Method for manufacturing a metallic connector component

Abstract

The invention relates to a metallic connector component (1), in particular an electrical contact element or a support sleeve of an electrical connector, comprising a base body (3) coated with a coating (2) which is mechanically formed in a machining section (4). It is provided that a surface (6, 7) of the coating (2) in the machining section (4) has at least a defined surface structure (8) in certain sections.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a method for producing a metallic connector component having a base body coated with a coating.

[0002] Forming is an important process in manufacturing technology. It is used to precisely shape the workpieces used in the production of components. The most important manufacturing processes in forming technology are rolling, open-die forging, drop forging, impact extrusion, extrusion, deep drawing, and bending. These are processes in which blanks made of plastic materials, such as metals and thermoplastics, are transformed into a different shape. This usually occurs without removing any material from the blanks. The material or workpiece preferably retains its mass and cohesion.

[0003] A forming process can be used, among other things, to chamfer sharp edges on components to reduce the risk of injury or to simplify subsequent assembly. A chamfer can be advantageously incorporated into the component, for example, through a stamping or pressing process.

[0004] If the underlying component is a surface-finished component, i.e., a component made from a base body coated with a coating, the forming process can cause the coating to flow. Particularly if the processing section in which the component is formed is adjacent to an edge or border of the component or is located close to such an edge, this can lead to the coating protruding beyond the edge of the base body after forming. This can have various negative consequences.

[0005] The coating extending beyond the component can create sharp edges that pose a risk of injury, and the component may appear inferior in both feel and appearance. Furthermore, the coating overhang may protrude from the component as a chip ("flake"), which is particularly problematic when the component is used as a component of an electrical connector, as the protruding chip can cause short circuits, for example. The overhang may even detach completely from the component, which can then negatively impact technical cleanliness during a manufacturing process.

[0006] Thus, after forming surface-finished or coated components, post-processing steps are often required if a component is to be manufactured with high precision. These additional processing steps should be avoided, especially in the context of machine-based mass production, as they increase production costs and lengthen processing times.

[0007] High demands are placed on components for electrical and optical connectors, in particular. Metallic connector components must therefore be manufactured with high precision and quality. Furthermore, the manufacture of connectors often requires a particularly cost-effective manufacturing process and, in particular, short processing times, especially to enable mass production.

[0008] For technical background, please refer to the following publications: US 2016 / 344127 A1 relates to an electrically conductive material with a wave-shaped surface and an electrical connection made from this material.

[0009] US 2021 / 281001 A1 relates to an electrical connector designed to ensure reliable electrical contact even under strong mechanical stresses, and which is realized by applying a material layer by means of roll bonding or an additive manufacturing process.

[0010] US 2015 / 0333425 A1 relates to an electrical terminal comprising a connecting portion to be connected to a connecting portion of a mating terminal, the connecting portion including a portion of a base material containing iron or an iron-based alloy and having a fine unevenness on a surface of the portion of the base material, and a first layer formed on a surface of at least the portion of the base material.

[0011] The present invention is also based on the object of providing a method by means of which a metallic connector component which is mechanically formed in a coated processing section can be produced preferably precisely and cost-effectively in mass production.

[0012] With regard to the method, the problem is solved by the features of claim 1.

[0013] The dependent claims and the features described below relate to advantageous embodiments and variants of the invention.

[0014] The invention relates to a method for producing a metallic connector component having a base body coated with a coating, comprising at least the following method steps: a) machining an outer surface of the coating facing away from the base body to produce a defined surface structure; and b) pressure forming the base body coated with the coating in a machining section having the surface structure at least in sections by means of at least one forming tool, wherein the surface structure is impressed through the coating into the base body simultaneously with the pressure forming.

[0015] Within the scope of the invention, a "connector component" can be an intermediate product for further processing, an (intermediate) product for use or assembly in a complex connector assembly, or an individual component of the connector. The connector component can be, among other things, a component that has not yet been or has only partially been formed into a sleeve-shaped body (e.g., a substantially sheet-metal body) that is further processed in a subsequent manufacturing step, in particular by punching, forming, or bending.

[0016] The metallic connector component can be used as a standalone component in the connector or as a component of a technical complex or assembly in the connector.

[0017] The metallic connector component is preferably designed as a contact part of a mechanical connector, an electrical connector, or an optical connector. The metallic connector component can be designed, for example, as an electrical contact element (e.g., an inner conductor contact element or an outer conductor contact element) or as part of an electrical contact element of an electrical connector. The metallic connector component can also be designed, for example, as a support sleeve, housing component, or as another component of an electrical connector.

[0018] The metallic connector component can be designed in one piece or in multiple parts.

[0019] The base body of the metallic connector component can be coated with the coating all the way around, or only on individual sides (particularly on opposite sides) or only on a single side. One or more sides of the base body can also be coated only in sections or partially. Preferably, the coating extends completely over at least one side of the base body.

[0020] A coating within the meaning of the invention can be a thin layer or several interconnected layers applied to the base body by any coating method (e.g., chemically, mechanically, and / or thermally). Preferably, the coating is bonded to the base body in a materially bonded and / or form-fitting manner. In particular, it can be provided that the coating is bonded to the base body in such an inseparably manner that it cannot be removed from the base body without causing damage.

[0021] Preferably, the coating layer thickness is smaller than the thickness of the underlying base body, preferably at least 2 times smaller than the thickness of the base body, particularly preferably at least 10 times smaller than the thickness of the base body. The coating layer thickness is preferably 0.1 µm to 10 µm, particularly preferably 0.5 µm to 5 µm.

[0022] The coating preferably serves to influence physical, electrical, and / or chemical properties of the finished connector component that would not be apparent from the uncoated base body. For example, a coating of a metallic connector component to be used for a connector can serve to reduce the electrical contact resistance and / or to specifically define mechanical insertion forces through the frictional resistance of the coating. The coating can also, in particular, refine the connector component in such a way that oxidation, mechanical damage, and / or aging of the base body is prevented.

[0023] According to the invention, the connector component or the base body is mechanically or plastically formed in a processing step.

[0024] Preferably, the base body in the processing section has the coating at least in sections, preferably completely.

[0025] The connector component or the base body can, in principle, be formed in any desired manner in the processing section. For example, a projection such as a rib, a (partially) annular elevation, a flange, a bulge, a web, or other bending point can be formed in the processing section. It can also include a transition section between two sections with different radii, an embossing, or, in particular, an edge or rim with a chamfer or transition radius ("formed edge").

[0026] According to the invention, it is provided that a surface of the coating in the processing section has a defined surface structure at least in sections.

[0027] A "defined surface structure" is understood here to mean a surface structure that has been applied or introduced onto or into the respective surface by deliberate or targeted processing - in contrast to an undefined surface structure as an expression of the roughness of the surface or caused by previous processing errors, tolerances and / or defects of the surface.

[0028] The inventor has surprisingly discovered that a defined surface structure can prevent or at least reduce flow of the coating in the processing section during mechanical forming. The coating can thus have a textured surface to avoid the disadvantages known from the prior art due to flow of the coating during forming.

[0029] It has been shown that the surface structure can lead to a more advantageous distribution of the coating material in the processing section during forming, for example, by distributing the coating material into individual "coating valleys" or recesses in the surface. Furthermore, the surface structure can increase friction with a forming tool and / or with the base body and, in the best case, create a positive connection with a stamping surface of a forming tool and / or a base body surface or surface of the base body.

[0030] The defined surface structure introduced in the processing section thus results in a metallic connector component machined in a forming process, which can be manufactured with high precision and also cost-effectively in mass production.

[0031] In an advantageous development of the invention, it can be provided that the coating runs in the technical sphere of influence of an edge (typically an outer edge of the connector component or the base body, but possibly also an inner edge), a projection, a transition section between two sections with different radii (e.g. a step or a shoulder with conical, convex, concave or other radii), a shaped edge, a bending point, a radius transition, a flange, a curvature, a web, a rounding, a chamfer and / or a transition radius, so that a measurable technical effect is achieved by the coating within the meaning of the invention. In particular, the coating can run adjacent to or adjacent to, in particular directly adjacent to, the edge, the projection, the shaped edge, the bending point and / or the transition radius.

[0032] The coating can, for example, extend along the edge, the projection, the mold edge, the bending point or the transition radius.

[0033] A "shaped edge" can be a defined formed edge or a defined formed edge of the connector component, in particular a formed edge formed at an end or a recess of the connector component, for example an edge provided with a chamfer or rounding, as described below.

[0034] A "bend" can be any convex or concave radius transition, such as a step or depression.

[0035] A "transition radius" can be any smooth or non-smooth transition from a first surface of the connector component to a second surface angularly aligned with the first surface.

[0036] A projection can in particular be a rib (for example a rib running in the longitudinal direction of the connector component or in the axial direction), an annular elevation, a partially annular elevation (within an angular segment), a flange, a web or a "point-like" elevation (in the form of a bulge or protrusion, comparable to a dent).

[0037] A recess may also be provided, typically on the surface opposite a projection.

[0038] A transition section between two sections with different radii can, for example, be a step or a shoulder, as already mentioned. The transition section can run or be aligned in the circumferential and / or axial direction.

[0039] In an advantageous development of the invention, the base body can be plate-shaped. Preferably, the width and length of the base body, which define the main surfaces of the base body, are much greater than the thickness of the base body.

[0040] The base body can, in particular, be a one-piece body made of a single material. However, the base body can also be multi-piece and therefore comprise several mechanically connected materials.

[0041] The base body can preferably be made of a metal (particularly a precious metal), although other materials, such as plastic, glass, or ceramic, can also be used within the scope of the invention. The base body can preferably be made of copper or a copper alloy, such as brass.

[0042] In particular, it can be provided that the base body is designed as a sheet or sheet-shaped.

[0043] The base body or the metallic connector component may preferably be a stamped and bent part that was manufactured in a stamping and bending process.

[0044] According to a further development of the invention, it can be provided that the coating has a lower compressive strength than the base body.

[0045] Compressive strength refers to the resistance of a material to compressive forces. Compressive strength is the quotient of the ultimate load and the cross-sectional area of ​​a body (force per unit area in N / mm²).

[0046] Particularly if the coating has a lower compressive strength than the base body, undesirable flow of the coating material on the base body can occur during a forming process. The invention is therefore particularly advantageous for use with coating materials with only low compressive strength.

[0047] According to a further development of the invention, the coating can be an electrically conductive coating, in particular a metallic coating. However, other materials, such as a plastic, can also be used as the coating within the scope of the invention.

[0048] The coating is preferably tin, but virtually any plating material can be used, including gold, silver, palladium, nickel, and copper.

[0049] In a further development of the invention, it can be provided that the base body is coated with the coating on at least two of its sides, in particular on two opposite or opposite sides, in particular on the two main surfaces of a plate- or sheet-shaped base body. The coating can then preferably be provided (at least partially) with a respective surface structure on each of these sides.

[0050] However, it can also be provided that the base body is coated with the coating on only one side, or that more than two sides of the base body are coated (e.g., all sides of the base body). Preferably, each of the sides is then at least partially provided with a respective surface structure, at least in the region of the processing section.

[0051] In a further development of the invention, it can be provided that the processing section is formed into at least one chamfer formed on an edge or a border of the metallic connector component or that the processing section forms or has a chamfer.

[0052] In the context of this description, a "bevel" is understood to mean any bevel, rounding or gradation of an edge.

[0053] Preferably, the width of the chamfer is at least one third of the thickness of the base body, preferably at least half the thickness of the base body.

[0054] It can be provided that the chamfer has a chamfer angle of 10° to 80°, preferably of 15° to 60°.

[0055] As already mentioned above, forming processes can be used particularly advantageously for introducing chamfers. The problem of coating flow is generally particularly pronounced in the area of ​​the edges or borders of the base body or connector component, which is why the invention can be particularly advantageously suited for such an application to overcome the disadvantages of the prior art.

[0056] In a further development of the invention, it can be provided that the surface of the coating which has the surface structure is an outer surface of the coating facing away from the base body.

[0057] In this way, a positive connection with a complementary counterstructure or negative form of a stamping surface of a forming tool can be established. The surface structure can advantageously be introduced, in particular, by the forming tool itself, at least into the outer surface of the coating, preferably even through the coating into the corresponding base body surface of the base body and also into the base body, as will be described below.

[0058] In a particularly advantageous development of the invention, it can be provided that the surface of the coating which has the surface structure is an inner surface of the coating facing the base body or directly connected to the corresponding base body surface of the base body.

[0059] Preferably, the base body has a complementary surface structure (the surface structure of the base body can also be referred to as "complementary surface structure" within the scope of the invention for better differentiation from the surface structure of the surface of the coating) in order to establish a positive connection with the surface structure formed on the inner surface of the coating.

[0060] A positive connection or at least increased friction between the base body and the coating has proven to be particularly suitable for preventing the coating from flowing during forming.

[0061] Preparations for a corresponding form fit can generally be made during the production of the metallic connector component, even before its forming, for example, by first providing the base body surface to be coated with the complementary surface structure. Afterward, the base body can be coated in such a way that the coating material penetrates the surface structure of the base body during coating, ultimately creating the surface structure on the inner surface of the coating. However, this process is comparatively complex.

[0062] According to the invention, the surface structure is introduced into the inner surface of the coating and into the base body surface of the base body simultaneously during the forming process. The outer surface of the coating is provided with the surface structure in such a way that the surface structure, starting from the outer surface, penetrates through the coating to the inner surface of the coating and also creates the corresponding surface structure on the base body surface of the base body connected to the inner surface of the coating. In this way, a positive connection can be provided on both sides, on the one hand between the coating and the base body and on the other hand between the coating and the forming tool, which can particularly effectively prevent the coating from flowing during forming.

[0063] As explained above, the surface structure can be arranged only in sections within the processing section. However, the surface structure can also be provided entirely within the processing section, possibly even extending beyond the processing section.

[0064] For example, it can also be provided that the surface structure is spaced from an edge or the periphery of the processing section, for example, by at least one layer thickness of the coating or the roughness of the surface structure. This can prevent the coating material from being pushed beyond the edge in individual cases due to the introduction of the surface structure into the coating. However, spacing the surface structure from an edge or the periphery of the processing section is generally not absolutely necessary.

[0065] In an advantageous development of the invention, it can be provided that the surface structure is an ordered structure.

[0066] The surface structure can form a substantially homogeneous pattern. In particular, the surface structure can form a structure that is periodic, at least in sections. Such structures can be easy to produce and can have reproducible properties. The periodic structure can, for example, form a line pattern, a dot pattern, a honeycomb pattern, a cross pattern, or the like. The periodic structure can, for example, have a period length of 0.5 to 300 µm, preferably 0.1 to 100 µm, in at least one spatial direction.

[0067] In principle, any surface structure can be provided, but a cross-knurled structure has proven particularly advantageous. However, other ordered structures (e.g., dots, lines, circular patterns, wave-like patterns, etc.) may also be suitable for preventing flow or transverse movement of the coating during forming.

[0068] Alternatively, a random structure can be provided (similar to the surface of sandpaper). Any isotropic or anisotropic surface can be provided.

[0069] Macroscopic surface structures such as grooves, webs and pins can also be provided.

[0070] Preferably, the surface structure has depressions ("valleys") and / or elevations ("mountains") on the surface. Preferably, the depressions and elevations alternate in a regular or irregular pattern on the surface.

[0071] The height difference between a protrusion and a depression can be, for example, 0.1 µm to 50 µm, preferably 1 µm to 20 µm, particularly preferably 5 µm to 10 µm. Preferably, the depressions are introduced into the outer surface of the coating to such a depth that the coating material on the opposite side or with the inner surface is pressed into the base body.

[0072] The distance between two depressions separated by an elevation or between two elevations separated by a depression can be, for example, 1 µm to 200 µm, particularly preferably 10 µm to 100 µm, for example 50 µm to 70 µm.

[0073] In an advantageous development of the invention, it can be provided that the roughness depth (so-called "RZ value") of the surface structure corresponds to at least half the layer thickness of the coating.

[0074] This allows for particularly strong adhesion or lateral fixation of the coating to the substrate, which is generally sufficient. However, the roughness of the surface structure can generally be greater than half the coating thickness or less than half the coating thickness.

[0075] By machining the base body surface and / or the outer surface of the coating to create the defined surface structure, flow of the coating can be avoided or at least largely prevented, allowing metallic connector components to be manufactured with greater precision than before and, in particular, without complex post-processing steps. Subsequent removal of flakes or chips, e.g., by air pressure treatment, brushing, or other cleaning techniques, can be omitted, thus saving process time. The proposed process can also improve technical cleanliness during the manufacture of corresponding connector components.

[0076] By texturing or structuring the surface, especially if, as described below, the embossing surface of a stamping die is provided with a corresponding counter-contour, the coated surface of the connector component can be prevented from shrinking or rolling up, thus eliminating chip formation. By texturing the surface or by defining the surface structure, the pressure on the connector component can be segmented during forming, and the coating can be securely held on the base body and prevented from shifting across the surface.

[0077] The process steps of machining the base body surface and / or the outer surface of the coating and the pressure forming can preferably be carried out simultaneously / synchronously, but if necessary also one after the other or sequentially.

[0078] Preferably, the defined surface structure is designed in such a way that the structuring influences the intended functionality of the surface (e.g. conductivity, etc.) as little as possible.

[0079] In an advantageous manner, a surface-structured stamping process for metallic connector components with a pre-finished surface can be provided, in particular for stamping chamfers on stamped parts.

[0080] In principle, the invention can be used with any pressure forming process, in particular a rolling process (forming between two or more rotating rollers) or a drop forging process (forming between two or more dies that at least partially contain the shape to be produced as a negative). Freeforming, indentation, or pressing through can also be considered pressure forming processes, for example.

[0081] In a particularly preferred development of the invention, it can be provided that the forming tool has embossing dies (also known as "contour dies" or "contour forms").

[0082] Preferably, the embossing surface of the embossing die facing the connector component has a negative form or counter structure of the surface structure in order to emboss the surface structure at least into the outer surface of the coating simultaneously with the pressure forming.

[0083] The forming tool can thus advantageously be used simultaneously as a machining tool for introducing the surface structure and for forming, which can further reduce the process time in the production of the connector component.

[0084] Preferably, the surface structure is embossed at least partially through the coating into the base body surface of the base body or into the base body.

[0085] It may be intended that the base body is coated with the coating only within the scope of the proposed process. Corresponding coating techniques are known, so further details will not be discussed. However, the base body may also already be coated within the scope of the claimed process.

[0086] Within the scope of the proposed method, a less preferred but nevertheless claimed variant may provide that the base body surface of the base body is first provided with the surface structure or the complementary surface structure using any desired technique, for example, by means of an embossing technique, a subtractive technique, or an additive layering technique. Subsequently, the base body may be coated with the coating in such a way that the coating material is distributed in the elevations and / or depressions of the surface structure of the base body, thereby creating a positive connection with the base body.

[0087] Within the framework of the proposed method, it can therefore optionally be provided to first provide or even manufacture the forming tool.

[0088] Within the scope of the method, it can be provided that the machining section is adjacent to an edge or border of the base body. The base body can be formed in such a way that a chamfer is formed on the edge or border.

[0089] It can be provided that the base body is provided with the surface structure on at least two opposite sides.

[0090] It can be provided that the connector component is only formed into a component of the connector, in particular an electrical connector, within the scope of the proposed method, for example into an electrical contact element or into a support sleeve.

[0091] The machining tool and the forming tool can be independent tools. However, the machining tool and the forming tool can also be the same tool, whereby, for example, a negative mold of the surface structure can be formed on an embossing surface of the forming tool in order to emboss the surface structure into the coating simultaneously with the forming process.

[0092] It should also be noted that terms such as "comprising," "having," or "with" do not exclude other features or steps. Furthermore, terms such as "a" or "the," which indicate a singular number of steps or features, do not exclude a plurality of features or steps—and vice versa.

[0093] In a purist embodiment of the invention, however, it may also be provided that the features introduced in the invention with the terms "comprising," "having," or "with" are listed exhaustively. Accordingly, one or more lists of features may be considered complete within the scope of the invention, for example, for each claim. The invention may, for example, consist exclusively of the features mentioned in claim 1.

[0094] Furthermore, it should be emphasized that the values ​​and parameters described herein include deviations or fluctuations of ±10% or less, preferably ±5% or less, more preferably ±1% or less, and most preferably ±0.1% or less of the respective specified value or parameter, provided that these deviations are not excluded in the practical implementation of the invention. The specification of ranges by initial and final values ​​also includes all those values ​​and fractions enclosed by the respective specified range, in particular the initial and final values ​​and a respective mean value.

[0095] In the following, embodiments of the invention are described in more detail with reference to the drawings.

[0096] The figures each show preferred embodiments in which individual features of the present invention are illustrated in combination with one another. Features of one embodiment can also be implemented independently of the other features of the same embodiment and can therefore be readily combined by a person skilled in the art to form further useful combinations and subcombinations with features of other embodiments.

[0097] In the figures, functionally identical elements are provided with the same reference numerals.

[0098] They show schematically: Figure 1 shows a metallic connector component produced according to a first exemplary embodiment of the invention, in a perspective view; Figure 2 shows a metallic connector component produced according to a second exemplary embodiment of the invention, in a perspective view; Figure 3 shows a metallic connector component produced according to a third exemplary embodiment of the invention, in a perspective view; Figure 4 shows a metallic connector component produced according to a further exemplary embodiment of the invention, in a perspective view; Figure 5 shows a metallic connector component produced according to a fourth exemplary embodiment of the invention, in a perspective view; Figure 6 shows an exemplary surface structure (cross-knurling structure) that can be used within the scope of the invention.Figure 7 shows a further surface structure (line structure) usable within the scope of the invention; Figure 8 shows a further surface structure (dotting) usable within the scope of the invention; Figure 9 shows the metallic connector component of the invention formed into a sleeve-shaped body in a further processing step; Figure 1 in a perspective sectional view; Figure 10 shows a further sleeve-shaped, metallic connector component, which was produced according to an embodiment of the invention, in a perspective sectional view; Figure 11 shows a device for producing a metallic connector component with an open forming tool according to an embodiment of the invention, before forming the connector component; Figure 12 shows the device of Figure 11in a closed state of the forming tool, after forming the connector component; and Figure 13 shows a device for producing a metallic connector component, with a forming tool according to the prior art.

[0099] Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a metallic connector component 1 according to the invention according to a first exemplary embodiment. The connector component 1 shown can, for example, be formed into an electrical contact element or a support sleeve of an electrical connector during the manufacturing process, whereby the Figure 9 shown, sleeve-shaped body can result.

[0100] The connector component 1 has a base body 3 coated with a coating 2, which is plate-shaped and preferably made of a metal. The base body 3 can, in particular, be a sheet made of a precious metal, and the coating 2 can be a metallic coating, such as a tin coating. In the exemplary embodiments, a base body 3 coated on both sides is shown by way of example, but this is not to be understood as limiting. In principle, only a single side of the base body 3 or more than two sides of the base body 3 can be coated accordingly.

[0101] The metallic connector component 1 or the base body 3 is mechanically formed in a processing section 4. The processing section 4 can be formed in any desired manner. However, the advantages of the invention are particularly evident when the processing section 4 is formed into at least one shaped edge or chamfer 5 formed on an edge or a border R of the connector component 1 or has a chamfer 5, as shown, or has at least one projection 5' (cf. Figure 10) and / or a transition radius in the processing section 4. The coating 2 preferably borders the border R, the projection 5' and / or the transition radius, as shown. However, the coating 2 can also be spaced apart from the edge R or from the chamfer 5, the projection 5' or the transition radius.

[0102] The width b of the chamfer 5 can preferably be greater than half the thickness d of the base body 3. The chamfer angle α of the chamfer 5 can be between 10° and 80°, preferably between 15° and 60°. The layer thickness s of the coating 2 can be, for example, approximately 1 µm.

[0103] In particular, if the coating 2 has a lower compressive strength than the base body 3, an unfavorable flow of the coating 2 on the base body 3 may occur during the forming process, whereby the coating 2 may protrude beyond the edge R of the base body 3 (cf. representation of the prior art according to Figure 13) or detach itself at least partially from the base body 3 in some other way (in the case of the Figure 10Insofar as a high-precision metallic connector component 1 is to be manufactured, post-processing is unavoidable in the prior art. The present invention is intended to remedy this situation.

[0104] Within the scope of the invention, it is proposed that a surface 6, 7 of the coating 2 in the processing section 4 has a defined surface structure 8. The protrusion of a chip from the metallic connector component 1 can be prevented in this way. High-precision, formed, and coated metallic connector components 1 can thus be produced without complex post-processing.

[0105] In Figure 1For example, only the upper coating 2, on which the bevel 5 is formed, has the defined surface structure 8. The lower coating 2 is unprocessed (see enlarged sectional view). Preferably, however, all coatings 2, in particular in the processing section 4, have a corresponding surface structure 8, as shown in the Figures 11 and 12 indicated.

[0106] The surface of the coating 2, which has the surface structure 8, can in particular be an outer surface 6 of the coating 2 facing away from the base body 3, whereby a positive connection with a complementary negative form 9 of an embossing surface 10 of a forming tool 11 can be produced (cf. Figures 11 and 12 ).

[0107] The surface of the coating 2, which has the surface structure 8, can also be an inner surface 7 of the coating 2 facing the base body 3. Finally, the base body 3 can have a complementary surface structure 8' (cf. enlarged sectional view in Figure 1 ) in order to create a positive connection with the surface structure 8 of the coating 2.

[0108] Corresponding surface structures 8 on the outer surface 6 and / or the inner surface 7 of the coating 2 as well as on the base body 3 can be produced simultaneously with the forming process, as will be described below.

[0109] It can be provided that the surface structure 8, 8' is arranged completely in the processing section 4, as in Figure 1 indicated. In principle, however, only a section-wise arrangement of the surface structure 8, 8' can be provided in the processing section 4 (cf. Figure 2), a division of the surface structure 8, 8' over several areas of the processing section 4 (cf. Figure 3 ), a surface structure 8, 8', which extends beyond the processing section 4 (cf. Figure 4 ) or a surface structure 8, 8', which extends over the entire connector component 1 (cf. Figure 5 ).

[0110] Preferably, an ordered surface structure 8, 8' is provided, which has elevations 12 and depressions 13 (cf. in particular enlarged sectional view in Figure 1 ). The roughness depth of the surface structure 8, 8' can preferably correspond to at least half the layer thickness s of the coating 2.

[0111] A particularly suitable surface structure 8, 8' has been found to be a cross-knurled structure, as shown in Figure 6indicated. In principle, however, any surface structures 8, 8' can be provided to prevent the coating 2 from flowing on the base body 3, for example a line structure (cf. Figure 7 ) or puncturing by individual elevations 12 and / or depressions 13 (cf. Figure 8 ). A disordered surface structure 8, 8' may also be provided.

[0112] As already mentioned, the metallic connector component 1 may also be merely an intermediate product that is formed into a sleeve-shaped body in a further manufacturing step. Two examples of a sleeve-shaped metallic connector component 1 are shown in the Figures 9 and 10As shown, an initially flat connector component 1 can be bent accordingly. The connector component 1 can also be further processed in other ways, for example, by punching it out from a larger flat body and / or providing it with punched-out sections.

[0113] In addition to the introduction of chamfers 5 in the region of edges R or edges, the invention can also be particularly advantageous for connector components 1 which have projections 5', bending points or transition radii, for example in the form of a (preferably, but not necessarily, annularly circumferential) bulge 5', a flange or a curvature, as in Figure 10Such structures are known, for example, in the outer conductor contact elements of FAKRA connectors. The invention can also be advantageously used with a rib formed on (or in) the connector component 1, for example, a rib extending in the longitudinal direction of the connector component 1 (not shown in the figures).

[0114] A suitable method and a device 14 for producing the connector component 1 are to be described on the basis of Figures 11 and 12 are described below.

[0115] Within the scope of the proposed method, it is provided that a base body surface 15 of the base body 3 and / or an outer surface 6 of the coating 2 facing away from the base body 3 are machined in order to produce the defined surface structure 8, 8'.

[0116] Furthermore, it is provided that the base body 3 coated with the coating 2 is formed by means of at least one forming tool 11 as part of a pressure forming process in a processing section 4 having the surface structure 8, 8'. In the exemplary embodiment, the forming tool 11 for pressure forming and the processing tool 16 for introducing the surface structure 8, 8' are embossing dies 17, which can be used simultaneously for forming the connector component 1 and for introducing the surface structure 8, 8'. The embossing surfaces 10 of the forming tool 11 or the embossing die 17 can be machined beforehand (not shown) in order to produce a negative form 9 of the surface structure 8, 8'. If the embossing dies 17 are thus moved towards one another during the forming process, the negative form 9 of the surface structure 8 is embossed at least into the outer surface 6 of the coating 2 at the same time as the pressure forming.However, the embossing is preferably carried out through the coating 2 into the base body surface 15 of the base body 3 in order to produce, on the one hand, a positive connection between the coating 2 and the embossing die 17 and, on the other hand, a positive connection between the coating 2 and the base body 3.

[0117] In contrast to the Figure 13 In the known prior art shown, flow of the coating 2 beyond the edge R of the base body 3 is reliably prevented.

Claims

1. A method for producing a metallic plug connector component (1) which has a main body (3) which has been coated with a coating (2), having at least the following method steps: a) processing an outer face (6), averted from the main body (3), of the coating (2) in order to generate a defined surface structure (8); and b) using at least one deformation tool (11) to perform compressive deformation of the main body (3), which has been coated with the coating (2), in a processing portion (4) that has the surface structure (8) at least in certain portions, wherein the surface structure (8, 8') is stamped through the coating (2) into the main body (3), at the same time as the compressive deformation.

2. The method as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that the processing portion (4) adjoins a margin (R) of the main body (3), wherein the main body (3) is deformed such that a bevel (5) is formed at the margin (R).

3. Method according to Claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the main body (3) is formed in the manner of a plate from a metal, in particular is formed in the manner of a sheet from a high-grade metal.

4. Method according to any one of Claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the coating (2) has a lower compressive strength than the main body (3).

5. Method according to any one of Claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the coating (2) is a metallic coating, in particular a tin coating.

6. Method according to any one of Claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the main body (3) is coated on at least two mutually averted sides with the coating (2), wherein the coating (2) on the two opposite sides is provided with the surface structure (8).

7. Method according to any one of Claims 1 to 6, characterized in that that surface of the coating (2) which has the surface structure (8) is an outer face (6), averted from the main body (3), of the coating (2), wherein the surface structure (8) is configured to establish a form-fitting connection with a complementary negative form (9) of a stamping face (10) of a deformation tool (11).

8. Method according to any one of Claims 1 to 7, characterized in that that surface of the coating (2) which has the surface structure (8) is an inner surface (7), facing toward the main body (3), of the coating (2), wherein the main body (3) has a complementary surface structure (8') in order to establish a form-fitting connection with the surface structure (8) of the coating (2).

9. Method according to any one of Claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the surface structure (8) is an ordered structure, preferably a cross-knurled structure.

10. Method according to any one of Claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the roughness depth of the surface structure (8) corresponds at least to half of a layer thickness (s) of the coating (2).

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