecting to the counterpart. This is usually not desirable for reasons of space. In one embodiment, the maximum possible lateral inclination is limited by mechanical means as a function of the connector spacing. The inventive design and joint geometry of the axial tolerance range for the PCB distance is increased. This is normally ± 0.3 mm. In contrast, a connector according to the invention allows a tolerance range of the order of ± 1.2 mm.

In the case of the connectors known from the prior art, the radial catch area (funnel) generally has to be increased when the printed circuit board spacing increases, so that the longer and thus further swiveling adapter can be deflected into the counterpart. This is usually not desirable for reasons of space. As explained, the maximum inclination of the snapped-in adapter can be limited depending on the desired distance between the two printed circuit boards at a given radial catching area by matching the diameters of the adapter and the connector parts as a function of the desired angle.

One embodiment relates to a coaxial connector having a first and a second connector part and an adapter arranged between them. The first and the second connector part have a first inner conductor and a first outer conductor, which are fixedly connected to one another via a first spacer. The first inner conductor has a first inner cylindrical contact surface and the first outer conductor has a second inner cylindrical contact surface. The adapter has a second inner and a second outer conductor, which are operatively connected via a second spacer. The second inner conductor and the second outer conductor have at their ends elastic spring tongues with radially projecting contact beads, which cooperate in the assembled state with the inner cylindrical contact surfaces of the first and second inner conductors of the first and the second connector part in an electrically conductive manner. The elastic spring tongues together with the contact beads serve to produce and maintain a secure electrical connection. In a rear, non-free area (base region) of the first inner conductor first mechanical operative connection means are arranged, which cooperate in the assembled state with second mechanical operative connection means of the adapter to form an axially effective mechanical connection. The mechanical active connection means may be a ball and a pan, or a groove and a protruding retaining bead, which cooperate positively in the assembled state. A sleeve-shaped part of the first inner conductor is at least on the side of the mechanical connection in the axial direction on the mechanical operative connection means, such that an axial offset of the connector parts relative to the adapter is compensated by a telescopic displacement of at least one connector part relative to the adapter.

The first mechanical operative connection means may be a radially outwardly projecting retaining bead on the first spacer and the second mechanical operative connection means may be a circumferential groove disposed on an inner surface of the second spacer, which are operatively connected, for example, by snapping can. The second inner conductor of the adapter can have a cross-sectional constriction in an area behind the first spring tongues, which allows an enlarged tilt angle α in the lateral direction.

The second spacer of the adapter has in a preferred embodiment in the axial direction of a multi-part construction. The multi-part design allows easy scaling of the length while maintaining the same spacers. By using different materials, it can be optically displayed if the connector is mounted correctly. The second spacer may consist of a first and a second part, which are made of different materials. On the side of the detachable connector part, e.g. normally uses a comparatively soft material, which is one more deformable. On the side of the detachable connector part is advantageously used a material which has a better thermal conductivity. The spacer can be used in a suitable design for other connectors with a similar structure.

Fig. 1

einen erfindungsgemässen Verbinder in einer Vorderansicht in montiertem Zustand;

Fig. 2

eine Schnittdarstell ung durch den Verbinder gemäss Figur 1;

Fig. 3

eine perspektivische Schnittdarstellung des Verbinders gemäss Figur 1 in nicht wirkverbundenem Zustand;

Fig. 4

den Verbinder in einer Draufsicht in einem ausgelenkten Zustand;

Fig. 5

einen Schnitt durch Figur 4 entlang der Schnittlinie BB;

Fig. 6

zwei Adapter in einer Draufsicht;

Fig. 7

die Adapter gemäss Figur 6 in einer Schnittdarstellung entlang der Schnittlinie CC.

On the basis of figures, which represent only embodiments, the invention will be explained in more detail below. Show it

Fig. 1

a connector according to the invention in a front view in the assembled state;

Fig. 2

a Schnittdarstell by the connector according to FIG. 1 ;

Fig. 3

a perspective sectional view of the connector according to FIG. 1 in uneffected state;

Fig. 4

the connector in a plan view in a deflected state;

Fig. 5

a cut through FIG. 4 along the section line BB;

Fig. 6

two adapters in a plan view;

Fig. 7

the adapters according to FIG. 6 in a sectional view along the section line CC.

Unless otherwise stated, the same reference numerals are used in the figures for corresponding areas / parts. FIG. 1 shows a coaxial connector 1 according to the invention with a first connector part 2, a second connector part 3 and an adapter 4, which serves for the operative connection of the first with the second connector part 2, 3. The connector parts 2, 3, as well as the adapter 4 have a coaxial structure.

FIG. 1 shows the coaxial connector 1 in the operatively connected state in a front view. FIG. 2 shows a sectional view through the connector 1 along the section line AA according to FIG. 1 , FIG. 3 shows the connector parts 2, 3 and the adapter 4 in a perspective view obliquely from above. The connector parts 2, 3, 4 are arranged one above the other, but not operatively connected. For a better understanding, the connector parts 2, 3, 4 are shown cut, so that the inner life can be seen.

The first and the second connector part 2, 3 have an identical construction in the illustrated embodiment. If necessary, it is possible, the first and the second connector part 2, 3 meet the requirements not identical. Furthermore, the parts 2, 3, 4, in contrast to the prior art, a comparatively simple structure, which can be mounted with little effort. This has a positive effect on the production costs.

The first and the second connector part 2, 3 each have a cylindrical inner conductor 5, which is configured in each case sleeve-shaped at its front end 6. As in FIG. 2 can be seen, the inner conductor 5 is positioned and held by a first here rotationally symmetrical spacer 7 relative to a sleeve-shaped outer conductor 8 at its front end. The outer conductor 8 is cylindrical at least in the front region and arranged coaxially with respect to the inner conductor 5. In the embodiment shown, both the first spacer 7 and the inner conductor 5 are arranged in the interior of the sleeve-shaped part of the outer conductor 8. In the rear region, the outer conductor in the embodiment shown fastening means in the form of mounting sockets 9, by means of which the connector part 2, 3, for example, on a circuit board (not shown), can be attached. Other embodiments are possible. By means of a deformable crimp rim 16, the first spacer 7 can be secured in the housing of the first outer conductor 8. Other types of fastening are possible. The first inner conductor 5 is fixed in the first spacer 7 by pressing. Again, other types of attachment are possible.

As in FIG. 2 can be seen, the first spacer 7 extends along the first inner conductor 5 and forms a voltage applied here on the inner conductor 5 substantially cylindrical socket portion 17 on which an outwardly projecting, annular retaining bead 10 (first operative connection means) is formed. The retaining bead 10 is formed at the rear, non-free end of the base portion. As shown, this engages in the mounted state in an annular groove 11 (second operative connection means) of a second spacer 12.1 of the adapter 4 and forms with this an articulated mechanical connection 13. The mechanical connection is usually designed as a detachable snap connection and makes it possible to separate the adapter 4 from the first connector part 2 by applying a certain force in the axial direction. The mechanical connection 13 has a certain play, which makes it possible to tilt the adapter 4 relative to the first connector part 3 in the lateral direction by a certain angle α (cf. FIG. 5 ). Depending on the field of application, another embodiment of the operative connection means 10, 11 possible. For example, one of the holding means can also be configured as a depression in the outer conductor into which a protruding bead of the outer conductor of the adapter snaps. However, in such an embodiment, the range of motion is smaller.

On the second connector part 3, a drogue 26 is attached in the embodiment shown, which simplifies the assembly. In particular, at an angle are adapters 4 or if a lateral offset occurs during assembly, the drogue 26 serves as an assembly aid by safely guiding the free end of the adapter 4 in the space provided for the inner conductor 8.

As in the Figures 2 . 3 . 5 and 7 can be seen, the second spacer 12.1, 12.2 of the adapter 4 is formed in two parts in the embodiment shown and has a first and a second part 12 (12.1, 12.2). The second spacer 12 positions a second inner conductor 14 with respect to a second outer conductor 15 of the adapter 4. Both the inner and the outer conductor 14, 15 have first and second spring tongues 18, 19 which at their ends first and second Kontaktwulste 20, 21st have, which are formed circumferentially projecting in the embodiment shown. In order to keep the forces low, the outer surfaces of the contact beads 20, 21 are advantageously configured similar to a sphere. The spring tongues 18, 19 are functionally separated from each other by slots 22, 23 and can deflect in the radial direction. The slots are arranged either radially or in pairs in parallel (see. FIG. 3 ). In the connected state (see. Figures 2 and 3 ) form the contact beads 20, 21 an operative connection with inner first and second contact surfaces 24, 25 of the inner conductor 5 and the outer conductor 8. The contact surfaces 24, 25 are matched in their length, so that the adapter 4 with respect to the second connector part 3 in axial direction (z-axis) telescopically moved, respectively can be extended. For this purpose, the inner conductor 5 protrudes in the axial direction by a distance a via the operative connection means 10, 11. The distance a corresponds to the order of magnitude of the displacement to be compensated in the axial direction. The active length L2 of the outer conductor 8 (cf. FIG. 5 ) is in the embodiment shown greater than the active length L1 of the inner conductor 5. This ensures that when connecting first the outer conductor 8 and only then the inner conductor 5 is operatively connected.

In the illustrated embodiment, the first and second contact beads 20, 21 are arranged in the axial direction at substantially the same height. Depending on the embodiment, the contact beads 20, 21 may also be arranged at different heights. There is the possibility if necessary to generate a certain restoring force, which prevents accidental tilting, respectively tilting of the adapter with respect to the first connector part 2. This can be particularly advantageous during assembly.

FIG. 4 shows the connector 1 according to the FIGS. 1 to 3 in a plan view and FIG. 5 shows a sectional view through the connector along the section line BB FIG. 4 , In FIG. 5 the connector 1 is shown in a deflected state. The first and the second connector part 2, 3 are arranged laterally (y-direction) offset from one another. The lateral offset is indicated by dy. At the same time the second relative to the first connector part is displaced in the axial direction (schematically indicated by dz). The cylindrical contact surfaces 24, 25 of the outer conductor 5, 8 are designed much longer in contrast to the prior art in the embodiment shown, so that the connector part 3 relative to the adapter 4 in the axial direction can extend comparatively far. By virtue of this telescopic design, the connector 1 can be used much wider than the connector known from the prior art. As can be seen, the first contact bead 20 is extended in the interior of the first inner conductor 5 by dz over the first operative connection means 10 in the axial direction.

In the embodiment shown, a drogue 26 is mounted on the second connector part 3, which simplifies the insertion of the free end of the adapter 4 into the second connector part 26 during the connection. The drogue 26 is in the Ausfürungsform shown but can also be attached in other ways. The drogue may be made of metal or plastic or other suitable material.

As in FIG. 5 can be seen, the second inner conductor 14 of the adapter 4 in the area behind the second spring tongues 19 cross-sectional constrictions 27, in which the first outer conductor of the first connector part 2 can dip when the adapter 4 relative to the first, respectively. the second connector part 2, 3 is tilted in the retracted state by the angle α. By cross-sectional constrictions 27 of the possible lateral offset range over the conventional connectors is increased. Depending on the embodiment, the cross-sectional constriction may also be required only on one side. In the embodiment shown, the maximum possible tilt angle α is limited by a diameter D of a shoulder 31 of the adapter 4, or of the outer conductor 15, which comes into contact with the inner surface (second contact surface) 25 in the maximum deflected state. By enlargement, resp. Reduction of the diameter D, the tilt angle α depending on the length L of the adapter 4 and an inner diameter Di of the second contact surface 25 can be adjusted to a diameter Df of the drogue 26. Instead of changing the diameter D and spacers can be used, which are placed on the adapter 4 or the first connector part 2. The described function of the cross-sectional constriction, respectively the spacer sleeve can also be used for other connectors with a similar structure (first and second connector part, which are operatively connected to each other via an adapter) to limit their relative lateral deflection (maximum tilt angle) and thus to the capture area determine.

In the FIGS. 6a and 6b two adapters 4 are shown side by side in a plan view. In the FIGS. 7a and 7b the adapters 4 are shown in a sectional view along the section line CC. The second spacer 12 is designed in two parts and consists from the point of view of the consideration of a lower spacer 12.1 and an upper spacer 12.2. The advantage is that the adapter piece 4 simply in its length L3, L4 (see. FIG. 7 ) can be adjusted by modifying only the inner and outer conductors 14, 15 in their length L3, L4. The lower and the upper spacer 12.1, 12.2 can be taken unchanged. This reduces the manufacturing costs. Another advantage is that the lower and the upper spacer 12.1, 12.2 may have different colors. This offers the advantage that the lower end with the second operative connection means 11 (fixed end) can be marked differently in color than the upper end (releasable end), which does not have these.

In the embodiment shown, both the lower and the upper spacer 12.1, 12.2 have a recess 28, 29 extending along the inner conductor 15, which is designed such that it corresponds to the length of the inner conductor 5 projecting beyond the axial level of the operative connection 10, 11 to be able to take up in the retracted state. <b> LIST OF REFERENCE SIGNS </ b> α tilt angle 12 Second spacer: a Protruding length of inner conductor 12.1: lower spacer, dy lateral offset 12.2: upper spacer dz axial offset 13 Mechanical connection L1 Length of first outer conductor 14 Second inner conductor L2 Length of first inner conductor 15 Second outer conductor L Length adapter 16 Crimprand D Diameter adapter (shoulder) 17 plinth di Inner diameter 18 First spring tongues df Diameter drogue 19 Second spring tongues 1 coaxial 20 First contact bead 2 First connector part 21 Second contact bead 3 Second connector part 22 First slots (spring tongues) 4 adapter 23 Second slots (spring tongues) 5 First inner conductor 24 First contact area 6 Front end 25 Second contact surface 7 First spacer 26 drogue 8th First outer conductor 27 Cross-sectional narrowing 9 mounting base 28 First deepening 10 Retaining bead (first operative connection means) 29 Second deepening 30 Inner surface second spacer 11 Groove (second active agent) 31 Shoulder (adapter)

Claims (10)

1. A coaxial connector (1) comprising

   a. a first and a second connector part (2, 3) and an adapter (4) arranged there between, wherein

   b. the first and the second connector parts (2, 3) have a first inner conductor (5) and a first outer conductor (8), which are operatively connected to each other by means of a first spacer (7), characterized in that the first inner conductor (5) has a first internal cylindrical contact surface (24) and the first outer conductor has a second internal cylindrical contact surface (25),

   c. wherein the adapter (4) has a second inner conductor (14) and a second outer conductor (15), which are operatively connected by means of a second spacer (12, 12.1, 12.2), wherein the second inner conductor (14) and the second outer conductor (15) have at their ends elastic spring tongues (18, 19) with radially projecting contact beads (20, 21), which in the assembled state electrically conductively interact with the internal cylindrical contact surfaces (24, 25) of the first and second inner conductors (5, 8) of the first and second connector parts (2, 3);

   d. wherein first mechanical operative-connection means (10) are arranged in a base region (17) of the first inner conductor (5), and in the assembled state interact with second mechanical operative-connection means (11) of the adapter (4) in order to form a mechanical connection (13) that is effective in an axial direction (z);

   e. wherein the first inner conductor (5) projects beyond the level of the mechanical operative-connection means (10, 11) in an axial direction (z) in such a way that the active region of the internal cylindrical contact surface (24) can compensate for a large axial offset (dz) of the connector parts (2, 3) relative to the adapter (4).
2. The coaxial connector (1) as claimed in patent claim 1, characterized in that the first mechanical operative-connection means consist of a radially outwardly projecting holding bead (10) on the first spacer and the second mechanical operative-connection means (11) consist of a circumferential groove (11) arranged on an inner surface (30) of the second spacer (12).
3. The coaxial connector (1) as claimed in patent claim 1, characterized in that the first mechanical operative-connection means (10) is configured as depression in the first outer conductor (8) and the second mechanical operative-connection means (11) is configured as bead of the second outer conductor (1 5) of the adapter (4), wherein the projecting bead of the second outer conductor (15) of the adapter (4) snaps into the depression on the first outer conductor (8).
4. The coaxial connector (1) as claimed in either of the preceding patent claims, characterized in that the second inner conductor (15) of the adapter (4) has a cross-sectional constriction (27) in a region behind the first spring tongues (18), said constriction enabling an enlarged tilting angle α [alpha].
5. The coaxial connector (1) as claimed in any of the preceding patent claims, characterized in that the second spacer (12) of the adapter has a multipartite construction (12.1, 12.2) in an axial direction.
6. The coaxial connector (1) as claimed in patent claim 4, characterized in that the second spacer (12) has a first and a second part (12.1, 12.2), which are produced from different materials.
7. The coaxial connector (1) as claimed in patent claim 4, characterized in that the second spacer (12) has a first and a second part (12.1, 12.2), which have different colors in such a way that the plugging direction is indicated.
8. The coaxial connector (1) as claimed in any of the preceding patent claims, characterized in that one of the connector parts (2, 3) is suitable for accommodating a capture funnel (26).
9. The coaxial connector (1) as claimed in any of the preceding patent claims, characterized in that the connector parts (2, 3) are configured in identical fashion.
10. The coaxial connector (1) as claimed in any of the preceding patent claims, characterized in that an internal diameter (Di) of at least one connector part (2, 3) and an external diameter (D) of the adapter (4) serve for determining a maximum tilting angle (α [alpha]).

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