Plug connector, in particular a mini-coaxial automotive connector

Abstract

One aspect relates to a connector (10), in particular a mini-coaxial automotive connector, for connecting to a compatible connector device, comprising: a housing body (12) designed as a zinc die-cast component, which has at least two coaxial connectors (20) for connecting to corresponding coaxial sockets of the compatible connector device, wherein the coaxial connectors (20) are aligned parallel to each other and extend from the housing body (12) in the direction of a connection direction (V), wherein the housing body (12) has two opposite main sides (100) which are aligned substantially parallel to the connection direction (V) and which each extend from a top (102) to a bottom (64) of the housing body (12), and wherein each main side (100) has a recess (98).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a connector, in particular a mini coaxial automotive connector, for connecting to a compatible connector device, as well as a system consisting of a connector and a compatible connector device.

[0002] Connectors, especially those for automotive applications, must meet a wide range of requirements. Connectors must enable the safe and reliable transmission of electrical signals, such as high-frequency signals. Furthermore, the connectors must be durable and, due to the limited space available at the intended installation location, have small dimensions and be as compact as possible.

[0003] Furthermore, standards for connectors are becoming established in the automotive sector. For example, standardized FAKRA (plug-in) connectors are well known. FAKRA is a standards committee for automotive technology within 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 designed according to desired FAKRA standards.

[0004] However, connectors used in the automotive sector, especially those installed on printed circuit boards, can cause problems due to their inherent weight. For example, vibrations and centrifugal forces can place excessive strain on the electrical connection between the connector and the circuit board, potentially disrupting the connection. For example, solder connections between the connector and the circuit board can break or become loose. Furthermore, forces can be transmitted to the circuit board via the connector, for example, through vibrations, leading to premature aging of the circuit board.

[0005] Furthermore, a FAKRA connector is known from document CN 208 753 603 U. The connector comprises a housing body, a conductor, connecting sockets, and a connecting housing. The sockets and the housing body are molded separately, with the sockets being made of copper and the housing body being made of a zinc alloy. The housing body further comprises two pairs of lateral, opposing recesses that do not extend continuously downwards from a top surface.

[0006] Furthermore, document CN 209 183 892 U describes a connector according to the preamble of claim 1, in particular a mini FAKRA connector comprising a main body, connecting sockets, and a connecting plug. The main body comprises a housing body, which is bent into shape from sheet metal, and a rubber insert.

[0007] Furthermore, document CN 208 272 231 U describes a coaxial connector with a connector housing, wherein the coaxial sockets can be slidably inserted into a housing body. The housing body further comprises two pairs of lateral, opposing recesses that extend from a top side toward the bottom side in a discontinuous manner.

[0008] It is therefore desirable to provide connectors that have the lowest possible weight but are still resistant and robust.

[0009] This problem is solved by the subject matter of independent claim 1.

[0010] Preferred embodiments are defined in the dependent claims.

[0011] One aspect of the invention relates to a connector, in particular a mini coaxial automotive connector, for connecting to a compatible connector device, comprising: a housing body designed as a zinc die-cast component, which has at least two coaxial connectors for connecting to corresponding coaxial sockets of the compatible connector device, wherein the coaxial connectors are aligned parallel to one another and extend from the housing body in the direction of a connection direction, wherein the housing body has two opposite main sides which are aligned substantially parallel to the connection direction and which each run from a top side to a bottom side of the housing body, and wherein each main side has a plurality of recesses.

[0012] Advantageously, by providing several recesses on the main sides of the housing body, the weight of the housing body can be reduced. Furthermore, the stability and integrity of the

[0013] The housing body is essentially not negatively affected by the multiple recesses. Furthermore, the material used in the manufacture of the housing body can be reduced, making the connector more cost-effective to manufacture. The recesses can, in particular, be designed as depressions formed on the outer wall or on the main sides of the housing body.

[0014] In the context of the present disclosure, the connection direction refers to the direction in which the connector must be guided to connect the connector to the compatible plug device. Furthermore, the top and bottom sides of the housing body can run substantially parallel to the connection direction and be arranged opposite one another. Furthermore, the top and bottom sides are each arranged substantially perpendicular to the main sides of the housing body.

[0015] Preferably, the connector is mechanically and electrically connectable to a printed circuit board. The housing body has plug contacts that can be inserted into corresponding plug holes in the printed circuit board to connect the connector to the printed circuit board. The plug contacts are formed on the underside of the housing body, with the underside facing the printed circuit board when the housing body or the connector is attached to the printed circuit board. Furthermore, the main sides of the housing body are aligned substantially perpendicular to the printed circuit board when the housing body or the connector is attached to the printed circuit board.

[0016] Furthermore, it can be provided to electrically connect the at least two coaxial connectors to the circuit board, for example by soldering the two coaxial connectors to the circuit board.

[0017] Preferably, the longitudinal direction of the plurality of recesses can run substantially perpendicular to the connecting direction.

[0018] In addition, each main side has a first pair of recesses extending from the top side towards the bottom of the housing body, and each main side has a second pair of recesses extending from the bottom side towards the top side.

[0019] In other words, the first pair of recesses and the second pair of recesses each have exactly two recesses. Furthermore, the recesses of the first pair of recesses can be identical but spaced apart from each other. Likewise, the recesses of the second pair of recesses can be identical but spaced apart from each other. In particular, the recesses of the first pair of recesses and the second pair of recesses are spaced apart from each other along the connecting direction.

[0020] Preferably, the first pair of recesses and the second pair of recesses may not be continuous on the main side, and / or the first pair of recesses and the second pair of recesses may be opposite each other on the main side. In other words, the first pair of recesses and the second pair of recesses are not continuous from the top to the bottom.

[0021] Preferably, the width of a recess in the first pair of recesses and / or the width of a recess in the second pair of recesses is / or is 0.04 times to 0.08 times, and particularly preferably 0.057 times, the total width of the housing body along the connection direction. The total width of the housing body can further be regarded as the distance between two fictitious planes, each of which is perpendicular to the connection direction, with a first fictitious plane of the two fictitious planes being located at an end of the housing body in the connection direction (without coaxial connector) and a second fictitious plane of the two fictitious planes being located at an end of the housing body opposite the connection direction. The total width of the housing body can, for example, be in the range between 11 mm and 18 mm and preferably in the range between 13 mm and 16 mm. Particularly preferably, the total width of the housing body can be approximately15.8 mm, the width of a recess of the first pair of recesses and the width of a recess of the second pair of recesses are substantially 0.9 mm.

[0022] Preferably, the depth of a recess in the first pair of recesses can be 0.10 times to 0.14 times the distance between the two opposite main sides, and / or the depth of a recess in the second pair of recesses can be 0.045 times to 0.07 times the distance between the two opposite main sides. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the depth of a recess in the first pair of recesses can be approximately 0.117 times the distance between the two opposite main sides, and the depth of a recess in the second pair of recesses can be approximately 0.055 times the distance between the two opposite main sides. Consequently, the recesses in the lower region of the connector are less deep than in the upper region of the connector. This is particularly advantageous because it does not adversely affect the stability and integrity of the housing body.Furthermore, the deeper recesses in the upper region of the housing body relative to the circuit board result in greater weight savings than in the lower region of the housing body, which is advantageous given the greater distance of the upper region from the circuit board. For example, the distance between the two main sides of the housing body can be 10 mm to 13 mm. In the particularly preferred embodiment, the distance between the two main sides of the housing body 12 can be approximately 12 mm, and the depth of a recess of the first pair of recesses can be approximately 1.41 mm, and the depth of a recess of the second pair of recesses can be approximately 0.66 mm.

[0023] Preferably, the first pair of recesses and the second pair of recesses are spaced from a rear side of the housing body by at least 0.15 times and at most 0.25 times the total width of the housing body. The rear side of the housing body can be considered the side of the housing body that is substantially perpendicular to the connection direction and faces opposite to the connection direction.

[0024] Preferably, the length of the first pair of recesses can correspond to 0.2 to 0.4 times, preferably 0.3 to 0.38 times, the distance between the bottom and top of the housing body, and / or the length of the second pair of recesses can correspond to 0.3 to 0.5 times, preferably 0.3 to 0.44 times, the distance between the bottom and top of the housing body. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the length of the first pair of recesses can correspond to approximately 0.37 times the distance between the bottom and top of the housing body 12, and the length of the second pair of recesses can correspond to approximately 0.36 times the distance between the bottom and top of the housing body. For example, the distance between the bottom of the housing body and the top of the housing body can be 10 mm to 14 mm, preferably 11 mm to 13 mm.In the particularly preferred embodiment, the distance between the bottom of the housing body and the top of the housing body can be substantially 12.05 mm, the length of the second pair of recesses can be approximately 5.7 mm and the length of the first pair of recesses can be approximately 4.45 mm.

[0025] Preferably, the distance between the recesses of the first pair of recesses may be 1.3 times to 2.0 times the width of a recess of the first pair of recesses.

[0026] Preferably, the distance between the recesses of the second pair of recesses may be 1.3 times to 2.0 times the width of a recess of the second pair of recesses.

[0027] In addition, the depth of the first pair of recesses is greater than the width of the first pair of recesses, and the depth of the second pair of recesses is smaller than the width of the second pair of recesses.

[0028] The housing body can preferably be designed to dissipate heat from the circuit board. In particular, one or more support elements with a support surface for supporting the housing body on a circuit board can be formed on the underside of the housing body, so that the coaxial connectors, which preferably serve for electrical contact, and the plug contacts do not have to additionally "carry" the weight of the connector or the housing body. Furthermore, the support surfaces contact the circuit board when the housing body is attached to the circuit board, whereby the support elements and / or the plug contacts can be used to dissipate heat from the circuit board.

[0029] Preferably, the connector can have a connection housing that can be connected to the housing body for connecting the connector to the compatible plug 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 option for inserting the compatible plug device in order to connect the coaxial connectors to the corresponding coaxial sockets when the compatible plug device is plugged into the connection housing according to the exactly one insertion option, wherein the connection housing can be connected 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 plug device that is different from the other orientation.

[0030] Advantageously, the connector can be preconfigured with a predetermined orientation of the connector housing on the housing body, so that, based on the selected orientation, the compatible connector device can be inserted 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. Particularly in locations where space is limited, for example in the automotive sector, the connector allows 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 printed circuit board, in particular to electrically connect the coaxial connectors to the printed circuit board and the electrical components arranged thereon. The ability to select the orientation of the connection housing to optimally utilize existing space conditions eliminates the need for a potentially necessary and often complex revision of the printed circuit board layout, in particular the provision of a different fastening position or arrangement position for the connector on the printed circuit board. If necessary, only the electrical connection between the connector and the printed circuit board must be adapted, for example by changing the wiring on the printed circuit board for connecting the individual coaxial connectors to the printed circuit board.However, compared to revising the PCB layout, where the connector has to be placed in a different position on the PCB, this is much less complex.

[0031] Consequently, the connector allows 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.

[0032] 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.

[0033] To arrange the connector on a circuit board, it can be provided, in particular, that a first end of a coaxial connector can be connected to the coaxial sockets of the compatible plug device, and a second end of the coaxial connector can be electrically connected to a circuit board. In particular, the coaxial connector can have an electrically conductive sleeve at the first end, in which an electrically conductive internal contact is arranged, at least in sections. The electrically conductive internal 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 can be connected both electrically and mechanically to a coaxial socket. Furthermore, the electrically conductive inner contact can have a pin-shaped end in the region of the sleeve, which can be inserted into an inner conductor of the coaxial socket.

[0034] The coaxial connectors are preferably designed to transmit high-frequency signals, such as 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.

[0035] To enable exactly one insertion option for the compatible plug device into the connector housing, the connector housing can have a coding (shape coding) predetermined by its shape. The coding ensures that the compatible plug device, which has a (shape) coding complementary to the coding of the connector housing, can be inserted into the connector housing in exactly one insertion option. Within the scope of the present invention, an insertion direction corresponds to the direction in which the compatible plug device is inserted into the connector housing. The insertion direction and the connection direction are opposite.

[0036] Preferably, the connection housing can be plugged onto a receiving base provided on the housing body, and the connection housing and the receiving base can each have cooperating securing features with which the connection housing can be secured to the receiving base or the housing body.

[0037] Advantageously, the securing features formed on the receiving base and the securing features formed on the connecting housing, which interact, can make accidental detachment or removal of the connecting housing from the housing body more difficult or even prevented, so that the preselected orientation of the connecting housing on the housing body is maintained.

[0038] Preferably, the connector housing can be detached from the housing body in a non-destructive or non-destructive manner. In particular, the securing features formed on the receiving base and the securing features formed on the connector housing can be designed to enable or prevent non-destructive detachment of the connector housing from the housing body.

[0039] 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 extend from the receiving base in the direction of the connection direction.

[0040] The housing body can thus have a main housing body section, to which the receiving base located in the connection direction is connected. In particular, the main housing body section can be substantially cubic or cube-shaped. Furthermore, the coaxial connectors can be arranged at least partially in the housing body, wherein the first end of the coaxial connectors is guided outwards via the receiving base in the connection direction. Furthermore, the second end of the coaxial connectors can be guided outwards via an underside of the housing body or of the main housing body section. The underside of the housing body corresponds to the side of the housing body which faces the printed circuit board when the connector is arranged on a printed 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.

[0041] Further, the first pair of recesses and the second pair of recesses may be formed on the main case body portion.

[0042] The receiving base can preferably have a front side that 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 that extend from the front side counter 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.

[0043] Furthermore, the front side of the receiving base can have one or more through-openings through which the coaxial connectors are guided out of the housing body. In particular, the front side can have a number of through-openings corresponding 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 side runs essentially parallel to the connection direction or insertion direction.

[0044] 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 side 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 side of the receiving base.

[0045] In a preferred embodiment, the front side of the receiving base has a substantially rectangular shape, particularly preferably a square shape, with four narrow sides extending from the front side of the receiving base toward the housing body or the main housing body section. In particular, one narrow side extends from each side of the substantially rectangular or substantially square-shaped front side of the receiving base toward the housing body or the main housing body section.

[0046] Preferably, the connection housing can have 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.

[0047] 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 connector housing, the connector housing can be arranged particularly stably on the housing body. Furthermore, it can be provided that the connector device-side section of the connector housing has precisely one insertion option for inserting the compatible connector device. This means that the connector device-side section of the connector 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.

[0048] Preferably, when the connector housing and housing body are connected, the receiving base can be fully inserted or plugged into the receiving base-side portion of the connector housing in the connection direction. Furthermore, the coaxial connectors are at least partially surrounded by the connector device-side portion of the connector housing. In particular, the first end of the coaxial connectors is recessed relative to an end of the connector device-side portion of the connector housing, which end is located in the connection direction.

[0049] Preferably, the receiving base-side section of the connecting 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.

[0050] Furthermore, in the connected state of the connecting housing and the housing body, the partition wall can abut against the front side of the receiving base and the outer wall of the receiving base-side section can essentially abut against the narrow sides of the receiving base.

[0051] Preferably, the securing features of the receiving base comprise at least one projection on the receiving base side and the securing features of the connecting housing comprise at least one recess on the connecting housing side, wherein the projection on the base side and the recess on the connecting housing side engage with one another when the connecting housing is connected to the housing body.

[0052] In particular, the projections on the receiving base can be formed on the narrow sides of the receiving base. Furthermore, the projections on the receiving base can have a ramp sloping in the connection direction and can slope in steps toward the narrow side opposite to the connection direction. This advantageously enables non-destructive separation of the connector housing from the housing body, allowing detection of any tampering with the connector. In particular, separating the connector housing from the housing body can lead to damage to the projections on the receiving base and / or the recesses in the connector housing.

[0053] In a preferred embodiment, the connector or the housing body can have four coaxial connectors, in particular exactly four coaxial connectors, which are guided outward through the receiving base in the connection direction. The four coaxial connectors are arranged parallel to one another. Furthermore, the front side of the receiving base is essentially square, and each quadrant of the front side can have a through-opening through which one of the four coaxial connectors is guided outward. Likewise, the partition wall of the connection housing can have four through-openings through which the four coaxial connectors protrude when the connection housing is connected to the housing body.

[0054] Furthermore, it can be provided that the connecting housing can be connected to the housing body in four different orientations. In particular, the four orientations can differ in that the connecting housing is rotated by 90° relative to the housing body in each case.

[0055] Preferably, the housing body may have (exactly) one positioning projection and the connecting 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 connecting housing is connectable to the housing body, the positioning projection engages in a different positioning opening of the at least two positioning openings.

[0056] 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.

[0057] 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 connector housing. In particular, the positioning projection extends from the front side of the receiving base in the connection direction and engages one of the two positioning openings when the connector housing is connected to the housing body.

[0058] Preferably, the front side of the receiving base has (exactly) two positioning projections extending from the front side in the connection direction. Furthermore, the partition wall of the connection housing has four positioning openings, wherein in each of the four possible orientations of the connection housing and the housing body, each positioning projection engages a different positioning opening.

[0059] Preferably, the positioning projections are each arranged on different edges formed between the front of the receiving base and the various 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 connector housing.

[0060] 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.

[0061] Preferably, the positioning projections and the positioning openings are substantially in 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 subject to minimal distortion when the connector housing and / or the housing body are exposed to possible mechanical forces, in particular shear loads.

[0062] Preferably, one side of the triangular positioning projection is aligned along the edge formed by the front side and a narrow side of the receiving base. In the case 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 along the edge, with one corner of each of the two opposing positioning projections facing toward each other.

[0063] The housing body can preferably be designed for mounting on a printed circuit board, with the center of gravity of the connector preferably located behind a printed circuit board seating edge of the housing body. Advantageously, the connector or the housing body can thus be arranged on the printed circuit board to be connected without the connector tilting relative to the printed circuit board. This simplifies the attachment or assembly of the connector to the printed circuit board, since the connector does not need to be secured to prevent tilting.

[0064] In particular, the housing body can have a plurality of plug contacts designed to be inserted into corresponding plug holes in the circuit board to connect the connector to the circuit board. The housing body preferably has four plug contacts, two of which are arranged in front of two second plug contacts in the connection direction. An imaginary connecting line can be considered the circuit board mounting edge, which connects the two first plug contacts, which are arranged at the same height on the underside in the connection direction.

[0065] Preferably, the connector housing can be designed in a single color. Furthermore, the color can correspond to a color coding according to a standard. Advantageously, color coding of the connector can thus be provided in addition to the shape coding.

[0066] 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.

[0067] Preferably, the housing body can comprise 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 comprise the receiving base, and the second end of the coaxial connector can be guided outward through the second housing body element, in particular via the underside.

[0068] Preferably, the first pair of recesses and the second pair of recesses may be formed on the first housing body member.

[0069] 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 partially 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 partially and is arranged at least partially in the sleeve. Furthermore, the connector can have a second dielectric insulation element that surrounds the second contact section at least partially.The first dielectric insulation element and the second dielectric insulation element can be arranged on the inner contact in such a way that an angling of the first contact section relative to the second contact section is limited to the predetermined angle.

[0070] 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.

[0071] Preferably, the first dielectric insulation element and / or the second dielectric insulation element are formed or attached to the first contact portion or to the second contact portion by means of an injection molding process.

[0072] 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.

[0073] A further aspect of the invention relates to a system comprising a connector according to the above embodiments and a plug device compatible with the connector.

[0074] 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 appended claims.

[0075] They show: Figure 1 is a perspective view of a connector comprising a housing body and a connecting housing, Figure 2 is a perspective view of the connector with the housing body and the connector connected to one another, Figure 3 is an exploded view of the housing body, Figure 4 is a perspective view of the connecting housing and the housing body in cross section, Figure 5 is a perspective view of the underside of the connector, Figure 6 is an internal contact for a coaxial connector, Figure 7 is the internal contact with the insulation element arranged, Figure 8 is a view of the front side of the connecting housing, Figure 9 is a side view of the main side of the housing body, Figure 10 is a side view of the top side of the housing body, Figure 11 is a side view of the underside of the housing body, and Figures 12 to 14 are a second embodiment of the housing body.

[0076] Figure 1shows 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 further consists of a main housing body section 16 and a receiving base 18 arranged on the main housing body section 16, which points in 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).

[0077] Furthermore, the housing body 12 has four coaxial connectors 20, which are arranged at least partially within the housing body 12. The four coaxial connectors 20 are aligned substantially parallel to one another and extend outward from 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.

[0078] The connector housing 14 has a receiving base-side portion 22 that can be plugged onto the receiving base 18. When the connector housing 14 is connected to the housing body 12, the receiving base-side portion 22 is plugged onto the receiving base 18, and the receiving base 18 is preferably fully inserted into the receiving base-side portion 22. Furthermore, the connector housing 14 has a connector device-side portion 24 into which the compatible connector device can be plugged in order to connect corresponding coaxial sockets of the connector device to the coaxial connectors 20.

[0079] The connector 10 can, in particular, be a standard-compliant connector, for example, compliant with a FAKRA standard or USCAR standard. Furthermore, the connector 10 has a shape coding 26 formed on the connector housing 14, which ensures that the connector housing 14 has exactly one insertion possibility for inserting the compatible connector device. As shown 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.

[0080] Furthermore, the connection housing 14 is designed to be fastened in at least two different orientations to the housing body 12 or to the receiving base 18. In particular, the connection housing 14 can be fastened in different orientations to the housing body 12 by rotating the connection housing 14 by 90° in each case 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 2by 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.

[0081] 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 substantially perpendicular to the connection direction V. This means that the normal vector of the front side 28 is substantially parallel to the connection direction V. The front side 28 has a substantially 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 opposite to 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 cooperate to secure the connection housing 14 to the housing body 12 or the receiving base 18.

[0082] 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 connecting 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 connecting direction V.

[0083] 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 ) that is substantially flat and elongated. Furthermore, the inner contact 42 is designed to connect a coaxial socket of the compatible connector device to a printed circuit board.

[0084] The internal contact 42 can, in particular, be punched from a flat starting workpiece. For example, a sheet of electrically conductive metal having a predetermined material thickness can be used as the flat starting workpiece. The material thickness of the electrically conductive starting workpiece can, for example, be between 0.2 mm and 0.4 mm, and preferably approximately 0.3 mm or exactly 0.3 mm.

[0085] 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 illustrated embodiment, the first contact section 44 is angled by approximately 90° relative to the second contact section 46.

[0086] As in the Figures 6 and 7 As shown, the inner contact 42 has, in the region of the first contact section 44, a coaxial socket-side end section 110 formed at one end of the inner contact 42. Furthermore, the coaxial socket-side end section 110 is designed to engage a socket-shaped inner contact of a corresponding coaxial socket of the compatible connector device.

[0087] Furthermore, the internal 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 internal 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 outward from 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.

[0088] Preferably, the coaxial socket-side end section 110 and / or the circuit board-side end section 112 can be formed by stamping the internal contact 42. In particular, the internal 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 section 112, which after stamping have a substantially rectangular cross-section (transverse to the longitudinal direction of the internal contact 42), are reshaped such that the cross-section is substantially round and / or oval. Stamping 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.

[0089] 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 stamped onto all edges. Due to the stamped radius, the cross-section of the coaxial socket-side end section 110 has the aforementioned 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 embossed on all edges.

[0090] As in Figure 7As 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.The first dielectric insulation element 48 and the second dielectric insulation element 50 can be connected to or arranged on the internal contact 42, in particular using an injection molding process. For example, the internal contact 42 can be arranged on an injection mold that 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 internal 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 thus created can also be referred to as insulation bodies in which the inner contact 42 is arranged at least in sections.

[0091] 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 angling 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.

[0092] How to continue in Figure 7As shown, the first dielectric insulation element 48 has a sleeve portion 56 which at least partially surrounds the internal contact 42 along the connection direction V. The sleeve portion 56 adjoins (directly) the coaxial socket-side end portion 110 opposite the connection direction V. A housing portion 58 of the first dielectric insulation element 48 adjoins (directly) the sleeve portion 56 opposite the connection direction V.

[0093] The sleeve portion 56 has a substantially cylindrical shape, with the cylinder axis of the sleeve portion 56 lying substantially parallel to the longitudinal direction of the first contact portion 44 and substantially coinciding with the coaxial socket-side end portion 110. The housing portion 58 has a rectangular, preferably square, cross-section transverse to the longitudinal direction. Furthermore, the cross-sectional area of ​​the housing portion 58 is selected to be larger than the cross-sectional area of ​​the sleeve portion 56, so that a stop or shoulder is formed at the transition from the sleeve portion 56 to the housing portion 58, which is referred to below as the sleeve stop 114.

[0094] As from Figure 3As can be seen, the coaxial connector 20 has a substantially hollow-cylindrical sleeve 54, which can be pushed onto the sleeve portion 56 counter to the connection direction V. The sleeve 54 has a radially outwardly extending sleeve base 55, which bears against the sleeve stop 114. Furthermore, the first dielectric insulation element 48 electrically insulates the sleeve 54 from the internal contact 42. Furthermore, the sleeve 54 completely surrounds the coaxial socket-side end portion 110 along the connection direction V. The sleeve 54 and the coaxial socket-side end portion 110 are thus designed to be connected to a coaxial socket of the compatible plug device. Furthermore, it is provided that the sleeve portion 56 is arranged between the sleeve 54 and the internal contact 42.

[0095] Furthermore, the second dielectric insulation element 50 has a rectangular, preferably square, cross-section transverse to the longitudinal direction of the inner contact 42.

[0096] 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 4As 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 plug connector 10, the first contact section 44 is arranged at least partially 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 first in the connection direction V into the first insulation element receiving space 60 and into the through-opening 40 in order to guide the sleeve 54 out of the housing body 12. The through-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.

[0097] 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 portion 56 and the housing portion 58 can abut 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 portion 44 of the coaxial connector 20 is guided in the connection direction V into the first insulation element receiving space 60 and subsequently through the through-opening 40. Furthermore, the sleeve base 55 can be arranged between the two stops 114 / 115, thereby securing the sleeve 54 in the housing body 12.

[0098] Before or preferably after inserting the coaxial connector 20 into the first housing body member 36, the second contact portion 46 can be angled to the predetermined angle with respect to the first contact portion 48.

[0099] Subsequently, the second housing body element 38 is inserted 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.

[0100] 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 substantially 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 a substantially 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, through 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 of the housing body 12 faces the circuit board when the housing body 12 is arranged on the circuit board.

[0101] Furthermore, the housing section 58 of the first dielectric insulation element 48 has guide elements 59 (see Figure 3 ), which support 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 be designed in particular as projections on the housing section 58.

[0102] 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 regions 66 / 68 that are stepped relative to one another, with each receiving region 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 are of different lengths in the respective receiving regions 66 / 68, with second insulation element receiving spaces 62 of the same receiving region 66 / 68 being of the same length.The second dielectric insulation elements 50 assigned to the respective second insulation element receiving spaces 62 are also designed accordingly in their length.

[0103] With reference to Figure 5The underside of the 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 each 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 printed 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.

[0104] 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. This also provides the connector 10 with 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. Likewise, the second housing body element 38 has one or more support elements 76 with corresponding support surfaces 78 on the underside 64.

[0105] 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 is understood to mean 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 connecting direction V and at an end of the underside 64 lying opposite the connecting 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.

[0106] With reference to Figure 4The 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 partition is arranged substantially perpendicular to the connection direction V. The partition 84 also has four through-openings 86 through which the four coaxial plug-in connectors 20 are passed. Furthermore, the plug-device-side section 24 surrounds the four coaxial plug-in 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-in device is inserted in the direction of the insertion direction E.

[0107] Starting from the partition wall 84, a wall 90 of the receiving base-side section 22 of the connecting housing 14 extends opposite to 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 abuts the front side 28 of the receiving base 18. Likewise, the inside of the wall 90 of the receiving base-side section 22 abuts the narrow sides 30 of the receiving base 18. As in Figure 4 As shown, the securing features 34 of the connector housing 14 are formed on the inner side of the wall 90 of the receiving base-side portion 22, which cooperate with the securing features 32 of the receiving base 18 to secure the connector housing 14 to the housing body 12. In particular, the securing features 34 of the connector housing 14 can be formed as recesses.

[0108] The securing features 32 of the receiving base can be designed as projections which are arranged externally on 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 downwards in a step-like manner or perpendicularly onto the narrow side 30. In particular, this ensures that the connecting 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, results in at least damage to the connecting housing 14.

[0109] As in Figure 4As 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 ), of which Figure 3 Due to the sectional drawing, only three positioning openings 96 are shown, at least in part. The positioning projections 94 and the positioning openings 96 are arranged such that, in each orientation of the connector housing 14 on the housing body 12, one positioning projection 94 engages another positioning opening 96.

[0110] The positioning openings 96 and positioning projections 94 essentially have a 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 with 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 with the edge 31. Furthermore, in an isosceles triangle, the base is aligned with the edge 31. Furthermore, the four positioning openings 96 are arranged on the partition wall 84 corresponding to the positioning projections 94. In particular, the four positioning openings 96 are formed offset at intervals of 90° in the partition wall 84.In particular, the four positioning openings 96 on the partition wall 84 can be arranged such that two imaginary connecting lines, each connecting 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, such 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.

[0111] 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 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 to 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 substantially parallel to the connecting direction V. Furthermore, the main sides 100 correspond to the outer sides of the side walls 72 of the first housing body element 36.

[0112] 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 toward the bottom side 64, and the second pair of recesses 106 extends from the bottom side 64 toward the top side 102. The longitudinal direction of the recesses 98 is substantially perpendicular to the connecting direction V.

[0113] 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 ).

[0114] 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 connecting direction V. The total width B of the housing body can further be regarded as the distance between two fictitious planes, each of which is perpendicular to the connecting 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 connecting 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 connecting 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 is substantially 0.9 mm.

[0115] 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.

[0116] 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.

[0117] 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.

[0118] Furthermore, the first pair of cutouts 104 and the second pair of cutouts 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 connecting direction V. In the particularly preferred embodiment, the first pair of cutouts 104 and the second pair of cutouts 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 connecting direction V. Furthermore, the side of the housing body 12 that is substantially perpendicular to the connecting direction V and points opposite the connecting direction can be regarded as the rear side 108 of the housing body 12.

[0119] Furthermore, the length c of the first pair of recesses 104 can correspond to 0.2 to 0.4 times, preferably 0.3 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.

[0120] 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.

[0121] 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.

[0122] 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 11The first pair of plug contacts 74 shown, which is arranged in front of the second pair of plug contacts 74 in the connection direction V, forms a circuit board seating edge. The circuit board seating edge corresponds in particular to an imaginary connecting line that connects the first pair of plug contacts 74 to one another. The center of gravity of the plug connector 10 is selected such that the center of gravity lies behind the circuit board seating edge, opposite the connection direction V. This allows the plug connector 10 to be placed on the circuit board without the plug connector 10 tilting with respect to the circuit board. In particular, the center 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 through the second pair of plug contacts 74, and the first and second imaginary planes being substantially perpendicular to the connection direction V.

[0123] In the Figures 12 to 14A 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 toward the bottom side 64 of the housing body 36.

[0124] 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 connecting direction V approximately at the level of the transition from the receiving base 18 to the main housing body section 16.

[0125] 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 connecting direction V (see Fig. 14 ). The total width B of the housing body 12 can, for example, be 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.

[0126] 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.

[0127] 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 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 0.82 times the distance H between the bottom side 64 and the top side 102 of the housing body 12. 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, 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.

[0128] 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.

[0129] The following describes a method for manufacturing the sleeve 54 of the coaxial connector 20. The method involves 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, wherein the second shape is substantially sleeve-shaped and has 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, wherein the third shape has a second predetermined wall thickness and a second predetermined outer diameter, and wherein the second predetermined wall thickness and the second predetermined outer diameter correspond to the wall thickness and the outer diameter of a target sleeve.

[0130] Preferably, the sleeve 54 can be manufactured in a few steps using the proposed method. Furthermore, the proposed method can easily produce a sleeve 54 that has the outer diameter and wall thickness of a target sleeve. A target sleeve is understood to be a sleeve that serves as a model or ideal sleeve and that specifies the desired shape properties for a sleeve 54 to be manufactured.

[0131] 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.

[0132] Preferably, the provided starting workpiece can have a substantially 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. Upon reaching the predetermined material thickness and size, the rolling of the starting workpiece can be stopped. Alternatively, the rolling can be stopped upon reaching the predetermined material thickness, and the rolled starting workpiece can be cut into workpieces corresponding to the predetermined size, for example with a laser. Advantageously, this allows a plurality of intermediate workpieces to be obtained from the starting workpiece, which can be further processed into a sleeve 54 or sleeves.

[0133] 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 opposite each other without being connected.

[0134] 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 shape.

[0135] Preferably, the sleeve shape, which is still open in the longitudinal direction, can be closed by joining the two opposite edges. The joining of the two opposite edges can preferably be achieved by bonding the two opposite edges together, in particular by welding.

[0136] Preferably, the method may further comprise: Cutting the starting workpiece, which has the third shape, transversely to the longitudinal direction of the starting workpiece 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 manufactured sleeve has the wall thickness, outer diameter, and length of the target sleeve.

[0137] Preferably, the starting material can have a length that allows a plurality of sleeves, each having the length of the target sleeve, to be cut from the starting workpiece having the third shape. Advantageously, the manufacturing process for sleeves 54 can thus be designed efficiently.

[0138] Preferably, the method may further comprise: Embossing the initial workpiece having the third shape to provide a sleeve base 55 (cf. Fig. 3). In particular, 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.

[0139] Furthermore, the second predetermined wall thickness may 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.

[0140] 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.

[0141] 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.

[0142] 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 at least 18%. The chromium content is preferably approximately 18.27%. Advantageously, the metal alloy has no or only low magnetic conductivity.

[0143] Preferably, the method may comprise heat-treating the starting workpiece. Preferably, the heat treatment may be performed before the starting workpiece is machined, or the manufactured sleeves 54 may be subjected to the heat treatment. List of reference symbols

[0144] 10 Connector 12 Housing body 14 Interconnect housing 16 Main housing body section 18 Receptacle 20 Coaxial connector 22 Receptacle-side section of the interconnect housing 24 Plug device-side section of the interconnect housing 26 Shape coding 28 Front of the receptacle 30 Narrow sides of the receptacle 31 Front / narrow side edge 32 Receptacle fuse features 34 Interconnect housing fuse features 36 First housing body element 38 Second housing body element 40 Receptacle through openings 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 59Guide elements 60First insulation element receiving space 62Second insulation element receiving space 64Underside of housing body 66 / 68GraduatedReceiving areas 70Wall 72Side walls first housing body element 74Plug contacts 76Support elements 78Support surfaces 80Formable securing elements 82Recesses 84Partition wall 86Through opening partition wall 88Wall plug device side section 90Wall receptacle side section 92Ramp 94Positioning projection 96Positioning opening 98Recesses 100Main sides 102Top of housing body 104First pair of recesses 106Second pair of recesses 108Rear of housing body 110Coax socket side end section 112PCB side end section 114Sleeve stop 115Stop aDepth of first pair of recesses bWidth of first pair of recesses cLength of first pair of recesses dDepth of second pair of recesses eWidth of second pair of recesses fLength second pair of recesses BGotal width of housing body HAdistance between bottom and top TAdistance between main sides VConnection direction ZCenter axis

Claims

1. A plug connector (10), in particular a mini-coaxial automotive plug connector, for connecting to a compatible plug device, having a housing body (12) designed as a zinc die-cast component and having at least two coaxial plug connectors (20) for connecting to corresponding coaxial sockets of the compatible plug device, wherein the coaxial plug connectors (20) are aligned parallel to each other and extend, starting from the housing body (12), in the direction of a connecting direction (V), wherein the housing body (12) has two opposite main sides (100) which are aligned substantially parallel to the connecting direction (V) and which each run from an upper side (102) to an underside (64) of the housing body (12), wherein plug contacts (74), with which the housing body (12) can be connected to a circuit board, are formed on the underside (64) of the housing body, wherein each main side (100) has a first pair of recesses (104) which extend, starting from the upper side (102), in the direction of the underside (64) of the housing body (12), wherein each main side (100) has a second pair (106) of recesses which extend, starting from the underside (64), in the direction of the upper side (102), and characterized in that the depth (a) of the first pair of recesses (104) is greater than the width (b) of the first pair of recesses (104), and in that the depth (d) of the second pair of recesses (106) is smaller than the width (e) of the second pair of recesses (106).

2. The plug connector (10) according to claim 1, wherein the first pair of recesses (104) and the second pair of recesses (106) are not formed continuously on the main side (100), and / or wherein the first pair of recesses (104) and the second pair of recesses (106) lie opposite each other on the main side (100).

3. The plug connector (10) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the width (b) of a recess of the first pair of recesses (104) and / or the width (e) of a recess of the second pair of recesses (106) corresponds to 0.04 times to 0.08 times the total width (B) of the housing body (12) along the connecting direction (V).

4. The plug connector (10) according to one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the depth (a) of a recess of the first pair of recesses (104) is 0.10 times to 0.14 times the distance (T) between the two opposite main sides (100), and / or wherein the depth (d) of a recess of the second pair of recesses (106) is 0.045 times to 0.07 times the distance (T) between the two opposite main sides (100).

5. The plug connector (10) according to one of claims 1 to 4, wherein 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 (12) by at least 0.15 times and by at most 0.25 times the total width (B) of the housing body (12) along the connecting direction (V).

6. The plug connector (10) according to one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the length (c) of the first pair of recesses (104) corresponds to 0.2 times to 0.4 times, preferably 0.3 times to 0.38 times, the distance (H) between the underside (64) and the upper side (102) of the housing body (12), and / or wherein the length (f) of the second pair of recesses (106) corresponds to 0.2 times to 0.4 times, preferably 0.3 times to 0.38 times, the distance (H) between the underside (64) and the upper side (102) of the housing body (12).

7. The plug connector (10) according to one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the distance between the recesses of the first pair of recesses (104) is 1.3 times to 2.0 times the width (b) of a recess of the first pair of recesses (104).

8. The plug connector (10) according to one of claims 2 to 5, wherein the distance between the recesses of the second pair of recesses (106) is 1.3 times to 2.0 times the width (e) of a recess of the second pair of recesses (106).

9. The plug connector (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the housing body (12) can be electrically connected to a circuit board and wherein the plug connector (10) is designed to dissipate heat from the circuit board.

10. The plug connector (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein one or more support elements (76), each with a support surface (78) for supporting the housing body (12) on a circuit board, are formed on the underside (64) of the housing body.

11. The plug connector (10) according to one of the preceding claims, also having a connecting housing (14), which can be connected to the housing body (12), for connecting the plug connector (10) to the compatible plug device, wherein the connecting housing (14) surrounds the at least two coaxial plug connectors at least in portions along the connecting direction, wherein the connecting housing (14) has exactly one possible plug-in option for plugging in the compatible plug device in order to connect the coaxial plug connector (20) to corresponding coaxial sockets when the compatible plug device is plugged into the connecting housing (14) so as to correspond to the exactly one possible plug-in option, wherein the connecting 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 effects an assignment, different from the other orientation, of the at least two coaxial plug connectors (20) to the coaxial sockets of the compatible plug device.

12. A system consisting of a plug connector (10) according to one of the preceding claims and a plug device compatible with the plug connector (10).

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