CONNECTOR AND CIRCUIT BOARD WITH SUCH A CONNECTOR

Abstract

The invention relates to a connector (100) for a sealed plug connection (102), wherein the connector (100) has a contact arrangement (106) which is arranged in a base body (112) of the connector (100), in particular is cast in, and is pluggable from a front surface (119) of the base body (112) from a plugging direction (110) of the contact arrangement (106), wherein the base body (112) forms a pluggable plug face (114) of the plug connection (102) surrounding the contact arrangement (106), wherein the plug face (114) is designed as a recess in the front surface (119), wherein a collar (118) arranged around an outer conductor contact (108) of the contact arrangement (106) projects into the recess in the plugging direction (110), wherein flank surfaces (116) of the recess form an outer contour of the plug face (114). train,wherein the collar (118) and the flank surfaces (116) are fluid-tightly connected to each other by a base (120) of the recess and the collar (118) on an outer side and / or the flank surfaces (116) on an inner side have a sealing surface (122) oriented substantially in the insertion direction (110) for sealing against a sealing element (124) of a mating connector (104) of the plug connection (102).

Description

AREA OF INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to a connector for a sealed plug connection and a circuit board with a corresponding connector. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] A connector can be exposed to environmental influences. Environmental influences, especially ingress of liquids, can lead to corrosion and impede the transmission of electrical current through the connector's contacts. This impediment can disrupt signal transmission and / or power transmission via the connector.

[0003] To protect the connector from environmental influences, it can be relocated to a sealed housing of the component it connects to. For example, a cable entry point in the housing can be sealed, allowing the use of unsealed connectors inside the housing.

[0004] Alternatively, the connector can be housed in a sealed, split connector housing. In this case, two unsealed connectors can be joined together within the housing, and a sealing mechanism of the housing can be actuated subsequently or even simultaneously. For example, a wedge action of a thread or at least a locking lever can press a seal surrounding the connector against a corresponding sealing surface or another seal.

[0005] Creating the sealed plug connection requires an additional sealing step in each case.

[0006] US 4,867,699 A describes a connector with a test device. The electrical connector has a first and a second connector that must be fully fused and locked together before a fourth connector can be fully fused with a third connector. A test device is arranged on the first and second connectors and prevents the fourth connector from fused with the third connector if the second connector is missing from the first connector.

[0007] WO 2013 / 041439 A2 describes another detachable connector.

[0008] DE 10 2019 104 806 A1 describes a waterproof USB connector. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION AND ADVANTAGEOUS EXECUTIONS

[0009] There may be a need for a sealed connector that can be easily and reliably connected and seals without requiring an additional sealing mechanism. Specifically, there may be a need for a connector to create such a connection. Furthermore, there may be a need for a circuit board with a corresponding connector.

[0010] Such a need can be met by the subject matter of the independent claims. Advantageous embodiments are set forth in the dependent claims, the following description, and the accompanying figures.

[0011] A first aspect of the invention relates to a connector for a sealed plug connection, wherein the connector has a contact arrangement that is arranged, in particular cast, in a base body of the connector and is pluggable from a front surface of the base body in one insertion direction of the contact arrangement. The base body forms a pluggable mating face of the connector surrounding the contact arrangement, the mating face being designed as a recess in the front surface. A collar arranged around an outer conductor contact of the contact arrangement projects into the recess in the insertion direction, with flank surfaces of the recess forming an outer contour of the mating face. The collar and the flank surfaces are fluid-tightly connected to each other by a base of the recess.The collar has on an outside and / or the flank surfaces have on an inside a sealing surface oriented essentially in the insertion direction for sealing against a sealing element of a mating connector of the plug connection.

[0012] Without limiting the scope of the invention in any way, ideas and possible features for embodiments of the invention can be considered to be based, among other things, on the thoughts and findings described below.

[0013] A connector can be mated with a mating connector to form a connection. This connection can be disconnected, i.e., it is reversible. The connector can have a predefined mating direction, which may be defined, among other things, by guide surfaces on both the connector and the mating connector. The connector and mating connector can be axially mated and disconnected in the mating direction.

[0014] The guide surfaces can be part of the connector's mating face. The mating face can have a shape characteristic of the respective connector. The connector described here can be specifically referred to as a socket or female part of the connector, since the mating face is essentially designed as a recess or indentation that can accommodate a protrusion or projection of the mating connector. The mating connector can therefore be inserted into the connector to form the connection. Consequently, the mating connector can be referred to as a plug or male part of the connector.

[0015] A contact assembly can consist of electrically conductive contact elements, electrically insulating insulating material, and an electrically conductive outer conductor contact. The contact elements and the outer conductor contact can be made of a metallic material. The contact elements can be located within the outer conductor contact. The contact elements can be electrically insulated from each other and from the outer conductor contact by the insulating material. The outer conductor contact can be used as shielding against electromagnetic coupling. The outer conductor contact can be connected to a ground potential. The outer conductor contact can be mechanically more stable than the contact elements, for example, due to increased material thickness and / or a stiffening geometry. The outer conductor contact can be positioned ahead of the contact elements.The outer conductor contact can serve as a guide element for the contact arrangement and define the insertion direction. The outer conductor contact can surround the electrical conductors radially in the insertion direction.

[0016] A base body can be made of an electrically non-conductive plastic material. The base body can be an electrical insulator. The base body can be manufactured by injection molding. The contact assembly can be inserted as an insert into a mold for manufacturing the base body and then embedded in plasticized plastic material, which subsequently hardens around the contact assembly. Alternatively, the contact assembly can be inserted or pressed into a recess in the base body after it has been injection molded. The base body can have ejection ramps or demolding ramps for removal from the mold. Depending on the mold design, the ejection ramps can have different directions. The mating face can also have ejection ramps.

[0017] A collar can radially enclose the contact assembly. The collar can essentially follow the contour of the outer conductor contact. The collar can be molded onto the contact assembly during injection molding, or the contact assembly can be subsequently pressed or inserted into an interior space of the collar.

[0018] A sealing surface can be smooth or have a roughness less than a maximum value. A sealing element of the mating connector can, in particular, be an elastic seal. The sealing element can be annular, elongated ring-shaped, or elliptical and, in the connected state of the plug connection, rests against the sealing surface all the way around or is slightly compressed between the sealing surface of the plug connector and a corresponding sealing surface of the mating connector. The sealing surface can be located on the collar. In this case, the sealing element can be located inside the mating connector and thus be well protected from contact and contamination, for example. Alternatively or additionally, the sealing surface can be located on the flank surfaces. A sealing element located on the mating connector would therefore be positioned on an exposed outer surface of the mating connector.Therefore, the sealing element can be well protected within the recess of the connector and thus be part of the connector itself. Positioning the sealing surface on the collar is therefore preferred, but positioning it on the flank surfaces is also possible. The sealing element can, for example, have several parallel sealing ribs. When connecting the plug, the sealing element can be pushed onto the sealing surface on the collar or the flank surfaces in the mating direction.

[0019] The base of the recess can be oriented essentially perpendicular to the insertion direction. The base can form a ring around the collar. The base can limit the insertion depth of the connector. The base can serve as a stop surface for the mating connector.

[0020] The flank surfaces can be arranged around the base and are essentially aligned in the insertion direction. The flank surfaces can be guide surfaces of the connector. The mating connector can only be inserted into the connector if its plug face can slide into the plug face of the connector without collision.

[0021] The contact arrangement can be connected to a cable, or in particular a multi-core electrical conductor. One end of the cable can be inserted into or embedded in the base body.

[0022] Preferably, the contact arrangement can be configured to connect to a circuit board oriented in the insertion direction and has a circuit board interface angled transversely to the insertion direction. A circuit board can be referred to as a printed circuit board or PCB. The circuit board can have a planar, i.e., essentially two-dimensional, structure. The circuit board interface can be designed as a solder interface for connection by a soldering process. Contact elements of the circuit board interface can be electrically connected within the contact arrangement to the corresponding contact elements of the contact arrangement. The circuit board interface can be shielded by a lateral extension of the outer conductor contact.For example, the PCB interface can have solder pads as contact elements, which can be placed onto corresponding solder pads on the PCB after solder paste has been dispensed onto them. The solder paste can then preferably be melted by reflow soldering. Alternatively, the PCB interface can have contact pins as contact elements, which are inserted into corresponding contact holes on the PCB. The contact pins can then be connected to the contact holes, for example, by wave soldering.

[0023] The PCB interface can have alignment elements. These elements align the PCB interface when the connector is placed on a corresponding interface on the PCB. After soldering, the alignment elements can serve as mechanical connectors between the connector and the PCB. Alternatively or additionally, the alignment elements can be used as ground contacts between the outer conductor contact of the connector assembly and the PCB.

[0024] A second aspect of the invention relates to a circuit board with a connector according to an embodiment of the first aspect, wherein an angled circuit board interface of the contact arrangement is connected to conductor tracks of the circuit board next to an edge of the circuit board, wherein at least a part of the base body is arranged between a surface of the circuit board and the outer conductor contact.

[0025] The part of the base body positioned between the outer conductor contact and the circuit board ensures the fluid tightness of the connector interface. The circuit board interface extends beyond the outer conductor contact at least far enough that this part of the base body fits between the outer conductor and the circuit board.

[0026] The PCB interface can protrude between one and ten millimeters, preferably one to five millimeters, transversely to the insertion direction beyond the outer conductor contact. A protruding portion of the PCB interface can be embedded in the base body behind the mating face. Compared to a standard PCB contact arrangement, the PCB interface can protrude further laterally beyond the outer conductor contact. With a larger protrusion of around five millimeters, parts of the collar, base, and flank surfaces can be positioned between the PCB and the outer conductor contact. This allows the mating connector to be continuously adjustable at this point, improving the touch safety (sometimes also referred to as Koshiri safety) of the mating connector.

[0027] The PCB interface can be positioned between one and ten millimeters, preferably one to five millimeters, away from a depth stop of the contact assembly in the insertion direction. The contact assembly, or the outer conductor contact, can be embedded in the base body at least between the depth stop and the PCB interface. A depth stop can limit the insertion depth of the contact assembly. The outer conductor contact and the contact elements of the contact assembly can be axially extended in the insertion direction compared to a standard PCB contact assembly. This allows the outer conductor contact and the contact elements to project further beyond the edge of the PCB, and the base of the mating face to be positioned essentially laterally next to the PCB. This also allows the mating connector to be continuously adjustable and improves the touch safety of the mating connector.

[0028] The contact arrangement can be, in particular, a USB-C socket or have a USB-C socket. A USB-C connector consisting of a USB-C socket and a USB-C plug is configured to transmit high-frequency data or signal flows. The USB-C connector must generally meet high and strictly standardized requirements regarding both its structural and functional properties. In particular, it must typically enable high-frequency data or signal flows while minimizing interference such as crosstalk, electromagnetic radiation emission or coupling, and similar phenomena.

[0029] A USB-C connector is not fluid-tight without additional sealing measures. The connector presented here provides these sealing measures. The seal can be created immediately when the connector and mating connector are plugged together, by sliding or pressing the sealing element onto the sealing surface of the collar along the insertion direction during the plugging process.

[0030] The connector body can form a sealing area around the connector face or front surface for sealing against a housing. This connector can be referred to as a housing connector. The connector can be positioned within a cutout in the housing. The sealing area can seal against a contour of the cutout. For example, the sealing area can have a flange oriented transversely to the mating direction, which can abut an outer or inner surface of the housing and define the axial position of the connector relative to the housing. Alternatively or additionally, the sealing area can have a circumferential sealing surface oriented in the mating direction, shaped to match the cutout. A sealing material can be placed between the flange and / or the sealing surface to ensure fluid tightness. For example, the connector can be bonded into the cutout.

[0031] The base body can have a counterweight on a side facing away from the front surface to balance the connector. The counterweight can be an additional material protrusion without a direct function for the connection. The counterweight can provide a weight force that compensates for the weight force of a material protrusion in the mating face area. The counterweight allows the connector to be positioned at the edge of the circuit board without the weight of the connector face causing the connector to tip over the edge. The counterweight can be made of the same plastic material as the base body. In particular, the counterweight can be heavier than the connector face to ensure that the connector's overall center of gravity is positioned above the circuit board.

[0032] The flank surfaces and / or the collar can form at least one coding feature on the connector face, aligned in the insertion direction. A coding feature can be a coding groove or a coding rib. When mating, a coding rib engages a corresponding coding groove on the other part of the connector. If no matching coding groove is present at this location, a collision occurs, and the connector cannot be inserted, at least in its current orientation. It may be necessary to rotate the mating connector, for example, by 180°, to align the coding rib with a matching coding groove. Coding features prevent incorrect connections. This is particularly important when multiple connectors are adjacent, as it helps avoid errors. The coding can also be visually supported by color coding on the connector and mating connector.

[0033] The flank surfaces of the recess can form, at least partially, a locking mechanism for the connector face. A locking mechanism can enable a mechanical connection between the connector and the mating connector. The locking mechanism can, in particular, be designed as an undercut for a spring-loaded locking lug on the mating connector. The locking mechanism can, in particular, have a recess for a spring of the locking lug. The locking mechanism can also act as an anti-rotation device for the connector.

[0034] The locking mechanism can protrude at least partially from the front surface. For this purpose, the locking mechanism of the mating connector can be set back in the insertion direction. In particular, a structure with an undercut can protrude from the front surface.

[0035] The collar can be recessed behind the front surface. By being recessed or offset in the insertion direction towards the contact arrangement, the mating connector's mating face can first touch and align with the flanks of the recess before the collar makes contact with the sealing element. This prevents lateral displacement and rotation of the sealing element relative to the sealing surface on the collar, thus preventing damage to the sealing surface and the sealing element.

[0036] The collar can extend beyond the outer conductor contact and the contact assembly. This prevents accidental contact with the outer conductor contact and the contact assembly.

[0037] The base may have a step. This allows the flank surfaces on one side of the contact assembly to be shorter than on the opposite side. The step allows the PCB interface of the contact assembly to project laterally between one and two millimeters across the outer conductor contact, perpendicular to the mating direction. The step enables the use of a contact assembly with an axial distance of the depth stop from the PCB interface of between 0.5 and five millimeters. When the PCB interface is located on the surface of the PCB, the edge of the PCB may be positioned behind the step in the base. The mating connector may also have a step.

[0038] The collar with the outer conductor contact can protrude at least partially beyond the edge. At least a portion of the base of the connector face can be positioned in front of or to the side of the edge. This portion of the base can be formed by the step. If the base has no step, a contact arrangement extended in the insertion direction can be used.

[0039] The base body can have a counterweight for the mating face. The counterweight can have a contact surface located on the surface of the circuit board. Contact elements of the circuit board interface can be arranged in the same plane as the contact surface. The counterweight and the circuit board interface can have a continuous contact surface with the circuit board. This allows the connector to be easily positioned on the circuit board before soldering without tilting.

[0040] The counterweight can be mechanically connected to the circuit board using at least one fastening element. A fastening element can project beyond the counterweight's contact surface and be located in a bore in the circuit board. This fastening element can, in particular, transfer forces from the connector to the circuit board in the insertion direction, thus relieving the circuit board interface of these forces. The fastening element can be non-electrical. The fastening element can be molded onto the counterweight. Alternatively, the fastening element can be an overmolded insert. In this case, the fastening element can be made of a metal material and can be soldered to the circuit board. The fastening element can also be a plug-in component that is inserted into a receptacle in the counterweight before the circuit board is populated.In particular, the counterweight can have several fastening elements on which the force in the insertion direction and other forces are distributed.

[0041] It should be noted that possible features and advantages of embodiments of the invention are described partly with reference to a connector or a plug connection formed therewith, and partly with reference to a circuit board with a corresponding connector. A person skilled in the art will recognize that the features described for individual embodiments can be transferred, adapted, and / or exchanged in an analogous and suitable manner to other embodiments in order to arrive at further embodiments of the invention and possibly at synergistic effects. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0042] Advantageous embodiments of the invention are further explained below with reference to the accompanying drawings, whereby neither the drawings nor the explanations are to be interpreted as limiting the invention in any way. Fig. Figures 1 to 3 show sectional views of connectors according to exemplary embodiments. Fig. Figure 4 shows a representation of a connector according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0043] The figures are merely schematic and not to scale. The same reference symbols denote identical or equivalent features in the different drawings. DESCRIPTION OF ADVANTAGEOUS EXECUTION FORMS

[0044] Fig. Figure 1 shows a sectional view of a connector 100 according to an exemplary embodiment with a mating connector 104 connected to form a sealed plug connection 102. The connector 100 has an encapsulated contact assembly 106 with several contact elements and an outer conductor contact 108. The outer conductor contact 108 surrounds the contact elements in a ring shape and defines a plug-in direction 110 of the connection. The outer conductor contact 108 is made of a metal material. The contact assembly 106 is encapsulated in a base body 112 made of a plastic material. The contact assembly 106 is accessible and pluggable in the base body 112 from the plug-in direction 110.

[0045] The base body 112 forms a mating face 114 of the connector 100 surrounding the contact arrangement 106. The mating face 114 essentially has flank surfaces 116 aligned in the mating direction 110 and a central collar 118, also aligned in the mating direction 110, which surrounds the contact arrangement 106. The mating face 114 is thus an annular recess in a front surface 119 of the base body 112, arranged between the flank surfaces 116 and the collar 118, and extending around the collar 118. A base 120 of the recess is continuous and fluid-tight.

[0046] The collar 118 has an annular sealing surface 122 on its outer side, oriented in the insertion direction. An annular sealing element 124 of the mating connector 104 seals against the sealing surface 122. The sealing element 124 is located on the inner side of a tubular projection 126 of a mating face of the mating connector 104, which protrudes from the mating connector 104. When the connector 102 is inserted, the projection 126 is located in the annular recess of the mating face 114. The outer sides of the projection 126 rest against the flank surfaces 116. Inside the projection 126, a mating contact assembly 128 of the mating connector 104 protrudes from a base of the mating face. The mating contact assembly 128 is inserted into the outer conductor contact 108 and electrically contacts the contact elements located in the outer conductor contact 108. The contact arrangement 106 is specifically a USB-C socket.

[0047] In one embodiment, the connector 100 is configured as a housing socket, while the mating connector 104 is designed as a cable plug. A connection area 130 of the connector 100 extends around the front surface 119 to a housing 132, for example, of a control unit. Here, the connection area 130 comprises a flange 134 oriented transversely to the insertion direction 110 and an adjoining sealing area 136 oriented in the insertion direction 110. A sealing material 140, such as an adhesive, is arranged between the sealing area 136 and a cutout 138 of the housing 132. The sealing material 140 can alternatively or additionally also be arranged between the flange 134 and the housing 132.

[0048] In one embodiment, the connector 100 is arranged inside the housing 132 on a circuit board 142. The connector 100 is located close to an edge 144 of the circuit board on a surface of the circuit board 142. The circuit board 142 is oriented in the mating direction 110. The circuit board 142 is laterally offset from the outer conductor contact 108. The contact arrangement 106 has a circuit board interface 146 angled transversely to the mating direction 110 for connecting to conductor tracks of the circuit board 142. The circuit board interface 146 projects laterally beyond the outer conductor contact 108 to such an extent that part of the mating face 114 is positioned between the outer conductor contact 108 and the circuit board 142. In particular, part of the collar 118 around the outer conductor contact 108 is positioned between the outer conductor contact 108 and the circuit board 142. In the illustrated embodiment, the circuit board interface 146 protrudes laterally by approximately 1.8 millimeters beyond the outer conductor contact 108.Additionally, the PCB interface 146 is recessed approximately 1.5 millimeters behind a depth stop of the contact arrangement 106 in the insertion direction 110. The dimensions mentioned above, as well as those mentioned below with reference to other embodiments, can be larger or smaller within certain limits or tolerances, for example by ±10%, ±20%, or even ±50%. However, care must be taken to ensure that significant deviations from the specified values ​​do not unduly affect the functionality of the connector, such as shielding and / or crosstalk within the connector.

[0049] In one embodiment, the connector 100 is arranged so close to the edge 144 that a large part of the mating face 114 is positioned laterally next to the circuit board 142, i.e., projecting beyond the edge 144. The base 120 of the recess has a step 148, which causes the base 120 to be recessed behind the edge 144 above the edge 144, while the base 120 is positioned next to the edge 144 in line with the circuit board 142. The flanking surfaces 116 project largely beyond the edge 144.

[0050] In one embodiment, the connector 100 has a counterweight 150. The counterweight 150 is made of the same plastic material as the connector 100 and is located on the surface of the circuit board 142. The counterweight 150 balances the mating face 114, which projects beyond the edge 144, so that the connector 100 rests stably on the surface of the circuit board 142 during assembly, without tipping over the edge 144. The counterweight 150 has a contact surface 152 with the circuit board 142. The contact surface 152 is arranged in the same plane as the circuit board interface 146.

[0051] In one embodiment, the counterweight 150 is connected to the circuit board 142 by at least one fastening element 154. The fastening element 154 is made of a metal material and is subsequently pressed into the counterweight 150. The metal fastening element 154 can be mechanically connected to the circuit board 142 when the connector 100 is soldered.

[0052] In one embodiment, the flank surfaces 116 form at least a portion of a locking device 156 of the connector 100. The locking device 156 receives a mating locking device of the mating connector 104 and, when inserted, forms a positive-locking connection with the mating locking device. The locking device 156 and mating locking device are, for example, designed as a spring-loaded detent 158 ​​and undercut 160. When the mating connector 104 is inserted, the detent 158 ​​is elastically deformed as it slides over the undercut 160 and springs back after passing over the undercut 160, thus locking into place. This means that disconnecting the connector 102 is only possible if the detent 158 ​​and / or the undercut 160 are first deformed again to release the locking device 156.

[0053] In one embodiment, part of the locking device 156 of the connector 100 projects from the front surface 119 in the insertion direction 110. The locking device 156 of the mating connector 104 is thus set back in the insertion direction 110. The flank surfaces 116 therefore only form a guide contour for the locking device 156 of the mating connector 104. This guide contour also serves as an anti-rotation device for the connector 102.

[0054] Fig. Figure 2 shows a sectional view of a connector 100 according to an exemplary embodiment. The connector 100 essentially corresponds to the connector in Fig. 1. In contrast to this, the circuit board interface 146 is connected to the circuit board 142 at a further distance from the edge 144. Furthermore, the circuit board interface 146 protrudes laterally beyond the outer conductor contact 108 than in the previous example. Fig. 1. As a result, both part of the collar 118 and part of the flank surfaces 116 are positioned between the outer conductor contact 108 and the circuit board 142. The mating face 114 is thus positioned almost entirely above the surface of the circuit board 142. Only the front surface 119 of the connector 100 is positioned next to the edge 144. In the illustrated embodiment, the circuit board interface 146 projects laterally by approximately 4.4 millimeters beyond the outer conductor contact 108.

[0055] In one embodiment, the circuit board interface 146 is additionally set back approximately 4.45 millimeters behind the depth stop 200 of the contact arrangement 106 in the plug-in direction 110.

[0056] In the illustrated embodiment, the connector 100 has no counterweight to balance the plug face 114, since the connector 100 rests almost completely on the circuit board 142.

[0057] In one embodiment, the plug-in face 114 has a stepless base 120. By eliminating the step, the mating connector can be designed with increased touch safety.

[0058] In one embodiment, the contact arrangement 106 is recessed behind a leading edge of the collar 118 to ensure touch safety of the connector 100. The leading edge of the collar 118, in turn, is recessed behind the front surface 119. As a result, the projection of the mating connector first contacts the flank surfaces 116 and is aligned with the mating face 114 before the sealing element slides onto the sealing surface 122, and the mating contact arrangement enters the collar 118 and establishes electrical contact.

[0059] Fig. Figure 3 shows a sectional view of a connector 100 according to an exemplary embodiment. The connector 100 essentially corresponds to the connector 100 in Fig. 1. As in Fig. In Figure 1, connector 100 has a counterweight 150 arranged above the circuit board 142 to shift the center of gravity of connector 100 over the surface of the circuit board 142. The circuit board interface 146 is as shown in Figure 1. Fig. 1 after being connected to the circuit board 142 at edge 144. In contrast to Fig. In this case, the circuit board interface 146 is positioned approximately 4.45 millimeters behind the depth stop 200 of the contact assembly 106 in the insertion direction 110. The contact assembly 106 therefore protrudes further beyond the edge 144 than in Fig. 1. As a result, the base 120 has no step and the plug-in face 114 is positioned completely next to the edge 144. Here, too, the contact safety of the mating connector can be improved.

[0060] Fig. Figure 4 shows a representation of a connector 100 according to an exemplary embodiment. The connector 100 essentially corresponds to one of the connectors in the Fig. 1 to 3. Here is a view in the insertion direction of the front surface 119 and the connector face 114.

[0061] In one embodiment, the base 120 has, as in Fig. 1 a step 148. Through the step 148, a part of the base 120 is arranged in front of the edge 144 of the board 142, while the rest of the base is arranged behind the edge 144.

[0062] The connector face 114 is essentially designed as a flattened round recess in the front surface 119. The collar 118 projects centrally into the recess and is fluid-tightly connected to the flank surfaces 116 via the base 120. The collar 118 provides a fluid-tight seal against the outer conductor contact 108.

[0063] In one embodiment, the flank surfaces 116 form at least one coding element 400 of the plug-in face 114. Here, the coding elements 400 are grooves arranged distributed around the plug-in face 114. However, the coding elements can also be ribs. Four coding elements 400 are shown here. The plug-in face 114 can also have no, one, two, or three coding elements 400 in different coded variants. Grooves and ribs can also be mixed.

[0064] With a rib, the mating connector requires a matching or wider slot to be inserted. With a slot, the mating connector may or may not have a matching or narrower rib. A connection can also be made without a rib. If the rib is too wide, a connection cannot be made. The coding devices 400 can also be used as anti-rotation devices to ensure that a connection can only be made in one orientation. For axially symmetrical contact arrangements, such as USB-C, the coding devices 400 can alternatively be designed to be axially symmetrical, allowing for a 180° rotated connection.

[0065] In one embodiment, the anti-rotation device is provided via the asymmetrically designed locking device 156. This allows many differently coded plug connections to be defined using the coding devices 400.

[0066] Possible embodiments of the invention are summarized below or presented using slightly different wording.

[0067] A sealed female PCB connector is presented horizontally. The presented PCB connector is particularly suitable for the automotive industry.

[0068] Since USB-C connector systems were originally developed for the consumer market, no specific environmental requirements were taken into account. However, in certain installation situations in automotive and commercial vehicle technology, it is necessary to create a sealed connector – one that is waterproof and / or dustproof. Therefore, a sealed version of an automotive-grade USB-C connector system is presented here.

[0069] Most common USB-C connector systems are not suitable for sealed applications. Traditionally, a complex PCB contour may also be required. This might include, for example, a protruding ridge. This can increase PCB manufacturing costs and / or reduce mechanical stability. Additionally, most common USB-C connector systems do not comply with Koshiri safety standards.

[0070] Therefore, a solution for a sealed application with the simplest possible circuit board contour and corresponding automotive requirements such as Koshiri safety is presented here.

[0071] To achieve the simplest possible PCB contour when installing the connector in a housing, a customized USB-C socket is used instead of a standard USB-C socket. This custom socket differs in that it is raised, meaning it has a greater distance from the PCB. To allow for a recessed PCB edge, the front ground pins of the standard USB-C socket have been removed from the customized socket. These pins are normally used primarily for mechanical strength. In this solution, however, the mechanical strength is ensured by the overmolded housing. To create a watertight connection (together with the cable connector), the socket and housing are completely sealed.

[0072] Finally, it should be noted that terms such as "comprising," "encompassing," etc., do not exclude other elements or steps, and terms such as "a" or "an" do not exclude a plurality. Furthermore, it should be noted that features or steps described with reference to one of the above embodiments may also be used in combination with other features or steps of other embodiments described above. Reference numerals in the claims are not to be considered as a limitation. REFERENCE MARK LIST 100 connectors 102 Connector 104 mating connectors 106 Contact arrangement 108 External conductor contact 110 Plug direction 112 Basic bodies 114 Steckgesicht 116 Flank area 118 collars 119 Front surface 120 floor 122 sealing surface 124 Sealing element 126 lead 128 Counter-contact arrangement 130 connection area 132 cases 134 Flange 136 Sealing area 138 Excerpt 140 Sealing material 142 circuit board 144 edge 146 PCB interface 148th level 150 counterweight 152 contact area 154 Fastening element 156 Resting device 158 Raste 160 undercut 200 depth stop 400 coding unit

Claims

[1] Connector (100) for a sealed plug connection (102), wherein the connector (100) has a contact arrangement (106) which is arranged in a base body (112) of the connector (100), in particular is cast in place and can be plugged in from a front surface (119) of the base body (112) from a plugging direction (110) of the contact arrangement (106), wherein the base body (112) forms a pluggable plug face (114) of the plug connection (102) surrounding the contact arrangement (106), wherein the plug-in face (114) is formed as a recess in the front surface (119), wherein a collar (118) arranged around an outer conductor contact (108) of the contact arrangement (106) projects into the recess in the plug-in direction (110), wherein the flank surfaces (116) of the recess form an outer contour of the insertion face (114), wherein the collar (118) and the flank surfaces (116) are fluid-tightly connected to each other by a bottom (120) of the recess and the collar (118) on an outside and / or the flank surfaces (116) on an inside have a sealing surface (122) oriented substantially in the insertion direction (110) for sealing against a sealing element (124) of a mating connector (104) of the plug connection (102). [2] Connector (100) according to claim 1, wherein the contact arrangement (106) is configured to be connected to a circuit board (142) aligned in the plug-in direction (110) and has a circuit board interface (146) angled transversely to the plug-in direction (110), wherein the circuit board interface (146) protrudes transversely to the plug-in direction (110) between one millimeter and ten millimeters, preferably one to five millimeters, beyond the outer conductor contact (108). [3] Connector (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the contact arrangement (106) is configured to be connected to a circuit board (142) aligned in the plug-in direction (110) and has a circuit board interface (146) angled transversely to the plug-in direction (110), wherein the circuit board interface (146) is spaced between one millimeter and ten millimeters, preferably one to five millimeters, apart in the plug-in direction (110) from a depth stop (200) of the contact arrangement (106). [4] Connector (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the contact arrangement (106) is a USB-C socket. [5] Connector (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the base body (112) forms a sealing area (136) circumferential around the connector face (114) for sealing against a housing (132). [6] Connector (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the base body (112) has a counterweight (150) on a side facing away from the front surface (119) for balancing the connector (100). [7] Connector (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the flank surfaces (116) and / or the collar (118) form at least one coding device (400) of the connector face (114) aligned in the insertion direction (110). [8] Connectors (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the flank surfaces (116) form at least a portion of a locking device (156) of the connector face (114). [9] Connector (100) according to claim 8, wherein the locking device (156) protrudes at least partially from the front surface (119). [10] Connector (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the collar (118) is recessed behind the front surface (119). [11] Connector (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the collar (118) extends beyond the outer conductor contact (108). [12] Connector (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the base (120) has a step (148). [13] Circuit board (142) with a connector (100) according to one of claims 1 to 12, wherein an angled circuit board interface (146) of the contact arrangement (106) is connected to conductor tracks of the circuit board (142) next to an edge (144) of the circuit board (142), wherein at least a part of the base body (112) is arranged between a surface of the circuit board (142) and the outer conductor contact (108). [14] Circuit board (142) according to claim 13, wherein the collar (118) with the outer conductor contact (108) projects at least partially beyond the edge (144) and at least a portion of the base (120) of the plug face (114) is arranged in front of the edge (144). [15] Circuit board (142) according to one of claims 13 to 14, wherein the base body (112) has a counterweight (150) for the plug-in face (114), wherein the counterweight (150) has a support surface (152) which is arranged on the surface of the circuit board (142), wherein contact elements of the circuit board interface (146) are arranged in a plane of the support surface (152). [16] Circuit board (142) according to claim 15, wherein the counterweight (150) is mechanically connected to the circuit board (142) using at least one fastening element (154).

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