EP3944427B1 - Connector, in particular a mini-coaxial automotive connector, for connecting to a compatible connector - Google Patents

Description

The invention relates to a connector, in particular a mini coaxial automotive connector, for connecting to a compatible connector device, a system consisting of a connector and a compatible connector device, and the use of a connector.

Connectors, especially connectors for automotive applications, must meet a wide range of requirements. For example, connectors must enable safe and reliable transmission of electrical signals, such as high-frequency signals. Furthermore, the connectors must be durable and, due to the limited space at the intended installation location, have small dimensions and be as compact as possible.

Furthermore, standards for connectors are becoming established in the automotive sector. For example, standardized FAKRA (plug) connectors are well known. FAKRA is a standards committee for automotive technology in the German Institute for Standardization, which represents international standardization interests in the field of automotive technology. The FAKRA standard provides a system based on shape coding and color coding for the correct attachment of plug devices to connectors. For example, a connector can have a shape coding according to which a corresponding plug device can be connected to the connector. The shape coding ensures that the plug device can only be connected to the connector according to one insertion option. Furthermore, the coding of the connector and the complementary plug device can be carried out in accordance with the desired FAKRA standards.

Since the complementary plug device can only be connected to the connector in (exactly) one predetermined way due to the shape coding, problems with the usability of the connector can arise in confined spaces. The physical dimensions and structure of the plug device can prevent the connector or the plug device from being used as desired in given space conditions. For example, the physical dimensions of the plug device and the predetermined orientation of the plug device on the connector can make it impossible for the connector to be arranged at a desired position on a circuit board because other components arranged around the circuit board make it difficult or impossible to connect the plug device to the connector. This means that the design or layout of the circuit board on which the connector is to be arranged has to be adapted in order to enable the use of the connector and the plug device. For example, by adapting the design of the circuit board, the connector can be arranged at a different position on the circuit board, with the space at the other position being sufficient to enable the connector to be connected to the plug device. However, adapting the design of the circuit board is complex, especially for connectors that are designed to transmit signals in the high frequency range, for example up to 6 GHz, because the design of the circuit board must be adapted to the transmission and further processing of high frequency signals.

The publication also describes EP 3 467 952 A1 an electrical connector according to the preamble of claim 1, comprising a coding housing for electrical and mechanical connection to a compatible connector and a plug body for electrical and mechanical connection to an electrical assembly. The compatible connector can be connected to the coding housing along a plug-in direction, and the coding housing and the plug body have a mechanical connecting device. It is provided that the connecting device is designed to connect the coding housing and the plug body to one another in a form-fitting manner in the plug-in direction, wherein the connecting device specifies an assembly movement that deviates from the insertion direction in order to connect the coding housing and the plug body to each other.

The publication also describes CN 109 560 415 A a high-speed transmission connector capable of changing a plugging direction, comprising at least a housing, a terminal block and an insulating member, wherein the housing is provided with a terminal base slot arranged for the terminal block. Further, the terminal block is provided with an insulating member groove in which the insulating member is arranged. The rear end portion of the terminal block is provided with a side extension portion for guiding the extension direction of a signal cable.

The publication also describes US 2006/264080 A1 a connector assembly comprising a pair of male connectors and female connectors connected to each other, and an angular positioning device between the male connector and the female connector realized by fitting and inserting an angular position pin block formed on the male connector.

It is the object of the present invention to provide a connector, in particular a mini coaxial automotive connector, which can be configured to stably connect plug devices to the connector in different orientations.

This object is solved by the subject matters of independent claims 1 and 12.

• einen Gehäusekörper, welcher mindestens zwei Koax-Steckverbinder zum Verbinden mit entsprechenden Koax-Buchsen der kompatiblen Steckervorrichtung aufweist, wobei die Koax-Steckverbinder parallel zueinander ausgerichtet sind und sich ausgehend vom Gehäusekörper in Richtung einer Verbindungsrichtung erstrecken; und
• ein mit dem Gehäusekörper verbindbares Verbindungsgehäuse zum Verbinden des Steckverbinders mit der kompatiblen Steckervorrichtung, wobei das Verbindungsgehäuse die mindestens zwei Koax-Steckverbinder zumindest abschnittsweise entlang der Verbindungsrichtung umgibt,
• wobei das Verbindungsgehäuse genau eine Einsteckmöglichkeit zum Einstecken der kompatiblen Steckervorrichtung aufweist, um die Koax-Steckverbinder mit entsprechenden Koax-Buchsen zu verbinden, wenn die kompatible Steckervorrichtung entsprechend der genau einen Einsteckmöglichkeit in das Verbindungsgehäuse gesteckt ist,
• wobei das Verbindungsgehäuse in mindestens zwei unterschiedlichen Orientierungen mit dem Gehäusekörper verbindbar ist und wobei jede Orientierung der zwei unterschiedlichen Orientierungen eine von der anderen Orientierung unterschiedliche Zuordnung der mindestens zwei Koax-Steckverbinder zu den Koax-Buchsen der kompatiblen Steckervorrichtung bewirkt.

Preferred embodiments are defined in the dependent claims. One aspect relates to a connector, in particular a mini coaxial automotive connector, for connecting to a compatible connector device, comprising:

• a housing body having at least two coaxial connectors for connecting to corresponding coaxial sockets of the compatible connector device, the coaxial connectors being aligned parallel to one another and extending from the housing body in the direction of a connection direction; and
• a connection housing connectable to the housing body for connecting the connector to the compatible connector device, wherein the connection housing surrounds the at least two coaxial connectors at least in sections along the connection direction,
• wherein the connection housing has exactly one insertion possibility for inserting the compatible plug device in order to connect the coaxial connectors to corresponding coaxial sockets when the compatible plug device is inserted into the connection housing in accordance with the exactly one insertion possibility,
• wherein the connection housing is connectable to the housing body in at least two different orientations and wherein each orientation of the two different orientations causes an assignment of the at least two coaxial connectors to the coaxial sockets of the compatible connector device that is different from the other orientation.

Advantageously, the connector can be preconfigured with a predetermined orientation of the connection housing on the housing body, so that due to the selected orientation, the compatible connector device can be plugged into the connector in a specific spatial arrangement direction with respect to the connector. For example, it is thus possible for a right-angled connector device to point away from the connector in different directions depending on the selected orientation. In particular in places where space is limited, for example in the automotive sector, the connector enables an orientation to be selected in which the connector device can be used under the given space conditions. For example, it can be provided that the connector can be arranged on a circuit board in order to electrically connect the coaxial connectors in particular to the The possibility of choosing the orientation of the connection housing in order to make optimal use of the existing space means that a possibly necessary and often complex revision of the circuit board layout, in particular the provision of a different fastening position or arrangement position of the connector on the circuit board, can be dispensed with. If necessary, only the electrical connection between the connector and the circuit board must be adjusted, for example by changing the wiring on the circuit board side for connecting the individual coaxial connectors to the circuit board. However, this is much less complex than revising the circuit board layout, where the connector has to be arranged in a different position on the circuit board.

Consequently, the connector enables the connector device to be connected to the connector in a predetermined spatial orientation with respect to the connector in order to be able to react flexibly to given space conditions.

Preferably, the connector can be designed as a standard-compliant connector, which in particular conforms to a standard of the automotive sector, for example FAKRA HF and USCAR and in particular conforms to the standards DIN 72594-1 and USCAR-18.

Furthermore, it can be provided that the plug connector can be arranged on a circuit board. In particular, a first end of a coaxial plug connector can be connected to the coaxial sockets of the compatible plug device, and a second end of the coaxial plug connector can be electrically connected to a circuit board. In particular, the coaxial plug connector can have an electrically conductive sleeve at the first end, in which an electrically conductive inner contact is arranged at least in sections. The electrically conductive inner contact can be electrically insulated from the sleeve by means of a first dielectric insulation element. In particular, it can be provided that the sleeve and the inner conductor are both electrically and can be mechanically connected to a coaxial socket. Furthermore, the electrically conductive inner contact can have a pin-shaped end in the area of the sleeve, which can be inserted into an inner conductor of the coaxial socket.

The coaxial connectors are preferably designed to transmit high-frequency signals, for example GPS, mobile communications and/or radio signals. For example, the coaxial connectors can be designed to transmit high-frequency signals up to a frequency of 6 GHz.

To enable the compatible plug device to be inserted into the connection housing in exactly one way, the connection housing can have a coding predetermined by its shape. The coding ensures that the compatible plug device, which has a coding complementary to the coding of the connection housing, can be inserted into the connection housing in exactly one way. Furthermore, within the scope of the present disclosure, the connection direction relates to the direction in which the connector must essentially be guided in order to connect the connector to the compatible plug device. Furthermore, an insertion direction corresponds to the direction in which the compatible plug device is inserted into the connection housing. The insertion direction and the connection direction are opposite.

According to the invention, the connection housing can be plugged onto a receiving base provided on the housing body, and the connection housing and the receiving base each have cooperating securing features with which the connection housing can be secured to the receiving base or the housing body.

Advantageously, the securing features formed on the receiving base and the securing features formed on the connection housing, which interact, can make it difficult or impossible for the connection housing to be accidentally detached or removed from the housing body, so that the preselected orientation of the connection housing on the housing body is maintained.

Preferably, the connection housing can be detached from the housing body in a non-destructive or non-destructive manner. In particular, the security features formed on the receiving base and the security features formed on the connection housing can be designed to enable or prevent a non-destructive detachment of the connection housing from the housing body.

Preferably, the receiving base can be formed on a side of the housing body facing in the connection direction and the at least two coaxial connectors can extend from the receiving base in the direction of the connection direction.

The housing body can thus have a main housing body section, to which the receiving base lying in the connection direction is connected. In particular, the main housing body section can be designed essentially in the shape of a cube or cube-like shape. Furthermore, the coaxial connectors can be arranged at least in sections in the housing body, with the first end of the coaxial connectors being guided outwards in the connection direction via the receiving base. Furthermore, the second end of the coaxial connectors can be guided outwards via an underside of the housing body or the main housing body section. The underside of the housing body corresponds to the side of the housing body which faces the circuit board when the connector is arranged on a circuit board. Furthermore, the coaxial connectors, in particular the second end of the coaxial connectors, can be electrically connected to the circuit board, for example by means of a material connection, in particular soldering, to the circuit board.

Preferably, the receiving base can have a front side which is substantially perpendicular to the connection direction and from which the at least two coaxial connectors extend in the direction of the connection direction. Furthermore, the receiving base can have narrow sides which extend from the front side in the opposite direction to the connection direction and connect the front side to a section of the housing body that adjoins the receiving base, the main housing body section. Furthermore, the securing features on the receiving base side or the securing features of the receiving base can be formed on the narrow sides. Furthermore, the narrow sides and the front side spatially delimit the receiving base.

Furthermore, the front of the receiving base can have one or more through-openings by means of which the coaxial connectors are guided out of the housing body. In particular, the front can have a number of through-openings that correspond to the number of coaxial connectors. In particular, each coaxial connector can be guided out of the housing body through a separate through-opening. Furthermore, the normal vector of the front runs essentially parallel to the connection direction or insertion direction.

Furthermore, the longitudinal direction of the sleeve or the longitudinal direction of the first end of the coaxial connector can be aligned substantially parallel to the connection direction or substantially perpendicular to the front of the receiving base. In other words, the longitudinal direction of the sleeve or the longitudinal direction of the first end of the coaxial connector is substantially parallel to the normal vector of the front of the receiving base.

In a preferred embodiment, the front of the receiving base has a substantially rectangular shape, particularly preferably a square shape, with four narrow sides extending from the front of the receiving base in the direction of the housing body or the main housing body section. In particular, one narrow side extends from one side of the substantially rectangular or substantially square-shaped front of the receiving base in the direction of the housing body or the main housing body section.

According to the invention, the connection housing has a receiving base side section for inserting the receiving base and a plug device side Section for inserting the plug device, wherein a partition wall arranged substantially perpendicular to the connection direction is formed between the receiving base-side section and the plug device-side section, and wherein the partition wall has through-openings through which the at least two coaxial plug connectors extend when the connection housing is connected to the housing body.

Advantageously, by providing the partition with through-openings through which the coaxial connectors are passed and by providing a receiving base-side section on the connection housing, the connection housing can be arranged particularly stably on the housing body. Furthermore, it can be provided that the connector device-side section of the connection housing has exactly one insertion option for inserting the compatible connector device. This means that the connector device-side section of the connection housing can have a coding predetermined by the shape of the connector device-side section, which is compatible with a complementary coding of the connector device. For example, the connector device-side section can have one or more grooves on an inner side running along the connection direction, which function as a shape coding.

Preferably, when the connection housing and housing body are connected, the receiving base can be completely introduced or plugged into the receiving base-side section of the connection housing in the connection direction. Furthermore, the coaxial connectors are at least partially surrounded by the connector device-side section of the connection housing. In particular, the first end of the coaxial connectors is set back from an end of the connector device-side section of the connection housing in the connection direction.

Preferably, the receiving base side section of the connection housing has an outer wall which, together with the partition wall, forms a receiving space into which the receiving base can be inserted, wherein the outer wall is arranged substantially perpendicular to the partition wall and wherein the securing features are arranged on the inside of the outer wall. Furthermore, when the connecting housing and the housing body are connected, the partition wall can rest against the front of the receiving base and the outer wall of the section on the receiving base side can rest substantially against the narrow sides of the receiving base.

Preferably, the securing features of the receiving base comprise at least one projection on the receiving base side and the securing features of the connection housing comprise at least one recess on the connection housing side, wherein the projection on the receiving base side and the recess on the connection housing side lock together when the connection housing is connected to the housing body.

In particular, the projections on the receiving base side can be formed on the narrow sides of the receiving base. Furthermore, the projections on the receiving base side can have a ramp that slopes down in the connection direction and can slope down in steps to the narrow side in the opposite direction to the connection direction. This advantageously enables the connection housing to be separated from the housing body without causing any damage, in order to be able to detect any manipulation of the connector. In particular, separating the connection housing from the housing body can lead to damage to the projections on the receiving base side and/or the recesses on the connection housing side.

In a preferred embodiment, the connector or the housing body can have four coaxial connectors, in particular exactly four coaxial connectors, which are guided outwards through the receiving base in the connection direction. The four coaxial connectors are arranged parallel to one another. Furthermore, the front of the receiving base is essentially square and each quadrant of the front can have a through-opening through which one of the four coaxial connectors is guided outwards. The partition wall of the connection housing can also have four through-openings through which the four coaxial connectors protrude when the connection housing is connected to the housing body.

Furthermore, it can be provided that the connection housing can be connected to the housing body in four different orientations. In particular, the four orientations can differ in that the connection housing is rotated by 90° relative to the housing body.

Preferably, the housing body may have (exactly) one positioning projection and the connection housing may have at least two positioning openings, wherein the positioning projection and the at least two positioning openings are arranged such that in each orientation in which the connection housing is connectable to the housing body, the positioning projection engages in another positioning opening of the at least two positioning openings.

Advantageously, the provision of the positioning projection and the at least two positioning openings enables the connection housing to be precisely positioned or aligned on the housing body.

Preferably, the positioning projection is formed on the front side of the receiving base and the at least two positioning openings are provided in the partition wall of the connection housing. In particular, the positioning projection extends from the front side of the receiving base in the connection direction and engages in one of the two positioning openings when the connection housing is connected to the housing body.

Preferably, the front side of the receiving base has (exactly) two positioning projections, which extend from the front side in the connection direction. Furthermore, the partition wall of the connection housing has four positioning openings, wherein in each possible orientation of the four orientations of the connection housing and the housing body, each positioning projection can be turned into a different Positioning opening engages.

Preferably, the positioning projections are each arranged on different edges which are formed between the front of the receiving base and the different narrow sides. In particular, the positioning projections are arranged centrally on the respective edges. Furthermore, the two positioning projections can be arranged on opposite edges, namely a first positioning projection on a first edge and the second positioning projection on the second edge opposite the first edge. Accordingly, the positioning openings are arranged on the partition wall of the connection housing.

The combination of exactly two positioning projections and exactly four positioning openings is advantageous because it allows the connection housing to be precisely positioned on the housing body in each of the four different orientations.

Preferably, the positioning projections and the positioning openings essentially have the shape of an isosceles triangle, in particular an equilateral triangle. The selected triangular shape is advantageous because the positioning projections and positioning openings are exposed to a small amount of distortion when the connection housing and/or the housing body are exposed to possible mechanical forces, in particular shear loads.

Preferably, one side of the positioning projection formed as a triangle is aligned along the edge formed by the front side and a narrow side of the receiving base. In the case of the shape of an isosceles triangle, the base side or base of the isosceles triangle is preferably aligned along the edge. Furthermore, the positioning projection can be aligned centrally on the edge and one corner of each of the two opposing positioning projections points towards each other.

The housing body can preferably be designed for mounting on a circuit board, with the center of gravity of the connector preferably being located behind a circuit board setting edge of the housing body. The connector or the housing body can thus advantageously be arranged on the circuit board to be connected without the connector tilting in relation to the circuit board. This simplifies the fastening or mounting of the connector on the circuit board, since the connector on the circuit board does not have to be secured against tilting.

In particular, the housing body can have several plug contacts that are designed to be inserted into corresponding receiving openings or plug holes in the circuit board in order to connect the connector to the circuit board. The housing body preferably has four plug contacts, of which two first plug contacts are arranged in front of two second plug contacts in the connection direction. An imaginary connecting line can be seen as the circuit board setting edge, which connects the two first plug contacts, which are arranged at the same height on the underside in the connection direction, to one another.

The underside of the housing body preferably has one or more support elements with a support surface. The support element(s) and the support surface serve to support the housing body or the connector on the circuit board, so that the coaxial connectors, which preferably serve to make electrical contact, and the plug contacts do not have to "bear" the weight of the connector or the housing body. This also gives the connector advantages in terms of vibration resistance. Furthermore, the support elements and/or the plug contacts can be used to dissipate heat from the circuit board.

Preferably, the connection housing can be designed in one color. Furthermore, the color can correspond to a color coding according to a standard. Advantageously, a color coding of the connector can thus be provided in addition to the shape coding.

In a preferred embodiment, the housing body can be designed as a zinc die-cast component and/or the connecting housing can be designed as a plastic component. The housing body and the connecting housing can thus be manufactured cost-effectively. Furthermore, the housing body designed as a zinc die-cast component is particularly stable.

Preferably, the housing body can have a first housing body element and a second housing body element, wherein the second housing body element is inserted into the first housing body element. Furthermore, the first housing body element can have the receiving base and the second end of the coaxial connector can be guided outwards through the second housing body element, in particular via the underside.

Furthermore, the electrically conductive inner contact can have a first contact section that is angled at a predetermined angle relative to a second contact section of the inner contact. The first contact section is arranged at least in sections in the sleeve and the second contact section can be electrically connected to the circuit board via the second end of the inner conductor. Furthermore, the first dielectric insulation element surrounds the first contact section at least in sections and is arranged at least in sections in the sleeve. Furthermore, the connector can have a second dielectric insulation element that surrounds the second contact section at least in sections. The first dielectric insulation element and the second dielectric insulation element can be arranged on the inner contact in such a way that an angle of the first contact section relative to the second contact section is limited to the predetermined angle.

Preferably, the first dielectric insulation element and the second dielectric insulation element each have a stop surface which are aligned substantially parallel to one another when the predetermined angle is applied.

Preferably, the first dielectric insulation element and/or the second dielectric insulation element is formed or attached to the first contact section or to the second contact section by means of an injection molding process.

Preferably, the first housing body element has deformable securing elements with which the second housing body element is secured to the first housing body element, wherein the deformable securing elements are preferably arranged on the underside of the first housing body element.

Preferably, the housing body can have two opposite main sides, which are aligned substantially parallel to the connection direction and which each run from a top side of the housing body to the bottom side of the housing body, wherein each main side has at least one recess. The at least one recess can in particular be designed as a depression which is formed on the outer wall of the housing body. Preferably, the longitudinal direction of the respective recesses is substantially perpendicular to the connection direction.

Particularly preferably, each main side can have a first pair of recesses which extend from the top side towards the bottom side. Furthermore, each main side can additionally have a second pair of recesses which extend from the bottom side towards the top side, and wherein the first pair of recesses and the second pair of recesses are not continuous on the main side, and the first pair of recesses and the second pair of recesses are preferably opposite one another on the main side.

Advantageously, the recesses allow a weight saving on the housing body or connector, which can reduce the moments of inertia acting on the circuit board, and on the other hand the housing body can be manufactured using less material, which reduces manufacturing costs.

A further aspect of the invention relates to a system comprising a connector according to the above statements and a plug device compatible with the connector.

• Verbinden des Verbindungsgehäuses mit dem Gehäusekörper gemäß einer Orientierung der mindestens zwei Orientierungen, und
• Verbinden des Steckverbinders mit einer Leiterplatte.

A further aspect of the invention relates to the use of a connector according to the above embodiments, comprising:

• Connecting the connection housing to the housing body according to an orientation of the at least two orientations, and
• Connecting the connector to a circuit board.

Preferably, the coaxial connectors can be electrically connected to a corresponding contact on the circuit board, for example by soldering the coaxial connectors to the corresponding contact on the circuit board. Furthermore, it can be provided that the contact provided on the circuit board for electrically connecting the coaxial connectors is adapted according to the selected orientation, in particular that the determination of the guide of the contact on the circuit board is adapted to the orientation.

Preferably, the use may further provide for the insertion of a compatible connector device into the connection housing in order to connect the coaxial connectors to the corresponding coaxial sockets of the compatible connector device.

An embodiment of the invention is described in more detail below with reference to the accompanying figures. It is understood that the present invention is not limited to this embodiment and that individual features of the embodiment can be combined to form further embodiments within the scope of the accompanying claims.

Figur 1

eine perspektivische Ansicht eines Steckverbinders bestehend aus einem Gehäusekörper und einem Verbindungsgehäuse,

Figur 2

eine perspektivische Ansicht des Steckverbinders, bei dem Gehäusekörper und Steckverbinder miteinander verbunden sind,

Figur 3

eine Explosionszeichnung des Gehäusekörpers,

Figur 4

eine perspektivische Ansicht des Verbindungsgehäuses und des Gehäusekörpers im Querschnitt,

Figur 5

eine perspektivische Ansicht der Unterseite des Steckverbinders,

Figur 6

einen Innenkontakt für einen Koax-Steckverbinder,

Figur 7

den Innenkontakt mit angeordneten Isolationselement,

Figur 8

eine Ansicht der Vorderseite des Verbindungsgehäuses,

Figur 9

eine Seitenansicht der Hauptseite des Gehäusekörpers,

Figur 10

eine Seitenansicht der Oberseite des Gehäusekörpers,

Figur 11

eine Seitenansicht der Unterseite des Gehäusekörpers,

Figuren 12 bis 14

eine zweite Ausführungsform des Gehäusekörpers, und

Figur 15

eine dritte Ausführungsform des Gehäusekörpers.

Show it:

Figure 1

a perspective view of a connector consisting of a housing body and a connection housing,

Figure 2

a perspective view of the connector, where Housing body and connector are connected to each other,

Figure 3

an exploded view of the housing body,

Figure 4

a perspective view of the connector housing and the housing body in cross section,

Figure 5

a perspective view of the bottom of the connector,

Figure 6

an internal contact for a coaxial connector,

Figure 7

the internal contact with arranged insulation element,

Figure 8

a view of the front of the connection housing,

Figure 9

a side view of the main side of the housing body,

Figure 10

a side view of the top of the housing body,

Figure 11

a side view of the bottom of the housing body,

Figures 12 to 14

a second embodiment of the housing body, and

Figure 15

a third embodiment of the housing body.

Figure 1 shows a connector 10 consisting of a housing body 12 and a connection housing 14, which can be plugged onto the housing body 12. The connector 10 is designed in particular as a mini-coax automotive connector and can be connected to a compatible plug device. The housing body 12 also consists of a main housing body section 16 and a receiving base 18 arranged on the main housing body section 16, which points in the direction of a connection direction V. The connection direction V is to be understood as the direction in which the connector 10 must be moved in order to plug the housing body 12 into the connection housing 14 or to connect the connector 10 to a compatible plug device (not shown).

Furthermore, the housing body 12 has four coaxial connectors 20, which are arranged at least in sections in the housing body 12. The four coaxial connectors 20 are aligned essentially parallel to one another and are led out of the housing body 12 via the receiving base 18. The four coaxial connectors 20 extend from the receiving base 18 in the connection direction V.

The connection housing 14 has a receiving base side section 22, which can be plugged onto the receiving base 18. When the connection housing 14 is connected to the housing body 12, the receiving base-side section 22 is plugged onto the receiving base 18 and the receiving base 18 is preferably completely inserted into the receiving base-side section 22. Furthermore, the connection housing 14 has a plug device-side section 24 into which the compatible plug device can be plugged in order to connect corresponding coaxial sockets of the plug device to the coaxial plug connectors 20.

The connector 10 can in particular be a standard-compliant connector that is, for example, compliant with a FAKRA standard or USCAR standard. Furthermore, the connector 10 has a shape coding 26 formed on the connection housing 14, which ensures that the connection housing 14 has exactly one insertion possibility for inserting the compatible connector device. As in Figure 1 As shown, the shape coding 26 can consist of one or more grooves 26 which extend along the connection direction V on the inside of the plug device-side section 24 of the connection housing 14.

Furthermore, the connection housing 14 is designed to be fastened to the housing body 12 or to the receiving base 18 in at least two different orientations. In particular, the connection housing 14 can be fastened to the housing body 12 in different orientations by rotating the connection housing 14 by 90° each time about a center axis Z, which extends from the center of the receiving base 18 in the direction of the connection direction V. In the Figure 1 In the embodiment shown, the connector housing 14 can be arranged in (exactly) four different orientations on the housing body 12 or on the receiving base 18. In each of these orientations, the coaxial connectors 20 are assigned to different or other coaxial sockets of the compatible connector device. Furthermore, Figure 2 by way of example, how the connection housing 14 is arranged in a first orientation on the housing body 12 or on the receiving base 18.

How to continue in Figure 1 As shown, the receiving base 18 has a front side 28 pointing in the connection direction V, which is essentially perpendicular to the connection direction V. This means that the normal vector of the front side 28 is essentially parallel to the connection direction V. The front side 28 has an essentially square shape (see also Figures 3 and 4 ), wherein from each of the four sides of the front side 28 a narrow side 30 extends against the connection direction V in the direction of the main housing body section 16 in order to connect the front side 28 to the main housing body section 16. Furthermore, the narrow sides 30 each have a securing feature 32, which can be connected to corresponding securing features 34 (see Figure 4 ) of the connection housing 14 to secure the connection housing 14 to the housing body 12 or the receiving base 18.

Figure 3 shows a perspective exploded view of the housing body 12. In order to keep the representation of the housing body 12 clear, only two of the four coaxial connectors 20 are shown. The housing body 12 consists of a first housing body element 36 and a second housing body element 38, wherein the second housing body element 38 can be inserted into the first housing body element 36. Furthermore, the first housing body element 36 has the receiving base 18, in which four through openings 40 are formed, which extend in the connection direction V. The through openings 40 are such that the coaxial connectors 20 are led out of the housing body 12 by means of the through openings 40, pointing outwards in the connection direction V.

Referring to the Figures 3 , 6 and 7 , the structure of a coaxial connector 20 is explained in more detail. A coaxial connector 20 has an electrically conductive inner contact 42 (see Figures 6 and 7 ) which is essentially flat and elongated. Furthermore, the inner contact 42 is designed to connect a coaxial socket of the compatible plug device to a circuit board.

The inner contact 42 can in particular be made from a flat starting workpiece punched. A sheet of electrically conductive metal with a predetermined material thickness can be used as a flat starting workpiece. The material thickness of the electrically conductive starting workpiece can be between 0.2 mm and 0.4 mm, for example, and preferably approximately 0.3 mm or exactly 0.3 mm.

The inner contact 42 can be divided into a first contact section 44 and a second contact section 46, wherein the second contact section 46 is angled relative to the first contact section 44 by a predetermined angle (see Figure 3 to Figure 6 ). In the embodiment shown, the first contact section 44 is angled by approximately 90° relative to the second contact section 46.

As in the Figures 6 and 7 As shown, the inner contact 42 has a coaxial socket-side end section 110 in the region of the first contact section 44, which is formed at one end of the inner contact 42. Furthermore, the coaxial socket-side end section 110 is designed to engage in a socket-shaped inner contact of a corresponding coaxial socket of the compatible plug device.

Furthermore, the inner contact 42 can have a circuit board-side end section 112 in the region of the second contact section 46, which is formed at the other end of the inner contact 42. The circuit board-side end section 112 is designed to be electrically connected to the circuit board. In particular, it can be provided that the circuit board-side end section 112 is led out of the housing body 12 so that the circuit board-side end section 112 can be arranged in a through-opening of the circuit board in order to electrically connect the coaxial connector 20 to the circuit board.

Preferably, the coaxial socket-side end section 110 and/or the circuit board-side end section 112 can be formed by stamping the inner contact 42. In particular, the inner contact 42 punched from the starting workpiece can be subjected to a stamping process in which the coaxial socket-side end section 110 and/or the circuit board-side End sections 112, which after punching have a substantially rectangular cross-section (transverse to the longitudinal direction of the inner contact 42), are reshaped so that the cross-section is substantially round and/or oval. Embossing is particularly advantageous because burr formation on the coaxial socket-side end section 110 and/or the circuit board-side end section 112 can be prevented.

Preferably, the coaxial socket-side end section 110 and the circuit board-side end section 112 have a substantially round or oval cross-section transverse to the longitudinal direction of the internal contact. The cross-section/diameter of the coaxial socket-side end section 110 can be, for example, 0.2 mm to 0.4 mm. Particularly preferably, the cross-section of the coaxial socket-side end section 110 can have a substantially rectangular basic shape with dimensions of approximately 0.3 mm * 0.37 mm, with a radius of approximately 0.1 mm embossed on all edges. Due to the embossed radius, the cross-section of the coaxial socket-side end section 110 has the previously mentioned substantially round or oval shape. The diameter of the circuit board-side end section 112 can be, for example, 0.2 mm to 0.5 mm. Particularly preferably, the cross section of the circuit board-side end section 112 can have a substantially rectangular basic shape with dimensions of approximately 0.3 mm * 0.37 mm, with a radius of approximately 0.1 mm being stamped on all edges.

As in Figure 7 As shown, the inner contact 42 in the region of the first contact section 44 is surrounded at least in sections along the longitudinal direction of the inner contact 42 by a first dielectric insulation element 48, wherein the coaxial socket-side end section 110 is exposed, i.e., is not surrounded by the first dielectric insulation element 48. Likewise, the inner contact 42 in the region of the second contact section 46 is surrounded at least in sections by a second dielectric insulation element 50, wherein the first dielectric insulation element 48 and the second dielectric insulation element 50 are arranged at a distance from one another on the inner contact 42 when the inner contact 42 is not angled. Likewise, the circuit board-side end section 112 is exposed and not surrounded by the second dielectric Insulation element 50 surrounds the inner contact 42. The first dielectric insulation element 48 and the second dielectric insulation element 50 can be connected to or arranged on the inner contact 42, in particular using an injection molding process. For example, the inner contact 42 can be arranged on an injection mold which provides recesses for the first dielectric insulation element 48 and/or the second dielectric insulation element 50. The injection mold or the recesses can be filled with a liquefied dielectric insulation material or a plastic, and the insulation material is then solidified, for example by cooling. The inner contact 42 with the arranged first dielectric insulation element 48 and/or second dielectric insulation element 50 can then be removed from the injection mold. The insulation elements created in this way can also be referred to as insulation bodies, in which the inner contact 42 is arranged at least in sections.

Furthermore, the first dielectric insulation element 48 and the second dielectric insulation element 50 each have a stop surface 52 (see Figure 7 ), which limit the bending of the first contact section 44 relative to the second contact section 46 to the predetermined angle, for example to approximately 90°. When the predetermined angle is applied, the stop surface 52 of the first dielectric insulation element 48 and the second dielectric insulation element 50 are aligned substantially parallel to one another.

How to continue in Figure 7 As shown, the first dielectric insulation element 48 has a sleeve section 56 which at least partially surrounds the inner contact 42 along the connection direction V. The sleeve section 56 adjoins (directly) the coaxial socket-side end section 110 opposite to the connection direction V. A housing section 58 of the first dielectric insulation element 48 adjoins (directly) the sleeve section 56 opposite to the connection direction V.

The sleeve portion 56 has a substantially cylindrical shape, wherein the cylinder axis of the sleeve portion 56 is substantially parallel to the longitudinal direction of the first contact portion 44 and substantially aligned with the coaxial socket side End section 110 coincides. The housing section 58 has a rectangular, preferably square, cross-section transverse to the longitudinal direction. Furthermore, the cross-sectional area of the housing section 58 is selected to be larger than the cross-sectional area of the sleeve section 56, so that a stop or shoulder is formed at the transition from the sleeve section 56 to the housing section 58, which is referred to below as the sleeve stop 114.

As from Figure 3 As can be seen, the coaxial connector 20 has a substantially hollow-cylindrical sleeve 54 which can be pushed onto the sleeve section 56 opposite to the connection direction V. The sleeve 54 has a sleeve base 55 which is formed radially outwards and which rests against the sleeve stop 114. Furthermore, the first dielectric insulation element 48 electrically insulates the sleeve 54 from the inner contact 42. Furthermore, the sleeve 54 completely surrounds the coaxial socket-side end section 110 along the connection direction V. The sleeve 54 and the coaxial socket-side end section 110 are thus designed to be connected to a coaxial socket of the compatible plug device. Furthermore, it is provided that the sleeve section 56 is arranged between the sleeve 54 and the inner contact 42.

Furthermore, the second dielectric insulation element 50 has a rectangular, preferably square, cross-section transverse to the longitudinal direction of the inner contact 42.

Referring to the Figures 3 and 4 the assembly of the connector 10 is explained in more detail. As can be seen from the Figure 4 As can be seen from the cross-sectional view shown, the first housing body has a first insulation element receiving space 60, which adjoins the through-opening 40 of the receiving base 18 opposite to the connection direction V. In the assembled state of the connector 10, the first contact section 44 is arranged at least in sections in the first insulation element receiving space 60 and the through-opening 40. In particular, the first contact section 44 is inserted with the coaxial socket-side end section 110 leading, in the connection direction V, into the first Insulation element receiving space 60 and introduced into the passage opening 40 in order to guide the sleeve 54 out of the housing body 12. The passage opening 40 lies flat against the sleeve 54. The first insulation element receiving space 60 has a rectangular, preferably square, cross-section transverse to the connection direction V, so that the first dielectric insulation element 48 is arranged in a form-fitting manner in the first insulation element receiving space 60.

Furthermore, the first insulation element receiving space 60 can have a larger cross-section than the through-opening 40, so that the transition from the first insulation element receiving space 60 to the through-opening 40 provides a stop 115 or shoulder. In particular, the sleeve stop 114 formed by the sleeve section 56 and the housing section 58 can rest against the stop 115 formed by the through-opening 40 and the first insulation element receiving space 60 when the coaxial connector 20 or the first contact section 44 of the coaxial connector 20 is guided in the connection direction V into the first insulation element receiving space 60 and then through the through-opening 40. Furthermore, the sleeve base 55 can be arranged between the two stops 114/115, whereby the sleeve 54 is secured in the housing body 12.

Before or preferably after inserting the coaxial connector 20 into the first housing body member 36, the second contact portion 46 may be angled to the predetermined angle with respect to the first contact portion 48.

Subsequently, the second housing body element 38 is introduced into the first housing body element 36 such that the second contact section 46 and in particular the circuit board-side end section 112 is led out of the second housing body element 38 and thus out of the housing body 12 or to the outside.

The second housing body element 38 has in particular a second insulation element receiving space 62 which is designed to receive the second dielectric insulation element 48 preferably in a form-fitting manner. The longitudinal direction of the second insulation element receiving space 62 is essentially perpendicular to the connection direction V or corresponds to the longitudinal direction of the second contact section 46. Furthermore, the second insulation element receiving space 62 has an essentially rectangular, preferably square, cross-section transverse to the longitudinal direction, so that the second dielectric insulation element 50 can be arranged in a form-fitting manner in the second insulation element receiving space 62. Furthermore, the second insulation element receiving space 62 provides an opening on the underside 64 of the second housing body element 38 or the housing body 12, via which the second contact section 46 or the circuit board-side end section 112 can be guided outwards. The underside 64 of the second housing body element 38 or the housing body 12 faces the circuit board when the housing body 12 is arranged on the circuit board.

Furthermore, the housing section 58 of the first dielectric insulation element 48 has guide elements 59 (see Figure 3 ), which support the insertion of the first dielectric insulation element 48 into the first housing body element 36 or into the first insulation element receiving space 62. The guide elements 59 can in particular be designed as projections on the housing section 58.

The second housing body element 38 has a total of four second insulation element receiving spaces 66, in each of which a second dielectric insulation element 50 can be arranged in a form-fitting manner. Furthermore, the second housing body element 38 has two receiving areas 66/68 that are stepped relative to one another, with each receiving area 66/68 providing two second insulation element receiving spaces 63. Furthermore, the four second insulation element receiving spaces 63 are each separated from one another by walls 70 of the second housing body element 38. Furthermore, the second insulation element receiving spaces 62 are open towards the underside 64. Furthermore, the second insulation element receiving spaces 62 in the respective receiving areas 66/68 are designed to be of different lengths, with second insulation element receiving spaces 62 of the same receiving area 66/68 are designed to be of equal length. The second dielectric insulation elements 50 assigned to the respective second insulation element receiving spaces 62 are also designed to be of the same length.

With reference to Figure 5 the underside of the plug connector 10 is explained in more detail. The first housing body 12 or the main housing body section 16 has two opposite side walls 72, which extend from the underside 64 of the housing body 12 to an upper side 74 of the housing body 12. Furthermore, the side walls 72 of the first housing body element 12 are aligned substantially parallel to the connection direction V. Furthermore, the two side walls 72 are spaced apart from one another, so that the second housing body element 38 is arranged between the two side walls 72 of the first housing body element 36. On the underside of the two side walls 72, two plug contacts 74 are formed, by means of which the housing body 12 can be connected to a circuit board. In particular, the plug contacts 74 can be inserted into insertion holes formed on the main circuit board and then connected to the circuit board, for example by soldering.

Furthermore, each side wall 72 has a support element 76 with a support surface 78 on the underside 64. The support element 76 and the support surface 78 serve to support the housing body 12 or the connector 10 on the circuit board, so that the coaxial connectors 20, which preferably serve for electrical contact, and the plug contacts 74 do not have to additionally "carry" the weight of the connector 10 or the housing body 12. In addition, the connector 10 has advantages in terms of vibration resistance. Furthermore, the support elements 76 and/or the plug contacts 74 can be used to dissipate heat from the circuit board. The second housing body element 38 also has one or more support elements 76 with corresponding support surfaces 78 on the underside 64.

Furthermore, deformable securing elements 80 are formed on the underside 64 of the side walls 72, with which the second housing body element 38 can be secured to the first housing body element 36. Securing it is understood that the second housing body element 38 cannot be separated from the first housing body element 36. In particular, each side wall 72 has one, preferably exactly one, deformable securing element 80 at an end of the underside 64 lying in the connection direction V and at an end of the underside 64 lying opposite the connection direction V. The securing element 80 is in each case designed as a projection which extends from the underside 64 away from the housing body 12. Furthermore, the second housing body element 38 has recesses 82 on the underside into which the securing elements 80 engage when the securing elements 80 are deformed or bent in the direction of the opposite side wall 72. In particular, the recesses 82 are each provided in the corners of the underside 64 of the second housing body element 38.

With reference to Figure 4 The connection housing 14 is explained in more detail below. A partition 84 is arranged between the receiving base-side section 22 and the plug device-side section 24, which is arranged essentially perpendicular to the connection direction V. The partition 84 also has four through-openings 86 through which the four coaxial plug connectors 20 are led. Furthermore, the plug device-side section 24 surrounds the four coaxial plug connectors 20 at least in sections in the connection direction. In particular, the plug device-side section 24 consists of a wall 88 which extends from the partition 84 in the direction of the connection direction V. Furthermore, the partition 84 and the wall 88 of the plug device-side section delimit a receiving space into which the compatible plug device is inserted in the direction of the insertion direction E.

Starting from the partition wall 84, a wall 90 of the receiving base side section 22 of the connection housing 14 extends against the connection direction V. The partition wall 84 and the wall 90 delimit the receiving base side section 22 into which the receiving base 18 is inserted or plugged. Furthermore, the partition wall 84 rests against the front side 28 of the receiving base 18. Likewise, the inside of the wall 90 of the receiving base side section 22 rests against the narrow sides 30 of the mounting base 18. As shown in Figure 4 As shown, the securing features 34 of the connection housing 14 are formed on the inside of the wall 90 of the receiving base-side section 22, which cooperate with the securing features 32 of the receiving base 18 in order to secure the connection housing 14 to the housing body 12. In particular, the securing features 34 of the connection housing 14 can be formed as recesses.

The securing features 32 of the receiving base can be designed as projections which are arranged on the outside of the narrow sides 30. In particular, each of the four narrow sides 30 can have a securing feature 32 and the inside of the wall 90 can have corresponding securing features 34. Referring to Figure 7 the securing feature 32 of the receiving base 18, designed as a projection, has a ramp 92 sloping in the connection direction V. Contrary to the connection direction V, the securing feature 32 designed as a projection slopes down in a step-like manner or vertically onto the narrow side 30. In particular, this means that the connection housing 14 cannot be separated from the housing body 12 without causing damage, since the shape of the securing feature 32 designed as a projection at least results in damage to the connection housing 14.

As in Figure 4 As shown, the front side 28 of the receiving base 18 has two positioning projections 94 spaced apart from one another, which extend from the front side 28 in the connection direction V. Furthermore, the partition wall 84 of the connection housing 14 has four positioning openings 96 (cf. Figure 8 ), About what Figure 3 due to the sectional drawing, only three positioning openings 96 are shown at least partially. The positioning projections 94 and the positioning openings 96 are arranged such that in each orientation of the connection housing 14 on the housing body 12, a positioning projection 94 engages in another positioning opening 96.

The positioning openings 96 and positioning projections 94 have a substantially triangular shape, preferably an isosceles triangular shape and particularly preferably a simultaneous triangular shape. Furthermore, the two Positioning projections 94 are arranged opposite one another on the front side 28 of the receiving base 18. Each positioning projection 94 is aligned centrally on an edge 31, which is formed by the front side 28 and a narrow side 30. In particular, one side of the triangle can be aligned on the edge 31. Furthermore, in the case of an isosceles triangle, the base is aligned on the edge 31. Furthermore, the four positioning openings 96 are arranged on the partition wall 84 in accordance with the positioning projections 94. In particular, the four positioning openings 96 are formed in the partition wall 84 at intervals of 90°. In particular, the four positioning openings 96 can be arranged on the partition wall 84 in such a way that two imaginary connecting lines, which each connect two opposite positioning openings 96, have a common intersection point. With respect to this intersection point, the four positioning openings 96 are formed in the partition wall 84 at intervals of 90° (the intersection point forms the center of an imaginary circle on which the four positioning openings 96 lie). Furthermore, an imaginary straight line which runs substantially perpendicular to the partition wall 84 and through the common intersection point intersects an imaginary connecting line which connects the two positioning projections 94 to one another in such a way that the two positioning projections 94 are equidistant from the imaginary straight line. Furthermore, the imaginary straight line runs through the center of the front side 28 of the receiving base 18.

As in Figure 1 As shown, the housing body 12 has recesses 98 on its outer wall, which are Figures 9 -11 will be explained in more detail. The recesses 98 can in particular be designed as depressions which are formed on the outer wall of the housing body 12. The housing body 12 or the main housing body section 16 has two opposite main sides 100 on the outside, which are formed by the side walls 72 of the first housing body element 36 and which connect the underside 64 of the housing body 12 with an upper side 102 of the housing body 102 opposite the underside. The main sides 100, the upper side 102 and the lower side 64 extend essentially parallel to the connection direction V. Furthermore, the main sides 100 correspond to the Outer sides of the side walls 72 of the first housing body element 36.

A first pair of recesses 104 and a second pair of recesses 106 are formed on both main sides 100 or in both side walls 72, wherein the first pair of recesses 104 extends from the top side 102 in the direction of the bottom side 64 and the second pair of recesses 106 extends from the bottom side 64 in the direction of the top side 102. The longitudinal direction of the recesses 98 is substantially perpendicular to the connection direction V.

The recesses 98 are formed such that the depth a of the first pair of recesses 104 is greater than the width b of the first pair of recesses 106 (cf. Figure 10 ), and the depth d of the second pair of recesses 106 is smaller than the width e of the second pair of recesses 106 (cf. Figure 11 ). Furthermore, the first pair of recesses 104 and the second pair of recesses 106 on the two main sides 100 are not continuous and are located opposite each other (cf. Figure 9 ).

In particular, the width b of a recess 98 of the first pair of recesses 104 and the width e of a recess 98 of the second pair of recesses 106 can correspond to 0.04 times to 0.08 times, particularly preferably approximately 0.057 times, the total width B of the housing body 12 along the connection direction V. The total width B of the housing body can also be viewed as the distance between two fictitious planes, each of which is perpendicular to the connection direction V, and wherein a first fictitious plane of the two fictitious planes is located at an end of the housing body 12 lying in the connection direction V (without coaxial connector) and a second fictitious plane of the two fictitious planes is located at an end of the housing body 12 lying opposite the connection direction V. The total width B of the housing body 12 can, for example, be in the range between 11 mm and 18 mm and preferably in the range between 13 mm and 16 mm. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the total width B of the housing body 12 is substantially 15.8 mm and the width b of a recess 98 of the first pair of recesses 104 and the width e of a recess 98 of the second pair of recesses 106 are substantially 0.9 mm.

Furthermore, the depth a of a recess 98 of the first pair of recesses 104 can be 0.10 times to 0.14 times the distance T between the two opposite main sides 100. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the depth a of a recess 98 of the first pair of recesses can be approximately 0.117 times the distance T between the two opposite main sides 100.

Furthermore, the depth d of a recess 98 of the second pair of recesses 106 can be 0.045 times to 0.07 times the distance T between the two opposite main sides 100. In the particularly preferred embodiment, the depth d of a recess 98 of the second pair of recesses 106 can be approximately 0.055 times the distance T between the two opposite main sides 100.

For example, the distance T between the two main sides 100 of the housing body 12 can be 10 mm to 13 mm. In the particularly preferred embodiment, the distance T between the two main sides 100 of the housing body 12 is approximately 12 mm, the depth a of a recess 98 of the first pair of recesses 104 is approximately 1.41 mm, and the depth d of a recess 98 of the second pair of recesses 106 is approximately 0.66 mm.

Furthermore, the first pair of recesses 104 and the second pair of recesses 106 are spaced apart from a rear side 108 of the housing body by at least 0.15 times and a maximum of 0.25 times the total width B of the housing body along the connection direction V. In the particularly preferred embodiment, the first pair of recesses 104 and the second pair of recesses 106 can be spaced apart from the rear side 108 of the housing body by approximately 3.1 mm. The rear side 108 is arranged opposite the front side 28 and delimits the housing body 12 opposite the connection direction V. Furthermore, the side of the housing body 12 which is substantially perpendicular to the connection direction V and faces opposite the connection direction can be regarded as the rear side 108 of the housing body 12.

Furthermore, the length c of the first pair of recesses 104 may be 0.2 to 0.4 times, preferably 0.3 times to 0.38 times the distance H between the bottom side 64 and the top side 102 of the housing body 12. In the particularly preferred embodiment, the length c of the first pair of recesses 104 can correspond to approximately 0.37 times the distance H between the bottom side 64 and the top side 102 of the housing body 12.

Furthermore, the length f of the second pair of recesses 106 can correspond to 0.3 times to 0.5 times, preferably 0.3 times to 0.44 times the distance H between the bottom side 64 and the top side 102 of the housing body. In the particularly preferred embodiment, the length f of the second pair of recesses 106 can correspond to approximately 0.36 times the distance H between the bottom side 64 and the top side 102 of the housing body. For example, the distance H between the bottom side 64 of the housing body 12 and the top side 102 of the housing body 12 can be 10 mm to 14 mm, preferably 11 mm to 13 mm. In the particularly preferred embodiment, the distance H between the bottom side 64 of the housing body 12 and the top side 102 of the housing body 12 can be approximately 12.05 mm, wherein the length f of the second pair of recesses 106 can be approximately 5.7 mm and the length c of the first pair of recesses 104 can be approximately 4.45 mm.

Furthermore, the distance between the recesses 98 of the first pair of recesses 102 can be 1.3 times to 2.0 times the width b of a recess 98 of the first pair of recesses 102 and the distance between the recesses 98 of the second pair of recesses 106 can be 1.3 times to 2.0 times the width e of a recess 98 of the second pair of recesses 106.

Furthermore, Figure 11 how the support elements 76 with their support surfaces 78 are formed on the underside 64 of the first housing body element 36. The support surfaces 78 run essentially parallel to the underside 64 of the housing body 12 or the housing body element 36. Furthermore, the support elements 76 are arranged in the connection direction V between two plug contacts 74. The Figure 11 shown first pair of plug contacts 74, which is arranged in connection direction V in front of the second pair of plug contacts 74, forms a circuit board setting edge. The circuit board setting edge corresponds in particular to an imaginary connecting line which connects the first pair of plug contacts 74 to one another. The centre of gravity of the plug connector 10 is selected such that the centre of gravity lies behind the circuit board setting edge, opposite to the connection direction V. This allows the plug connector 10 to be placed on the circuit board without the plug connector 10 tilting in relation to the circuit board. In particular, the centre of gravity is selected such that it lies between two imaginary planes, the first imaginary plane running through the first pair of plug contacts 74, the second imaginary plane running through the second pair of plug contacts 74, and the first and second imaginary planes being substantially perpendicular to the connection direction V.

In the Figures 12 to 14 a second embodiment of the housing body 12 or the first housing body element 36 is shown. The second embodiment differs from the embodiment described above in that it only has the first pair of recesses 104 on the respective main sides 100 of the first housing body element 36. The first pair of recesses 104 each extend from the top side 102 of the housing body 36 in the direction of the bottom side 64 of the housing body 36.

Furthermore, the first pair of recesses 104, or a first recess 98 thereof, directly adjoins the rear side 108 of the housing body 36. The other recess 98 ends in the connection direction V approximately at the level of the transition from the receiving base 18 to the main housing body section 16.

In the second embodiment, the width b of a recess 98 of the first pair of recesses 104 may be 0.3 times to 0.4 times the total width B of the housing body 12 along the connection direction V (see Fig. 14 ). The total width B of the housing body 12 can be, for example, between 11 mm and 14 mm. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the total width B of the housing body 12 is substantially 12.72 mm and the width b of a recess 98 of the first pair of recesses 104 is substantially 4.1 mm.

Furthermore, the depth a of a recess 98 of the first pair of recesses 104 can be 0.07 times to 0.1 times the distance T between the two opposite main sides 100. For example, the distance T between the two main sides 100 of the housing body 12 can be 10 mm to 13 mm. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the depth a of a recess 98 of the first pair of recesses can be approximately 0.088 times the distance T between the two opposite main sides 100. For example, the distance T between the two main sides 100 of the housing body 12 is approximately 11.35 mm and the depth a of a recess 98 of the first pair of recesses 104 is approximately 1 mm.

Furthermore, the length c of the first pair of recesses 104 can correspond to 0.7 times to 0.9 times the distance H between the bottom 64 and the top 102 of the housing body 12. In the particularly preferred embodiment, the length c of the first pair of recesses 104 can correspond to approximately 0.82 times the distance H between the bottom 64 and the top 102 of the housing body 12. For example, the distance H between the bottom 64 of the housing body 12 and the top 102 of the housing body 12 can be 10 mm to 14 mm, in the particularly preferred embodiment approximately 11.1 mm. Furthermore, in the particularly preferred embodiment, the length c of the first pair of recesses 104 can be substantially 9.1 mm.

Furthermore, the distance between the recesses 98 of the first pair of recesses 102 can be 0.6 times to 0.8 times the width b of a recess 98 of the first pair of recesses 102.

In the Figure 15 a third embodiment of the housing body 12 or the first housing body element 36 is shown. The third embodiment differs from the previously described embodiments in that the first housing body element 36 has only recesses 116 on the main sides 100, which are open towards the underside 64 and into which the second housing body element can engage with corresponding projections. Preferably, the housing body 12 of the third embodiment has a distance H between the underside 64 and the top side 102 of approximately 9.5 mm, a distance T between the two opposite main sides 100 of approximately 10.3 mm and a total width B of the housing body 12 along the connecting direction V of approximately 13 mm.

• Bereitstellen eines Ausgangswerkstücks zur Herstellung der Hülse 54;
• Walzen des Ausgangswerkstücks, um eine erste Form des Ausgangswerkstücks bereitzustellen, welche eine vorbestimmte Materialstärke und Größe aufweist,
• Umformen des gewalzten Ausgangswerkstücks, welches die erste Form aufweist, in eine zweite Form, wobei die zweite Form im Wesentlichen hülsenförmig ist und eine erste vorbestimmte Wandstärke und einen ersten vorbestimmten Außendurchmesser aufweist, und
• Ziehen des Ausgangswerkstücks, welches die zweite Form aufweist, in eine dritte hülsenförmige Form, wobei die dritte Form eine zweite vorbestimmte Wandstärke und einen zweiten vorbestimmten Außendurchmesser aufweist, und wobei die zweite vorbestimmte Wandstärke und der zweite vorbestimmte Außendurchmesser der Wandstärke und dem Außendurchmesser einer Soll-Hülse entsprechen.

A method for producing the sleeve 54 of the coaxial connector 20 is described below. The method includes the following steps:

• Providing a starting workpiece for producing the sleeve 54;
• Rolling the starting workpiece to provide a first shape of the starting workpiece having a predetermined material thickness and size,
• Forming the rolled starting workpiece having the first shape into a second shape, the second shape being substantially sleeve-shaped and having a first predetermined wall thickness and a first predetermined outer diameter, and
• Drawing the starting workpiece having the second shape into a third sleeve-shaped shape, the third shape having a second predetermined wall thickness and a second predetermined outer diameter, and the second predetermined wall thickness and the second predetermined outer diameter corresponding to the wall thickness and the outer diameter of a desired sleeve.

Preferably, the sleeve 54 can be manufactured in a few steps using the proposed method. Furthermore, the proposed method can be used to easily manufacture a sleeve 54 that has the outer diameter and wall thickness of a target sleeve. A target sleeve is to be understood as a sleeve that is considered a model or ideal sleeve and that specifies the shape properties to be achieved for a sleeve 54 to be manufactured.

Furthermore, in the proposed method, the second predetermined wall thickness is smaller than the first predetermined wall thickness and the second predetermined outer diameter is smaller than the first predetermined outer diameter.

Preferably, the provided starting workpiece can have a substantially have a flat and rectangular shape. Furthermore, the starting workpiece has a starting surface or size and starting material thickness. By rolling the starting workpiece, the surface of the starting workpiece can be increased and the material thickness of the starting material can be reduced. When the predetermined material thickness and size is reached, the rolling of the starting workpiece can be stopped. Alternatively, the rolling can be stopped when the predetermined material thickness is reached and the rolled starting workpiece can be cut into workpieces corresponding to the predetermined size, for example with a laser. Advantageously, this allows a large number of intermediate workpieces to be obtained from the starting workpiece, which can be further processed into a sleeve 54 or sleeves.

By the step of forming the rolled starting workpiece having the first shape, the flat and substantially rectangular starting workpiece is first formed into a sleeve shape in which two edges of the starting workpiece are unconnected and opposite each other.

• Verbinden der zwei gegenüberliegenden Kanten des Ausgangswerkstücks zu einer Hülsenform, um die zweite Form bereitzustellen.

Preferably, the step of forming the rolled starting workpiece into the second shape may further comprise:

• Joining the two opposite edges of the original workpiece into a sleeve shape to provide the second mold.

Preferably, the sleeve shape, which is still open in the longitudinal direction, can be closed by connecting the two opposite edges. Preferably, the two opposite edges can be connected by a material-locking connection, in particular welding, of the two opposite edges.

• Schneiden des Ausgangswerkstücks, welches die dritte Form aufweist, quer zur Längsrichtung des Ausgangswerkstücks, um eine Anzahl von geschnittenen Hülsen 54 zu erhalten. Vorteilhafterweise kann das die dritte Form aufweisende Ausgangswerkstück durch das Schneiden auf Länge der Soll-Hülse geschnitten werden. Entsprechend weist die hergestellte Hülse die Wandstärke, den Außendurchmesser und die Länge der Soll-Hülse auf.

Preferably, the method may further comprise:

• Cutting the starting workpiece, which has the third shape, transversely to the longitudinal direction of the starting workpiece, in order to obtain a number of cut sleeves 54. Advantageously, the starting workpiece, which has the third shape, can be cut to the length of the target sleeve by cutting. Accordingly, the sleeve produced has the wall thickness, the outer diameter and the length of the target sleeve.

Preferably, the starting material can have a length which makes it possible to cut a plurality of sleeves, which have the length of the target sleeve, from the starting workpiece having the third shape. Advantageously, the manufacturing process for sleeves 54 can thus be designed efficiently.

• Prägen des Ausgangswerkstücks welches die dritte Form aufweist, um einen Hülsensockel 55 bereitzustellen (vgl. Fig. 3). Insbesondere können die durch den Schritt des Schneidens erhaltenen Hülsen 54 dem Prägen-Schritt unterzogen werden, um einen Hülsensockel 55 an den Hülsen 54 bereitzustellen. Der Hülsensockel 55 ist an einem Ende der Hülse 54 ausgebildet und ist radial nach außen gerichtet.

Preferably, the method may further comprise:

• Embossing the initial workpiece having the third shape to provide a sleeve base 55 (cf. Fig.3 ). Specifically, the sleeves 54 obtained by the cutting step may be subjected to the stamping step to provide a sleeve base 55 on the sleeves 54. The sleeve base 55 is formed at one end of the sleeve 54 and is directed radially outward.

Furthermore, the second predetermined wall thickness can be in the range of 0.1 mm to 0.5 mm, preferably in the range of 0.2 mm to 0.4 mm, and particularly preferably approximately 0.3 mm.

Furthermore, the second predetermined outer diameter can be between 2.0 mm and 4.0 mm, preferably between 2.2 mm and 3.0 mm, and particularly preferably approximately 2.8 mm.

Furthermore, the length of a resulting sleeve 54 including the base can be between 9 mm and 12 mm, preferably between 9.5 mm and 11.5 mm, and particularly preferably approximately 9.75 mm.

The starting workpiece can preferably consist of an austenitic metal alloy, which is preferably non-magnetic. Furthermore, the metal alloy can have a chromium content of at least 8%, in particular of at least 18%. The chromium content is preferably approximately 18.27%. The metal alloy advantageously has no or only a low magnetic conductivity.

Preferably, the method may comprise:

Heat treatment of the initial workpiece.

Preferably, the heat treatment may be performed before the initial workpiece is machined or the manufactured sleeves 54 may be subjected to the heat treatment.

List of reference symbols

10

Connectors

12

Housing body

14

Connection housing

16

Main housing body section

18

Mounting base

20

Coaxial connectors

22

Socket side section of the connection housing

24

connector side section of the connection housing

26

Shape coding

28

Front of the mounting base

30

Narrow sides of the mounting base

31

Edge front/narrow side

32

Fuse features Socket

34

Fuse features connection housing

36

first housing body element

38

second housing body element

40

Passage openings mounting base

42

Internal contact

44

first contact section

46

second contact section

48

first dielectric insulation element

50

second dielectric insulation element

52

Stop surface

54

Sleeve

55

Sleeve base

56

Sleeve section first dielectric insulation element

58

Housing section first dielectric insulation element

59

Guide elements

60

first insulation element receiving space

62

second insulation element accommodation space

64

Bottom of housing body

66/68

graduated recording areas

70

Wall

72

Side walls first housing body element

74

Plug contacts

76

Support elements

78

Support surfaces

80

formable securing elements

82

Recesses

84

partition wall

86

Passage opening partition wall

88

Wall plug device side section

90

Wall mounting base section

92

ramp

94

Positioning advantage

96

Positioning opening

98

Recesses

100

Main pages

102

Top housing body

104

first pair of recesses

106

second pair of recesses

108

Back of housing body

110

coaxial socket end section

112

PCB-side end section

114

Sleeve stop

115

attack

116

Recesses

a

Depth first pair of recesses

b

Width of first pair of recesses

c

Length of first pair of recesses

d

Deep second pair of recesses

e

Wide second pair of recesses

e

Length of second pair of recesses

B

Total width of housing body

H

Distance bottom/top

T

Spacing between main pages

V

Connection direction

Z

Center axis

Claims (13)

1. A connector (10), in particular an automotive mini-coaxial connector, for connection to a compatible plug device, comprising:

   a housing body (12) which comprises at least two coaxial connectors (20) for connecting to corresponding coaxial sockets of the compatible plug device, wherein the coaxial connectors (20) are oriented in parallel with one another and extend in a connection direction (V) from the housing body (12); and

   a connection housing (14) that is connectable to the housing body (12) for connecting the connector (10) to the compatible plug device, wherein the connection housing (14) encloses the at least two coaxial connectors (20) in the connection direction (V) at least in sections,

   wherein the connection housing (14) comprises exactly one insertion possibility for inserting the compatible plug device in order to connect the coaxial connectors (20) to corresponding coaxial sockets when the compatible plug device is inserted in the connection housing (14) in accordance with the exactly one insertion possibility,

   wherein the connection housing (14) can be connected to the housing body (12) in at least two different orientations and wherein each orientation of the two different orientations results in an assignment of the at least two coaxial connectors (20) to the coaxial sockets of the compatible plug device that differs from the other orientation,

   characterised in that

   the connection housing (14) can be mounted on a receiving base (18) provided on the housing body (12) and the connection housing (14) and the receiving base (18) each have interacting securing features (32, 34) by means of which the connection housing (14) can be secured on the receiving base (18), and

   wherein the connection housing (14) comprises a portion (22) on the receiving base side for inserting the receiving base (18) and a portion (24) on the plug device side for inserting the plug device, wherein a partition wall (84) is formed between the receiving base-side portion (22) and the plug device-side portion (24) which is arranged substantially perpendicular to the connection direction, and wherein the partition wall contains through-openings (86) through which the at least two coaxial connectors (20) extend when the connection housing (14) is connected to the housing body (12).
2. The connector (10) according to claim 1, wherein the receiving base (18) is formed on a side of the housing body (12) facing in the connection direction (V) and the at least two coaxial connectors (20) extend from the receiving base (18) in the connection direction (V).
3. The connector (10) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the plug device-side portion (24) has the exactly one insertion possibility for inserting the compatible plug device.
4. The connector (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the receiving base-side portion (22) has an outer wall (90) which together with the partition wall (84) forms a receiving space into which the receiving base (18) can be inserted, wherein the outer wall (90) is arranged substantially perpendicular to the partition wall (84) and wherein the securing features (32) of the connection housing (14) are arranged on the inner side of the outer wall (90).
5. The connector (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the receiving base (18) comprises:

   a front side (28), which is substantially perpendicular to the connection direction (V) and from which the at least two coaxial connectors (20) extend in the connection direction (V), and

   short sides (30), which extend from the front side (28) in the opposite direction from the connection direction and connect the front side (28) to a portion of the housing body (12) adjoining the receiving base (18), wherein the short sides (30) have the receiving base-side securing features or the securing features (32) of the receiving base (18).
6. The connector (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the securing features (32) of the receiving base (18) comprise at least one base-side projection and the securing features (34) of the connection housing (14) comprise at least one connection housing-side cutout, wherein the base-side projection (32) and the connection housing-side cutout (34) latch together when the connection housing (14) is connected to the housing body (12).
7. The connector (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the housing body (12) has four coaxial connectors (20), in particular exactly four coaxial connectors (20).
8. The connector (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the housing body (12) has a positioning projection (94) and the connection housing (14) has at least two positioning openings (96),
   wherein the positioning projection (94) and the at least two positioning openings (96) are arranged in such a way that, in each orientation in which the connection housing (14) is connectable to the housing body (12), the positioning projection (94) engages in a different positioning opening (96) of the at least two positioning openings (94).
9. The connector (10) according to claim 8, wherein the positioning projection (94) and the positioning openings (96) are substantially in the shape of an isosceles triangle, particularly an equilateral triangle.
10. The connector (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the housing body (12) is designed for mounting on a printed circuit board, and wherein preferably the centre of gravity of the connector (10) is located behind a printed circuit board placement edge of the housing body (12); and/or

    wherein the connection housing (14) is single-coloured; and/or

    wherein the housing body (12) is embodied as a zinc die-cast component and/or the connection housing (14) is embodied as a plastic component; and/or

    wherein the connection housing (14) can be released from the housing body (12) with or without causing damage.
11. A system consisting of a connector (10) according to any one of the preceding claims and a plug device that is compatible with the connector (10).
12. Use of a connector (10) according to any one of the preceding claims 1 to 10, comprising:

    connecting the connection housing (14) to the housing body (12) in accordance with an orientation of the at least two orientations, and

    connecting the connector (10) to a printed circuit board.
13. The use of the connector (10) according to claim 12, further comprising:
    inserting a compatible plug device into the connection housing (14).

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