Electrical connector and connector assembly

Abstract

The invention relates to an electrical connector (1) comprising a plastic component (11) and a metal component (12), wherein one of said components (11, 12) is at least partially incorporated into the other component (12, 11), and wherein a sealing area (13) is formed between the plastic component (11) and the metal component (12).It is provided that the plastic component (11) and the metal component (12) are directly connected to each other in the sealing area (13) by means of a force-fit connection, wherein at least one of said components (11, 12) has a circumferentially circumferential connecting groove (17, 17`) accessible in the axial direction (x) in the sealing area (13), and wherein the other of said components (12, 11) has a circumferentially circumferential connecting rib (18, 18`) received in the connecting groove (17, 17`) in the sealing area (13), which forms at least one circumferentially circumferential press contact (19) with the connecting groove (17, 17`), so that a passage (P) between the plastic component (11) and the metal component (12) is sealed by the press contact (19), preferably in a fluid-tight manner.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to an electrical connector comprising a plastic component and a metal component, between which a sealing area is formed, according to the preamble of claim 1.

[0002] The invention also relates to a connector arrangement.

[0003] Electrical connectors for a wide variety of applications and in various designs are known in the art. Electrical connectors generally serve to transmit electrical power and / or data signals to corresponding mating connectors.

[0004] Sometimes, a seal between individual components of a connector is necessary to permanently and reliably prevent moisture and contaminants from penetrating the interior of the connector and / or from one connection interface of the connector to another. Particularly high demands are placed on connectors and their sealing properties in the automotive sector, especially when the connectors are used on the exterior of the vehicle.

[0005] In the prior art, sealing between connector components is often achieved using separate sealing elements, particularly O-rings. US 5,658,171 A serves as an example. Alternatively, sealing coatings can be used, as proposed, for example, in US 6,966,800 B2.

[0006] Another requirement, particularly in the automotive industry, is that connectors must be economically producible in high volumes. Providing a connector with sealing properties is therefore often problematic due to the associated increased material, manufacturing, and assembly costs.

[0007] In view of the known state of the art, the object of the present invention is to provide a connector with high sealing properties which is preferably particularly easy and economical to manufacture and assemble.

[0008] In view of the known state of the art, the object of the present invention is also to provide a connector arrangement with high sealing properties, which is preferably particularly easy and economical to manufacture and assemble.

[0009] The problem is solved for the electrical connector with the features listed in claim 1 and for the connector arrangement with the features listed in claim 14.

[0010] The dependent claims and the features described below relate to advantageous embodiments and variants of the invention.

[0011] The electrical connector according to the invention comprises a plastic component and a metal component.

[0012] The plastic component and the metal component, which are collectively referred to as "components" below, can be any connector component of the connector. For example, the plastic component could be a contact carrier for receiving at least one electrical contact element, a housing component (e.g., an inner or outer housing of the connector), a touch protection element, or another (electrically insulating) connector component. The metal component could be, for example, an electrical contact element (e.g., an inner conductor contact element or an outer conductor contact element), a housing component (e.g., an inner or outer housing of the connector), or another (electrically conductive) connector component.

[0013] According to the invention, one of the said components (i.e., the plastic component or the metal component) is incorporated, at least partially, into the other component.

[0014] It can therefore be provided that the plastic component is at least partially embedded in the metal component or at least partially encased by the metal component – ​​or vice versa. For this purpose, one of the aforementioned components can have a suitable recess (for example, a blind hole or a through-hole) in which a longitudinal section (in particular a cylindrical section) of the other component is received.

[0015] The plastic component and the metal component may be arranged concentrically or coaxially to each other, although this is not necessarily the case depending on the geometry of the components. The centers of gravity or longitudinal / central axes of the components may also diverge, since, within the scope of the invention, it is essentially only necessary that one of the components is arranged at least partially within the other component.

[0016] According to the invention, a sealing area is formed between the plastic component and the metal component.

[0017] The sealing area ensures that a passage between the plastic component and the metal component is sealed. This seal can preferably be fluid-tight (i.e., particularly for sealing against gases and / or liquids). In exceptional cases, however, a seal solely against contaminants, such as dirt and dust particles, can also be provided within the scope of the invention.

[0018] According to the invention, the plastic component and the metal component are directly and force-fit connected to each other in the sealing area. At least one of the components has a circumferentially circumferential connecting groove accessible in the axial direction in the sealing area, while the other component has a circumferentially circumferential connecting rib received in the connecting groove. This connecting rib forms at least one circumferentially circumferential press contact with the connecting groove, so that a passage between the plastic component and the metal component is sealed by this press contact.

[0019] This allows a sealing function to be advantageously integrated into the components to be sealed. This eliminates the need for an additional sealing element, such as an O-ring, thereby saving material during the manufacturing of the connector and time during assembly. Furthermore, the application of a sealing coating is not strictly necessary according to the invention. The proposed connector can thus be manufactured and assembled simply and cost-effectively.

[0020] In one embodiment of the invention, it can therefore be provided in particular that no separate sealing element, in particular no O-ring, is arranged between the plastic component and the metal component.

[0021] It has been shown that the proposed method provides a long-term stable and mechanically robust seal. The invention is therefore particularly advantageous for use with connectors in outdoor areas or in areas with high mechanical and thermal stress, such as in the automotive sector (e.g., for a connector for camera modules in a vehicle). Another advantageous application area could, for example, involve communication connectors on a mobile phone mast.

[0022] In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, it can be provided that the connecting groove and the connecting rib are each formed on a connecting flange of the plastic component / metal component.

[0023] In a particularly advantageous embodiment of the invention, it can be provided that each of the two components has one of the connecting grooves and one of the connecting ribs, which is received in the connecting groove of the other component.

[0024] It can therefore be provided that one of the two components has a connection sequence consisting of one of the connection grooves and one of the connection ribs, which is connected to a complementary connection sequence consisting of one of the connection ribs and one of the connection grooves of the other component.

[0025] The use of components that each have a connecting groove and a connecting rib, or said connecting sequence / complementary connecting sequence, can be particularly advantageous, since in this case the passage between the plastic component and the metal component in the area to be sealed or in the sealing area can be extended compared to a minimalist version of the invention (in which a single connecting groove and a single connecting rib are distributed across the two components), which increases the possibilities for sealing in the sealing area.

[0026] Accordingly, it can also be advantageous if at least one of the components, or possibly both components, has more than one connecting groove and / or more than one connecting rib, for example, two connecting grooves, three connecting grooves, four connecting grooves and / or two connecting ribs, three connecting ribs, four connecting ribs, or even more connecting grooves or connecting ribs. The connection sequence / complementary connection sequence can thus have several connecting grooves and connecting ribs. A connection sequence / complementary connection sequence consisting solely of several connecting grooves or solely of several connecting ribs can also be provided. Preferably, however, connecting grooves and connecting ribs alternate within the connection sequence / complementary connection sequence. Generally, however, several connecting grooves / connecting ribs are not strictly necessary.

[0027] In a further development of the invention, it can be provided in particular that within the connection sequence or complementary connection sequence the connection groove is directly adjacent to the connection rib.

[0028] While this is preferred, it is not strictly necessary. It is also possible, in principle, for a connecting groove within the connecting sequence or the complementary connecting sequence to be spaced apart from the subsequent connecting rib.

[0029] According to a further development of the invention, it can be provided that the press contact is formed at least linearly around the circumference, preferably in a planar circumferential manner.

[0030] The press contact can be formed, in particular, between directly opposing inner surfaces of the side walls of the connecting grooves and outer surfaces of the side walls of the connecting ribs, by said inner and outer surfaces bearing directly against each other in a planar or linear fashion. To provide a linear press contact, one of the said surfaces can, for example, be convex or bulbous, tapered, conical, tapered, or pointed, or have some other raised feature. A planar press contact between said inner and outer surfaces can be formed, in particular, between predominantly flat surfaces, but possibly also between complementarily curved surfaces. A planar press contact can also result, if necessary, only from the mutual deformation of the components caused by the force-fit.

[0031] In addition to the press contact or the force-fit connection between the plastic component and the metal component, a form-fit connection can optionally be provided, for example a mutual interlocking of the two components (e.g. an interlocking of the connecting rib in the connecting groove or an interlocking of the components in a completely different section).

[0032] The press contact is preferably formed circumferentially in a plane, preferably in a surface oriented orthogonally to a longitudinal axis of the connector or components. However, the surface can also be oriented obliquely to the longitudinal axis.

[0033] According to a further development of the invention, it can be provided that several of the said press contacts are distributed along the passage between the plastic component and the metal component or in the sealing area, preferably at least two press contacts, more preferably at least three press contacts.

[0034] In principle, any number of press contacts can be distributed along the passage or sealing area to further increase the connector's sealing properties through redundancy. Ultimately, however, a single press contact is usually sufficient.

[0035] It can also be provided that a single press contact extends through the entire passage, thus completely sealing the passage along its entire length.

[0036] In a further development of the invention, the press contacts can be arranged one inside the other in a lateral direction with respect to the longitudinal axis of the connector. That is, at least one of the press contacts can be arranged within another press contact in a lateral direction relative to the longitudinal axis of the connector. Put simply, the press contacts can be "nested inside one another".

[0037] Preferably, the press contacts are arranged concentrically within one another, particularly in the case of circular press contacts. In the case of a circular press contact, the diameters of the press contacts can therefore preferably all be different in order to arrange the press contacts within one another.

[0038] Since the components of the connector do not necessarily have to be round or circular, the concentric arrangement with the different circular diameters of the press contacts is only meant to be an example.

[0039] It should be mentioned at this point that the definition according to which the press contacts are "arranged one inside the other" does not exclude the possibility that the press contacts are offset from each other in the longitudinal direction of the connector.

[0040] Alternatively or in addition to the use of several nested press contacts, it can also be provided that a single press contact or several press contacts run along an interface with a meandering or S-shaped cross-sectional profile.

[0041] In a further development of the invention, it can be provided that at least one of the press contacts is formed between all directly opposing inner surfaces or side walls of the connecting grooves and outer surfaces or side walls of the connecting ribs.

[0042] In this way, the force-fit connection between the plastic component and the metal component can be increased on the one hand, and the sealing can also be improved on the other.

[0043] In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, it can be provided that the wall thickness of the connecting rib increases starting from its top surface or from its free end.

[0044] Furthermore, it may be provided that the width of the connecting groove widens from its base and / or tapers from its front, open end.

[0045] A reduction / widening of the width of the connecting groove and / or the wall thickness of the connecting rib can simplify assembly and, for example, make it easier for the installer to insert the connecting rib into the connecting groove. Furthermore, the insertion force during assembly can be increased gently.

[0046] The connecting rib may have a rounded or chamfered axial end. A trapezoidal, pointed, or conical end is also possible.

[0047] In a further development of the invention, it can be provided that the top surface of the connecting rib forms an axial assembly end stop between the plastic component and the metal component.

[0048] In particular, it can be provided that the top surface of the connecting rib of one of the components abuts the bottom of the connecting groove of the other component when both components are fully assembled. If multiple connecting grooves / ribs are provided, a single assembly end stop may generally suffice. Ultimately, however, an assembly end stop is not strictly necessary (or can also be provided elsewhere on the components or in the connector).

[0049] In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, it can be provided that the longitudinal extent of the connecting rib is at least 0.3 mm, preferably at least 0.5 mm. Alternatively or additionally, it can also be provided that the wall thickness of the connecting rib is at least 0.1 mm, preferably at least 0.2 mm, more preferably at least 0.3 mm.

[0050] The depth and length of the connecting groove, as well as its width, can preferably be designed analogously to the values ​​mentioned above, so that the connecting rib can be inserted into the connecting groove as precisely as possible. However, to provide a particularly advantageous press fit, the wall thickness of the connecting rib can be slightly greater than the width of the connecting groove.

[0051] The longitudinal extent of the connecting rib or the depth of the connecting groove preferably runs in the longitudinal direction of the connector. However, the longitudinal extent of the connecting rib or connecting groove can also be inclined or tilted relative to the longitudinal axis of the connector, for example by a tilt angle of up to 45°, preferably up to 10°, and more preferably up to 5°.

[0052] In an advantageous further development of the invention, it can be provided that the plastic component is formed in one piece.

[0053] The plastic component can be made primarily from a single plastic material. The plastic element can be manufactured as an injection-molded part or a turned part. However, the plastic component does not necessarily have to be made from a single plastic material. For example, a two-component technique can also be used to manufacture the plastic component. In this case, one or more optional sealing lips can even be incorporated into the plastic component.

[0054] In one embodiment of the invention, it may be provided that the metal component is made of brass, in particular if the metal component is an electrical contact element, such as the external conductor contact element mentioned below.

[0055] The metal component may optionally have a coating, such as a Ni-Zn coating.

[0056] In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, it can be provided that the plastic component has a hydrophobic surface (i.e. a water-repellent surface) and / or hydrolysis-resistant material properties (i.e., material resistance to water).

[0057] In a further development of the invention, it can be provided that the plastic component has a coefficient of thermal expansion that is less than 10·10 -5< 1 / K, preferably less than 20·10 -5< 1 / K.

[0058] In a further development of the invention, it can also be provided that the plastic component has an elongation at break that is greater than 1%, preferably greater than 3%, and particularly preferably greater than 5%.

[0059] In particular, it may be provided that the plastic component is made of hard plastic (i.e., a predominantly rigid plastic, as opposed to soft plastic or a predominantly elastic plastic).

[0060] Preferably, the plastic component may contain polyketone (PK) or polyetheretherketone (PEEK) or be made of these plastics. However, other plastic materials may also be suitable for manufacturing the plastic component. Preferably, the plastic component is not an elastomer.

[0061] In a further development of the invention, it can be provided that the plastic component is at least partially incorporated into the metal component and is designed as a contact carrier for receiving at least one inner conductor contact element, wherein the metal component is designed as an outer conductor contact element.

[0062] This is a preferred embodiment of the invention. As mentioned above, the design of the plastic component as a contact carrier and the design of the metal component as an outer conductor contact element, as well as the arrangement of the components relative to each other, are to be understood as merely exemplary. The features and advantages described above and below regarding the use of the invention for providing a sealing area between an outer conductor contact element and a contact carrier can also be applied accordingly to other combinations of connector components requiring sealing.As mentioned above, it is also possible, for example, for the metal component to be an inner conductor contact element and the plastic component to be its contact carrier, with the sealing area in this case being formed, for example, between the inner conductor contact element and a contact chamber of the contact carrier. Furthermore, it is also possible for the plastic component to be an insulating housing, with the sealing area then being arranged between the insulating housing and an inner or outer conductor contact element housed within the insulating housing. All of the above possibilities are merely examples and not to be understood as limiting.

[0063] In an advantageous further development of the invention, it can be provided that the plastic component and the metal component are jointly contained within an outer housing.

[0064] The outer housing in question could, for example, be the outer housing of the connector (an electrically insulating or an electrically conductive outer housing).

[0065] The outer housing can also be the outer housing of an assembly merely connected to the connector, in particular the outer housing of an electrical assembly connected to the connector (hereinafter also referred to as "assembly housing"). In this case, the connector can, for example, be designed as a housing connector of the assembly. The proposed press contact in the sealing area then enables a particularly advantageous sealing of the assembly's housing interior.

[0066] In a further development of the invention, it can be provided that the connector has a first connection interface for connecting the connector to a first assembly and a second connection interface for connecting the connector to a second assembly.

[0067] It can be provided, in particular, that a first end of the plastic component and a first end of the metal component are each oriented towards the first connection interface, and a second end of the plastic component and a second end of the metal component are each oriented towards the second connection interface. Advantageously, the connector according to the invention can therefore provide a seal between the first connection interface and the second connection interface.

[0068] As already mentioned, the connector according to the invention can be a connector of any type, for example, a housing connector, a printed circuit board connector, or a cable connector. The invention is suitable for any type of connector, for example, coaxial connectors, differential connectors, connectors with a star quad, and connectors with differential and / or coaxial contact elements. Accordingly, the invention can also be used with connectors of any geometry (for example, round, oval, rectangular, or polygonal).

[0069] Preferably, the plastic component and the metal component are immovably connected to each other in their connected state, at least with regard to the forces to be expected in the context of the intended use of the connector.

[0070] The invention also relates to a connector arrangement comprising an electrical connector according to the preceding and following embodiments and an electrical assembly or an electrical cable connected to the connector.

[0071] In a further development of the invention, it can be provided that the assembly connected to the connector has an assembly housing with an interior to be sealed and a housing opening leading into the interior for connection with the connector.

[0072] Preferably, the sealing area of ​​the connector is arranged between an end section of the plastic component facing the interior of the assembly housing and the metal component. Alternatively (less preferably), the seal or sealing area can also be arranged on the end section of the component facing away from the interior.

[0073] Insofar as the connector arrangement includes an electrical cable connected to the connector, it may in particular be provided that the sealing area of ​​the connector is arranged between a connection interface or an "interface" for connecting the connector to a corresponding mating connector and an interior of the cable connector facing the cable.

[0074] Features described in connection with the connector can also be advantageously implemented for the connector arrangement – ​​and vice versa. Likewise, advantages mentioned in connection with the connector can also be understood as relating to the connector arrangement.

[0075] It should be noted that terms such as "comprehensive," "exhibiting," or "with" do not exclude other features or steps. Furthermore, terms such as "a" or "the," which indicate a singular set of steps or features, do not exclude a plurality of features or steps—and vice versa.

[0076] In a purist embodiment of the invention, however, it may also be provided that the features introduced in the invention with the terms "comprising," "comprising," or "with" are exhaustively listed. Accordingly, one or more lists of features within the scope of the invention may be considered complete, for example, for each claim. The invention may, for instance, consist exclusively of the features mentioned in claim 1.

[0077] It should be noted that designations such as "first" or "second" etc. are primarily used for the purpose of distinguishing between the respective device or process features and are not necessarily intended to indicate that features are mutually dependent or related to each other.

[0078] 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 named value or parameter, provided that such 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 that are encompassed by the respective named range, in particular the initial and final values ​​and a respective mean value.

[0079] Exemplary embodiments of the invention are described in more detail below with reference to the drawings.

[0080] The figures each show preferred embodiments in which individual features of the present invention are combined with one another. Features of an 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 meaningful combinations and subcombinations with features of other embodiments.

[0081] In the figures, functionally identical elements are provided with the same reference symbols.

[0082] They show schematically: Figure 1 shows a connector arrangement with an electrical connector according to a first embodiment of the invention and an electrical assembly in a sectional view; Figure 2 shows an enlarged section of the connector. Figure 1 Figure 3 shows an enlarged section of a sealing area of ​​a connector according to a second embodiment of the invention; Figure 4 shows an enlarged section of a sealing area of ​​a connector according to a third embodiment of the invention; and Figure 5 shows an enlarged section of a sealing area of ​​a connector according to a fourth embodiment of the invention.

[0083] In the Figures 1 and 2 A first embodiment of a connector 1 according to the invention is shown in a sectional view, wherein Figure 2 an enlarged section from Figure 1This illustrates that connector 1 is, by way of example, an electrical housing connector, but this is not to be understood as a limitation. In principle, the invention can be suitable for any type of connector.

[0084] The in Figure 1 The illustrated electrical connector 1 is part of a connector assembly 2 consisting of the connector 1 itself and an electrical assembly 3. The electrical assembly 3 shows, by way of example, an electrical circuit board 4 with a circuit board connector 5 (in this embodiment, a socket). The electrical circuit board 4 and the circuit board connector 5 of the electrical assembly 3 are housed in a sealed interior space 6' of the common assembly housing 6.

[0085] The printed circuit board connector 5 of the electrical assembly 3 is electrically and mechanically connected to a first connection interface 7 of the connector 1. At a second connection interface 8 opposite the first connection interface 7 of the connector 1, the connector 1 can be contacted, for example, by a corresponding mating connector (not shown). An outer housing 9 of the connector 1 is connected to the assembly housing 6 of the electrical assembly 3 or inserted into a recess 10 in the assembly housing 6.

[0086] The connector 1 has a plastic component 11 and a metal component 12, between which a sealing area 13 is formed at an end section facing the interior 6' to prevent the ingress of fluids or contaminants from the second connection interface 8 into the interior 6' of the electrical assembly 3.

[0087] In the exemplary embodiment, the plastic component 11 is received within the metal component 12 and is designed as a contact carrier 11 for receiving an inner conductor contact element 14. The metal component 12 is designed, by way of example, as an outer conductor contact element 12. However, the specific design of the plastic component 11 and the metal component 12, as well as the arrangement of the plastic component 11 within the metal component 12, are to be understood only as exemplary embodiments of the invention. In principle, the plastic component 11 and the metal component 12 can be any connector component of the connector 1. Furthermore, the arrangement of the two components 11, 12 relative to each other can also be reversed, whereby, for example, the metal component 12 can also be received within the plastic component 11 (for example, a seal can then be provided between an inner conductor contact element and the contact carrier).

[0088] To accommodate the plastic component 11 or the contact carrier, the metal component 12 or the outer conductor contact element has a through-hole 15 in which a cylindrical section 16 of the contact carrier 11 is received. In the exemplary embodiment, a first end of the contact carrier 11 and a first end of the outer conductor contact element 12 are each assigned to the first connection interface 7, and a second end of the contact carrier 11 and a second end of the outer conductor contact element 12 are assigned to the second connection interface 8 of the connector 1, so that a passage P (cf. Figure 2 ) between the two components 11, 12 and thus also between the connection interfaces 7, 8 is sealed.

[0089] The plastic component 11, or contact carrier 11, and the metal component 12, or outer conductor contact element 12, are directly and force-fittedly connected to each other in the sealing area 13. At least one of the aforementioned components 11, 12 has a circumferentially circumferential connecting groove 17, 17' in the sealing area 13, accessible in the axial direction x (relative to the longitudinal axis L of the connector 1), wherein the other of the aforementioned components 11, 12 has a circumferentially circumferential connecting rib 18, 18' in the sealing area 13, which is received in the connecting groove 17, 17' (see in particular the respective figures). Figure 2), which forms at least one circumferentially circumferential press contact 19 with the connecting groove 17, 17' to seal the passage P between the plastic component 11 and the metal component 12 by means of the press contact 19, preferably fluid-tight. For the sake of clarity, the connecting groove of the plastic component 11 is designated by reference numeral 17 and the connecting groove of the metal component 12 by reference numeral 17' in the exemplary embodiments. Similarly, the connecting rib of the plastic component 11 is designated by reference numeral 18 and the connecting rib of the metal component 12 by reference numeral 18'.

[0090] In the exemplary embodiment of the Figure 1A particularly preferred embodiment of the invention is shown, in which each of the two components 11, 12 has one of the connecting grooves 17, 17' and one of the connecting ribs 18, 18', which is received in the connecting groove 17, 17' of the other component 12, 11. Each of the components (11, 12) therefore has a connection sequence consisting of a connecting groove 17, 17' and a connecting rib 18, 18' immediately adjoining the connecting groove 17, 17'. In this arrangement, each connecting rib 18, 18' forms a corresponding side wall of the connecting groove 17, 17' of the same component 11, 12. In this way, an S-shaped section of the passage P can be formed in the sealing area 13, which can improve the sealing properties of the connector 1, especially if several of the said press contacts 19 are distributed along the passage P between the two components 11, 12 (three press contacts 19 in the exemplary embodiment).The press contacts 19 are preferably arranged one inside the other, as shown (in the exemplary embodiment concentrically - which, however, is not necessarily the case depending on the geometry of the components 11, 12).

[0091] It should be mentioned here that it is also possible, in principle, for components 11, 12 to each have several connecting grooves 17, 17' and / or connecting ribs 18, 18', which allows the corresponding section of passage P in the sealing area 13 to be extended further, i.e., starting from the one in the Figures 1 and 2 The depicted S-shape, for example, can extend to a wave shape of any length.

[0092] However, it can also be sufficient if only one of the two components 11, 12 has a single connecting groove 17, 17' and the other component 12, 11 has only a single connecting rib 18, 18', as in the second embodiment according to Figure 3illustrated. Even in this minimalist version of the invention, a good seal of the connector 1 can be provided.

[0093] Insofar as several press contacts 19 are formed in the sealing area 13, it can be provided that at least one of said press contacts 19 is formed on each of the directly opposing inner surfaces or side walls 20 of the connecting grooves 17, 17' and outer surfaces or side walls 21 of the connecting ribs 18, 18', as shown in Figure 2 recognizable.

[0094] The press contacts 19 can be formed as a continuous surface, as in the Figures 1 and 2 may be indicated or alternatively formed in a linear fashion, as in Figure 3 shown. Combinations of surface and linear circumferential press contacts 19 can also be provided in principle.

[0095] Advantageously, additional sealing elements, such as O-rings, can be omitted. Preferably, the plastic component 11 can be formed in one piece and at least substantially from a single plastic material. The plastic component 11 can optionally have a hydrophobic surface, although this is not strictly necessary. It can be advantageous if the plastic component 11 has increased heat resistance and / or low shrinkage and is made of a rigid plastic. Particularly advantageous plastic materials are, for example, polyketone or polyetheretherketone.

[0096] The connecting ribs 18, 18' (or at least one connecting rib 18, 18') can optionally also be advantageously used as an assembly end stop between the components 11, 12. As shown in Figure 2recognizable, for example, a cover surface 22 of a connecting rib 18, 18' (in the embodiment of the Figure 1 the "inner" connecting rib 18` of the metal component 12) form the assembly end stop.

[0097] In principle, the connecting ribs 18, 18' and connecting grooves 17, 17' can have any geometry suitable for forming at least one press contact 19 in the sealing area 13. For example, the longitudinal extent a1 of the connecting rib 18, 18' can be at least 0.3 mm, preferably at least 0.5 mm. The wall thickness a2 of the connecting rib 18, 18' can be at least 0.1 mm, preferably at least 0.2 mm, and more preferably at least 0.3 mm. The dimensions of the connecting groove 17, 17' can be correspondingly complementary. The values ​​mentioned above are merely examples.

[0098] Preferably, the connecting grooves 17, 17' and connecting ribs 18, 18' extend in the longitudinal direction, i.e., preferably parallel to the longitudinal axis L of the connector 1. However, the orientation of the connecting ribs 18, 18' and / or connecting grooves 17, 17' can optionally also be tilted relative to the longitudinal axis L of the connector 1, as shown in Figure 5 hinted at.

[0099] Furthermore, it may be advantageous if the connecting rib 18, 18' widens from its top surface 22 and / or if the connecting groove 17, 17' widens from its groove base 23, since then the insertion force for assembly can be defined and specified.

[0100] In principle, the invention described above is suitable for use with any type of connector, which is why the circumstances shown in the figures are to be understood as merely exemplary. In particular, the invention can also be suitable for use with simple cable connectors, whereby, for example, instead of the one shown in Figure 1 The electrical assembly 3 shown can have an electrical cable directly connected to the first connection interface 7 of the connector 1. The connector 1 can also be used as an adapter connector.

Claims

1. Electrical connector (1) comprising a plastic component (11) and a metal component (12), wherein one of said components (11, 12) is at least partially incorporated into the other component (12, 11), and wherein a sealing area (13) is formed between the plastic component (11) and the metal component (12), characterized by the fact thatThe plastic component (11) and the metal component (12) are directly connected to each other in the sealing area (13) by means of a force-fit connection, wherein at least one of said components (11, 12) has a circumferentially circumferential connecting groove (17, 17`) accessible in the axial direction (x) in the sealing area (13), and wherein the other of said components (12, 11) has a circumferentially circumferentially circumferentially received connecting rib (18, 18`) in the sealing area (13), which forms at least one circumferentially circumferential press contact (19) with the connecting groove (17, 17`), so that a passage (P) between the plastic component (11) and the metal component (12) is sealed by the press contact (19), preferably in a fluid-tight manner.

2. Electrical connector (1) according to claim 1, characterized by the fact thatone of the two components (11, 12) has a connection sequence consisting of one of the connection grooves (17, 17') and one of the connection ribs (18, 18`) which is connected to a complementary connection sequence consisting of one of the connection ribs (18, 18') and one of the connection grooves (17, 17') of the other component (12, 11).

3. Electrical connector (1) according to claim 2, characterized by the fact that within the connection sequence the connecting groove (17, 17`) transitions directly into the connecting rib (18, 18`).

4. Electrical connector (1) according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized by the fact that the press contact (19) is formed at least linearly around the perimeter, preferably in a planar perimeter.

5. Electrical connector (1) according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized by the fact thatseveral of the said press contacts (19) are distributed along the passage (P) between the plastic component (11) and the metal component (12), preferably at least two press contacts (19), more preferably at least three press contacts (19).

6. Electrical connector (1) according to claim 5, characterized by the fact that at least one of the press contacts (19) is arranged in a lateral direction relative to a longitudinal axis (L) of the connector (1) within another press contact (19), preferably concentrically.

7. Electrical connector (1) according to claim 5 or 6, characterized by the fact that between all directly opposing side walls (20) of the connecting grooves (17, 17') and side walls (21) of the connecting ribs (18, 18`) at least one of the press contacts (19) is formed.

8. Electrical connector (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized by the fact thatthat the wall thickness of the connecting rib (18, 18`) increases from its top surface (22) and / or that the width of the connecting groove (17, 17`) increases from its groove base (23).

9. Electrical connector (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized by the fact that the top surface (22) of the connecting rib (18, 18') forms an axial assembly end stop between the plastic component (11) and the metal component (12).

10. Electrical connector (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized by the fact that - a longitudinal extent (a1) of the connecting rib (18, 18') is at least 0.3 mm, preferably at least 0.5 mm; and / or - a wall thickness (a2) of the connecting rib (18, 18') is at least 0.1 mm, preferably at least 0.2 mm, more preferably at least 0.3 mm.

11. Electrical connector (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized by the fact thatthe plastic component (11) has a hydrophobic surface and / or hydrolysis-resistant material properties and / or has a coefficient of thermal expansion that is less than 10·10 -5 1 / K, preferably smaller than 20·10 -5 1 / K, and / or has an elongation at break that is greater than 1%, preferably greater than 3%, particularly preferably greater than 5%.

12. Electrical connector (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 11, characterized by the fact that the plastic component (11) is made of hard plastic, preferably of polyketone (PK) or of polyetheretherketone (PEEK).

13. Electrical connector (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 12, characterized by the fact thatthe plastic component (11) is at least partially incorporated into the metal component (12) and is designed as a contact carrier for receiving at least one inner conductor contact element (14), wherein the metal component (12) is designed as an outer conductor contact element, and wherein the plastic component (11) and the metal component (12) are preferably incorporated within an outer housing (9).

14. Connector arrangement (2) comprising an electrical connector (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 13 and an electrical assembly or cable connected to the electrical connector (1).

15. Connector arrangement (2) according to claim 14, characterized by the fact thatThe electrical assembly (3) connected to the electrical connector (1) has an assembly housing (6) with an interior space (6`) to be sealed and a housing opening opening into the interior space (6`) for connection with the electrical connector (1), wherein the sealing area (13) is arranged between an end section of the plastic component (11) facing the interior space (6`) of the assembly housing (6) and the metal component (12).

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