EP4350899A1 - Connector with injection molded part for integrally forming an insulator element and a connector housing for the connector, pcb connector and method - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to an injection molded part for the one-piece formation of an insulator element and a connector housing for a connector. The present invention further relates to a connector. Finally, the present invention relates to a printed circuit board connector arrangement and an associated manufacturing method. An injection molded part (2) for the one-piece formation of an insulator element (6) and a connector housing (7) for a connector (100) has a first region (3) which forms the insulator element (6), a second region (4) which forms the connector housing (7), and at least one connection region (5) which connects the first region (3) and the second region (4) to one another. The first region (3) and the second region (4) are arranged relative to one another via the at least one connection region (5) in such a way that the insulator element (3) is arranged in a passage (8) of the connector housing (7). The at least one connection region (5) is in each case formed as a film hinge.

Description

FIELD OF INVENTION

The present invention relates to an injection-molded part for the one-piece formation of an insulator element and a connector housing for a connector with the features of patent claim 1.

The present invention also relates to a connector having the features of claim 4.

The present invention further relates to a printed circuit board connector arrangement having the features of patent claim 14.

Finally, the present invention relates to a method for producing a printed circuit board connector arrangement with the features of patent claim 15.

TECHNICAL BACKGROUND

In order to reduce the costs of manufacturing connectors, it is advisable to produce several plastic injection molded parts within a connector as a single plastic injection molded part wherever possible.

In a coaxial connector, the two dielectric components, ie the insulator element and the connector housing, can be manufactured as a single injection-molded part by Connector housings are integrally connected to one another via at least one connecting web.

From the US8,298,005 B2 For example, a common plastic injection molded part for a printed circuit board connector is produced in which an insulator element and a portion of a connector housing, namely the locking hook typically integrated in a connector housing for locking the connector with a mating connector at the circuit board-side end of the circuit board connector, are integrally connected to one another via a connecting web.

If, in a connector designed as a printed circuit board connector, the at least one connecting web is arranged at the circuit board-side end of the printed circuit board connector, an interruption of the outer conductor contact element and thus an interruption of the shielding of the inner conductor contact element by the at least one connecting web is limited solely to the circuit board-side end of the printed circuit board connector.

In order to shield the transition between the PCB connector and the PCB as well as possible, the outer conductor contact element is usually extended over the PCB-side end of the PCB connector to the PCB. Due to the connection bridges still present, the outer conductor contact element is exposed in the area of the axial extension of at least one connection bridge. The shielding is therefore not optimally implemented in the transition between the PCB connector and the PCB.

This is a situation that needs to be improved.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Against this background, the present invention is based on the object of specifying the best possible shielding for a connector, in particular for a printed circuit board connector.

According to the invention, this object is achieved by an injection-molded part having the features of patent claim 1 and by a connector having the features of patent claim 4.

Accordingly, the following are planned:

• einen ersten Bereich, welcher das Isolatorelement ausbildet,
• einen zweiten Bereich, welcher das Steckverbindergehäuse ausbildet, und
• wenigstens einen Verbindungbereich, welcher jeweils den ersten Bereich und den zweiten Bereich miteinander verbindet,
• wobei der erste Bereich und der zweite Bereich derart über den wenigstens einen Verbindungsbereich zueinander angeordnet sind, dass das Isolatorelement in einer Durchführung des Steckverbindergehäuses angeordnet ist,
• wobei der wenigstens eine Verbindungsbereich jeweils als ein Filmscharnier ausgeformt ist.

An injection molded part for the one-piece formation of an insulator element and a connector housing for a connector, comprising

• a first region which forms the insulator element,
• a second region which forms the connector housing, and
• at least one connecting region which connects the first region and the second region to each other,
• wherein the first region and the second region are arranged relative to one another via the at least one connection region such that the insulator element is arranged in a passage of the connector housing,
• wherein the at least one connecting region is formed as a film hinge.

• ein Innenleiterkontaktelement,
• ein Isolatorelement, welches das Innenleiterkontaktelement umhüllt und welches sich durch ein Vereinzeln des ersten Bereichs des Spritzgussteils ergibt,
• ein Außenleiterkontaktelement, welches das Isolatorelement umhüllt, und
• ein Steckverbindergehäuse, welches das Außenleiterkontaktelement umhüllt und welches sich durch ein Vereinzeln des zweiten Bereichs des Spritzgussteils ergibt,
• wobei das Außenleiterkontaktelement hülsenförmig ausgeformt ist und
• wenigstens an einem in einer Fügerichtung des Außenleiterkontaktelements vorderen axialen Ende in Umfangrichtung zumindest im Wesentlichen (insbesondere soweit dies konstruktiv bzw. herstellungsbedingt möglich ist) geschlossen ausgebildet ist.

A connector comprising

• an inner conductor contact element,
• an insulator element which envelops the inner conductor contact element and which results from isolating the first region of the injection-molded part,
• an outer conductor contact element which encloses the insulator element, and
• a connector housing which encloses the outer conductor contact element and which is produced by separating the second region of the injection-molded part,
• wherein the outer conductor contact element is sleeve-shaped and
• is designed to be at least substantially closed in the circumferential direction (in particular as far as this is possible due to the design or manufacturing process) at least at one front axial end in a joining direction of the outer conductor contact element.

The knowledge/idea underlying the present invention consists in replacing the usually rigid connecting webs or connecting areas between the dielectric insulator element and the dielectric connector housing in the injection-molded part with a film hinge. Such film hinges can usually be separated without great effort using a separating body, in this case the outer conductor contact element of the connector inserted into the connector between the connector housing and the insulator element during the assembly process. The insulator element and the connector housing can thus be separated during the assembly process.

In order to ensure a safe separation of the individual connection areas designed as film hinges, the sleeve-shaped outer conductor contact element to be at least substantially closed in the circumferential direction at least at one front axial end in a joining direction of the outer conductor contact element.

A design of the outer conductor contact element in which the outer conductor contact element is closed in the circumferential direction at a front axial end in a joining direction of the outer conductor contact element does not exclude a slight recess or a gap at least at the front axial end of the outer conductor contact element caused by a manufacturing inaccuracy and a manufacturing technology, for example a slight longitudinal slot, which is unavoidable in an outer conductor contact element produced by punching and bending technology.

Preferably, the wording "substantially closed" can be understood to mean that the outer conductor contact element is closed at its front axial end at least in such a way (ring-shaped) that the electromagnetic shielding at the front axial end of the outer conductor contact element is unaffected in practice - especially with regard to the electrical signals to be transmitted due to the application - even in the case of any smaller recesses (e.g. slots caused by production).

In this way, the best possible shielding of the inner conductor contact element by the outer conductor contact element is achieved over the entire high-frequency signal path, i.e. within the connector and, in the case of a connector designed as a printed circuit board connector, also in the Transition area between the PCB connector and the PCB can be realized.

At least one connection area is to be formed in the injection-molded part. In the case of a single connection area, the single connection area preferably extends over the entire circumference, i.e. over the entire angular range of 360° relative to the longitudinal axis of the injection-molded part, in an intermediate area between the first and the second area of the injection-molded part. In order to achieve a better alignment of the first area with the second area, two, three or four connection areas are preferably to be formed. However, a larger number of connection areas than four connection areas is also conceivable, especially if the connection areas are each formed narrowly.

Preferably, the first region can be cylindrical and the second region can be hollow-cylindrical and can thus implement the basic shape of an insulator element and a connector housing. In addition, the at least one connecting region between the first region forming the insulator element and the second region forming the connector housing can be formed at an axial end of the first and second regions. The at least one connecting region can preferably be formed at a front axial end of the first region or the second region in a joining direction of the outer conductor contact element. The at least one connecting element can thus be formed at the axial end of the first and second regions at which the outer conductor contact element inserted into the injection-molded part pushes out of the injection-molded part during the joining process.

A connection area formed in this way on the injection-molded part enables correct axial guidance of the outer conductor contact element in the injection-molded part and thus a severing of the connection areas orthogonally to the longitudinal extension of the connection areas by the correctly axially guided outer conductor contact element. Such severing of the at least one connection area enables the smallest possible residues on the individual separated connection area on both the insulator element and the connector housing. Alternatively, the at least one connection area can be formed in a central area of the first and second areas of the injection-molded part.

It is also conceivable to form the at least one connection region in several axial positions of the injection-molded part. In this case, the connection regions formed at different axial positions of the injection-molded part are each severed one after the other in the joining process of the outer conductor contact element.

Finally, the connection area designed as a film hinge can preferably be arranged in equidistant angle segments from one another. This ensures the best possible alignment of the first area forming an insulator element with the second area forming a connector housing within the injection-molded part. However, a non-equidistant arrangement of the individual connection areas is also conceivable.

An injection molded part is a plastic part that is manufactured by injection molding - a primary molding process - in an injection molding machine. In the In an injection molding machine, the starting material of the injection molded part, preferably a thermoplastic, is liquefied (plasticized) as granules and injected into a mold, the injection mold, under pressure. The liquefied granules change to a solid state in the injection molding tool when cooled and produce an injection molded part in the shape of the injection molding tool, which can be removed after the injection molding tool is opened. With today's injection molding technology, plastic parts with a complicated shape and with walls of varying thicknesses can also be produced. In particular, plastic parts or areas of plastics with very thin walls can be produced, such as areas of a plastic part designed as film hinges. In a single injection molding process in an injection molding machine, an injection molded part can be produced that includes several individual functional parts that are connected to one another in one piece via connecting areas designed as film hinges. By separating the functional parts after injection molding, several simpler injection molded parts can be produced simultaneously and very efficiently from a complex injection molded part. The functional parts formed in an injection-molded part can be identical or different functional parts.

This makes it possible to manufacture the dielectric insulator element and the dielectric connector housing of a shielded connector as a single piece using a common injection molded part. A plastic can be selected as the material for the injection molded part that combines low high-frequency losses for the insulator element and high mechanical stability for the connector housing at low material costs. The plastic material used is preferably LCP (liquid crystal polymer). PA (polyamide) or PP (polypropylene) are also conceivable. In order to ensure a secure connection between the insulator element and the connector housing during transport from the injection molding process to the connector assembly process and at the same time to enable the connection areas designed as film hinges to be separated safely during the connector assembly step, the wall thickness of the individual film hinges must be designed accordingly.

In order to ensure that the insulator element and the connector housing are each freed as far as possible from residues of the film hinges after the separation process, the length of the individual film hinges should preferably be as short as possible and/or an outer conductor contact element should be formed with sharp edges at its circuit board-side end, i.e. at the axial edge on the side of the insulator element and at the axial edge on the side of the connector housing.

The injection molded part preferably contains the insulator element and the connector housing of a single connector. It is also conceivable that the injection molded part contains the insulator element and the connector housing of several preferably identical connectors. The pairs of insulator element and connector housing belonging to the individual connectors are arranged adjacently in the injection molded part and are also connected via connecting areas designed as film hinges. The pairs of insulator element and connector housing are separated before the assembly of the individual connectors using a suitable separating tool or a suitable cutting machine or an automated cutting device.

In the injection-molded part, preferably several connecting areas between the first area, which forms the insulator element of the connector, and the second area, which forms the connector housing, are each designed as a film hinge according to the invention. A film hinge or a living hinge or an integrated hinge is understood here and below to mean a thin, flexible hinge that is made of the same material as the two rigid areas - the first area and the second area of the injection-molded part - that it connects. Compared to the first and the second area, the individual film hinge has a thinner wall thickness so that the rigid first area and the rigid second area can be bent towards each other about a bending axis that is oriented transversely to the longitudinal axis of the film hinge. This bendability of the individual film hinges advantageously enables exact alignment of the first area, which forms an insulator element, with the second area, which forms a connector housing, in the assembly process. Thus, when assembling the shielded connector, the longitudinal axis of the insulator element can be aligned coaxially with the longitudinal axis of the connector housing as an essential prerequisite for correct centering of the components inner conductor contact element, insulator element, outer conductor contact element and connector housing. This can be advantageous because the centering that can be achieved in the injection molded part between the first area forming an insulator element and the second area forming a connector housing typically cannot meet the quality of centering required for a shielded connector. In addition to the In addition to the easy bendability of the individual film hinges, the easy separability of the film hinges with regard to separating the insulator element and the connector housing should be emphasized.

The shielded connector can preferably be a coaxial connector in which in particular the longitudinal axis of the single inner conductor contact element is aligned coaxially to the longitudinal axis of the outer conductor contact element. However, the invention also covers other shielded connectors, such as differential shielded connectors or shielded connectors with several pairs of inner conductor contact elements. In all such shielded connectors, the longitudinal axis through the common center of all inner conductor contact elements is aligned coaxially to the longitudinal axis of the outer conductor contact element.

In order to ensure that an insulator element and a connector housing for a connector are formed in the correct position relative to one another by separating the injection-molded part in the assembly process, the first region of the injection-molded part can be arranged in a feedthrough of the second region over the individual connection regions.

With regard to a correct orientation of the insulator element to the connector housing within the connector, the plug-side end of the first region within the injection molded part can be arranged adjacent to the plug-side end of the second region. Equivalently, the cable-side end of the first region can be arranged adjacent to the cable-side end of the second region or the circuit board-side end of the first region can be arranged adjacent to the circuit board-side end of the second area within the injection-molded part.

Advantageous embodiments and further developments emerge from the further subclaims and from the description with reference to the figures of the drawing.

It is understood that the features mentioned above and those to be explained below can be used not only in the combination specified in each case, but also in other combinations or on their own, without departing from the scope of the present invention.

In a preferred embodiment of the injection-molded part, a plurality of rib-shaped projections are formed on an outer surface of the first region, which forms the insulator element, and/or on an inner surface of the second region, which forms the connector housing. The rib-shaped projections each run in the longitudinal axis of the first and second regions, i.e. in the longitudinal axis direction of the connector. They each serve to guide the outer conductor contact element of the connector during the assembly process. In addition, they can also serve to fix the outer conductor contact element between the insulator element and the connector housing when the connector is assembled. The fixation by means of the rib-shaped projections is preferably carried out in a force-fitting manner (so-called "crush ribs").

Preferably, the plurality of rib-shaped projections are each arranged in equidistant angular segments to one another on the outer surface of the first region and on the inner surface of the second region designed to achieve the most centric guidance possible for the outer conductor contact element.

In a further preferred embodiment of the rib-shaped projections, each individual rib-shaped projection on the first region can preferably be offset by an offset angle relative to the longitudinal axis of the injection-molded part from the next adjacent rib-shaped projection on the second region. Alternatively, each individual rib-shaped projection on the first region can be positioned radially opposite a rib-shaped projection on the second region.

In addition to the already described non-positive fixing of the outer conductor contact element via the rib-shaped projections (so-called crush ribs) formed on the inner wall surface of the connector housing and the outer surface of the insulator element, several fastening means can also preferably be formed on the outer conductor contact element, with each of which the outer conductor contact element can be fixed to the insulator element or to the connector housing. The fixing is preferably carried out in a form-fitting manner with fixing claws made using a punching and bending technique, which claw into the dielectric material of the insulator element or the connector housing in a form-fitting manner. An alternative form-fitting fixing is also possible using locking hooks or locking lugs formed on the outer conductor contact element, which can be locked into corresponding locking recesses on the insulator element or on the connector housing.

In order to axially fix the outer conductor contact element in the connector, a stop function is formed in the connector in a further preferred embodiment of the invention. For this purpose, a diameter taper is preferably formed in the outer conductor contact element, which corresponds to a diameter taper in the insulator element or in the connector housing. The diameter taper can preferably be conical in both components (outer conductor contact element and insulator element or connector housing). Alternatively, a curved diameter taper as a combination of concave curved and convex curved diameter taper is also conceivable in the two components to be stopped. The diameter taper can also be used advantageously as a funnel function when inserting the outer conductor contact element into the space between the first and second areas of the injection-molded part.

The connector is preferably designed as a straight connector. Since in a straight connector all components are arranged centered to one another and each have a linear longitudinal axis, it is easy to insert and guide the outer conductor contact element through the injection molded part, i.e. through the gap between the insulator element and the connector housing. The implementation of a connector by means of the inventive severing of the film hinges of the injection molded part can also be transferred to an angled connector.

The outer conductor contact element, which is located between the first and the second area of the injection molded part, ie between the insulator element and the connector housing of the Connector, is inserted and remains inserted, is preferably designed as a single piece. The single-piece design of the outer conductor contact element enables greater mechanical stability of the outer conductor contact element than a multi-piece design, which facilitates easier and safer separation of all film hinges of the injection-molded part. The single-piece design of the outer conductor contact element also enables manufacturing costs to be reduced.

The connector housing preferably results directly from the second area of the injection-molded part. It is therefore made of a purely dielectric material and is preferably uncoated. Due to the shielding by the outer conductor contact element, a metallic coating of the connector housing is not necessary.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the connector is designed as a circuit board connector, in particular as a shielded circuit board connector. Thus, at a circuit board-side end of the circuit board connector, the outer conductor contact element and each inner conductor contact element protrude from the connector housing in such a way that the outer conductor contact element can be electrically and mechanically connected to an outer conductor contact region of a circuit board and each inner conductor contact element can be electrically and mechanically connected to an associated inner conductor contact region of the circuit board.

A soldered connection can be used as the preferred connection technology. However, a press connection using press pins that are formed at the axial end of the inner conductor or outer conductor contact element and are each inserted into the corresponding metal-coated holes is also conceivable. can be pressed into the circuit board. Any technical form of a circuit board is covered by a circuit board, for example a conventional circuit board made of glass fiber reinforced epoxy resin, a circuit board enclosed in the housing of an integrated circuit or the substrate of an integrated circuit with associated contact surfaces.

Since the connecting areas of the injection molded part, each designed as a film hinge, are severed after the outer conductor contact element has been inserted into the circuit board connector, a sleeve-shaped outer conductor contact element with an axial section can preferably be used, which is designed to be closed in the circumferential direction outside the connector housing. This makes it possible to achieve complete shielding of each inner conductor contact element in the transition area between the circuit board connector and the circuit board to be contacted, which is advantageous compared to the prior art. If the sleeve-shaped outer conductor contact element is also completely closed in the circumferential direction over the entire longitudinal extent of the connector housing, complete shielding is possible over the entire high-frequency signal path, i.e. within the circuit board connector and in the transition area between the circuit board connector and the circuit board.

In order to optimize the electrical connection and in particular the mechanical connection between the circuit board connector and the circuit board, several pin-shaped extensions are formed on the circuit board-side end of the preferably sleeve-shaped outer conductor contact element, which are inserted into associated preferably metallically coated Holes can be inserted in the area of the outer conductor contact area of the circuit board. These pin-shaped extensions and their associated holes are preferably arranged at equidistant angular distances from one another.

The pin-shaped extensions are preferably electrically and mechanically connected to the metal-coated holes via a soldered connection. Alternatively, the pin-shaped extensions can also be force-fitted into the corresponding metal-coated hole using a press-fit technique and create an electrical and mechanical connection.

In a further preferred embodiment of the invention, the circuit board-side end of the preferably sleeve-shaped outer conductor contact element of the circuit board connector can have an end face that is oriented orthogonally to a longitudinal axis of the circuit board connector. With a typically planar outer conductor contact area on the circuit board and a circuit board connector that is correctly aligned with the circuit board, ideally complete contact or, in the real environment, almost complete contact between the outer conductor contact element and the outer conductor contact area of the circuit board can be achieved.

The invention also covers a circuit board connector assembly comprising a circuit board connector and a circuit board. In the circuit board connector assembly, the outer conductor contact element of the circuit board connector is connected to an outer conductor contact area of the circuit board and each Inner conductor contact element of the circuit board connector is electrically and mechanically connected to an associated inner conductor contact area of the circuit board. Thus, both through hole technology (THT) and surface mounted device technology (SMD) are covered by the invention for the electrical and mechanical contact between the contact elements of the circuit board connector and the contact areas of the circuit board. The technical features described previously and below for the injection molded part according to the invention and the connector according to the invention also apply equivalently to the circuit board connector arrangement according to the invention and vice versa.

• Bereitstellen des Spritzgussteiles,
• Einfügen eines Außenleiterkontaktelements zwischen dem ersten Bereich und dem zweiten Bereich,
• Vereinzeln des Isolatorelements und des Steckverbindergehäuse mittels eines Durchtrennens des wenigstens einen Verbindungsbereichs durch das eingefügte Außenleiterkontaktelement,
• Durchführen des Innenleiterkontakts durch eine im Isolatorelement ausgebildete Durchführung und
• Verbinden des Außenleiterkontaktelements mit dem Außenleiterkontaktbereich der Leiterplatte und des Innenleiterkontaktelements mit dem Innenleiterkontaktbereich der Leiterplatte.

Finally, the invention also covers a method for producing a printed circuit board connector arrangement. The method according to the invention has at least the following method steps:

• Providing the injection molded part,
• Inserting an outer conductor contact element between the first region and the second region,
• Separating the insulator element and the connector housing by severing the at least one connection region through the inserted outer conductor contact element,
• Passing the inner conductor contact through a feedthrough formed in the insulator element and
• Connecting the outer conductor contact element to the outer conductor contact area of the circuit board and the inner conductor contact element to the inner conductor contact area of the circuit board.

The embodiments described previously and below for the injection-molded part according to the invention, the connector according to the invention and the circuit board connector arrangement according to the invention also apply equivalently to the method according to the invention for producing a printed circuit board connector arrangement and vice versa.

The above embodiments and developments can be combined with one another as desired, provided this makes sense. Other possible embodiments, developments and implementations of the invention also include combinations of features of the invention described above or below with regard to the exemplary embodiments that are not explicitly mentioned. In particular, the person skilled in the art will also add individual aspects as improvements or additions to the respective basic form of the present invention.

TABLE OF CONTENTS OF THE DRAWING

Fig. 1A

eine Querschnittsdarstellung einer erfindungsgemäßen Leiterplattensteckverbinder-Anordnung in einem ersten Zwischenmontage-Zustand,

Fig. 1B

eine Querschnittsdarstellung einer erfindungsgemäßen Leiterplattensteckverbinder-Anordnung in einem zweiten Zwischenmontage-Zustand,

Fig. 1C

eine erste Querschnittsdarstellung einer erfindungsgemäßen Leiterplattensteckverbinder-Anordnung im fertig montierten Zustand,

Fig. 1D

eine zweite Querschnittsdarstellung einer erfindungsgemäßen Leiterplattensteckverbinder-Anordnung im fertig montierten Zustand,

Fig. 1E

eine leiterplattenseitige Draufsicht auf eine erfindungsgemäße Leiterplattensteckverbinder-Anordnung,

Fig. 1F

eine steckseitige Draufsicht auf eine erfindungsgemäße Leiterplattensteckverbinder-Anordnung,

Fig. 2A

eine Explosionsdarstellung einer erfindungsgemäßen Leiterplattensteckverbinder-Anordnung und

Fig. 2B

eine isometrische Darstellung einer erfindungsgemä-ßen Leiterplattensteckverbinder-Anordnung.

The present invention is explained in more detail below with reference to the embodiments shown in the schematic figures of the drawing. They show:

Fig. 1A

a cross-sectional view of a printed circuit board connector arrangement according to the invention in a first intermediate assembly state,

Fig. 1B

a cross-sectional view of a printed circuit board connector arrangement according to the invention in a second intermediate assembly state,

Fig. 1C

a first cross-sectional view of a printed circuit board connector arrangement according to the invention in the fully assembled state,

Fig. 1D

a second cross-sectional view of a printed circuit board connector arrangement according to the invention in the fully assembled state,

Fig. 1E

a circuit board-side plan view of a circuit board connector arrangement according to the invention,

Fig. 1F

a plug-side plan view of a printed circuit board connector arrangement according to the invention,

Fig. 2A

an exploded view of a printed circuit board connector arrangement according to the invention and

Fig. 2B

an isometric representation of a printed circuit board connector arrangement according to the invention.

The accompanying drawing figures are intended to provide a further understanding of embodiments of the invention. They illustrate embodiments and, in conjunction with the description, serve to explain principles and concepts of the invention. Other embodiments and many of the noted advantages will be apparent upon reference to the drawings. The elements of the drawings are not necessarily shown to scale with respect to one another.

In the figures of the drawing, identical, functionally identical and acting elements, features and components - Unless otherwise stated, they are each provided with the same reference symbols.

In the following, the figures are described in a coherent and comprehensive manner.

DESCRIPTION OF EXAMPLES OF IMPLEMENTATION

In the following, the injection molded part according to the invention, the printed circuit board connector according to the invention, the printed circuit board connector arrangement according to the invention and the method according to the invention for producing the printed circuit board connector arrangement are described with reference to the figures:
The Fig. 1A shows a connector 100 designed as a straight circuit board connector 1 in an intermediate assembly step in which the individual components are not yet connected to one another in the correct position. The dielectric injection molded part 2 can be seen with a first region 3, a second region 4 and several connection regions 5 which connect the first region 3 and the second region 4 to one another and are each designed as a film hinge. The first region 3 of the injection molded part 2 forms the insulator element 6 of the circuit board connector 1 and the second region 4 forms the connector housing 7 of the circuit board connector 1.

The cylindrically shaped first region 3 is connected via the connecting regions 5 to the hollow-cylindrical shaped second region 4 in such a way that the first region 3 is arranged in a passage 8 of the second region 4. In addition, the first region 3 is connected via the Connection areas 5 are connected to the second area 4 in such a way that a longitudinal axis L _I of the first area 3 and thus of the insulator element 6 ideally lies on a longitudinal axis L _G of the second area 4 and thus of the connector housing 7. The first area 3 and thus the insulator element 6 are thus arranged coaxially to the second area 4 and thus to the connector housing 7.

The first region 3 and thus the insulator element 6 has two passages 9 running in the longitudinal axis direction L _I , in each of which an inner conductor contact element 10 can be accommodated. The circuit board connector 1 is thus designed as a differential connector. However, this is not to be interpreted as restrictive, since the circuit board connector 1 can also contain just one inner conductor contact element 10 or a larger number of inner conductor contact elements, for example three inner conductor contact elements, four inner conductor contact elements, five inner conductor contact elements, etc.

The connection areas 5 are each formed at an axial end E of the first area 3 and the second area 4 of the injection-molded part 2. The axial end E is the front axial end of the first area 3 and the second area 4 of the injection-molded part 2 in a joining direction of the outer conductor contact element 11 of the connector 100. In a circuit board connector 1, this is the circuit board-side axial end of the circuit board connector 1. In a connector 100 formed as a cable connector, as a housing connector or as a built-in connector, this is the plug-side axial end.

In the Fig. 1A In the intermediate assembly step shown, the outer conductor contact element 11 is inserted into an annular passage 12 between the first region 3, ie the insulator element 6, and the second region 4, ie the connector housing 7, in such a way that the outer conductor contact element 11 is still located away from the connection regions 5, which are each designed as film hinges, and thus the connection regions 5 are not yet separated from the outer conductor contact element 11.

In a final assembly step of the printed circuit board connector 1, which corresponds to an intermediate assembly step of the printed circuit board connector arrangement 13 and in Figure 1B As shown, the outer conductor contact element 11 is positioned in its final position within the printed circuit board connector 1. The connection areas 5, each designed as film hinges, are severed by the outer conductor contact element 11. The separated connection areas 5, which in the embodiments of the Fig. 1B for example, are still connected to the second region 4, are displaced from the annular feedthrough 12 by the outer conductor contact element 11 and are located in a recess 13 of the connector housing 7 which radially adjoins the annular feedthrough 12.

At the circuit board-side end 14 of the outer conductor contact element 11, pin-shaped extensions or contact pins 15 are formed, which serve to mechanically stabilize the circuit board connector arrangement 16, as can be seen from the Figures 1C and 1D are inserted into corresponding holes 17a of the circuit board 18.

An axial center section of the outer conductor contact element 11 has a conically shaped diameter taper 19, which is supported on a likewise conically shaped diameter taper 20 of the insulator element 6 for the axial fixation of the outer conductor contact element 11 in the printed circuit board connector 1.

In the final assembly step of the PCB connector 1 according to Fig. 1B the two inner conductor contact elements 10 are inserted in the corresponding bushings 9 of the insulator element 6 in the correct position.

In the printed circuit board connector assembly 16 according to the Figures 1C and 1D the circuit board connector 1 is electrically and mechanically connected to the circuit board 18. The inner conductor contact elements 10 are inserted into associated holes 17b of the circuit board 18. The inner conductor contact elements 10 can electrically contact the metallically coated inner wall of the associated hole 17b, which represents the inner conductor contact area 21 of the circuit board 18, either by means of a solder connection or by means of a press-fit connection.

The outer conductor contact element 11 contacts an outer conductor contact region 22, ie a preferably ring-shaped outer conductor contact surface, and is typically electrically and mechanically connected to the outer conductor contact region 22 via a solder connection. In a transition region 23 between the circuit board connector 1 and the circuit board 18, the two inner conductor contact elements 10 are completely enclosed by the sleeve-shaped outer conductor contact element 1 and thus shielded.

At the circuit board-side end of the connector housing 7 of the circuit board connector 1, a support region 24 is formed which is supported on the circuit board 18 and serves to mechanically stabilize the entire circuit board connector arrangement 16 and to correctly align the circuit board connector 1 to the circuit board 18.

In the plug-side and circuit board-side top view of the injection-molded part 2 of the Figures 1E and 1F the rib-shaped projections 25 can be seen, which are formed on an inner surface 26 of the second region 4 and on an outer surface 27 of the first region 3. The rib-shaped projections 25 run in the longitudinal axis direction of the first region 3 or the second region 4 and are arranged approximately evenly distributed over the inner surface 26 of the second region 4 and the outer surface 27 of the first region 3. They serve to guide the outer conductor contact element 11 in the assembly process and to fix the outer conductor contact element 11 between the insulator element 6 and the connector housing 7.

From the exploded view of the Fig. 2A shows an arrangement of the individual components of the printed circuit board connector assembly 16 in the unassembled state. The isometric representation of the Fig. 2B shows the printed circuit board connector arrangement 16 in the assembled state.

Although the present invention has been fully described above using preferred embodiments, it is not limited thereto but can be modified in many ways.

Claims (15)

Injection-molded part (2) for the one-piece formation of an insulator element (6) and a connector housing (7) for a connector (100), comprising a first region (3) which forms the insulator element (6), a second region (4) which forms the connector housing (7), and at least one connecting region (5) which connects the first region (3) and the second region (4) to one another, wherein the first region (3) and the second region (4) are arranged relative to one another via the at least one connecting region (5) in such a way that the insulator element (3) is arranged in a passage (8) of the connector housing (7), wherein the at least one connecting region (5) is in each case formed as a film hinge. Injection molded part (2) according to claim 1,
characterized,
that on an outer surface (27) of the first region (3) and/or on an inner surface (26) of the second region (4) there are formed a plurality of rib-shaped projections (25) running in a longitudinal axis direction of the first region (3) or the second region (4) for guiding an outer conductor contact element (11) of the plug connector (100), which are each preferably arranged in equidistant angular segments from one another. Injection molded part (2) according to claim 2,
characterized,
that the plurality of rib-shaped projections (25), which are each formed on the outer surface (27) of the first region (3), are each offset by an angle are offset from the plurality of rib-shaped projections (25) which are each formed on the inner circumferential surface (26) of the second region (4). Connector (100), comprising an inner conductor contact element (10), an insulator element (6) which envelops the inner conductor contact element (10) and which results from separating the first region (3) of the injection-molded part (2) according to one of claims 1 to 3, an outer conductor contact element (11) which envelops the insulator element (6), and a connector housing (7) which encloses the outer conductor contact element (11) and which results from separating the second region (4) of the injection-molded part (2) according to one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the outer conductor contact element (11) is sleeve-shaped and is closed in the circumferential direction at least at a front axial end (E) in a joining direction of the outer conductor contact element (11). Connector (100) according to claim 4,
characterized,
that at least one fastening means for fixing the outer conductor contact element (11) to the insulator element (6) and/or to the connector housing (7) is formed on an inner wall and/or on an outer wall of the outer conductor contact element (11). Connector (100) according to claim 4 or 5,
characterized, that in the outer conductor contact element (11) a diameter taper (19) for axial fixing of the Outer conductor contact element (11) in the connector (100) is formed, which corresponds to a diameter taper (20) in the insulator element (6) or in the connector housing (7). Connector (100) according to one of claims 4 to 6,
characterized,
that the connector (100) is designed as a straight connector. Connector (100) according to one of claims 4 to 7,
characterized,
that the outer conductor contact element (11) is formed in one piece. Connector (100) according to one of claims 4 to 8,
characterized,
that the connector housing (7) is uncoated. Connector (100) according to one of claims 4 to 9,
characterized,
that the plug connector (100) is designed as a circuit board plug connector (1), at the circuit board-side end of which the outer conductor contact element (11) and the inner conductor contact element (10) each protrude from the plug connector housing (7) in such a way that the outer conductor contact element (11) can be contacted with an outer conductor contact region (22) of a circuit board (18) and the inner conductor contact element (10) can be contacted with an inner conductor contact region (21) of the circuit board (18). Connector (100) according to claim 10,
characterized,
that an axial section of the outer conductor contact element (11), which is located outside the connector housing (7), is closed in the circumferential direction. Connector (100) according to claim 10 or 11,
characterized,
that an end face at a circuit board-side end (14) of the sleeve-shaped outer conductor contact element (11) is oriented orthogonally to a longitudinal axis of the circuit board connector. Connector (100) according to one of claims 10 to 12,
characterized,
that the circuit board-side end (14) of the outer conductor contact element (11) is extended by several contact pins (15), which are preferably arranged in equidistant angular segments to one another. Printed circuit board connector arrangement (16) comprising a connector (100) designed as a printed circuit board connector (1) according to one of claims 10 to 13 and a printed circuit board (18), wherein the outer conductor contact element (11) is electrically and mechanically connected to the outer conductor contact region (22) of the printed circuit board (18) and the inner conductor contact element (10) is electrically and mechanically connected to the inner conductor contact region (21) of the printed circuit board (18), preferably via a soldered connection. A method for manufacturing a printed circuit board connector assembly (16) according to claim 14, comprising the steps: - Providing the injection molded part (2), - inserting an outer conductor contact element (11) between the first region (3) and the second region (4), - separating the insulator element (6) and the connector housing (7) by severing the at least one connection region (5) through the inserted outer conductor contact element (11), - passing the inner conductor contact (10) through a feedthrough (9) formed in the insulator element (6) and - Connecting the outer conductor contact element (11) to the outer conductor contact area (22) of the circuit board (18) and the inner conductor contact element (10) to the inner conductor contact area (21) of the circuit board (18).

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