EP3627628B1 - Low-pitch miniature hyperfrequency coaxial connector, intended in particular for mutually connecting two printed circuit boards - Google Patents

Low-pitch miniature hyperfrequency coaxial connector, intended in particular for mutually connecting two printed circuit boards Download PDF

Info

Publication number
EP3627628B1
EP3627628B1 EP19197551.5A EP19197551A EP3627628B1 EP 3627628 B1 EP3627628 B1 EP 3627628B1 EP 19197551 A EP19197551 A EP 19197551A EP 3627628 B1 EP3627628 B1 EP 3627628B1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
central
contact
connector
coaxial
pcbs
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Active
Application number
EP19197551.5A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP3627628A1 (en
Inventor
Christophe Meynier
Laurent Petit
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Radiall SA
Original Assignee
Radiall SA
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Radiall SA filed Critical Radiall SA
Publication of EP3627628A1 publication Critical patent/EP3627628A1/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP3627628B1 publication Critical patent/EP3627628B1/en
Active legal-status Critical Current
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical

Links

Images

Classifications

    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01R—ELECTRICALLY-CONDUCTIVE CONNECTIONS; STRUCTURAL ASSOCIATIONS OF A PLURALITY OF MUTUALLY-INSULATED ELECTRICAL CONNECTING ELEMENTS; COUPLING DEVICES; CURRENT COLLECTORS
    • H01R12/00—Structural associations of a plurality of mutually-insulated electrical connecting elements, specially adapted for printed circuits, e.g. printed circuit boards [PCB], flat or ribbon cables, or like generally planar structures, e.g. terminal strips, terminal blocks; Coupling devices specially adapted for printed circuits, flat or ribbon cables, or like generally planar structures; Terminals specially adapted for contact with, or insertion into, printed circuits, flat or ribbon cables, or like generally planar structures
    • H01R12/70—Coupling devices
    • H01R12/91—Coupling devices allowing relative movement between coupling parts, e.g. floating or self aligning
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01R—ELECTRICALLY-CONDUCTIVE CONNECTIONS; STRUCTURAL ASSOCIATIONS OF A PLURALITY OF MUTUALLY-INSULATED ELECTRICAL CONNECTING ELEMENTS; COUPLING DEVICES; CURRENT COLLECTORS
    • H01R12/00—Structural associations of a plurality of mutually-insulated electrical connecting elements, specially adapted for printed circuits, e.g. printed circuit boards [PCB], flat or ribbon cables, or like generally planar structures, e.g. terminal strips, terminal blocks; Coupling devices specially adapted for printed circuits, flat or ribbon cables, or like generally planar structures; Terminals specially adapted for contact with, or insertion into, printed circuits, flat or ribbon cables, or like generally planar structures
    • H01R12/50—Fixed connections
    • H01R12/51—Fixed connections for rigid printed circuits or like structures
    • H01R12/52—Fixed connections for rigid printed circuits or like structures connecting to other rigid printed circuits or like structures
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01R—ELECTRICALLY-CONDUCTIVE CONNECTIONS; STRUCTURAL ASSOCIATIONS OF A PLURALITY OF MUTUALLY-INSULATED ELECTRICAL CONNECTING ELEMENTS; COUPLING DEVICES; CURRENT COLLECTORS
    • H01R12/00—Structural associations of a plurality of mutually-insulated electrical connecting elements, specially adapted for printed circuits, e.g. printed circuit boards [PCB], flat or ribbon cables, or like generally planar structures, e.g. terminal strips, terminal blocks; Coupling devices specially adapted for printed circuits, flat or ribbon cables, or like generally planar structures; Terminals specially adapted for contact with, or insertion into, printed circuits, flat or ribbon cables, or like generally planar structures
    • H01R12/50—Fixed connections
    • H01R12/59—Fixed connections for flexible printed circuits, flat or ribbon cables or like structures
    • H01R12/61—Fixed connections for flexible printed circuits, flat or ribbon cables or like structures connecting to flexible printed circuits, flat or ribbon cables or like structures
    • H01R12/613—Fixed connections for flexible printed circuits, flat or ribbon cables or like structures connecting to flexible printed circuits, flat or ribbon cables or like structures by means of interconnecting elements
    • H01R12/616—Fixed connections for flexible printed circuits, flat or ribbon cables or like structures connecting to flexible printed circuits, flat or ribbon cables or like structures by means of interconnecting elements having contacts penetrating insulation for making contact with conductors, e.g. needle points
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01R—ELECTRICALLY-CONDUCTIVE CONNECTIONS; STRUCTURAL ASSOCIATIONS OF A PLURALITY OF MUTUALLY-INSULATED ELECTRICAL CONNECTING ELEMENTS; COUPLING DEVICES; CURRENT COLLECTORS
    • H01R12/00—Structural associations of a plurality of mutually-insulated electrical connecting elements, specially adapted for printed circuits, e.g. printed circuit boards [PCB], flat or ribbon cables, or like generally planar structures, e.g. terminal strips, terminal blocks; Coupling devices specially adapted for printed circuits, flat or ribbon cables, or like generally planar structures; Terminals specially adapted for contact with, or insertion into, printed circuits, flat or ribbon cables, or like generally planar structures
    • H01R12/70—Coupling devices
    • H01R12/71—Coupling devices for rigid printing circuits or like structures
    • H01R12/72—Coupling devices for rigid printing circuits or like structures coupling with the edge of the rigid printed circuits or like structures
    • H01R12/73—Coupling devices for rigid printing circuits or like structures coupling with the edge of the rigid printed circuits or like structures connecting to other rigid printed circuits or like structures
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01R—ELECTRICALLY-CONDUCTIVE CONNECTIONS; STRUCTURAL ASSOCIATIONS OF A PLURALITY OF MUTUALLY-INSULATED ELECTRICAL CONNECTING ELEMENTS; COUPLING DEVICES; CURRENT COLLECTORS
    • H01R24/00—Two-part coupling devices, or either of their cooperating parts, characterised by their overall structure
    • H01R24/38—Two-part coupling devices, or either of their cooperating parts, characterised by their overall structure having concentrically or coaxially arranged contacts
    • H01R24/40—Two-part coupling devices, or either of their cooperating parts, characterised by their overall structure having concentrically or coaxially arranged contacts specially adapted for high frequency
    • H01R24/50—Two-part coupling devices, or either of their cooperating parts, characterised by their overall structure having concentrically or coaxially arranged contacts specially adapted for high frequency mounted on a PCB [Printed Circuit Board]
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01R—ELECTRICALLY-CONDUCTIVE CONNECTIONS; STRUCTURAL ASSOCIATIONS OF A PLURALITY OF MUTUALLY-INSULATED ELECTRICAL CONNECTING ELEMENTS; COUPLING DEVICES; CURRENT COLLECTORS
    • H01R13/00—Details of coupling devices of the kinds covered by groups H01R12/70 or H01R24/00 - H01R33/00
    • H01R13/646—Details of coupling devices of the kinds covered by groups H01R12/70 or H01R24/00 - H01R33/00 specially adapted for high-frequency, e.g. structures providing an impedance match or phase match

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a microwave coaxial connector.
  • a microwave coaxial connector is intended in particular to connect two printed circuit boards (PCB, English acronym for "Printed Circuit Board") or even a printed circuit board to another component such as a module or a filter.
  • microwave connector is meant here and in the context of the present invention, a connector capable of ensuring the transmission of signals in the microwave range, for example at frequencies between 1 GHz and 20 GHz, or even up to 100GHz, notably equal to 40 GHz.
  • contact is meant here and in the context of the present invention, an element made of electrically conductive material for passing the electric current.
  • coaxial connectors comprising a first cylindrical connector element intended to be fixed, by one end, to a first printed circuit board, and a second cylindrical connector element intended to come into contact, via one end, with a second printed circuit board, each connector element comprising a central contact and an outer contact separated by an insulator, the contacts central and outer contacts of the first and second connector elements comprising mutually contacting cylindrical bearing surfaces, elastic means being interposed between the first and second connector elements and urging the central and outer contacts of the second connector element in the direction of the second circuit board printed circuit board.
  • the first connector element can be fixed mechanically, in particular by soldering, to the first printed circuit board and the second card is brought into abutment against the second connector element which is moved relative to the first connector element, the contacts of the second element connector being pressed under the action of the elastic means against the conductive zones provided on the second card.
  • these elastic means are necessary to obtain a sufficient mechanical contact force, guaranteeing good electrical contact.
  • Auxiliary means maintain the position of the second printed circuit board close to the first printed circuit board, thus preventing the second connection element from being disconnected vis-à-vis the first connection element and the second card of printed circuit.
  • the patent application DE 102005033911 discloses a connector in which the elastic means are constituted by a central coil spring which also constitutes the central contact.
  • a major drawback is that one of the ground contacts in the form of a solid cylinder is not actually compressible, which does not guarantee good electrical ground contact and absorb relatively board-to-board tolerances. important.
  • the central spring induces too high an inductance, unsuitable for the transmission of microwave signals.
  • the patent US 7416418 discloses a microwave coaxial connector, called board-to-board, in which a first spring is inserted axially between the conductive rods of the connection elements. A second spring is interposed axially between the conductive bodies of the connection elements. The first connector element is attached to the first printed circuit board. When the second printed circuit board is brought against the second connection element, the springs push the rod and the body of the second connector element against the second printed circuit board, opposite the first connector element, so as to ensuring satisfactory electrical contact between the second connector element and the second printed circuit board.
  • the structure of this connector remains relatively complex.
  • Embedded applications require board-to-board connection solutions with maximum integration densities while being of less weight.
  • a microwave coaxial connector to connect two printed boards, separated by a distance (height) from board to board which may be between 3 to more than 20 mm, typically less than 1.5 mm, with tolerances on the distance between cards being up to 30% of this distance.
  • the hot soldering process carries a risk of damaging the connector and the nearby electronic components on the PCB when these connectors are bulkier and more massive.
  • US 6776668B1 discloses a coaxial connector comprising a central contact assembly consisting of a conductive housing to be mounted stationary on a first PCB and in which is housed a coil spring and a conductive piston forming a contact intended to be connected to another PCB.
  • the coaxial connector also includes a shield assembly coaxial to the center contact assembly.
  • the shield assembly includes a base adapted to be stationarily coupled to the first PCB, and a contact ring movably mounted on said base with a coil spring bearing against the base and the ring.
  • the contact ring is intended to be connected to the other PCB.
  • the coaxial connector includes a dielectric washer surrounding the center contact assembly housing and extending to the base of the shield assembly.
  • JP S60123666U describes a coaxial connector held in a plate attached to a PCB.
  • the coaxial connector comprises a central part, fixed relative to the plate, on which is mounted a helical spring bearing against a central contact movable relative to the plate.
  • the coaxial connector also includes a part tubular fixed with respect to the plate and coaxial with the central part. At each of the ends of the tubular part is housed a helical spring bearing against a movable tubular contact with respect to the plate.
  • An electrically insulating block is arranged over the entire height of the coaxial connector between the central part and the tubular part.
  • US 2001/033704A1 describes a thrust washer, made of polyimide, in an annular form and in which radial grooves are formed for the passage of a lubricating oil.
  • DE 4402002A1 describes an input/output module which can be mounted with others in parallel on a support rail and which has connection slots for the parallel wiring of the data bus participants, as well as electronics for connect the subscribers to the serial data bus conductor.
  • the invention aims to meet all or part of this need.
  • the coaxial connector comprises one or more elastic return means for establishing mechanical pressure between the end of the ground contacts and the two PCBs, the elastic return means(s) being independent of the insulating washers.
  • each of the central contacts projects with respect to its ground contact which surrounds it, in the disconnection configuration of the connector.
  • each electrically insulating washer is mounted in an internal groove inside the central contact that it holds.
  • each insulating washer has star-shaped recesses.
  • each insulating washer is made of polyimide.
  • the central contact and the ground contact of the first or of the second connection element are soldered to one of the PCBs.
  • the invention also relates to a multiway connector, comprising at least two coaxial connectors described previously, which extend around two parallel central axes.
  • the multiway connector comprises a blade arranged vertically and which projects laterally so as to hook the multiway connector into a dedicated cell of an interface plate.
  • a board-to-board connection can be made over a short distance in a wide range, typically between 3 and 20 mm, with tolerances on the distance between boards being able to reach up to 30% of this distance.
  • the invention also makes it possible to reduce the size of each microwave link and therefore to reduce the pitch between two card-to-card microwave links.
  • the invention makes it possible to achieve integration steps of the order of 2.5 mm and to significantly densify the number of board-to-board connections.
  • the connector has significant tolerances to axial misalignment.
  • the "board to board” assembly using a coaxial connector according to the invention can be carried out without prior individual maintenance of the connector with one and/or the other of the printed circuit boards, in particular by soldering the body first conductor outside one of the cards, preferably the lower one.
  • the integration of a connector according to the invention can be simple and rapid.
  • the contact force between each end of the central contacts and one of the two PCBs to be connected is constant whatever the distance with the PCB, by the deflection of the electrically insulating washers which make it possible to maintain a gap between the two central contacts and a pressure at the free end of each of them. This is very advantageous, especially in radar applications (Doppler effect).
  • the contact force between each end of the ground contacts and one of the two PCBs to be connected is constant regardless of the distance from the PCB thanks to the elastic return means.
  • these elastic return means are judiciously arranged on the outside with respect to the HF line and absolutely do not interfere with the transmitted signal.
  • each coaxial connector can be very small, typically of the order of 2.5 mm, which makes it possible to achieve a high integration density.
  • the electrical contacts being completely closed radially on themselves, ie over 360°, the electrical contacts are homogeneous over the entire circumference of the contacts on the PCBs.
  • the forces applied to the mass contacts by the elastic return means make it possible to maintain this homogeneity, whatever the conditions of use, in particular during mechanical vibrations.
  • Crosstalk and electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding performance is greatly improved, especially in the multi-way versions of the connectors.
  • a plurality of coaxial connectors according to the invention are integrated in through cells of a dedicated interface plate to be arranged between the two PCBs to be connected. More precisely, the coaxial connectors are positioned in the through cells of the interface plate before positioning the last of the two PCBs.
  • An interface plate connection system housing a plurality of coaxial connectors according to the invention has excellent crosstalk performance, each transmission channel being in its dedicated cell being isolated from the others.
  • the applications envisaged for a coaxial connector according to the invention are numerous, among which mention may be made of military and civilian radar applications, space (observation satellites), telecommunications antenna networks, in particular for very high speed 5G .
  • connection element 2 connection element 3.
  • an internal wall is located inside the connector and facing the axis, while a wall external is facing in the opposite direction, towards the outside of connector 1.
  • a coaxial connector 1 according to the invention which will be described is capable of conveying microwave signals, that is to say signals in the frequency range between 1 GHz and 20 GHz, or even up to 100 GHZ, in particular equal to 40 GHz.
  • a coaxial microwave connector 1 according to the invention which extends around its central axis X, is provided to connect two printed boards separated by a distance from board to board which may be small, but in a wide range, typically between 3 and 20 mm, with relatively large tolerances of around 30%.
  • the figures 1 to 5 show a microwave coaxial connector 1 comprising a first connection element 2, adapted to cooperate with a second connection element 3.
  • the second connection element 3 is free to move, along the central axis X, relative to the first connection element 2, between a disconnection configuration, and a connection configuration in which the connection elements 2, 3 establish a center and ground electrical contact between two printed circuit boards (PCBs).
  • PCBs printed circuit boards
  • the central and ground contacts of the coaxial connector 1 establish the electrical contacts with compression.
  • the first connection element 2 comprises a conductive body 20, which constitutes a ground contact, a conductive rod 21 which constitutes a central contact and at least one electrically insulating washer 22, flexible, which ensures in particular the coaxial mechanical retention of the central contact 21 inside the ground contact 20, and also the transfer of the forces necessary for the compression of the two lower 210 and upper 310 rigid ends and of the conductive body 20.
  • the conductive body 20, the conductive rod 21 and the flexible insulating washer 22 generally each have a symmetry of revolution around the axis X of the connector 1.
  • This insulating washer 22 also provides an electrical insulation function in the microwave transmission line . But the main insulator remains the air, which makes it possible to achieve an extremely low level of microwave losses.
  • the body 20 has a general shape from its lower end 200 of a hollow cylinder of circular section, centered around the axis X which flares out in the form of a truncated cone to its upper end 201 formed by a plurality of elements shaped like petals.
  • the rigid lower end 200 of the body 20 is intended to be in electrical and mechanical contact with a first of the printed circuit boards (PCB).
  • PCB printed circuit boards
  • the conductive rod 21 has a rigid lower end 210 in the form of a stud also intended to come into electrical and mechanical contact with the first PCB, and an upper end 211 in the form of a socket.
  • the second connection element 3 for its part comprises a conductive body 30, which constitutes a ground contact, a conductive rod 31 which constitutes a central contact and at least one electrically insulating washer 32, flexible, which ensures in particular the coaxial mechanical retention of the central contact 31 inside the ground contact 30.
  • the conductive body 30, the conductive rod 31 and the flexible insulating washer 32 generally each have a symmetry of revolution around the axis X of the connector 1.
  • the body 30 has the general shape of a rigid hollow cylinder of circular section centered around the axis X from its upper end 300 to its lower end 301.
  • the rigid upper end 300 of the body 30 is intended to be in electrical and mechanical contact with the second of the printed circuit boards (PCB).
  • the conductive rod 31 is in the form of a rigid shaft which has a rigid lower end 310 in the form of a stud also intended to come into electrical and mechanical contact with the first PCB.
  • the electrical contact is guaranteed only by the upper end 201 of the ground contact 20 below, at the end of the prestressed petals in the lower end 301 of the ground contact 31 above.
  • the clearance of the frustoconical part formed by the petals 201 inside the end 301 of the ground contact 30 forms a kind of ball joint.
  • the microwave signal is then transmitted between the central line formed by the central contact 31 inserted in the socket 21 and the ground line formed by the ground contact 30 inserted in the other ground contact 20.
  • this ball joint allows the geometric axes of the contacts 2, 3 not to be perfectly aligned and form an angle between them, without affecting the quality of the electrical contacts on each PCBs.
  • all the contacts are dimensioned so that each of the central contacts 21, 31 necessarily projects with respect to its ground contact 20, 30 which surrounds it, when the coaxial connector 1 is in the configuration disconnection, that is to say at rest or in other words without mechanical compression stress for a connection between two PCBs.
  • the coaxial connector 1 is provided with two independent systems for resting the contacts by elastic return, i.e. one to guarantee the mechanical pressure of the ground contacts 20, 30 against the two PCBs. to be connected, the other for the mechanical pressing of the central contacts 21, 31 against the two PCBs.
  • the mechanical pressure for each of the electrical contacts between the end of a central contact and one or the other of the PCBs is guaranteed by the bending of one of the electrical insulating washers.
  • the end 210 of the central contact 21 on the first PCB is secured by the bending of at least one electrical insulating washer 22, while the end of the central contact 31 on the second PCB is secured by the bending of at least one least one electric insulating washer 32.
  • the electrical insulating washers 22, 32 are mounted in internal grooves 202, 302 provided for this purpose inside the central contacts.
  • the insulating washers 22, 32 have star-shaped recesses which allows them to avoid any unwanted deformation during their bending by bending to obtain the desired pressurization of the central contacts 21, 31.
  • the star washers 22, 32 do not undergo accentuated fatigue and/or tearing and their central hole thus perfectly maintains the central contact 21, 31 in the axial position. Any cutout which would make it possible to linearize the fatigue zones linked to the bending of the washers 22, 32 would also be advantageous.
  • the electrically insulating washers 22, 32 are made of polyimide, of the Kapton® type. This material is perfectly suited to all the thermal, electrical insulation and mechanical properties for the dual function of both coaxial mechanical retention of the central contacts and flexibility for mechanical pressure for the electrical contact of the central contacts on the two PCBs to be connected.
  • the mechanical pressure for each of the electrical contacts between the end of a ground contact and one or the other of the PCBs is guaranteed by elastic return means by compression 4 separate from the insulating washers 22, 32 and arranged outside the ground contacts 20, 30.
  • the compression means 4 consist of two helical springs 40, arranged diametrically opposite with respect to the ground contacts 20, 30. This arrangement makes it possible to guarantee a minimum size of the connection, and therefore denser integration, while maintaining compression forces sufficient to guarantee the electrical performance of the connection.
  • the coaxial connector 1 comprises two plates 23, 33 each bearing against an outer shoulder of a ground contact.
  • One of the ends of each helical spring 40 bears against one of the plates 23, and the other of the ends bears against the other of the plates 33.
  • each plate 23, 33 comprises two retaining rods 230, 330 around which the coil springs 40 are housed, in order to guide them.
  • the springs 40 are prestressed.
  • a leaf spring 41 can be arranged instead of the two helical springs 40. More specifically, the spring 41 comprises two flexible blades 42 arranged head to tail, that is to say with their cambers in opposite directions, and which are interconnected at their ends 43. Each of the flexible blades 42 bears directly against one of the two ground contacts 20, 30.
  • a leaf spring 41 has the advantage of dispensing with the use of plates 23, 33 supporting the coil springs 40.
  • each ground contact 20, 30 with a one-piece extension 34 with the latter.
  • each coaxial connector 1 is individually housed in a through cell of an interface plate, to be arranged at the interface between the two PCBs to be connected.
  • FIG. 6 An example of parallel housing of two identical coaxial connectors 1 according to the invention is shown in figure 6 .
  • Each of the two connectors 1 is housed in a cell 50 of an interface plate 5 between the two printed circuits, PCB1, PCB2 to be connected.
  • the external shape of the connector 1 depends on the cell 50 in which each connector 1 is housed.
  • a diamond shape of the support plates 23, 33 or of a leaf spring 41, as illustrated in the figures 1 to 5 is advantageous because it saves space and therefore, in the end, it increases the integration density of the plurality of coaxial connectors 1.
  • the arrangement on the outside of the elastic return means, ie the springs 4, for the ground contacts makes it possible to have a very small footprint in the axis perpendicular to the alignment of the springs with respect to a solution according to the state of the art with a single coaxial spring inside, like that of the patent US 7416418 .
  • the connector can be inserted into panel walls/interface plate 5 of very reduced thickness, typically of the order of 3 mm.
  • the internal wall of the cells 50 serves as a lateral guide for the coil springs 40 but also for the leaf springs 41.
  • the shape of the cells 50 can be adjusted as closely as possible to those of the springs 4 so that the latter are in contact individually with the internal wall of a cell 50 with sufficient friction to hold each connector 1 in the cell. 50, even in the absence of PCB.
  • the figure 7B schematically represents the height of a central contact 31 of a coaxial connector 1 according to the invention with an insulating washer 32 of height H2.
  • the Figure 7A schematically represents the height of a central contact 31 of a coaxial connector 1 according to the state of the art with a central helical spring 40 of height H1 in its state at rest.
  • the gain in height per end induced by the invention is equal to H2-H1.
  • the card-to-card distance is reduced compared to the connectors of the prior art where the helical spring arranged in the axis of the central contact forms with the latter a piston.
  • the figure 8A schematically represents a coaxial connector according to the state of the art with the coaxial location around the ground 30 and central 31 contacts, of the single zone Z for generating the restoring forces.
  • the figure 8B schematically represents a coaxial connector according to the invention with a location in two zones Z1, Z2 of generation of the return forces, due to the external arrangement of the elastic return means 4 of the ground contact 30.
  • the figure 10 shows another space-optimized arrangement of a plurality of connectors according to the invention for a board-to-board connection.
  • a module assembled as explained above is put in place, approaching the two PCBs to be connected on either side.
  • All of the central contacts 21, 31 are then placed under mechanical pressure by the bending deformation of the insulating washers 22, 32, until the end 210, 310 of the central contacts come into the plane defined by the ends 200 , 300 ground contacts 20, 30.
  • the coil springs 40 or leaf springs 41 are placed under mechanical pressure, until the specified PCB spacing dimension is obtained with the desired adjustment tolerance.
  • Each coaxial connector 1 shown in figures 1 to 5 is single channel.
  • multiway coaxial connectors in particular a two-way connector 10, as illustrated in figure 11 .
  • This two-way connector 10 comprises two coaxial connectors 1.1, 1.2 like those described previously, which extend around two parallel central axes X1, X2 and between support plates 23, 33 common to the two connectors.
  • the support plates 23, 33 of the helical springs 40 are clearly distinct parts from the ground contacts, it is just as well to envisage that they are each one-piece with one of the ground contacts. 20, 30.

Landscapes

  • Coupling Device And Connection With Printed Circuit (AREA)

Description

Domaine techniqueTechnical area

La présente invention concerne un connecteur coaxial hyperfréquence. Un tel connecteur est destiné notamment à relier deux cartes de circuit imprimé (PCB acronyme anglais de « Printed Circuit Board ») ou encore une carte de circuit imprimé à un autre composant tel qu'un module ou un filtre.The present invention relates to a microwave coaxial connector. Such a connector is intended in particular to connect two printed circuit boards (PCB, English acronym for "Printed Circuit Board") or even a printed circuit board to another component such as a module or a filter.

Par « connecteur hyperfréquence », on entend ici et dans le cadre de la présente invention, un connecteur apte à assurer la transmission de signaux dans la gamme des hyperfréquences, par exemple à des fréquences comprises entre 1 GHz et 20 GHz, voire jusqu'à 100GHz, notamment égales à 40 GHz.By "microwave connector" is meant here and in the context of the present invention, a connector capable of ensuring the transmission of signals in the microwave range, for example at frequencies between 1 GHz and 20 GHz, or even up to 100GHz, notably equal to 40 GHz.

Par « contact », on entend ici et dans le cadre de la présente invention, un élément en matériau conducteur électrique pour laisser passer le courant électrique.By "contact" is meant here and in the context of the present invention, an element made of electrically conductive material for passing the electric current.

Etat de l'artState of the art

Pour établir une liaison coaxiale entre deux cartes de circuit imprimé parallèles et plus ou moins proches l'une de l'autre, on connaît les connecteurs coaxiaux, comportant un premier élément de connecteur cylindrique destiné à être fixé, par une extrémité, à une première carte de circuit imprimé, et un deuxième élément de connecteur cylindrique destiné à venir au contact, par une extrémité, d'une deuxième carte de circuit imprimé, chaque élément de connecteur comportant un contact central et un contact extérieur séparés par un isolant, les contacts centraux et extérieurs des premier et deuxième éléments de connecteurs comportant des portées cylindriques mutuellement en contact, des moyens élastiques étant interposés entre les premier et deuxième éléments de connecteur et sollicitant les contacts central et extérieur du deuxième élément de connecteur en direction de la deuxième carte de circuit imprimé.To establish a coaxial connection between two parallel printed circuit boards more or less close to each other, coaxial connectors are known, comprising a first cylindrical connector element intended to be fixed, by one end, to a first printed circuit board, and a second cylindrical connector element intended to come into contact, via one end, with a second printed circuit board, each connector element comprising a central contact and an outer contact separated by an insulator, the contacts central and outer contacts of the first and second connector elements comprising mutually contacting cylindrical bearing surfaces, elastic means being interposed between the first and second connector elements and urging the central and outer contacts of the second connector element in the direction of the second circuit board printed circuit board.

Le premier élément de connecteur peut être fixé mécaniquement, notamment par brasage, à la première carte de circuit imprimé et la deuxième carte est amenée en appui contre le second élément de connecteur qui est déplacé relativement au premier élément de connecteur, les contacts du second élément de connecteur étant pressés sous l'action des moyens élastiques contre les zones conductrices prévues sur la deuxième carte. Ainsi, ces moyens élastiques sont nécessaires pour obtenir un effort de contact mécanique suffisant, garant d'un bon contact électrique.The first connector element can be fixed mechanically, in particular by soldering, to the first printed circuit board and the second card is brought into abutment against the second connector element which is moved relative to the first connector element, the contacts of the second element connector being pressed under the action of the elastic means against the conductive zones provided on the second card. Thus, these elastic means are necessary to obtain a sufficient mechanical contact force, guaranteeing good electrical contact.

Des moyens auxiliaires assurent le maintien en position de la seconde carte de circuit imprimé à proximité de la première carte de circuit imprimé, empêchant ainsi le second élément de connexion de se déconnecter vis-à-vis du premier élément de connexion et de la seconde carte de circuit imprimé.Auxiliary means maintain the position of the second printed circuit board close to the first printed circuit board, thus preventing the second connection element from being disconnected vis-à-vis the first connection element and the second card of printed circuit.

Un connecteur de ce type dans lequel les moyens élastiques sont des joints toriques en élastomère est décrit dans le brevet US 6 699 054 . L'ajout de joints toriques rend complexe la conception de ce connecteur.A connector of this type in which the elastic means are elastomeric O-rings is described in the patent US 6,699,054 . The addition of O-rings makes the design of this connector complex.

La demande de brevet DE 102005033911 divulgue un connecteur dans lequel les moyens élastiques sont constitués par un ressort hélicoïdal central qui constitue également le contact central. Un inconvénient majeur est que l'un des contacts de masse sous la forme d'un cylindre plein n'est pas réellement compressible, ce qui ne garantit pas un bon contact électrique de masse et d'absorber des tolérances de carte-à carte relativement importantes. En outre, le ressort central induit une inductance trop importante, inadaptée pour la transmission de signaux en hyperfréquence.The patent application DE 102005033911 discloses a connector in which the elastic means are constituted by a central coil spring which also constitutes the central contact. A major drawback is that one of the ground contacts in the form of a solid cylinder is not actually compressible, which does not guarantee good electrical ground contact and absorb relatively board-to-board tolerances. important. In addition, the central spring induces too high an inductance, unsuitable for the transmission of microwave signals.

Le brevet US 7416418 divulgue un connecteur coaxial hyperfréquence, dit carte-à-carte, dans lequel un premier ressort est intercalé axialement entre les tiges conductrices des éléments de connexion. Un second ressort est intercalé axialement entre les corps conducteurs des éléments de connexion. Le premier élément de connecteur est fixé à la première carte de circuit imprimé. Lorsque la deuxième carte de circuit imprimé est amenée contre le second élément de connexion, les ressorts repoussent la tige et le corps du second élément de connecteur contre la seconde carte de circuit imprimé, à l'opposé du premier élément de connecteur, de manière à assurer un contact électrique satisfaisant entre le second élément de connecteur et la seconde carte de circuit imprimé. La structure de ce connecteur reste relativement complexe.The patent US 7416418 discloses a microwave coaxial connector, called board-to-board, in which a first spring is inserted axially between the conductive rods of the connection elements. A second spring is interposed axially between the conductive bodies of the connection elements. The first connector element is attached to the first printed circuit board. When the second printed circuit board is brought against the second connection element, the springs push the rod and the body of the second connector element against the second printed circuit board, opposite the first connector element, so as to ensuring satisfactory electrical contact between the second connector element and the second printed circuit board. The structure of this connector remains relatively complex.

Pour s'affranchir de l'inconvénient lié à l'utilisation des deux ressorts du brevet US 7416418 , la demanderesse a proposé dans la demande de brevet FR2994031 un nouveau connecteur coaxial hyperfréquence de structure plus simple.To overcome the inconvenience linked to the use of the two springs of the patent US 7416418 , the applicant proposed in the patent application FR2994031 a new microwave coaxial connector with a simpler structure.

Les applications embarquées requièrent des solutions de connexion carte-à-carte avec des densités d'intégration maximales tout en étant de poids moindre.Embedded applications require board-to-board connection solutions with maximum integration densities while being of less weight.

Par ailleurs, les connecteurs coaxiaux existants pour des applications carte-à-carte ne sont pas conçus pour avoir des tolérances en déplacement et en compression importantes dans une large gamme de hauteur.Furthermore, the existing coaxial connectors for board-to-board applications are not designed to have large displacement and compression tolerances over a wide range of heights.

Or, les inventeurs ont été confrontés à un besoin de connecteur coaxial hyperfréquence pour relier deux cartes imprimées, séparées d'une distance (hauteur) de carte à carte pouvant être comprise entre 3 à plus de 20mm, typiquement inférieure à 1,5 mm, avec des tolérances sur la distance entre cartes étant pouvant atteindre jusqu'à 30% de cette distance.However, the inventors were confronted with a need for a microwave coaxial connector to connect two printed boards, separated by a distance (height) from board to board which may be between 3 to more than 20 mm, typically less than 1.5 mm, with tolerances on the distance between cards being up to 30% of this distance.

Outre les inconvénients précités, la plupart des connecteurs coaxiaux connus pour des liaisons carte-à-carte nécessitent un process de brasage pour fixer chacune des extrémités longitudinales des connecteurs à un PCB. Cette solution n'est pas satisfaisante notamment lorsqu'un grand nombre de connexions est nécessaire car elle nécessite des précisions d'alignement trop élevées et implique des contraintes mécaniques sur chacun des connecteurs.In addition to the aforementioned drawbacks, most coaxial connectors known for board-to-board links require a soldering process to fix each of the longitudinal ends of the connectors to a PCB. This solution is not satisfactory in particular when a large number of connections is necessary because it requires too high alignment accuracies and involves mechanical stresses on each of the connectors.

De plus, le procédé de brasage en température comporte un risque d'endommager le connecteur et les composants électroniques proches sur le PCB lorsque ces connecteurs sont plus volumineux et massifs.In addition, the hot soldering process carries a risk of damaging the connector and the nearby electronic components on the PCB when these connectors are bulkier and more massive.

US 6776668B1 divulgue un connecteur coaxial comprenant un ensemble de contact central constitué d'un boîtier conducteur pour être monté stationnaire sur un premier PCB et dans lequel est logé un ressort hélicoïdal et un piston conducteur formant un contact destiné à être connecté à un autre PCB. Le connecteur coaxial comprend également un assemblage de blindage coaxial à l'ensemble de contact central. L'assemblage de blindage comprend une base adaptée pour être couplée stationnaire au premier PCB, et une bague de contact montée mobile sur ladite base avec un ressort hélicoïdal en appui contre la base et la bague. La bague de contact est destinée à être connectée à l'autre PCB. Le connecteur coaxial comprend une rondelle diélectrique entourant le boîtier de l'ensemble de contact central et s'étendant jusqu'à la base de l'assemblage de blindage. US 6776668B1 discloses a coaxial connector comprising a central contact assembly consisting of a conductive housing to be mounted stationary on a first PCB and in which is housed a coil spring and a conductive piston forming a contact intended to be connected to another PCB. The coaxial connector also includes a shield assembly coaxial to the center contact assembly. The shield assembly includes a base adapted to be stationarily coupled to the first PCB, and a contact ring movably mounted on said base with a coil spring bearing against the base and the ring. The contact ring is intended to be connected to the other PCB. The coaxial connector includes a dielectric washer surrounding the center contact assembly housing and extending to the base of the shield assembly.

JP S60123666U décrit un connecteur coaxial maintenu dans une plaque afférente à un PCB. Le connecteur coaxial comprend une partie centrale, fixe par rapport à la plaque, sur laquelle est monté un ressort hélicoïdal en appui contre un contact central mobile par rapport à la plaque. Le connecteur coaxial comprend également une partie tubulaire fixe par rapport à la plaque et coaxiale avec la partie centrale. A chacune des extrémités de la partie tubulaire est logé un ressort hélicoïdal en appui contre un contact tubulaire mobile par rapport à la plaque. Un bloc électriquement isolant est agencé sur tout la hauteur du connecteur coaxial entre la partie centrale et la partie tubulaire. JP S60123666U describes a coaxial connector held in a plate attached to a PCB. The coaxial connector comprises a central part, fixed relative to the plate, on which is mounted a helical spring bearing against a central contact movable relative to the plate. The coaxial connector also includes a part tubular fixed with respect to the plate and coaxial with the central part. At each of the ends of the tubular part is housed a helical spring bearing against a movable tubular contact with respect to the plate. An electrically insulating block is arranged over the entire height of the coaxial connector between the central part and the tubular part.

US 2001/033704A1 décrit une rondelle de buté, en polyimide, sous une forme annulaire et dans laquelle des rainures radiales sont ménagées pour le passage d'une huile de lubrification. US 2001/033704A1 describes a thrust washer, made of polyimide, in an annular form and in which radial grooves are formed for the passage of a lubricating oil.

DE 4402002A1 décrit un module d'entrée/sortie qui est susceptible d'être monté avec d'autres en parallèle sur un rail de support et qui présente des emplacements de connexion pour le câblage parallèle des participants aux bus de données, ainsi qu'une électronique pour relier les participants au conducteur sériel de bus de données. DE 4402002A1 describes an input/output module which can be mounted with others in parallel on a support rail and which has connection slots for the parallel wiring of the data bus participants, as well as electronics for connect the subscribers to the serial data bus conductor.

Il existe donc un besoin pour améliorer encore les connexions carte-à-carte, notamment afin de permettre une installation avec moins de, voire sans soudure, de compenser des tolérances de désalignement élevées, de maîtriser l'impédance avec des performances hyperfréquence élevées, d'obtenir des connexions pour une gamme de hauteur importante avec des tolérances en déplacement et en compression également importantes, d'atteindre des densités d'intégrations maximales pour un poids moindre.There is therefore a need to further improve board-to-board connections, in particular to allow installation with less, or even without soldering, to compensate for high misalignment tolerances, to control impedance with high microwave performance, to to obtain connections for a large height range with equally large displacement and compression tolerances, to achieve maximum integration densities for less weight.

L'invention vise à répondre à tout ou partie de ce besoin.The invention aims to meet all or part of this need.

Exposé de l'inventionDisclosure of Invention

L'invention a ainsi pour objet, selon l'un de ses aspects, un connecteur coaxial hyperfréquence, destiné notamment à relier deux cartes de circuit imprimé entre elles, d'axe central (X), caractérisé en ce qu'il comprend :

  • un premier élément de connexion comprenant un corps conducteur, formant un contact de masse, et une tige conductrice formant un contact central agencé à l'intérieur du contact de masse;
  • un deuxième élément de connexion comprenant un corps conducteur, formant un contact de masse, une tige conductrice formant un contact central agencé à l'intérieur du contact de masse; les contacts de masse et central du deuxième élément de connexion étant libres de se déplacer, le long de l'axe central (X), par rapport à ceux du premier élément de connexion, entre une configuration de déconnexion, et une configuration de connexion dans laquelle le premier et le deuxième éléments de connexion sont destinés à établir un contact électrique de masse et un contact électrique central entre les deux PCB ;
  • au moins une rondelle électriquement isolante, flexible, qui permet à la fois le maintien mécanique coaxial entre chaque contact central à l'intérieur du contact de masse du premier ou du deuxième élément de connexion, et d'établir, par flexion de ladite rondelle, une pression mécanique entre l'extrémité du contact central et un des deux PCB.
The invention thus relates, according to one of its aspects, to a microwave coaxial connector, intended in particular to connect two printed circuit boards to each other, with a central axis (X), characterized in that it comprises:
  • a first connection element comprising a conductive body, forming a ground contact, and a conductive rod forming a central contact arranged inside the ground contact;
  • a second connection element comprising a conductive body, forming a ground contact, a conductive rod forming a central contact arranged inside the ground contact; the ground and central contacts of the second connection element being free to move, along the central axis (X), with respect to those of the first connection element, between a disconnection configuration, and a connection configuration in which the first and the second connection elements are intended to establish a ground electrical contact and a central electrical contact between the two PCBs;
  • at least one electrically insulating, flexible washer, which allows both coaxial mechanical retention between each central contact inside the ground contact of the first or second connection element, and to establish, by bending of said washer, mechanical pressure between the end of the central contact and one of the two PCBs.

Selon un mode de réalisation avantageux, le connecteur coaxial comprend un ou des moyens de rappel élastique pour établir une pression mécanique entre l'extrémité des contacts de masse et les deux PCB, le(s) moyen(s) de rappel élastique étant indépendants des rondelles isolantes.According to an advantageous embodiment, the coaxial connector comprises one or more elastic return means for establishing mechanical pressure between the end of the ground contacts and the two PCBs, the elastic return means(s) being independent of the insulating washers.

De préférence, chacun des contacts centraux est en saillie par rapport à son contact de masse qui l'entoure, en configuration de déconnexion du connecteur.Preferably, each of the central contacts projects with respect to its ground contact which surrounds it, in the disconnection configuration of the connector.

Selon une variante de réalisation avantageuse, chaque rondelle électriquement isolante est montée dans une gorge intérieure à l'intérieur du contact central qu'elle maintient.According to an advantageous variant embodiment, each electrically insulating washer is mounted in an internal groove inside the central contact that it holds.

Avantageusement, chaque rondelle isolante présente des évidements en forme d'étoile.Advantageously, each insulating washer has star-shaped recesses.

De préférence, chaque rondelle isolante est en polyimide.Preferably, each insulating washer is made of polyimide.

Selon une configuration d'installation avantageuse, le contact central et le contact de masse du premier ou du deuxième élément de connexion sont soudés sur l'un des PCB.According to an advantageous installation configuration, the central contact and the ground contact of the first or of the second connection element are soldered to one of the PCBs.

L'invention concerne également un connecteur multivoie, comprenant au moins deux connecteurs coaxiaux décrits précédemment, qui s'étendent autour de deux axes centraux parallèles.The invention also relates to a multiway connector, comprising at least two coaxial connectors described previously, which extend around two parallel central axes.

Selon un mode de réalisation avantageux, le connecteur multivoie comprend une lamelle agencée à la verticale et qui fait saillie latéralement de sorte à d'accrocher le connecteur multivoie dans une alvéole dédiée d'une plaque d'interface.According to an advantageous embodiment, the multiway connector comprises a blade arranged vertically and which projects laterally so as to hook the multiway connector into a dedicated cell of an interface plate.

L'invention a enfin pour objet un module de connexion, destiné notamment à relier deux cartes de circuit imprimé (PCB) entre elles, comprenant :

  • une plaque d'interface comprenant une pluralité d'alvéoles traversantes, la plaque d'interface étant destinée à être agencée entre les deux PCB ;
  • une pluralité de connecteurs décrits précédemment, logés individuellement dans une alvéole de la plaque d'interface.
The invention finally relates to a connection module, intended in particular to connect two printed circuit boards (PCB) to each other, comprising:
  • an interface plate comprising a plurality of through cells, the interface plate being intended to be arranged between the two PCBs;
  • a plurality of connectors described above, individually housed in a cavity of the interface plate.

Grâce à l'invention, on peut réaliser une connexion carte-à carte sur une faible distance dans une large gamme, typiquement comprise entre 3 et 20 mm, avec des tolérances sur la distance entre cartes étant pouvant atteindre jusqu'à 30% de cette distance.Thanks to the invention, a board-to-board connection can be made over a short distance in a wide range, typically between 3 and 20 mm, with tolerances on the distance between boards being able to reach up to 30% of this distance.

L'invention permet également de réduire l'encombrement de chaque liaison hyperfréquence et donc de réduire le pas entre deux liaisons hyperfréquences carte à carte. L'invention permet d'atteindre des pas d'intégration de l'ordre de 2,5 mm et de densifier notablement le nombre de liaisons carte à carte.The invention also makes it possible to reduce the size of each microwave link and therefore to reduce the pitch between two card-to-card microwave links. The invention makes it possible to achieve integration steps of the order of 2.5 mm and to significantly densify the number of board-to-board connections.

L'encombrement de cette connexion est très faible et permet une intégration de très haute densité.The size of this connection is very small and allows very high density integration.

En outre, le connecteur présente des tolérances importantes au désalignement axial.In addition, the connector has significant tolerances to axial misalignment.

Le montage « carte à carte » à l'aide d'un connecteur coaxial selon l'invention peut être réalisé sans maintien préalable individuel du connecteur avec l'une et/ou l'autre des cartes de circuit imprimé, notamment par brasage du corps premier conducteur extérieur à une des cartes, de préférence à celle inférieure. Autrement dit, l'intégration d'un connecteur selon l'invention peut être simple et rapide.The "board to board" assembly using a coaxial connector according to the invention can be carried out without prior individual maintenance of the connector with one and/or the other of the printed circuit boards, in particular by soldering the body first conductor outside one of the cards, preferably the lower one. In other words, the integration of a connector according to the invention can be simple and rapid.

On précise ici que bien entendu les moyens de maintien préalable du connecteur à l'une et/ou l'autre des cartes sont clairement distincts des moyens de rappel élastique ou autrement dit de maintien mécanique élastiques des contacts centraux et des contacts de masse permettant le maintien de la distance entre cartes afin de conserver la connexion électrique.It is specified here that of course the means for previously holding the connector to one and/or the other of the cards are clearly distinct from the means of elastic return or in other words of elastic mechanical holding of the central contacts and the ground contacts allowing the maintaining the distance between cards in order to maintain the electrical connection.

L'effort de contact entre chaque extrémité des contacts centraux et un des deux PCB à relier est constant quelle que soit la distance avec le PCB, par la déflexion des rondelles isolantes électriquement qui permettent de maintenir un écart entre les deux contacts centraux et une pression en extrémité libre de chacun d'entre eux. Cela est très avantageux, notamment dans les applications radar (effet Doppler).The contact force between each end of the central contacts and one of the two PCBs to be connected is constant whatever the distance with the PCB, by the deflection of the electrically insulating washers which make it possible to maintain a gap between the two central contacts and a pressure at the free end of each of them. This is very advantageous, especially in radar applications (Doppler effect).

De la même façon, l'effort de contact entre chaque extrémité des contacts de masse et un des deux PCB à relier est constant quelle que soit la distance avec le PCB grâce aux moyens de rappel élastique. En outre, ces moyens de rappel élastiques sont judicieusement agencés à l'extérieur par rapport à la ligne HF et ne viennent absolument pas perturber le signal transmis.Similarly, the contact force between each end of the ground contacts and one of the two PCBs to be connected is constant regardless of the distance from the PCB thanks to the elastic return means. In addition, these elastic return means are judiciously arranged on the outside with respect to the HF line and absolutely do not interfere with the transmitted signal.

De plus, ces efforts sur les contacts de masse d'une part et ceux sur les contacts centraux d'autre part sont indépendants grâce aux deux systèmes indépendants l'un de l'autre, les moyens de rappel élastique à l'extérieur pour les contacts de masse, et les rondelles élastiques pour les contacts centraux. Cela garantit un contact radio fréquence sur PCB constant et homogène.In addition, these forces on the ground contacts on the one hand and those on the central contacts on the other hand are independent thanks to the two systems independent of each other, the elastic return means on the outside for the ground contacts, and spring washers for center contacts. This guarantees a constant and homogeneous radio frequency contact on the PCB.

Le diamètre extérieur de chaque connecteur coaxial peut être très réduit, typiquement de l'ordre de 2,5 mm, ce qui permet d'atteindre une grande densité d'intégration.The outer diameter of each coaxial connector can be very small, typically of the order of 2.5 mm, which makes it possible to achieve a high integration density.

De plus, les contacts extérieurs de masse étant complètement fermés radialement sur eux-mêmes, i.e. sur 360°, les contacts électriques sont homogènes sur toute la circonférence des contacts sur les PCB. Les efforts appliqués sur les contacts de masse par les moyens de rappel élastique (ressorts hélicoïdaux, à lames) permettent de maintenir cette homogénéité, quelles que soient les conditions d'utilisation, notamment lors de vibrations mécaniques. Les performances de diaphonie et de blindage aux interférences électromagnétiques (EMI pour « ElectroMagnetic Interferences ») sont grandement améliorées, notamment dans les versions multivoies des connecteurs.In addition, the external ground contacts being completely closed radially on themselves, ie over 360°, the electrical contacts are homogeneous over the entire circumference of the contacts on the PCBs. The forces applied to the mass contacts by the elastic return means (helical springs, leaf springs) make it possible to maintain this homogeneity, whatever the conditions of use, in particular during mechanical vibrations. Crosstalk and electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding performance is greatly improved, especially in the multi-way versions of the connectors.

Une pluralité de connecteurs coaxiaux selon l'invention est intégrée dans des alvéoles traversantes d'une plaque d'interface dédiée à agencer entre les deux PCB à relier. Plus précisément, les connecteurs coaxiaux sont positionnés dans les alvéoles traversantes de la plaque d'interface avant de positionner le dernier des deux PCB.A plurality of coaxial connectors according to the invention are integrated in through cells of a dedicated interface plate to be arranged between the two PCBs to be connected. More precisely, the coaxial connectors are positioned in the through cells of the interface plate before positioning the last of the two PCBs.

De fait, on peut avantageusement prévoir une forme d'alvéole très ajustée de sorte que les moyens de maintien mécanique élastiques des contacts de masse (ressorts hélicoïdaux, ressort à lames) sont en contact avec la paroi interne de l'alvéole et la friction est suffisante pour maintenir le connecteur dans l'alvéole, même sans la présence de PCB.In fact, one can advantageously provide a very tight cell shape so that the elastic mechanical retaining means of the ground contacts (springs coils, leaf spring) are in contact with the internal wall of the cell and the friction is sufficient to maintain the connector in the cell, even without the presence of PCB.

Un système de connexion à plaque d'interface logeant une pluralité de connecteurs coaxiaux selon l'invention présente d'excellentes performances en diaphonie, chaque voie de transmission étant dans son alvéole dédiée en étant isolée des autres.An interface plate connection system housing a plurality of coaxial connectors according to the invention has excellent crosstalk performance, each transmission channel being in its dedicated cell being isolated from the others.

Les applications envisagées pour un connecteur coaxial selon l'invention sont nombreuses parmi lesquelles on peut citer, les applications radar militaires et civiles, le spatial (satellites d'observation), les réseaux d'antennes de télécommunications, notamment pour le très haut débit 5G.The applications envisaged for a coaxial connector according to the invention are numerous, among which mention may be made of military and civilian radar applications, space (observation satellites), telecommunications antenna networks, in particular for very high speed 5G .

Description détailléedetailed description

D'autres avantages et caractéristiques de l'invention ressortiront mieux à la lecture de la description détaillée d'exemples de mise en œuvre de l'invention faite à titre illustratif et non limitatif en référence aux figures suivantes parmi lesquelles :

  • la figure 1 représente en vue en perspective un premier exemple de connecteur coaxial hyperfréquence conforme à l'invention ;
  • la figure 2 est une autre vue en perspective du connecteur selon la figure 1;
  • la figure 2A est une vue en coupe longitudinale du connecteur selon les figures 1 et 2;
  • la figure 3 est une vue en perspective d'une variante du connecteur coaxial selon les figures 1 à 2A;
  • la figure 4 représente en vue en perspective un deuxième exemple de connecteur coaxial hyperfréquence, conforme à l'invention ;
  • la figure 5 est une vue en perspective d'une variante du connecteur coaxial selon la figure 4;
  • la figure 6 représente en vue de coupe longitudinale deux connecteurs coaxiaux monovoies selon l'invention dans leurs alvéoles respectives d'une plaque d'interface agencée entre deux PCB à relier;
  • les figures 7A et 7B représentent schématiquement la hauteur minimale nécessaire de la ligne centrale d'un connecteur coaxial respectivement selon l'état de l'art et selon l'invention ;
  • les figures 8A et 8B représentent schématiquement en vue de dessus un connecteur coaxial respectivement selon l'état de l'art et selon l'invention avec les zones symbolisées de génération des forces de rappel qu'il engendre ;
  • les figures 9A et 9B reprennent les schémas des figures 8A et 8B mais pour une pluralité de connecteurs coaxiaux;
  • la figure 10 représente schématiquement un autre agencement optimal d'une pluralité de connecteurs coaxiaux selon l'invention avec pour chacun les zones symbolisées de génération des forces de rappel qu'il engendre ;
  • la figure 11 représente en vue en perspective et en coupe partielle d'un exemple de connecteur coaxial hyperfréquence multivoies selon l'invention.
Other advantages and characteristics of the invention will emerge better on reading the detailed description of examples of implementation of the invention given by way of illustration and not limitation with reference to the following figures, among which:
  • the figure 1 shows in perspective view a first example of microwave coaxial connector according to the invention;
  • the picture 2 is another perspective view of the connector according to the figure 1 ;
  • the figure 2A is a longitudinal sectional view of the connector according to the figures 1 and 2 ;
  • the picture 3 is a perspective view of a variant of the coaxial connector according to the figures 1 to 2A ;
  • the figure 4 shows in perspective view a second example of microwave coaxial connector, according to the invention;
  • the figure 5 is a perspective view of a variant of the coaxial connector according to the figure 4 ;
  • the figure 6 shows a longitudinal sectional view of two single-channel coaxial connectors according to the invention in their respective cells of an interface plate arranged between two PCBs to be connected;
  • them figures 7A and 7B schematically represent the necessary minimum height of the center line of a coaxial connector respectively according to the state of the art and according to the invention;
  • them figures 8A and 8B schematically represent in top view a coaxial connector respectively according to the state of the art and according to the invention with the symbolized zones for generating the restoring forces that it generates;
  • them figures 9A and 9B repeat the diagrams of figures 8A and 8B but for a plurality of coaxial connectors;
  • the figure 10 schematically represents another optimal arrangement of a plurality of coaxial connectors according to the invention with, for each, the symbolized zones for generating the restoring forces that it generates;
  • the figure 11 shows a perspective view and in partial section of an example of a multi-way microwave coaxial connector according to the invention.

Dans l'ensemble de la présente demande, les termes « vertical », « inférieur », « supérieur », « bas », « haut », « dessous » et « dessus» sont à comprendre par référence par rapport à un connecteur coaxial hyperfréquence en configuration verticale avec l'élément de connexion 2 en dessous de l'élément de connexion 3.Throughout this application, the terms "vertical", "lower", "upper", "low", "high", "below" and "above" are to be understood with reference to a microwave coaxial connector in vertical configuration with connection element 2 below connection element 3.

De même, les termes «interne» et «externe » sont à comprendre par rapport à l'axe central X du connecteur coaxial : une paroi interne est située à l'intérieur du connecteur et tournée vers l'axe, tandis qu'une paroi externe est tournée dans un sens opposé, vers l'extérieur du connecteur 1.Similarly, the terms "internal" and "external" are to be understood in relation to the central axis X of the coaxial connector: an internal wall is located inside the connector and facing the axis, while a wall external is facing in the opposite direction, towards the outside of connector 1.

Par souci de clarté, une même référence numérique est utilisée pour un même élément d'un connecteur coaxial selon l'état de l'art et d'un connecteur coaxial selon l'invention.For the sake of clarity, the same numerical reference is used for the same element of a coaxial connector according to the state of the art and of a coaxial connector according to the invention.

Un connecteur coaxial 1 selon l'invention qui va être décrit est apte à véhiculer des signaux hyperfréquences, c'est-à-dire des signaux dans la gamme de fréquences comprises entre 1 GHz et 20 GHz, voire jusqu'à 100 GHZ, notamment égales à 40 GHz.A coaxial connector 1 according to the invention which will be described is capable of conveying microwave signals, that is to say signals in the frequency range between 1 GHz and 20 GHz, or even up to 100 GHZ, in particular equal to 40 GHz.

On a représenté sur la figure 1 un exemple de connecteur coaxial hyperfréquence 1 conforme à l'invention.We represented on the figure 1 an example of microwave coaxial connector 1 according to the invention.

Un connecteur coaxial hyperfréquence 1 selon l'invention qui s'étend autour de son axe central X, est prévu pour relier deux cartes imprimées séparées d'une distance de carte à carte qui peut être faible, mais dans une gamme large, typiquement comprise entre 3 et 20 mm, avec des tolérances relativement importantes de l'ordre de 30%.A coaxial microwave connector 1 according to the invention which extends around its central axis X, is provided to connect two printed boards separated by a distance from board to board which may be small, but in a wide range, typically between 3 and 20 mm, with relatively large tolerances of around 30%.

Les figures 1 à 5 montrent un connecteur coaxial hyperfréquence 1 comprenant un premier élément de connexion 2, adapté pour coopérer avec un second élément de connexion 3.The figures 1 to 5 show a microwave coaxial connector 1 comprising a first connection element 2, adapted to cooperate with a second connection element 3.

Le second élément de connexion 3 est libre de se déplacer, le long de l'axe central X, par rapport au premier élément de connexion 2, entre une configuration de déconnexion, et une configuration de connexion dans laquelle les éléments de connexion 2, 3 établissent un contact électrique central et un de masse entre deux cartes de circuit imprimé (PCB).The second connection element 3 is free to move, along the central axis X, relative to the first connection element 2, between a disconnection configuration, and a connection configuration in which the connection elements 2, 3 establish a center and ground electrical contact between two printed circuit boards (PCBs).

Dans la configuration de connexion, les contacts centraux et de masse du connecteur coaxial 1 établissent les contacts électriques avec compression.In the connection configuration, the central and ground contacts of the coaxial connector 1 establish the electrical contacts with compression.

Le premier élément de connexion 2 comprend un corps conducteur 20, qui constitue un contact de masse, une tige conductrice 21 qui constitue un contact central et au moins une rondelle électriquement isolante 22, flexible, qui assure notamment le maintien mécanique coaxial du contact central 21 à l'intérieur du contact de masse 20, et également le report des efforts nécessaires à la mise en compression des deux extrémités rigides inférieure 210 et supérieure 310 et du corps conducteur 20.The first connection element 2 comprises a conductive body 20, which constitutes a ground contact, a conductive rod 21 which constitutes a central contact and at least one electrically insulating washer 22, flexible, which ensures in particular the coaxial mechanical retention of the central contact 21 inside the ground contact 20, and also the transfer of the forces necessary for the compression of the two lower 210 and upper 310 rigid ends and of the conductive body 20.

Le corps conducteur 20, la tige conductrice 21 et la rondelle isolante flexible 22 présentent globalement chacun une symétrie de révolution autour de l'axe X du connecteur 1. Cette rondelle isolante 22 assure aussi une fonction d'isolant électrique dans la ligne de transmission hyperfréquence. Mais l'isolant principal reste l'air, ce qui permet d'atteindre un niveau de pertes hyperfréquences extrêmement faible.The conductive body 20, the conductive rod 21 and the flexible insulating washer 22 generally each have a symmetry of revolution around the axis X of the connector 1. This insulating washer 22 also provides an electrical insulation function in the microwave transmission line . But the main insulator remains the air, which makes it possible to achieve an extremely low level of microwave losses.

Le corps 20 a une forme générale depuis son extrémité inférieure 200 d'un cylindre creux de section circulaire, centré autour de l'axe X qui s'évase sous la forme d'un tronc de cône jusqu'à son extrémité supérieure 201 formée par une pluralité d'éléments conformés en pétales.The body 20 has a general shape from its lower end 200 of a hollow cylinder of circular section, centered around the axis X which flares out in the form of a truncated cone to its upper end 201 formed by a plurality of elements shaped like petals.

L'extrémité inférieure rigide 200 du corps 20 est destinée à être en contact électrique et mécanique avec une première des cartes de circuit imprimé (PCB).The rigid lower end 200 of the body 20 is intended to be in electrical and mechanical contact with a first of the printed circuit boards (PCB).

La tige conductrice 21 présente une extrémité inférieure rigide 210 en forme de téton destinée également à venir en contact électrique et mécanique avec la première PCB, et une extrémité supérieure 211 sous la forme d'une douille.The conductive rod 21 has a rigid lower end 210 in the form of a stud also intended to come into electrical and mechanical contact with the first PCB, and an upper end 211 in the form of a socket.

Le deuxième élément de connexion 3 quant à lui comprend un corps conducteur 30, qui constitue un contact de masse, une tige conductrice 31 qui constitue un contact central et au moins une rondelle électriquement isolante 32, flexible, qui assure notamment le maintien mécanique coaxial du contact central 31 à l'intérieur du contact de masse 30.The second connection element 3 for its part comprises a conductive body 30, which constitutes a ground contact, a conductive rod 31 which constitutes a central contact and at least one electrically insulating washer 32, flexible, which ensures in particular the coaxial mechanical retention of the central contact 31 inside the ground contact 30.

Le corps conducteur 30, la tige conductrice 31 et la rondelle isolante flexible 32 présentent globalement chacun une symétrie de révolution autour de l'axe X du connecteur 1.The conductive body 30, the conductive rod 31 and the flexible insulating washer 32 generally each have a symmetry of revolution around the axis X of the connector 1.

Le corps 30 a une forme générale d'un cylindre creux rigide de section circulaire centré autour de l'axe X depuis son extrémité supérieure 300, jusqu'à son extrémité inférieure 301.The body 30 has the general shape of a rigid hollow cylinder of circular section centered around the axis X from its upper end 300 to its lower end 301.

L'extrémité supérieure rigide 300 du corps 30 est destinée à être en contact électrique et mécanique avec la deuxième des cartes de circuit imprimé (PCB).The rigid upper end 300 of the body 30 is intended to be in electrical and mechanical contact with the second of the printed circuit boards (PCB).

La tige conductrice 31 est sous la forme d'un axe rigide qui présente une extrémité inférieure rigide 310 en forme de téton destinée également à venir en contact électrique et mécanique avec la première PCB.The conductive rod 31 is in the form of a rigid shaft which has a rigid lower end 310 in the form of a stud also intended to come into electrical and mechanical contact with the first PCB.

Dans la configuration assemblée du connecteur coaxial, illustrée en figures 1 à 5, l'axe rigide 31 est inséré avec contact dans la douille 21.In the assembled configuration of the coaxial connector, shown in figures 1 to 5 , the rigid pin 31 is inserted with contact in the sleeve 21.

De même, le contact électrique est garanti seulement par l'extrémité supérieure 201 du contact de masse 20 du dessous, en bout des pétales précontraintes dans l'extrémité inférieure 301 du contact de masse 31 du dessus. Le jeu de la partie tronconique formée par les pétales 201 à l'intérieur de l'extrémité 301 du contact de masse 30, forme en quelque sorte une liaison rotule.Similarly, the electrical contact is guaranteed only by the upper end 201 of the ground contact 20 below, at the end of the prestressed petals in the lower end 301 of the ground contact 31 above. The clearance of the frustoconical part formed by the petals 201 inside the end 301 of the ground contact 30 forms a kind of ball joint.

Le signal hyperfréquence est alors transmis entre la ligne centrale formée par le contact central 31 inséré dans la douille 21 et la ligne de masse formée par le contact de masse 30 inséré dans l'autre contact de masse 20.The microwave signal is then transmitted between the central line formed by the central contact 31 inserted in the socket 21 and the ground line formed by the ground contact 30 inserted in the other ground contact 20.

Dans une configuration où les deux PCB à relier ne sont pas parfaitement parallèles, cette liaison rotule permet aux axes géométriques des contacts 2, 3 de ne pas être parfaitement alignés et forment un angle entre eux, sans nuire à la qualité des contacts électriques sur chaque PCB.In a configuration where the two PCBs to be connected are not perfectly parallel, this ball joint allows the geometric axes of the contacts 2, 3 not to be perfectly aligned and form an angle between them, without affecting the quality of the electrical contacts on each PCBs.

Selon l'invention, on dimensionne l'ensemble des contacts de sorte que chacun des contacts centraux 21, 31 soit nécessairement en saillie par rapport à son contact de masse 20, 30 qui l'entoure, lorsque le connecteur coaxial 1 est en configuration de déconnexion, c'est-à-dire au repos ou autrement dit sans sollicitation mécanique de compression en vue d'une liaison entre deux PCB.According to the invention, all the contacts are dimensioned so that each of the central contacts 21, 31 necessarily projects with respect to its ground contact 20, 30 which surrounds it, when the coaxial connector 1 is in the configuration disconnection, that is to say at rest or in other words without mechanical compression stress for a connection between two PCBs.

Par conséquent, selon l'invention, le connecteur coaxial 1 est prévu avec deux systèmes indépendants de mise en appui des contacts par rappel élastique, i.e. l'un pour garantir la mise en pression mécanique des contacts de masse 20, 30 contre les deux PCB à relier, l'autre pour la mise en pression mécanique des contacts centraux 21, 31 contre les deux PCB.Consequently, according to the invention, the coaxial connector 1 is provided with two independent systems for resting the contacts by elastic return, i.e. one to guarantee the mechanical pressure of the ground contacts 20, 30 against the two PCBs. to be connected, the other for the mechanical pressing of the central contacts 21, 31 against the two PCBs.

Selon l'invention, la pression mécanique pour chacun des contacts électriques entre l'extrémité d'un contact central et l'une ou l'autre des PCB est garantie par la flexion d'un des rondelles isolantes électrique.According to the invention, the mechanical pressure for each of the electrical contacts between the end of a central contact and one or the other of the PCBs is guaranteed by the bending of one of the electrical insulating washers.

Ainsi, l'extrémité 210 du contact central 21 sur la première PCB est garantie par la flexion d'au moins une rondelle isolante électrique 22, tandis que l'extrémité du contact central 31 sur la deuxième PCB est garantie par la flexion d'au moins une rondelle isolante électrique 32.Thus, the end 210 of the central contact 21 on the first PCB is secured by the bending of at least one electrical insulating washer 22, while the end of the central contact 31 on the second PCB is secured by the bending of at least one least one electric insulating washer 32.

Avantageusement, les rondelles isolantes électriques 22, 32 sont montées dans des gorges intérieures 202, 302 prévues à cet effet à l'intérieur des contacts centraux.Advantageously, the electrical insulating washers 22, 32 are mounted in internal grooves 202, 302 provided for this purpose inside the central contacts.

De préférence, les rondelles isolantes 22, 32 présentent des évidements en forme d'étoile ce qui leur permet d'éviter toute déformation non souhaitée lors de leur cambrage par flexion pour obtenir la mise en pression désirée des contacts centraux 21, 31. Ainsi, à terme, les rondelles 22, 32 en étoile ne subissent pas de fatigue accentuée et/ou de déchirement et leur trou central maintient ainsi parfaitement le contact central 21, 31 en position axiale. Toute découpe qui permettrait de linéariser les zones de fatigue liées à la flexion des rondelles 22, 32 serait également intéressantes.Preferably, the insulating washers 22, 32 have star-shaped recesses which allows them to avoid any unwanted deformation during their bending by bending to obtain the desired pressurization of the central contacts 21, 31. Thus, in the long term, the star washers 22, 32 do not undergo accentuated fatigue and/or tearing and their central hole thus perfectly maintains the central contact 21, 31 in the axial position. Any cutout which would make it possible to linearize the fatigue zones linked to the bending of the washers 22, 32 would also be advantageous.

De préférence encore, les rondelles 22, 32 isolantes électrique sont en polyimide, de type en Kapton®. Ce matériau est parfaitement adapté à l'ensemble des propriétés thermique, d'isolation électrique, et mécaniques pour la double fonction à la fois de maintien mécanique coaxial des contacts centraux et de flexibilité pour la pression mécanique pour le contact électrique des contacts centraux sur les deux PCB à relier.More preferably, the electrically insulating washers 22, 32 are made of polyimide, of the Kapton® type. This material is perfectly suited to all the thermal, electrical insulation and mechanical properties for the dual function of both coaxial mechanical retention of the central contacts and flexibility for mechanical pressure for the electrical contact of the central contacts on the two PCBs to be connected.

Egalement, selon l'invention, la pression mécanique pour chacun des contacts électriques entre l'extrémité d'un contact de masse et l'une ou l'autre des PCB est garantie par des moyens de rappel élastique par compression 4 distincts des rondelles isolantes 22, 32 et agencés à l'extérieur des contacts de masse 20, 30.Also, according to the invention, the mechanical pressure for each of the electrical contacts between the end of a ground contact and one or the other of the PCBs is guaranteed by elastic return means by compression 4 separate from the insulating washers 22, 32 and arranged outside the ground contacts 20, 30.

Dans les exemples illustrés aux figures 1 à 3, les moyens de compression 4 sont constitués par deux ressorts hélicoïdaux 40, agencés diamétralement opposés par rapport aux contacts de masse 20, 30. Cet agencement permet de garantir un encombrement minimal de la connexion, et donc une intégration plus dense, tout en conservant des efforts de compression suffisants pour garantir les performances électriques de la connexion.In the examples illustrated in figures 1 to 3 , the compression means 4 consist of two helical springs 40, arranged diametrically opposite with respect to the ground contacts 20, 30. This arrangement makes it possible to guarantee a minimum size of the connection, and therefore denser integration, while maintaining compression forces sufficient to guarantee the electrical performance of the connection.

Plus précisément, selon ce mode de réalisation, le connecteur coaxial 1 comprend deux platines 23, 33 chacune venant en appui sur un épaulement extérieur d'un contact de masse. Une des extrémités de chaque ressort hélicoïdal 40 vient en appui contre l'une des platines 23, et l'autre des extrémités vient en appui contre l'autre des platines 33.More specifically, according to this embodiment, the coaxial connector 1 comprises two plates 23, 33 each bearing against an outer shoulder of a ground contact. One of the ends of each helical spring 40 bears against one of the plates 23, and the other of the ends bears against the other of the plates 33.

Avantageusement, chaque platine 23, 33 comporte deux tiges de maintien 230, 330 autour desquelles les ressorts hélicoïdaux 40 sont logés, afin de les guider.Advantageously, each plate 23, 33 comprises two retaining rods 230, 330 around which the coil springs 40 are housed, in order to guide them.

De préférence, en configuration de déconnexion du connecteur qui correspond à une absence d'efforts longitudinaux sur les contacts, les ressorts 40 sont précontraints.Preferably, in the disconnection configuration of the connector which corresponds to an absence of longitudinal forces on the contacts, the springs 40 are prestressed.

Comme illustré en figures 4 et 5, un ressort à lames 41 peut être agencé en lieu et place des deux ressorts hélicoïdaux 40. Plus précisément, le ressort 41 comprend deux lames flexibles 42 agencées tête-bêche, c'est-à-dire avec leurs cambrures en sens opposé, et qui sont reliées entre elles à leurs extrémités 43. Chacune des lames flexibles 42 est en appui directement contre l'un des deux contacts de masse 20, 30.As illustrated in figures 4 and 5 , a leaf spring 41 can be arranged instead of the two helical springs 40. More specifically, the spring 41 comprises two flexible blades 42 arranged head to tail, that is to say with their cambers in opposite directions, and which are interconnected at their ends 43. Each of the flexible blades 42 bears directly against one of the two ground contacts 20, 30.

Un ressort à lames 41 a pour avantage de s'affranchir de l'utilisation des platines 23, 33 d'appui des ressorts hélicoïdaux 40.A leaf spring 41 has the advantage of dispensing with the use of plates 23, 33 supporting the coil springs 40.

Selon une variante de réalisation avantageuse, illustrée aux figures 3 et 5, lorsque la distance carte-à-carte des deux PCB à relier est plus importante, on peut prévoir de doter chaque contact de masse 20, 30 d'une rallonge monobloc 34 avec ce dernier.According to an advantageous embodiment variant, illustrated in figure 3 and 5 , when the board-to-board distance of the two PCBs to be connected is greater, it is possible to provide each ground contact 20, 30 with a one-piece extension 34 with the latter.

Pour réaliser une liaison carte-à-carte, on met en œuvre une pluralité de connecteurs coaxiaux 1 qui viennent d'être décrits.To achieve a board-to-board connection, a plurality of coaxial connectors 1 which have just been described are implemented.

Pour ce faire, chaque connecteur coaxial 1 est logé individuellement dans une alvéole traversante d'une plaque d'interface, à agencer à l'interface entre les deux PCB à relier.To do this, each coaxial connector 1 is individually housed in a through cell of an interface plate, to be arranged at the interface between the two PCBs to be connected.

Un exemple de logement en parallèle de deux connecteurs coaxiaux identiques 1 selon l'invention est montré en figure 6.An example of parallel housing of two identical coaxial connectors 1 according to the invention is shown in figure 6 .

Chacun des deux connecteurs 1 est logé dans une alvéole 50 d'une plaque d'interface 5 entre les deux circuits imprimés, PCB1, PCB2 à relier.Each of the two connectors 1 is housed in a cell 50 of an interface plate 5 between the two printed circuits, PCB1, PCB2 to be connected.

La forme extérieure du connecteur 1 dépend de l'alvéole 50 dans lequel vient se loger chaque connecteur 1.The external shape of the connector 1 depends on the cell 50 in which each connector 1 is housed.

Une forme en losange des platines d'appui 23, 33 ou encore d'un ressort à lames 41, telle qu'illustrée dans les figures 1 à 5, est avantageuse car elle permet un gain en encombrement et donc, au final, elle augmente la densité d'intégration de la pluralité de connecteurs coaxiaux 1.A diamond shape of the support plates 23, 33 or of a leaf spring 41, as illustrated in the figures 1 to 5 , is advantageous because it saves space and therefore, in the end, it increases the integration density of the plurality of coaxial connectors 1.

L'agencement à l'extérieur des moyens de rappel élastique, i.e. les ressorts 4, pour les contacts de masse permet d'avoir un encombrement très réduit dans l'axe perpendiculaire à l'alignement des ressorts par rapport à une solution selon l'état de l'art avec un seul ressort coaxial à l'intérieur, comme celui du brevet US 7416418 . Suivant cet axe d'encombrement le plus faible, le connecteur peut être inséré dans des parois de panneau/plaque d'interface 5 d'épaisseur très réduits, typiquement de l'ordre de 3 mm.The arrangement on the outside of the elastic return means, ie the springs 4, for the ground contacts makes it possible to have a very small footprint in the axis perpendicular to the alignment of the springs with respect to a solution according to the state of the art with a single coaxial spring inside, like that of the patent US 7416418 . Along this axis of smallest bulk, the connector can be inserted into panel walls/interface plate 5 of very reduced thickness, typically of the order of 3 mm.

La paroi interne des alvéoles 50 sert de guidage latéral aux ressorts hélicoïdaux 40 mais également aux ressorts à lames 41.The internal wall of the cells 50 serves as a lateral guide for the coil springs 40 but also for the leaf springs 41.

En pratique, on peut ajuster au plus près la forme des alvéoles 50 à celles des ressorts 4 de sorte que ces derniers sont en contact individuellement avec la paroi interne d'une alvéole 50 avec une friction suffisante pour maintenir chaque connecteur 1 dans l'alvéole 50, et ce même en l'absence de PCB.In practice, the shape of the cells 50 can be adjusted as closely as possible to those of the springs 4 so that the latter are in contact individually with the internal wall of a cell 50 with sufficient friction to hold each connector 1 in the cell. 50, even in the absence of PCB.

Cela est avantageux au montage car on peut disposer d'un module assemblé, i.e. une plaque d'interface 5 dans les alvéoles 50 de laquelle sont montés et maintenus par friction les connecteurs coaxiaux 1.This is advantageous for assembly because it is possible to have an assembled module, i.e. an interface plate 5 in the cells 50 of which the coaxial connectors 1 are mounted and held by friction.

La figure 7B représente schématiquement la hauteur d'un contact central 31 d'un connecteur coaxial 1 selon l'invention avec une rondelle isolante 32 de hauteur H2.The figure 7B schematically represents the height of a central contact 31 of a coaxial connector 1 according to the invention with an insulating washer 32 of height H2.

La figure 7A représente schématiquement la hauteur d'un contact central 31 d'un connecteur coaxial 1 selon l'état de l'art avec d'un ressort hélicoïdal central 40 de hauteur H1 dans son état au repos.The Figure 7A schematically represents the height of a central contact 31 of a coaxial connector 1 according to the state of the art with a central helical spring 40 of height H1 in its state at rest.

Au final, le gain en hauteur par extrémité induit par l'invention, est égal à H2-H1.In the end, the gain in height per end induced by the invention is equal to H2-H1.

Ainsi, grâce à l'invention, en diminuant la hauteur de la ligne centrale, on diminue la distance carte à carte par rapport aux connecteurs de l'art antérieur où le ressort hélicoïdal agencé dans l'axe du contact central forme avec ce dernier un piston.Thus, thanks to the invention, by reducing the height of the central line, the card-to-card distance is reduced compared to the connectors of the prior art where the helical spring arranged in the axis of the central contact forms with the latter a piston.

La figure 8A représente schématiquement un connecteur coaxial selon l'état de l'art avec la localisation coaxiale autour des contacts de masse 30 et central 31, de la zone unique Z de génération des forces de rappel.The figure 8A schematically represents a coaxial connector according to the state of the art with the coaxial location around the ground 30 and central 31 contacts, of the single zone Z for generating the restoring forces.

La figure 8B représente schématiquement un connecteur coaxial selon l'invention avec une localisation en deux zones Z1, Z2 de génération des forces de rappel, du fait de l'agencement extérieur des moyens de rappel élastique 4 du contact de masse 30.The figure 8B schematically represents a coaxial connector according to the invention with a location in two zones Z1, Z2 of generation of the return forces, due to the external arrangement of the elastic return means 4 of the ground contact 30.

Les figures 9A et 9B reprennent ces figures 8A et 8B pour une pluralité de connecteurs coaxiaux.The figures 9A and 9B resume these figures 8A and 8B for a plurality of coaxial connectors.

En comparant la configuration selon l'invention (figures 8B, 9B) à celle selon l'état de l'art (figures 8A, 9A), il ressort clairement que, pour des mêmes dimensions transversales de connecteur (diamètres extérieurs des contacts de masse 30), l'invention apporte une densification de connecteurs coaxiaux dans le plan parallèle aux PCB à relier.By comparing the configuration according to the invention ( Figures 8B, 9B ) to that according to the state of the art ( Figures 8A, 9A ), it is clear that, for the same transverse dimensions of the connector (external diameters of the ground contacts 30), the invention provides a densification of coaxial connectors in the plane parallel to the PCBs to be connected.

On voit d'ailleurs sur la figure 9B, on peut, en orientant les connecteurs coaxiaux selon l'invention les uns par rapport aux autres, aller jusqu'à avoir les contacts de masse 30 agencés quasiment bord-à-bord.Moreover, we see on the Figure 9B , it is possible, by orienting the coaxial connectors according to the invention relative to each other, to have the ground contacts 30 arranged almost edge-to-edge.

La figure 10 montre un autre agencement à encombrement optimisé d'une pluralité de connecteurs selon l'invention pour une liaison carte-à carte.The figure 10 shows another space-optimized arrangement of a plurality of connectors according to the invention for a board-to-board connection.

Une telle liaison entre deux PCB a lieu avec un module assemblé selon l'invention, de la manière suivante.Such a connection between two PCBs takes place with an assembled module according to the invention, as follows.

On met en place un module assemblé comme explicité ci-dessus, en approchant de part et d'autre les deux PCB à relier.A module assembled as explained above is put in place, approaching the two PCBs to be connected on either side.

L'ensemble des contacts centraux 21, 31 est alors mis en pression mécanique par la déformation en flexion des rondelles isolantes 22, 32, jusqu'à ce que l'extrémité 210, 310 des contacts centraux viennent dans le plan défini par les extrémités 200, 300 des contacts de masse 20, 30.All of the central contacts 21, 31 are then placed under mechanical pressure by the bending deformation of the insulating washers 22, 32, until the end 210, 310 of the central contacts come into the plane defined by the ends 200 , 300 ground contacts 20, 30.

Tous les contacts de masse 20, 30 et centraux 21, 31 sont alors en contact mécanique et électrique avec les deux PCB.All the ground 20, 30 and central 21, 31 contacts are then in mechanical and electrical contact with the two PCBs.

Puis, les ressorts hélicoïdaux 40 ou à lames 41 sont mis en pression mécanique, jusqu'à ce qu'on obtienne la côte d'espacement des PCB spécifiée avec la tolérance d'ajustement souhaitée.Then, the coil springs 40 or leaf springs 41 are placed under mechanical pressure, until the specified PCB spacing dimension is obtained with the desired adjustment tolerance.

Ainsi, avec les connecteurs coaxiaux 1 et une plaque d'interface à alvéoles pour loger les connecteurs coaxiaux 1, on peut réaliser une connexion carte-à-carte sans soudure.Thus, with the coaxial connectors 1 and an interface plate with cells to house the coaxial connectors 1, a solderless board-to-board connection can be made.

Chaque connecteur coaxial 1 illustré aux figures 1 à 5 est monovoie.Each coaxial connector 1 shown in figures 1 to 5 is single channel.

Il est possible d'envisager des connecteurs coaxiaux multivoies, notamment un connecteur à deux voies 10, comme illustré en figure 11.It is possible to envisage multiway coaxial connectors, in particular a two-way connector 10, as illustrated in figure 11 .

Ce connecteur à deux voies 10 comprend deux connecteurs coaxiaux 1.1, 1.2 comme ceux qui ont été décrits précédemment, qui s'étendent autour de deux axes centraux X1, X2 parallèles et entre des platines d'appui 23, 33 communes aux deux connecteurs.This two-way connector 10 comprises two coaxial connectors 1.1, 1.2 like those described previously, which extend around two parallel central axes X1, X2 and between support plates 23, 33 common to the two connectors.

Une lamelle 6 agencée à la verticale et qui fait saillie latéralement de l'une et/ou l'autre des platines d'appui 23, 33 permet d'accrocher le connecteur multivoies 10 dans son alvéole dédiée de la plaque d'interface, si au moins un des deux PCB à relier n'est pas agencée en dessous du connecteur 10.A slat 6 arranged vertically and which projects laterally from one and/or the other of the support plates 23, 33 makes it possible to hang the multiway connector 10 in its dedicated socket of the interface plate, if at least one of the two PCBs to be connected is not arranged below connector 10.

D'autres variantes et améliorations peuvent être prévues sans pour autant sortir du cadre de l'invention.Other variants and improvements may be provided without departing from the scope of the invention.

Ainsi, si dans les exemples illustrés, le maintien coaxial d'un contact central 21, 31 à l'intérieur de son contact de masse 20, 30 est assuré par une rondelle isolante électrique 22, 32, on peut tout-à-fait envisager de les doubler, notamment en fonction des efforts de pression des contacts centraux 21, 31 que l'on souhaite leur attribuer.Thus, if in the examples illustrated, the coaxial maintenance of a central contact 21, 31 inside its ground contact 20, 30 is ensured by an electrical insulating washer 22, 32, it is quite possible to envisage to double them, in particular according to the pressure forces of the central contacts 21, 31 that one wishes to attribute to them.

Également, si dans les exemples illustrés, les platines d'appui 23, 33 des ressorts hélicoïdaux 40 sont des pièces clairement distinctes des contacts de masse, on peut tout aussi bien envisager à ce qu'elles soient chacune monobloc avec un des contacts de masse 20, 30.Also, if in the examples illustrated, the support plates 23, 33 of the helical springs 40 are clearly distinct parts from the ground contacts, it is just as well to envisage that they are each one-piece with one of the ground contacts. 20, 30.

Si la liaison carte-à-carte qui a été décrite avec des connecteurs coaxiaux 1 selon l'invention et une plaque d'interface à alvéoles de logement des connecteurs, permet de réaliser une liaison carte-à-carte robuste et complète sans soudure, on peut aussi envisager de réaliser une soudure des contacts d'un côté c'est-à-dire à l'une des deux PCB à relier.If the board-to-board connection which has been described with coaxial connectors 1 according to the invention and an interface plate with slots for housing the connectors, makes it possible to produce a robust and complete board-to-board connection without soldering, it is also possible to envisage welding the contacts on one side, that is to say to one of the two PCBs to be connected.

On peut aussi envisager de câbler l'un des côtés du connecteur alors que l'autre côté sera connecté à un PCB.One can also consider wiring one side of the connector while the other side will be connected to a PCB.

L'expression « comportant un » doit être comprise comme étant synonyme de « comportant au moins un », sauf si le contraire est spécifié.The expression "comprising a" must be understood as being synonymous with "comprising at least one", unless the contrary is specified.

Claims (10)

  1. Coaxial microwave connector (1), intended in particular to link two printed circuit boards (PCBs) to one another, of central axis (X), characterized in that it comprises:
    - a first connection element (2) comprising a conductive body (20), forming a ground contact, and a conductive rod (21) forming a central contact arranged inside the ground contact (20);
    - a second connection element (3) comprising a conductive body (30), forming a ground contact, a conductive rod (31) forming a central contact arranged inside the ground contact (30), the ground (30) and central (31) contacts of the second connection element (3) being free to be displaced, along the central axis (X), relative to those of the first connection element (2), between a configuration of disconnection, and a configuration of connection in which the first and the second connection elements (2, 3) are intended to establish an electrical ground contact and a central electrical contact between the two PCBs;
    - at least one electrically insulating washer (32), which both allows for the coaxial mechanical securing between each central contact (21, 31) inside the ground contact (20, 30) of the first or of the second connection element, and makes it possible to establish a mechanical pressure between the end (210, 310) of the central contact (21, 31) and one of the two PCBs, characterized in that said electrically insulating washer (32) is flexible and in that the mechanical pressure between the end (210, 310) of the central contact (21, 31) and one of the two PCBs is established by the flexing of said washer.
  2. Coaxial connector (1) according to Claim 1, comprising one or more elastic return means (4, 40, 41) for establishing a mechanical pressure between the end (210, 310) of the ground contacts (20, 30) and the two PCBs, the one or more elastic return means (4, 40, 41) being independent of the insulating washers (32).
  3. Coaxial connector (1) according to Claim 1 or 2, each of the central contacts (21, 31) protruding relative to its ground contact (20, 30) which surrounds it, in the configuration of disconnection of the connector.
  4. Coaxial connector (1) according to one of the preceding claims, each electrically insulating washer (22, 32) being mounted in an internal groove (202, 302) inside the central contact (21, 31) that it holds.
  5. Coaxial connector according to one of the preceding claims, each insulating washer (22, 32) having reliefs in the form of a star.
  6. Coaxial connector (1) according to one of the preceding claims, each insulating washer (22, 32) being made of polyimide.
  7. Coaxial connector (1) according to one of the preceding claims, the central contact and the ground contact of the first or of the second connection element being soldered onto one of the PCBs.
  8. Multichannel connector (10), comprising at least two coaxial connectors (1.1, 1.2) according to one of the preceding claims, which extend around two parallel central axes (X1, X2).
  9. Multichannel connector (10) according to Claim 8, comprising a leaf (6) arranged vertically and which protrudes laterally so as to attach the multichannel connector (10) in a dedicated cell (50) of an interface plate (5).
  10. Connection module, intended in particular to link two printed circuit boards (PCBs) to one another, comprising:
    - an interface plate (5) comprising a plurality of through-cells (50), the interface plate being intended to be arranged between the two PCBs;
    - a plurality of connectors (1, 1.1, 1.2; 10) according to one of Claims 1 to 9, housed individually in a cell (50) of the interface plate (5).
EP19197551.5A 2018-09-19 2019-09-16 Low-pitch miniature hyperfrequency coaxial connector, intended in particular for mutually connecting two printed circuit boards Active EP3627628B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
FR1858473A FR3086108B1 (en) 2018-09-19 2018-09-19 MINIATURE LOW STEP HYPERFREQUENCY COAXIAL CONNECTOR, INTENDED IN PARTICULAR FOR CONNECTING TWO PRINTED CIRCUIT BOARDS BETWEEN THEM

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP3627628A1 EP3627628A1 (en) 2020-03-25
EP3627628B1 true EP3627628B1 (en) 2022-08-31

Family

ID=65763520

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP19197551.5A Active EP3627628B1 (en) 2018-09-19 2019-09-16 Low-pitch miniature hyperfrequency coaxial connector, intended in particular for mutually connecting two printed circuit boards

Country Status (3)

Country Link
US (1) US10944193B2 (en)
EP (1) EP3627628B1 (en)
FR (1) FR3086108B1 (en)

Families Citing this family (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
FR3086108B1 (en) * 2018-09-19 2020-08-28 Radiall Sa MINIATURE LOW STEP HYPERFREQUENCY COAXIAL CONNECTOR, INTENDED IN PARTICULAR FOR CONNECTING TWO PRINTED CIRCUIT BOARDS BETWEEN THEM
CN111509446A (en) * 2019-01-31 2020-08-07 泰科电子(上海)有限公司 Connector with a locking member
CN112787120A (en) * 2019-11-11 2021-05-11 康普技术有限责任公司 Coaxial connector and board-to-board connector assembly
CN112787121A (en) * 2019-11-11 2021-05-11 康普技术有限责任公司 Coaxial connector and board-to-board connector assembly
TWI750868B (en) * 2020-10-23 2021-12-21 禾昌興業股份有限公司 Circular connector
CN112601411B (en) * 2020-12-04 2022-08-16 Oppo广东移动通信有限公司 Circuit board structure and electronic equipment

Citations (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE4402002B4 (en) * 1994-01-18 2005-10-27 Wago Verwaltungsgesellschaft Mbh I / O modules / for a data bus

Family Cites Families (17)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
JPS60123666U (en) * 1984-01-30 1985-08-20 株式会社ヨコオ Inspection equipment for circuit boards, etc.
US6502994B2 (en) * 1999-05-25 2003-01-07 Sonnax Industries, Inc. Thrust washer
US6699054B1 (en) 2003-01-15 2004-03-02 Applied Engineering Products, Inc. Float mount coaxial connector
US6776668B1 (en) * 2003-08-01 2004-08-17 Tyco Electronics Corporation Low profile coaxial board-to-board connector
DE202004005273U1 (en) * 2004-04-02 2004-06-03 Rosenberger Hochfrequenztechnik Gmbh & Co Coaxial connector for printed circuit boards with spring-loaded tolerance compensation
JP2006066384A (en) * 2004-07-27 2006-03-09 Hosiden Corp Coaxial connector for board-to-board connection
DE102005033911B4 (en) 2005-07-20 2007-10-31 Tyco Electronics Amp Gmbh Coaxial connector
FR2905528B1 (en) 2006-08-31 2008-10-31 Radiall Sa COAXIAL CONNECTOR FOR CONNECTING TWO CIRCUIT BOARDS.
FR2954007B1 (en) * 2009-12-11 2011-12-23 Radiall Sa CONNECTION ASSEMBLY
US7934953B1 (en) * 2010-03-04 2011-05-03 Robert Solis Coaxial quick connector assemblies and methods of use
JP5585608B2 (en) * 2012-04-23 2014-09-10 第一精工株式会社 Coaxial electrical connector
FR2994031A1 (en) * 2012-07-27 2014-01-31 Radiall Sa HYPERFREQUENCY COAXIAL CONNECTOR FOR CONNECTING TWO CIRCUIT BOARD CARDS
FR3002371B1 (en) * 2013-02-19 2015-02-20 Radiall Sa HYPERFREQUENCY COAXIAL CONNECTOR, INTENDED IN PARTICULAR TO CONNECT TWO PRINTED CIRCUIT BOARDS BETWEEN THEM
DE202015007010U1 (en) * 2015-10-07 2015-10-22 Rosenberger Hochfrequenztechnik Gmbh & Co. Kg Interconnects
CN207353605U (en) * 2017-09-18 2018-05-11 立讯电子科技（昆山）有限公司 High-speed fastening system
KR101926502B1 (en) * 2018-03-27 2018-12-07 주식회사 기가레인 board mating connector including PIMD enhanced signal contact part
FR3086108B1 (en) * 2018-09-19 2020-08-28 Radiall Sa MINIATURE LOW STEP HYPERFREQUENCY COAXIAL CONNECTOR, INTENDED IN PARTICULAR FOR CONNECTING TWO PRINTED CIRCUIT BOARDS BETWEEN THEM

Patent Citations (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE4402002B4 (en) * 1994-01-18 2005-10-27 Wago Verwaltungsgesellschaft Mbh I / O modules / for a data bus

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
FR3086108A1 (en) 2020-03-20
US10944193B2 (en) 2021-03-09
EP3627628A1 (en) 2020-03-25
US20200091639A1 (en) 2020-03-19
FR3086108B1 (en) 2020-08-28

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
EP3627628B1 (en) Low-pitch miniature hyperfrequency coaxial connector, intended in particular for mutually connecting two printed circuit boards
EP1895625B1 (en) Coaxial connector for connecting two printed circuit boards
EP2768091B1 (en) Hyperfrequency coaxial connector, intended in particular for mutually connecting two printed circuit boards and manufacturing method of the same
KR101060341B1 (en) Coaxial transmission medium connector, and coaxial transmission medium assembly assembly method
EP0519812B1 (en) Coaxial connector for connecting a coaxial cable to an electronic printed circuit
FR2834587A1 (en) ELECTRICAL INTERCONNECTION SYSTEM AND METHOD
FR2583227A1 (en) UNIVERSAL CONNECTION UNIT
KR20180072691A (en) A single RF connector for substrate-to-board connection, and a plurality of single connectors for multiple substrate-to-board connections.
US20160211628A1 (en) Coaxial cable and connector with capacitive coupling
CN107112650B (en) Right angle coaxial cable and connector assembly
WO2020099375A1 (en) Printed circuit board connector
US20150118897A1 (en) Coaxial cable and connector with capacitive coupling
US20160226202A1 (en) Right angle coaxial cable and connector assembly
EP3267231A1 (en) Connection plug with a base of a housing panel of electronic equipment, provided with means to prevent the breakage of the optical cable on which the plug is fitted
EP0401121A1 (en) Connector assembly for printed circuit cards
EP3195420B1 (en) Coaxial cable and connector assembly
FR3086111A1 (en) MINIATURE LOW STEP COAXIAL HYPERFREQUENCY CONNECTOR WITH MEANS FOR RECALLING EXTERNAL MASS CONTACTS, IN PARTICULAR FOR CONNECTING TWO PRINTED CIRCUIT BOARDS BETWEEN THEM
EP1250731B1 (en) Coaxial electrical connector and assembly comprising same
CN102548193A (en) Electrical connector assembly
KR20200110647A (en) RF connector with a flat central contact with a forked end to accommodate the contact pins of a complementary connector and a solid insulator to guide the contact pins
EP2432072B1 (en) Wideband balun on a multilayer circuit for a network antenna
FR2813998A1 (en) Device with connecting point for coaxial cable, containing housing with cylindrical aperture
FR2919433A1 (en) Transmitting or receiving antenna module, has unitary radiating elements coupled to filters via calibration couplers and to electric outputs via connection network, where filters, couplers and outputs are developed at single layer
WO2022003191A1 (en) Earth contact comprising an axisymmetric bellows extended by support walls, unitary coaxial rf connector incorporating such an earth contact, for a board-to-board connection
FR2724063A1 (en) High density plug-in connection for circuit board-mother board connection

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
PUAI Public reference made under article 153(3) epc to a published international application that has entered the european phase

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009012

STAA Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent

Free format text: STATUS: REQUEST FOR EXAMINATION WAS MADE

17P Request for examination filed

Effective date: 20190916

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: A1

Designated state(s): AL AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HR HU IE IS IT LI LT LU LV MC MK MT NL NO PL PT RO RS SE SI SK SM TR

AX Request for extension of the european patent

Extension state: BA ME

STAA Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent

Free format text: STATUS: EXAMINATION IS IN PROGRESS

17Q First examination report despatched

Effective date: 20210506

GRAP Despatch of communication of intention to grant a patent

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSNIGR1

STAA Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent

Free format text: STATUS: GRANT OF PATENT IS INTENDED

RIC1 Information provided on ipc code assigned before grant

Ipc: H01R 13/646 20110101ALN20220323BHEP

Ipc: H01R 24/50 20110101ALI20220323BHEP

Ipc: H01R 12/91 20110101ALI20220323BHEP

Ipc: H01R 12/73 20110101AFI20220323BHEP

INTG Intention to grant announced

Effective date: 20220411

RIC1 Information provided on ipc code assigned before grant

Ipc: H01R 13/646 20110101ALN20220330BHEP

Ipc: H01R 24/50 20110101ALI20220330BHEP

Ipc: H01R 12/91 20110101ALI20220330BHEP

Ipc: H01R 12/73 20110101AFI20220330BHEP

GRAS Grant fee paid

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSNIGR3

GRAA (expected) grant

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009210

STAA Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent

Free format text: STATUS: THE PATENT HAS BEEN GRANTED

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: B1

Designated state(s): AL AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HR HU IE IS IT LI LT LU LV MC MK MT NL NO PL PT RO RS SE SI SK SM TR

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: CH

Ref legal event code: EP

Ref country code: GB

Ref legal event code: FG4D

Free format text: NOT ENGLISH

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: AT

Ref legal event code: REF

Ref document number: 1515986

Country of ref document: AT

Kind code of ref document: T

Effective date: 20220915

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: DE

Ref legal event code: R096

Ref document number: 602019018886

Country of ref document: DE

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: IE

Ref legal event code: FG4D

Free format text: LANGUAGE OF EP DOCUMENT: FRENCH

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: LT

Ref legal event code: MG9D

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: NL

Ref legal event code: MP

Effective date: 20220831

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: SE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20220831

Ref country code: RS

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20220831

Ref country code: NO

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20221130

Ref country code: LV

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20220831

Ref country code: LT

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20220831

Ref country code: FI

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20220831

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: AT

Ref legal event code: MK05

Ref document number: 1515986

Country of ref document: AT

Kind code of ref document: T

Effective date: 20220831

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: PL

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20220831

Ref country code: IS

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20221231

Ref country code: HR

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20220831

Ref country code: GR

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20221201

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: SM

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20220831

Ref country code: RO

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20220831

Ref country code: PT

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20230102

Ref country code: ES

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20220831

Ref country code: DK

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20220831

Ref country code: CZ

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20220831

Ref country code: AT

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20220831

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: BE

Ref legal event code: MM

Effective date: 20220930

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: SK

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20220831

Ref country code: MC

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20220831

Ref country code: EE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20220831

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: DE

Ref legal event code: R097

Ref document number: 602019018886

Country of ref document: DE

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: NL

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20220831

Ref country code: LU

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20220916

Ref country code: AL

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20220831

PLBE No opposition filed within time limit

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009261

STAA Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent

Free format text: STATUS: NO OPPOSITION FILED WITHIN TIME LIMIT

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: IE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20220916

26N No opposition filed

Effective date: 20230601

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: SI

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20220831

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: BE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20220930

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: IT

Payment date: 20230822

Year of fee payment: 5

Ref country code: GB

Payment date: 20230823

Year of fee payment: 5

P01 Opt-out of the competence of the unified patent court (upc) registered

Effective date: 20230921

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: FR

Payment date: 20230822

Year of fee payment: 5

Ref country code: DE

Payment date: 20230822

Year of fee payment: 5

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: CH

Payment date: 20231001

Year of fee payment: 5

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: HU

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT; INVALID AB INITIO

Effective date: 20190916

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: CY

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20220831

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: MK

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20220831

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: TR

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20220831