Inner conductor contact element for right-angle connector, and associated production method

Abstract

The present invention relates to an inner conductor contact element for a right-angle connector. The present invention also relates to a method for producing this element. An inner conductor contact element (1) for a right-angle connector (22) has a crimp region (3) which is designed to be connectable to an inner conductor (16) of a cable (17), and an interface region (3) which is designed to be connectable to an inner conductor contact element of a mating connector corresponding to the right-angle connector. The inner conductor contact element (1) also has a connection region (4) which connects the crimp region (3) to the interface region (2). The inner conductor contact element is formed in one piece. The connection region (4) has a first transverse extension and a second transverse extension which is smaller, preferably many times smaller, than the first transverse extension. The connection region (4) has an angular design in a plane formed by the first transverse extension and a longitudinal extension of the connection region (4).

Description

[0001] The present application claims priority from German patent application No. 102021 103 687.9. AREA OF INVENTION

[0002] The present invention relates to an inner conductor contact element for an angled connector and a method for manufacturing an inner conductor contact element. TECHNICAL BACKGROUND

[0003] An electrical connector enables the transmission of data signals and supply voltages between different electrical units, such as an electrical cable, a printed circuit board with electronic components, or a housing with electrical modules. An electrical connector and its corresponding mating connector can therefore be a plug, a PCB connector, a panel-mount connector, a socket, a coupler, or an adapter. The terms "connector" and "mother connector," as used in this invention, are representative of all these variants.

[0004] The technical requirements for electrical connectors, especially in the automotive industry and for vehicles, are considerable: Such a connector must withstand high mechanical stresses, for example, remaining closed throughout operation, and maintain a reliable electrical contact. Due to the large volume of data communicated between the individual electronic devices in the vehicle, another technical challenge is that the electrical connector must be able to handle data transmission with a high bandwidth. Furthermore, the connector's size and weight must be kept to a minimum. Finally, the connector must be economical to manufacture in large quantities and easy to assemble.

[0005] DE 20 2008 014 409 U1 discloses an angled connector for transmitting a high-frequency electrical signal. For contacting the inner conductor of the high-frequency cable and the inner conductor of the corresponding mating connector, the angled connector of DE 20 2008 014 409 U1 has two inner conductor contact elements. These are electrically and mechanically connected to each other within the angled connector.

[0006] The assembly of a two-part inner conductor contact element within an angled connector is comparatively complex and therefore in need of improvement.

[0007] For further technical background, please refer to the following publications: US Patent 2004 / 058582 A1 relates to a coaxial right-angle connector comprising: an electrically conductive shielded housing and a center conductor that can be connected to a cable center conductor and to a complementary center conductor of a mating connector; and an outer conductor that can be connected to an outer conductor of the mating connector and to a cable outer conductor. The outer conductor comprises a first half-shell and a second half-shell that can be joined together in a direction substantially transverse to the longitudinal axis of the cable. Furthermore, the center conductor is angled according to the invention so that the contact area and the termination area are oriented at approximately a right angle to each other. TW Patent 202038516 A relates to an electrical connector with a plug-in segment, a circuit connection segment, and a curved segment connecting the plug-in segment and the circuit connection segment.DE 103 31 034 A1 relates to a contact socket for an electrical plug connection between the contact socket and an associated plug pin, wherein the contact socket has a base body and a contact spring which are electrically connected to each other. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0008] Against this background, the present invention aims to create an inner conductor contact element for an angled connector, enabling simple and inexpensive assembly of an angled connector.

[0009] According to the invention, this problem is solved by an inner conductor contact element for an angled connector with the features of claim 1.

[0010] Accordingly, it is provided that: An inner conductor contact element for an angled connector is included. a crimp area which is configured to be connectable to an inner conductor of a cable, an interface area which is configured to be connectable to an inner conductor contact element of a mating connector corresponding to the angled connector, and a connection area which connects the crimp area to the interface area, wherein the inner conductor contact element is formed in one piece, wherein the connection area has a first transverse extension and a second transverse extension which is smaller, preferably by a multiple, than the first transverse extension, wherein the connection area is angled in a plane formed by the first transverse extension and a longitudinal extension of the connection area.

[0011] The underlying insight / idea of ​​the present invention is to design a one-piece inner conductor contact element for an angled connector. For this purpose, the inner conductor contact element has three areas that are integrally connected. In a crimp area of ​​the inner conductor contact element, a mechanical and electrical connection to the inner conductor of a coaxial cable is possible, while an interface area of ​​the inner conductor contact element can be connected to the inner conductor of a mating coaxial connector. The crimp area is connected to the interface area via an angled connection area of ​​the inner conductor contact element. Hereinafter, an angled connection area is understood to mean a connection area comprising two elongated sub-areas, each having a common end, and thus being connected to each other via this common end.The two elongated sections are oriented at an angle to each other with respect to their longitudinal extent relative to the common end. The angle is greater than 0° and less than 180°, preferably greater than 45° and less than 135°, particularly preferably greater than 85° and less than 95°, and at best 90°.

[0012] Due to the angled shape of the connection area, the crimp area is oriented at an angle to the interface area, thus advantageously enabling a one-piece realization of an inner conductor contact element for an angled connector.

[0013] The crimp area of ​​the inner conductor contact element enables the formation of a crimp connection between the inner conductor contact element of the right-angle connector and an inner conductor of a cable, preferably a coaxial cable. A crimp connection is a permanent electrical connection between at least one inner conductor, preferably a single inner conductor, and a crimp area designed as a crimp contact. The crimp contact, which is preferably designed as a crimp sleeve, can have different crimp cross-sectional profiles, for example, a circular profile in the case of a round crimp, a B-shaped profile in the case of a B-crimp, an elliptical profile, etc. By optimally matching the crimp sleeve cross-sectional geometry to the cross-section of the inner conductor, an electrical connection with minimized contact resistance and, at the same time, a gas-tight and therefore corrosion-resistant connection can be achieved.

[0014] The interface area of ​​the inner conductor contact element serves for electrical contact and mechanical connection with the inner conductor contact element of the corresponding mating connector. In principle, it can be shaped like a pin or socket to contact a socket- or pin-shaped inner conductor contact element of a mating connector. The interface area can be stamped from a single-piece, plate-shaped metal body and subsequently bent into its final form.

[0015] The connection area of ​​the inner conductor contact element is that part of the single-piece inner conductor contact element located between the crimp area and the interface area, mechanically and electrically connecting the crimp area to the interface area in one piece. To ensure that the impedance profile between the crimp area and the connection area, and between the connection area and the interface area, is as constant as possible, the cross-section of the crimp area and the interface area is preferably designed to match the cross-section of the connection area at the transition between the crimp area and the connection area, and between the connection area and the interface area.

[0016] The elongated sections of the angled connection area preferably transition into one another in the form of a curve or arc. This results in a continuous longitudinal profile with a constant cross-section from the crimp area through the connection area to the interface area, enabling a constant impedance profile from the crimp area along the length of the connection area to the interface area.

[0017] The one-piece inner conductor contact element can be manufactured from a plate-shaped metal body, i.e., from a metal sheet, in a first manufacturing step by means of a forming process, preferably a stamping process. A metallic material with good mechanical machinability, for example brass, copper beryllium, or the like, is preferred for the inner conductor contact element. With regard to good electrical contactability, the metallic base material of the inner conductor contact element is preferably additionally coated with a coating material with good electrical conductivity, for example gold, silver, or the like.

[0018] Advantageous designs and further developments result from the further sub-claims as well as from the description with reference to the figures in the drawing.

[0019] It is understood that the features mentioned above and those to be explained below can be used not only in the combinations specified, but also in other combinations or on their own, without leaving the scope of the present invention.

[0020] In a preferred embodiment of the inner conductor contact element, the longitudinal extent of the interface area and the longitudinal extent of the crimp area are oriented orthogonally to each other. This is achieved by an angled connection area, the elongated sub-areas of which are oriented at an angle of 90° to each other.

[0021] In a preferred further embodiment of the inner conductor contact element, the connection area is ribbon-shaped. This ribbon-shaped connection area has an angled shape in a plane, formed by the longitudinal extent and the larger transverse extent (i.e., the first transverse extent) of the ribbon-shaped connection area. In this way, an inner conductor contact element for an angled connector can be produced from a metal plate using a stamping and bending process with minimal effort.

[0022] In a preferred further embodiment of the inner conductor contact element, the angular shape of the connection area is exclusively planar. A planar shape, i.e., a plate-like shape, of a three-dimensional body is characterized by a principal extent of the body in a single plane. A planar or plate-like shape exhibits no curvature, bending, buckling, or the like. The angular shape of the connection area can therefore only be formed in a plane defined by the longitudinal extent and the larger transverse extent, i.e., the first transverse extent, of the connection area. Thus, the connection area of ​​the inner conductor contact element can be realized solely by a stamping process. The bending steps can be limited solely to the shaping of the interface area and the crimp area.

[0023] In contrast, if the connection area is angled and lies in a plane defined by its longitudinal extent and its smaller transverse extent (i.e., the second transverse extent), the resulting structure is not plate-like or planar, but curved. Such an angled connection area requires a bending process in addition to the punching process.

[0024] Since the manufacturing accuracy of stamping is approximately three to five times better than bending according to current technology, a single planar design of the angled connection area allows for higher precision of the inner conductor contact element and thus also a more precise arrangement and shape relative to the outer conductor contact element of the coaxial right-angle connector. This allows for further optimization of the impedance profile in the critical connection area of ​​the inner conductor contact element.

[0025] Furthermore, if the connection area of ​​the inner conductor contact element is manufactured solely using a stamping process, cracking that typically occurs during the bending process and subsequent bending back due to relaxation can be avoided.

[0026] If the outer conductor contact element is adapted to the inner conductor contact element for optimized impedance matching, then, with a purely planar design of the angled connection area, a large portion of the electric field is oriented parallel to the longitudinal extent of the connection area. With a curved design of the angled connection area, however, only a small portion of the electric field is oriented parallel to the longitudinal extent of the connection area. Therefore, a purely planar design of the angled connection area further improves the impedance matching along the longitudinal extent of the connection area.

[0027] In addition to a planar design of the connection area in a plane, which is formed by the longitudinal extent and the larger transverse extent of the connection area, a non-planar design of the connection area is also conceivable within the scope of the invention. For example, a U-shaped or cylindrical cross-sectional profile of the connection area can be achieved by an additional bending process.

[0028] According to the invention, the crimp area of ​​the inner conductor contact element has a bearing area and at least one crimp wing. The bearing area is understood to be that part of the crimp area or crimp sleeve that rests on the anvil belonging to the crimping tool. The profile of the bearing area thus corresponds to the inner profile of the anvil and typically has a planar or approximately planar profile.

[0029] Each individual crimp wing of the crimping area or crimp sleeve is connected to the support area. The connection between the individual crimp wing and the support area is made laterally to the support area, i.e., at each lateral end of the support area, along a longitudinal extension of the support area.

[0030] During the crimping process, the punch of the crimping tool bends each individual crimp wing in such a way that the contact area and at least one crimp wing together gas-tightly enclose and compress the strands of the cable inner conductor, thus creating a secure mechanical and electrical connection between the cable inner conductor and the inner conductor contact element.

[0031] The contact area of ​​the crimping section is preferably oriented orthogonally to the connection area, i.e., the surface vector of the planar contact area of ​​the crimping section is oriented perpendicular to the surface vector of the planar connection area. This creates a crimping section that allows for symmetrical insertion and positioning of the inner conductor contact element in the insulator element of the right-angle connector for any crimp sleeve profile used. This symmetrical orientation of the crimping section advantageously prevents the inner conductor contact element from tilting within the insulator element and thus prevents an asymmetrical final position of the inner conductor contact element within the insulator element. This technical measure also improves the impedance matching within the coaxial right-angle connector.

[0032] Alternatively, the contact area of ​​the crimp area can be oriented in the same direction as the connection area, i.e., the area vector of the planar contact area of ​​the crimp area and the area vector of the planar connection area have the same orientation. Furthermore, any other technically feasible orientation between the contact area of ​​the crimp area and the connection area is conceivable.

[0033] According to the invention, the support area has an axial extension that is connected laterally to the connection area, i.e., to a lateral end of the connection area. Preferably, the axial extension of the support area is connected laterally only to an axial end region of the connection area in order to make the connection between the connection area and the crimp area as short as possible. To align the support area of ​​the crimp area orthogonally to the connection area, the axial extension of the support area is bent at a right angle to the connection area.

[0034] The insertion of the inner conductor contact element into the insulator element of the right-angle connector is carried out using an insertion or pressing tool, which exerts sufficient pressing pressure on the inner conductor contact element during insertion. The pressing tool exerts, in particular, symmetrical pressing pressure on the inner conductor contact element to insert it symmetrically, i.e., without tilting relative to the insertion direction, into the recesses of the insulator element. For this purpose, symmetrical contact surfaces for the pressing tool must be formed on the inner conductor contact element to be inserted.Due to the angular geometry of the inner conductor contact element, symmetrical bearing surfaces for the crimping tool must be provided in each of the two leg-shaped sections of the inner conductor contact element. To create symmetrical bearing surfaces for a crimping tool in the leg-shaped section of the inner conductor contact element containing the crimping area, a flange-shaped section is connected at right angles to the axial extension of the bearing area belonging to the crimp sleeve, according to the invention. The inner conductor contact element, along the longitudinal extent of the axial extension of the bearing area belonging to the crimp sleeve, together with the laterally connected flange-shaped section and the laterally connected connecting section, has a U-shaped cross-sectional profile. The end faces of the flange-shaped section and the connecting section together form symmetrical bearing surfaces for a crimping tool.

[0035] The interface area is preferably designed in a socket-like shape along its longitudinal extent. The socket shape of the interface area is achieved by bending after the stamping process. In the leg-shaped section of the inner conductor contact element that contains the interface area, the end face of the socket-like interface area adjacent to the connection area forms a symmetrical bearing surface for a crimping tool. The symmetrical bearing surfaces on both the crimp side and the interface side ensure symmetrical insertion and positioning of the inner conductor contact element in the insulator element by a suitably shaped crimping tool.

[0036] In addition to the symmetrical positioning of the inner conductor contact element in the insulator element, a further technical requirement is to ensure the secure fixing of the inner conductor contact element in the insulator element.

[0037] In the interface area, a first form of technical fixing measure is the reduction of the outer diameter. The reduction is preferably conical, but can also be concave or convex. The reduction is preferably formed in a partial section of the longitudinal extent. However, a reduction over the entire longitudinal extent or multiple reductions in individual sections of the interface area are also conceivable. The inner diameter of the insulator element also has a reduction, preferably with the same reduction profile as the reduction in the inner conductor contact element. Thus, during the joining process, the inner conductor contact element is supported by the reduction of the insulator element and is therefore blocked in its axial freedom of movement in the joining direction.The tapering of the inner conductor contact element thus acts together with the tapering of the insulator element as a "forward stop" or "forward stop".

[0038] In another embodiment of a technical fixing measure, a radially elastic locking element is provided on the outer surface of the interface area. During the joining process of the inner conductor contact element, this locking element engages with a corresponding counter-locking element on the insulator element. The locking element can be a locking lug, a locking hook, a spring arm, a snap hook, or the like. The corresponding counter-locking element can be a locking recess, a snap-in receptacle, or the like. The locking element typically has a stop surface that is oriented opposite to the joining direction and, when engaged, rests against an inner wall of the counter-locking element. Thus, when the locking element and counter-locking element are engaged, the inner conductor contact element is blocked from axial movement opposite to the joining direction.The locking element formed on the inner conductor contact element thus acts together with the counter locking element of the insulator element as a "backward stop" or "backward stop".

[0039] Preferably, a combination of a tapered section and a locking element is formed on the inner conductor contact element to achieve a positive-locking fixation of the inner conductor contact element within the insulator element and thus a fixation in both axial directions. With the two technical features formed in the interface area—a tapered section and a locking element—the inner conductor contact element is fixed in the leg-shaped section of the angled connector belonging to the interface area.

[0040] To fix the inner conductor contact element in the leg-shaped section of the angled connector belonging to the crimping area, at least one web-shaped section is formed on an inner wall of the insulator element. This web-shaped section is directed radially inwards and extends in the direction of the longitudinal extent of the interface area of ​​the inner conductor contact element, i.e., in the joining direction of the inner conductor contact element. During the joining process of the inner conductor contact element, this at least one web-shaped section of the insulator element is pressed against an outwardly directed wall in the connection area of ​​the inner conductor contact element. This results in a force-fit connection between the inner conductor contact element and the insulator element. The force-fit connection between the inner conductor contact element and the insulator element is preferably located in a leg-shaped section of the angled connector belonging to the crimping area of ​​the inner conductor contact element.This is implemented in a section of the connection area of ​​the inner conductor contact element adjacent to the crimp area. Due to its compression with the inner conductor contact element, the rib-shaped section on the inner wall of the insulator element can also be referred to as a crimp rib.

[0041] Preferably, two web-shaped sections are formed in the inner wall of the insulator element, arranged opposite each other and each positively connected to the connection area or the opposite flange-shaped area of ​​the inner conductor contact element. This ensures symmetrical fixation and alignment of the inner conductor contact element within the leg-shaped section of the angled connector belonging to the crimping area. In addition to a single web-shaped section or a single pair of opposing web-shaped sections, multiple web-shaped sections or multiple pairs of web-shaped sections can also be provided to improve the positive locking.

[0042] Finally, in a further embodiment of the fixing of the inner conductor contact element within the angled connector, at least one recess and / or at least one protrusion is formed in the connection area of ​​the inner conductor contact element such that it can be locked into a complementary protrusion or recess in an insulator element belonging to the angled connector. Such a recess or protrusion can be produced, for example, in an embossing process following the stamping process. The individual recess or protrusion is each shaped such that it enables the fixing, preferably a rotationally secure fixing, of the inner conductor contact element in the insulator element.

[0043] Such a recess or protrusion can, for example, have a triangular, quadrilateral, or polygonal cross-sectional profile. Angled or multi-leg cross-sectional profiles are also conceivable. This advantageously prevents the inner conductor contact element from tilting within the insulator element of the angled connector about an axis of rotation oriented perpendicular to the plane of the two leg-shaped sections of the angled connector.

[0044] In order to optimize the impedance curve within the longitudinal extent of the angled connector, i.e. to achieve as few jumps or small jumps in the impedance curve as possible, the section of the angled connector in which the angled connection area of ​​the inner conductor contact element is positioned must be improved with regard to the impedance curve.

[0045] To improve the influence of the essentially planar, angled connection area of ​​the inner conductor contact element on the impedance profile of the angled connector, a further angled area is preferably connected to the angled connection area via a connecting bridge. This further angled area preferably corresponds to the angled connection area and is preferably oriented parallel to it and spaced apart from it along the length of the connecting bridge. This creates an inner conductor contact element that is symmetrical to the longitudinal axis of the angled connector in the connection area between the crimp area and the interface area.In this way, a "quasi-coaxiality" is achieved between such a symmetrically shaped inner conductor contact element and an outer conductor contact element that is also symmetrically shaped in this longitudinal section. The further angled area of ​​the inner conductor contact element and the connecting web to the angled connection area can be punched out together with the other areas of the inner conductor contact element and then bent into the respective orientation.

[0046] To preferably improve the impedance profile of the angled connector in the longitudinal section of the essentially planar and angled connection area of ​​the inner conductor contact element, an asymmetrical constriction is formed in an inner wall of the insulator element, preferably extending to the connection area. This asymmetrical constriction of the insulator element is designed in the longitudinal direction of the insulator element such that the inner conductor contact element, with its interface area and crimp area, plus the axial extension of the bearing area belonging to the crimp area, can be inserted laterally into the insulator element at the asymmetrical constriction. The asymmetry of the planar connection area of ​​the inner conductor contact element in this longitudinal section of the angled connector is thus compensated for by the asymmetry of the insulator element with regard to improved impedance matching.

[0047] The invention also covers an angled connector. The angled connector has the inner conductor contact element according to the invention.

[0048] The angled connector preferably also has an insulator element with a sleeve-shaped section for receiving the interface area of ​​the inner conductor contact element. Preferably, the insulator element also has a trough-shaped section for receiving the crimp area and the connection area of ​​the inner conductor contact element. The trough-shaped section of the insulator element can extend to the sleeve-shaped section.

[0049] The trough-shaped section of the insulator element allows the inner conductor contact element, with its crimp area and connection area, to be inserted into the insulator element along the longitudinal axis of the interface area. While the interface area of ​​the inner conductor contact element is coaxially surrounded by the sleeve-shaped section of the insulator element, the crimp area and connection area of ​​the inner conductor contact element are approximately surrounded by the trough-shaped section of the insulator element only in three mutually orthogonal directions.

[0050] The sleeve-shaped section of the insulator element can also be slotted along its length in a further variation. The slotting allows the inner conductor contact element with its interface area to be inserted laterally into the insulator element, in particular by clicking it into place.

[0051] Features that have already been described in connection with the inner conductor contact element according to the invention can of course also be advantageously implemented for the angle connector according to the invention and vice versa.

[0052] Finally, the invention also covers a method for manufacturing the inner conductor contact element according to the invention. The method according to the invention for manufacturing an inner conductor contact element comprises the following steps: punching an inner conductor contact element having a crimp area, an interface area, and a connection area connecting the crimp area to the interface area, and bending the interface area and the crimp area.

[0053] The connection area of ​​the inner conductor contact element according to the invention has a first transverse dimension and a second transverse dimension, which is larger than the first transverse dimension. The connection area is angled in a plane formed by the first transverse dimension and a longitudinal dimension of the connection area. The shape of the connection area can be determined accordingly, in particular by the stamping process.

[0054] The above embodiments and further developments can be combined with one another as appropriate. Further possible embodiments, further developments, and implementations of the invention also include combinations of features of the invention described previously or subsequently with regard to the exemplary embodiments, even if not explicitly mentioned. In particular, the person skilled in the art will also add individual aspects as improvements or additions to the respective basic form of the present invention. CONTENT OF THE DRAWING

[0055] The present invention will be explained in more detail below with reference to the exemplary embodiments shown in the schematic figures of the drawing. These figures show: Fig. 1A A top view of an inner conductor contact element after stamping, Fig. 1B Legs Isometric view of a finished inner conductor contact element, Fig. 1C, 1D, 1E A side view of a finished inner conductor contact element, Fig. 2A A top view of an extension of an inner conductor contact element after stamping, Fig. 2B Legs Isometric view of an extension of a finished inner conductor contact element, Fig. 2C, 2D, 2E A side view of an extension of a finished inner conductor contact element, Fig. 3 A side view of a cable assembled with the inner conductor contact element, Fig. 4A An isometric view of a cable pre-assembled with the angled connector, Fig. 4B, 4C Sectional views of a cable assembled with the angled connector and Fig. 4D, 4E Views of sections of the angled connector.

[0056] The accompanying figures are intended to provide a further understanding of the embodiments of the invention. They illustrate embodiments and, in conjunction with the description, serve to explain the principles and concepts of the invention. Other embodiments and many of the advantages mentioned will become apparent with reference to the drawings. The elements of the drawings are not necessarily shown to scale.

[0057] In the figures of the drawing, identical, functionally equivalent and similarly acting elements, features and components - unless otherwise stated - are each provided with the same reference symbols.

[0058] The following section describes the characters in a coherent and comprehensive manner. DESCRIPTION OF EXAMPLES OF EXECUTION

[0059] From the Figures 1A to 1E A basic embodiment of an inner conductor contact element 1 is shown.

[0060] The inner conductor contact element 1 has an interface area 2, a crimp area 3 and an angle-shaped connection area 4, which extends the crimp area 3 in the longitudinal extent L (cf. Figure 1B ) of the inner conductor contact element 1 connects to the interface area 3.

[0061] As from the Figures 1A, 1B and 1E As can be seen, prior to the singulation process step, the angled connection area 4 of the individual inner conductor contact elements 1 is each laterally connected to a carrier strip 5. Fig. 1A shows the individual, still planar, inner conductor contact elements 1 after the stamping process, while Fig. 1B The individual stamped and bent inner conductor contact elements 1 are depicted after the stamping and bending process. From the overview of the Figures 1A and 1B It can be seen that the connection area 4 gets its angular shape solely from the stamping process.

[0062] Crimp area 3 shows in the Figures 1A to 1E The depicted configuration features a support area 6 and two laterally attached crimp wings 7. However, it is also conceivable that a single crimp wing 7 is attached to the support area 6. The crimp wings 7 of the crimp area 3 are bent relative to the support area 6 in the phase between the bending process and the cable assembly process, as shown in the Figures 1B to 1E is recognizable.

[0063] The contact area 6 of the crimp area 3 has an axial extension 8 in the direction of the connection area 4, which is laterally connected to the connection area 4. The lateral connection of the axial extension 8 to the connection area 4 preferably takes place within an axial end section of the connection area 4.

[0064] For symmetrical positioning of the inner conductor contact element 1 in the angled connector 22 (see Figures 4A to 4E), the bearing area 6 of the crimp area 3 is preferably oriented perpendicular to the connection area 4, i.e., the surface vector of the planar bearing area 6 is oriented perpendicular to the surface vector of the planar connection area 4. Thus, the axial extension 8 of the bearing area 6 is preferably connected laterally to the connection area 4 at a right angle.

[0065] To provide the crimping tool, which inserts the inner conductor contact element 1 into an insulator element 24 of the angled connector 22, with a symmetrical bearing surface for symmetrical positioning of the inner conductor contact element 1 in the angled connector 22, a flange area 9 is attached laterally to the axial extension 8 of the bearing area 6 opposite the connection area 4. The surface vector of the planar flange area 9 is oriented at a right angle to the surface vector of the axial extension 8 of the bearing area 6, just like the connection area 4. The two end faces of the flange area 8 and the connection area 4 are thus directed in the same direction as the surface vector of the axial extension 8 of the bearing area 6 belonging to the crimping area 3.Thus, these two end faces provide mutually symmetrical contact surfaces for a pressing tool to insert the inner conductor contact element 1 into the angle connector 22 without tilting in the joining direction, i.e. in the direction of the longitudinal extent L of the interface area 2.

[0066] The interface area 2 of the inner conductor contact element 1 is preferably shaped like a socket. The interface area 2 serves to contact the inner conductor contact element 1 with a corresponding inner conductor contact element of a mating connector. For this purpose, several spring tabs 10 are preferably formed at the axial end of the interface area 2.

[0067] The annular end face of the interface area 2 in the transition to the connection area 4 provides a further support surface for a pressing tool in order to insert the inner conductor contact element 1 without tilting in the joining direction, i.e. in the direction of the longitudinal extension of the interface area 2, into the angle connector 22.

[0068] For axial fixation of the inner conductor contact element 1 in the angled connector 22, at least one locking device 11 is provided on the outer surface of the interface area 2 (see e.g. Fig. 1B ), preferably two locking means 11 arranged opposite each other on the outer surface. The locking means 11 is preferably configured as in the Figures 1B , 1D and 1Edepicted as an elastic locking tab. Each of these locking means 11 engages with a counter-locking means formed in the insulator element 24 in the same axial and rotational position. In the case of an elastic locking tab, the counter-locking means is preferably designed as a locking recess. As shown in particular from Fig. 1E As can be seen, the elastic locking tab has a support surface oriented opposite to the insertion direction, which bears against an inner wall of the associated locking recess in the insulator element 24. With such a locking device 11, a blocking of the inner conductor contact element 1 in the angled connector 22 against the insertion direction, i.e., a "backward stop" or "backward stop", is thus achieved.

[0069] A blocking mechanism for the inner conductor contact element 1 in the angled connector 22 in the insertion direction, i.e., a so-called "forward stop" or "forward stop", is formed by a tapering 12, preferably a conical tapering 12, of the outer diameter of the inner conductor contact element 1 in the insertion direction. Such a tapering of the outer diameter of the inner conductor contact element 1 is supported in the end position of the inner conductor contact element 1 by a tapering formed at the same axial position in the insulator element 24.

[0070] One or more longitudinal sections 13 of the interface area 2, each with a different outer diameter - in the Fig. 1A, 1B , 1D and 1E with reduced outer diameters compared to the remaining longitudinal sections, corresponding longitudinal sections of an outer conductor contact element 23 serve (see Figures 4A to 4E ) with a modified inner diameter for impedance matching in the interface area 2.

[0071] In an extension of the inner conductor contact element 1 according to the Figures 2A to 2E Parallel to the angled connection area 4, a further angled area 14 is formed. The angled shape of the further area 14 preferably corresponds to the angled connection area 4 in terms of shape and size. The further angled area 14 is connected to the angled connection area 4 via a connecting web 15 and is spaced apart from and arranged parallel to the angled connection area 4 by the connecting web 15.

[0072] In the transition area of ​​the angled connector 22 between the interface area 2 and the crimp area 3 of the inner conductor contact element 1, the combination of the further angled area 14 and the angled connection area 4, together with the outer conductor contact element 23 of the angled connector 22, which typically has a rectangular or round cross-sectional profile, forms an approximation of a coaxial or "quasi-coaxial" structure. In this way, the impedance profile along the longitudinal extent of the angled connector 22 is further improved.

[0073] From the presentation of Fig. 3 A finished, stamped and bent inner conductor contact element 1 emerges, the crimp area 3 of which is crimped to the inner conductor 16 of a coaxial cable 17. The coaxial cable 17 is pre-assembled with the inner conductor contact element 1 before the crimping process. For this purpose, the outer conductor shield 18 is, as shown in Fig. 3The cable sheath 19 is shown exposed and folded back around a support sleeve. Equivalently, a metal foil 20 is exposed from the outer conductor shield 18, an insulator 21 from the metal foil 20, and the inner conductor 16 from the insulator 21.

[0074] From the Figures 4A to 4E An angled connector 22, or details of the angled connector 22, emerge: The angled connector 22 has an outer conductor contact element 23, an insulator element 24, which in the assembled state is connected to the coaxial cable 17 according to the Figures 4B and 4C enclosed by the outer conductor contact element 23, and the inner conductor contact element 1 arranged within the insulator element 24.

[0075] The outer conductor contact element 23 exhibits the following characteristics in the final assembled state according to the Figures 4B and 4CThe outer conductor contact element 23 has an angled longitudinal profile and a substantially sleeve-shaped cross-sectional profile. To adapt to different outer conductor profiles of the mating connector, an outer conductor interface sleeve 26 can be attached to the axial end of the outer conductor contact element 23 where the interface to the mating connector is located. Contact springs 27 are preferably formed on the outer conductor contact element 23 or on the outer conductor interface sleeve 26 in the area of ​​the interface to the mating connector to ensure reliable contact of the outer conductor of the mating connector.

[0076] In a pre-assembled state according to Fig. 4AThe section of the outer conductor contact element 24 containing the interface to the coaxial cable 17 is shaped like a trough to allow the insertion of the insulating element 24 and the inner conductor contact element 1. In a final assembly step, outer conductor crimp wings 28 attached laterally to the trough-shaped section of the outer conductor contact element 23 and the longitudinally adjoining end flaps 29 are closed using a pressing or crimping tool. In this process, the outer conductor crimp wings 28 are crimped to the outer conductor shield 18 of the coaxial cable.

[0077] The insulator element 24 of the angled connector 22 also has an angled longitudinal profile. The insulator element 24 has a longitudinal section 30 (see figure). Figure 4C) with a sleeve-shaped cross-sectional profile in which the preferably socket-shaped interface area 2 of the inner conductor contact element 1 is received and a trough-shaped section 31 (cf. Figure 4C ), in which the crimp area 3 and the connection area 4 of the inner conductor contact element 1 are accommodated. The trough-shaped design of the trough-shaped section 31 of the insulator element 24 allows the inner conductor contact element 1 to be easily inserted into the insulator element 24.

[0078] Out of Fig. 4D , which shows an enlarged section Z of the Fig. 4BThe design features a web-shaped section 32, preferably two web-shaped sections 32, each formed on the inner wall of the insulator element 24. The web-shaped section 32 is directed radially inwards, extends in the joining direction of the inner conductor contact element 1, and is preferably formed in a region of the trough-shaped section 31 of the insulator element 24, in which the flange-shaped region 9 and the opposing connecting region 4 of the inner conductor contact element 1 are located. By inserting the inner conductor contact element 1 into the insulator element 24 using a pressing tool, the web-shaped sections 32 of the insulator element 24 are pressed against the connecting region 1 and the flange-shaped region 9 of the inner conductor contact element 1, respectively, and thus positively connected to each other.

[0079] Out of Fig. 4DAn asymmetrical constriction 33 is also formed on the insulator element 24, which is directed on the inner wall of the insulator element 24 towards the planarly formed connection area 4. In this way, the negative influence of the connection area 4 of the inner conductor contact element 1 on the impedance curve, which is arranged asymmetrically to the longitudinal axis of the angled connector, can be advantageously compensated by a corresponding asymmetrical design of the insulator element 24. To enable the insertion of the inner conductor contact element 1 into the insulator element 24, the asymmetrical constriction 33 of the insulator element 24 is formed between the positioning of the axial extension 8 of the support area 6 belonging to the crimp area 3 and the joining channel of the interface area 2.

[0080] Out of Fig. 4E , which shows an enlarged section Y of the Fig. 4CThe diagram illustrates the interaction between the locking element 11 formed in the interface area 2 of the inner conductor contact element 1 and the counter-locking element 34 formed in the insulator element 24. The locking element 11 is implemented, for example, as an elastic locking tab and the counter-locking element as a corresponding locking recess. Furthermore, the Fig. 4E a conical taper 12 of the outer diameter of the interface area 2 can be extracted, which is supported on a similarly conical taper 35 of the insulator element 24.

[0081] Although the present invention has been fully described above with reference to preferred embodiments, it is not limited thereto, but can be modified in many ways.

Claims

1. An inner-conductor contact element (1) for a angled connector (22), having - a crimp region (3) which is designed to be connectable to an inner conductor (16) of a cable (17), - an interface region (2) which is designed to be connectable to an inner-conductor contact element of a counterpart connector corresponding to the angled connector (22), and - a connection region (4) which connects the crimp region (3) to the interface region (2), wherein the inner-conductor contact element (1) is formed in one piece, wherein the connection region (4) has a first transverse extent and a second transverse extent which is smaller, preferably many times smaller, than the first transverse extent, wherein the connection region (4) has an angular shape in a plane formed by the first transverse extent and a longitudinal extent of the connection region, wherein the crimp region (3) has a bearing region (6) and at least one crimp wing (7), which in each case is attached to the bearing region (6) over a longitudinal extent of the bearing region (6) at a lateral end of the bearing region (6), and wherein an axial end region of the connection region (4) is attached laterally to an axial continuation (8) of the bearing region (6), characterized in that a flange-shaped region (9) is attached laterally to the axial continuation (8) of the bearing region (6), in such a way that the axial continuation (8) of the bearing region (6) forms a U-shaped cross-sectional profile with the flange-shaped region (9) and with the connection region (4).

2. The inner-conductor contact element (1) as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that a longitudinal extent of the interface region (2) and a longitudinal extent of the crimp region (3) are oriented orthogonally to each other.

3. The inner-conductor contact element (1) as claimed in claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the angular connection region (4) is band-shaped.

4. The inner-conductor contact element (1) as claimed in one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the connection region (4) is planar in the plane formed by the first transverse extent and the longitudinal extent.

5. The inner-conductor contact element (1) as claimed in one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the bearing region (6) is oriented orthogonally to or in the same direction as the connection region (4).

6. The inner-conductor contact element (1) as claimed in one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the axial continuation (8) of the bearing region (6) is bent at right angles to the connection region (4).

7. The inner-conductor contact element (1) as claimed in one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the interface region (2) is preferably bent in the shape of a socket in its longitudinal extent, wherein the interface region (2) has a longitudinal portion with a tapering (12) of the outer diameter in order to axially fix the inner-conductor contact element (1) in a bore of an insulator element (24) belonging to the angled connector (22).

8. The inner-conductor contact element (1) as claimed in one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that, in the interface region (2), there is a latching means (11) for axially fixing the inner-conductor contact element (1) in a counterpart latching means (34) of an insulator element (24) belonging to the angled connector (22).

9. The inner-conductor contact element (1) as claimed in one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that, in the angularly shaped connection region (4), a recess and / or an elevation is formed in such a way that it latches onto a complementary elevation or recess in an insulator element (24) belonging to the angled connector (22) in order to fix the inner-conductor contact element (1), preferably fix it against rotation, in the insulator element (24).

10. The inner-conductor contact element (1) as claimed in one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that a further angular region (14) is attached to the angular connection region (4) via a connection web (15), wherein the angular connection region (4) and the further angular region (14) are arranged parallel to each other and at a distance from each other.

11. An angled connector (22) having - an inner-conductor contact element (1) as claimed in one of claims 1 to 10 and - an insulator element (24) having a sleeve-shaped portion (30) for receiving the interface region (2) of the inner-conductor contact element (1) and a trough-shaped portion (31) for receiving the crimp region (3) and the connection region (4) of the inner-conductor contact element (1), wherein the trough-shaped portion (31) extends as far as the sleeve-shaped portion (30).

12. The angled connector (22) as claimed in claim 11, characterized in that an asymmetrical constriction (33) is formed for impedance matching in an inner wall of the trough-shaped portion (31) and preferably extends as far as the connection region (4).

13. The angled connector (22) as claimed in claim 11 or 12, characterized in that, for force-fit connection to the connection region (4), at least one web-shaped portion (32) is formed in an inner wall of the trough-shaped portion (31) and is oriented in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the interface region (2).

14. A method for producing an inner-conductor contact element (1) according to claim 1, comprising the following method steps: - stamping an inner-conductor contact element (1) which has a crimp region (3), an interface region (2) and a connection region (4) connecting the crimp region (3) to the interface region (2), and - bending the interface region (2) and the crimp region (3), wherein the connection region (4) has a first transverse extent and a second transverse extent which is smaller than the first transverse extent, wherein the connection region (4) has an angular shape in a plane formed by the first transverse extent and a longitudinal extent of the connection region (4), wherein the connection region (4) has an angular shape in a plane formed by the first transverse extent and a longitudinal extent of the connection region, wherein the crimp region (3) has a bearing region (6) and at least one crimp wing (7), which in each case is attached to the bearing region (6) over a longitudinal extent of the bearing region (6) at a lateral end of the bearing region (6), and wherein an axial end region of the connection region (4) is attached laterally to an axial continuation (8) of the bearing region (6), characterized in that, a flange-shaped region (9) is attached laterally to the axial continuation (8) of the bearing region (6), in such a way that the axial continuation (8) of the bearing region (6) forms a U-shaped cross-sectional profile with the flange-shaped region (9) and with the connection region (4).

Images