Lead-free brass-push-pull connector and method of making the same

Abstract

The present invention relates to methods for manufacturing a housing or housing component, as well as a contact of a push-pull connector, a housing or a housing component and a contact of a push-pull connector, a push-pull connector and the use of lead-free brass for manufacturing components of a push-pull connector.

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a method for manufacturing a housing or housing component, a method for manufacturing a contact, a housing or housing component and a contact of a push-pull connector, a push-pull connector and the use of lead-free brass for manufacturing components of a push-pull connector.

[0002] Connectors, especially push-pull connectors, are designed to accept a plug attached to a cable. A connector receptacle typically has a socket into which the plug is inserted for connection. To connect the connector to the receptacle, the connector is pushed into the receptacle along a specific insertion direction, after which it locks into place. The locking mechanism between the connector and receptacle can be released by pulling the connector in the opposite direction.

[0003] A connector consists of various interconnected components. These components must possess different properties to function correctly. For example, the housing components must meet specific requirements regarding strength, machinability, and feel. Parts of the connector designed to conduct electrical current, such as the contacts, must, on the other hand, exhibit high electrical conductivity and be easy to machine.

[0004] The aforementioned requirements are met in push-pull connectors, for example, by using brass as the material for the housing and contacts. Due to its high electrical conductivity and mechanical properties, brass is well-suited for manufacturing the housing and contacts of a connector. In particular, free-cutting brass is used, an alloy of copper (Cu) and zinc (Zn) with low lead (Pb) content of, for example, 1 to 4% by mass. The addition of lead ensures easy machinability, especially when using machining techniques such as turning, milling, and drilling. Lead particles that are not uniformly dissolved in the brass act as chip breakers, thus enabling the production of small chips.Especially in machining techniques that involve rotary movements, such as drilling and turning, this can prevent long chip sections from wrapping around the cutting tools.

[0005] However, using lead in brass is disadvantageous due to its high toxicity. Lead should be avoided, particularly in applications where brass frequently comes into contact with users, such as in drinking water systems or in the manual operation of connectors and the associated skin contact. Because of this toxicity, it is also expected that the use of lead in brass alloys will be prohibited by regulations in the future.

[0006] There is therefore a need for lead-free brass for use in connectors and, in particular, for a manufacturing process for connector components that includes machining techniques and in which lead-free brass is used.

[0007] This technical problem is solved by the embodiments provided for in the patent claims.

[0008] In particular, a method for manufacturing a housing of a push-pull connector, a method for manufacturing a contact of a push-pull connector, a housing and a contact of a push-pull connector, a push-pull connector and a use of brass for manufacturing components of a push-pull connector are provided herein.

[0009] In a first aspect of the present invention, a method for manufacturing a housing or housing component of a push-pull connector is provided, comprising: Machining of a metal workpiece, wherein the metal workpiece contains brass as its main component, and the brass contains less than 0.1 wt% lead.

[0010] In a second aspect of the invention, a housing or housing component of a push-pull connector is provided, which is obtained by: Machining of a metal workpiece, wherein the metal workpiece contains brass as its main component, and the brass contains less than 0.1 wt% lead.

[0011] A third aspect of the present invention relates to a method for producing a contact of a push-pull connector, comprising: Machining of a metal workpiece, wherein the metal workpiece contains brass as its main component, and the brass contains less than 0.1 wt% lead.

[0012] A fourth aspect of the present invention relates to a contact of a push-pull connector, which is obtained by: Machining of a metal workpiece, wherein the metal workpiece contains brass as its main component, and the brass contains less than 0.1 wt% lead.

[0013] A fifth aspect of the invention describes a push-pull connector comprising at least one contact and a housing or housing component according to one of the preceding aspects.

[0014] Furthermore, a sixth aspect of the present invention is provided, which is the use of brass for the manufacture of components of a push-pull connector by machining, wherein the brass contains less than 0.1 wt% lead.

[0015] In particular, the aforementioned methods can be used to manufacture brass components, i.e., housings or housing parts and contacts, of a push-pull connector which have a lead content of less than 0.1% by mass and thus significantly reduced toxicity. Furthermore, the present invention relates to the use of lead-free brass for the manufacture of push-pull connector components.

[0016] According to the present invention, the term "brass" is not specifically restricted and encompasses any alloy of Cu and Zn containing at least 51% Cu by mass, as well as Zn as the second main component, i.e., the second highest mass fraction. Optionally, further elements may be included, which provide specific properties.

[0017] The brass described according to the present invention contains less than 0.1 wt% lead, preferably less than 0.05 wt% lead, and is hereinafter also referred to as "lead-free".

[0018] In a first aspect, the present invention relates to a method for manufacturing a housing or housing component of a push-pull connector, comprising machining a metal workpiece, wherein the metal workpiece contains brass as its main component and wherein the brass contains less than 0.1 wt% lead.

[0019] In a preferred embodiment of the method according to the invention, the metal workpiece consists of lead-free brass.

[0020] In this context, the term "machining" refers to the removal of individual chips from a metal workpiece through the transmission of mechanical force. This typically involves the use of a tool capable of removing chips from the metal workpiece, whereby either the workpiece or the tool is moved. For example, the workpiece can be held stationary, moved in the opposite direction or in the same direction of rotation as the tool, or the workpiece can be rotated while the tool remains stationary. Examples of machining metal include turning, drilling, milling, broaching, and sawing. In In the inventive method, machining is preferably drilling or turning.

[0021] The application of machining techniques in the production of push-pull connector components enables high dimensional accuracy, such as diameter and radii on internal edges. Furthermore, there are no draft angles or tool parting lines, and the creation of internal undercuts is made possible.

[0022] Whether a workpiece has been machined using machining techniques can be recognized by the characteristic surface machining marks. For example, grooves are visible around the circumference of round components.

[0023] When machining lead-free brass, poor machinability is often observed; that is, the chips rarely break and can, for example, wrap around the tool, thus hindering the machining process. This problem is particularly noticeable when turning and drilling a workpiece. Additionally, large chips produced when machining lead-free brass are difficult to remove from the machining area.

[0024] Furthermore, the lead-free brass in the inventive process contains Cu and Zn, and preferably one or more of Si, P, Mn, Ni, Al, Fe, and Sn. As already described, Cu and Zn form the basic structure of the brass. Other elements can be dissolved in the brass or present as particles. In particular, the aforementioned preferred elements Si, P, Mn, Ni, and Al can impart improved mechanical properties to the brass, such as increased tensile strength and yield strength. Moreover, the addition of these elements, similar to the effect of lead particles, can lead to improved machinability by promoting the timely breakage of the generated chip.

[0025] In a specific embodiment of the above-defined method, the lead-free brass consists of Cu and Zn.

[0026] In the process described above, the lead-free brass preferably contains copper in a proportion of 55 to 85 wt%, more preferably 60 to 80 wt%, and most preferably 65 to 80 wt%, and zinc in a proportion of 15 to 45 wt%, more preferably 20 to 40 wt%, and most preferably 20 to 35 wt%. When the brass has this composition, particularly good strength of the brass and the manufactured housing, as well as excellent machinability of the workpiece, are ensured.

[0027] In a preferred embodiment of the process according to the invention, the lead-free brass contains Si in a proportion of 0.1 to 10.0 wt%, preferably 0.2 to 7.5 wt%, particularly preferably 0.3 to 5.0 wt%, further preferably 0.5 to 3.5 wt%, more preferably 1.0 to 3.5 wt%, more preferably 1.5 to 3.5 wt% and most preferably 2.0 to 3.5 wt%, and / or P in a proportion of 0.01 to 0.2 wt%, preferably 0.01 to 0.15 wt%, particularly preferably 0.02 to 0.1 wt%, more preferably 0.03 to 0.09 wt% and most preferably 0.04 to 0.07 wt%, and / or Mn in a proportion of 0.1 to 5.0 wt%, preferably 0.5 to 3.0 wt% and particularly preferably 1.0 to 2.0 wt%, and / or Ni in a proportion of 0.05 to 1.0 wt%, preferably 0.15 to 0.85 wt% and particularly preferably 0.3 to 0.7 wt%, and / or Al in a proportion of 0.05 to 1.0 wt%, preferably 0.15 to 0.85 wt% and particularly preferably 0.3 to 0.7 wt%, and / or Fe in a proportion of 0.1 to 2.0 wt% and preferably 0.2 to 1.5 wt%, and / or Sn in a proportion of 0.1 to 0.45 wt% and preferably 0.2 to 0.4 wt%, or a combination of several or all of the aforementioned elements in their proportions defined above. If the described contents are met, improved machinability of the brass can be achieved.

[0028] In particular, the Ni content in the brass should not exceed 2.0% by mass, as an excessively high Ni content leads to impaired machinability.

[0029] Preferred examples of lead-free brass compositions according to the invention include alloys such as CuZn34Mn2SiAlNi and CuZn21Si3P.

[0030] In a further preferred embodiment of the method according to the invention, the metal workpiece has a tensile strength of more than 450 MPa and / or a yield strength of more than 300 MPa and / or a modulus of elasticity of 90 to 130 GPa. A tensile strength of 500 MPa or higher and / or a yield strength of 350 MPa or higher and / or a modulus of elasticity of 95 to 120 GPa are particularly preferred. Maintaining these mechanical properties of the brass metal workpiece ensures optimal further processing and its advantageous suitability for use in push-pull connectors. Furthermore, within the limits of the aforementioned mechanical properties, an optimal surface roughness can be achieved by machining to guarantee a pleasant feel for the user.

[0031] A typical machining process for the described brass is turning. For example, a cutting speed vc of 200 m / min can be set with feed rates f of 0.05 to 0.15 mm / revolution (mm / rev) and cutting depths ap of 0.10 to 2.00 mm.

[0032] A second aspect of the present invention relates to a housing or housing component of a push-pull connector, obtained by machining a metal workpiece, wherein the metal workpiece contains brass as its main component and wherein the brass contains less than 0.1% lead by mass. Unless otherwise specified below, the definitions and embodiments described for the inventive method for manufacturing a housing or housing component (first aspect) defined above also apply to the housing or housing component described herein.

[0033] The housing or housing component of the present invention is designed to accommodate and surround further components of the push-pull connector. The term "housing component" includes components of a housing which, when assembled, fulfill the complete function of a housing. Examples of such housing components are rings, such as shielding rings, sockets and sleeves, as well as locking elements.

[0034] Exemplary embodiments of housing components of a push-pull connector according to the invention are described in the Figures 1 to 3 shown. This shows the Figure 1 a clamping sleeve that Figure 2 a shielding ring and the Figure 3 a locking part.

[0035] In a preferred embodiment, the housing or housing component has been obtained from the inventive method, which has already been described.

[0036] According to a third aspect, the present invention relates to a method for producing a contact of a push-pull connector, comprising machining a metal workpiece, wherein the metal workpiece contains brass as its main component and wherein the brass contains less than 0.1 wt% lead.

[0037] In a preferred embodiment of the method according to the invention, the metal workpiece consists of lead-free brass.

[0038] In one embodiment of the method according to the invention, the machining is preferably drilling, turning or milling.

[0039] In a preferred embodiment of the method according to the invention, the lead-free brass contains copper in a proportion of 55 to 65 wt%, more preferably 57 to 63 wt%, and most preferably 58 to 62 wt%, and zinc in a proportion of 35 to 45 wt%, more preferably 37 to 43 wt%, and most preferably 38 to 42 wt%. When the brass has this composition, particularly good strength of the material and the housing produced therefrom, as well as excellent machinability of the workpiece, are ensured. Furthermore, this preferred composition ensures high electrical conductivity of the brass. For optimal machinability, the copper content is 58 wt% or more and less than 60 wt%, and the zinc content is more than 40 wt% and 42 wt% or less.

[0040] Furthermore, the lead-free brass in the process according to the invention contains Si and P and optionally one or more of Mn, Ni, Al, Te, S, Fe, and Sn. As already described, Cu and Zn form the basic structure of the brass. Other elements can be dissolved in the brass or present as particles. In particular, the elements Si, P, Mn, Ni, and Al can impart improved mechanical properties to the brass, such as increased tensile strength and yield strength. Moreover, the addition of these elements, similar to the case of lead particles, can lead to improved machinability by causing the chip to break up at the appropriate time.

[0041] A lead-free brass composition consisting of Cu and Zn is particularly preferred for the inventive method for producing a contact. Furthermore, a lead-free brass composition selected from CuTeP and CuSP is particularly preferred.

[0042] Preferred examples of lead-free brass compositions according to the invention for use in the process defined above include alloys such as CuZn42 and CuZn40, of which CuZn42 is particularly preferred.

[0043] The brass metal workpiece in the inventive method for producing a contact preferably has an electrical conductivity of more than 18% IACS, more preferably 20% IACS or more, and particularly preferably 25% IACS or more. High electrical conductivity is particularly crucial for the production of contacts of a push-pull connector, since these are used for electrical transmission between the plug and the connector socket.

[0044] An electrical conductivity, which is given in % IACS (International Annealed Copper Standard), denotes a proportionate electrical conductivity in relation to the conductivity of pure annealed copper of 100% IACS = 58 × 10 6< S / m.

[0045] According to a further preferred embodiment of the method according to the invention, the metal workpiece has a tensile strength of more than 350 MPa and / or a yield strength of more than 180 MPa and / or a modulus of elasticity of 95 to 120 GPa. A tensile strength of 400 MPa or higher and / or a yield strength of 200 MPa or higher and / or a modulus of elasticity of 100 to 110 GPa are particularly preferred. Maintaining these mechanical properties of the brass workpiece ensures optimal further processing and application in push-pull connectors. Furthermore, within the limits of the aforementioned mechanical properties, optimal surface roughness can be achieved by machining. In particular, the surface roughness can be optimized to minimize the wear of a component over a long service life (e.g., 5000 mating cycles of a push-pull connector).

[0046] A typical machining process for the described brass is turning. For example, cutting speeds between 50 and 200 m / min can be set with feed rates of 0.02 to 0.10 mm / rev and cutting depths of 0.30 to 1.00 mm.

[0047] A fourth aspect of the present invention relates to a contact of a push-pull connector obtained by machining a metal workpiece, wherein the metal workpiece contains brass as its main component and wherein the brass contains less than 0.1% lead by mass. Unless otherwise specified below, the definitions and embodiments described above for the inventive method for producing a contact (third aspect) also apply to the contact described herein.

[0048] The contact of the present invention is configured to transmit electrical current between the push-pull connector and a plug connected thereto. The contact can be in two forms: a female form designed to receive a male counterpart, and a male form designed to be received into a female counterpart.

[0049] Exemplary embodiments of contacts of a push-pull connector according to the invention are described in the Figures 4 and 5 shown. This shows the Figure 4 a female contact and the Figure 5 a male contact.

[0050] In a preferred embodiment, the contact has been obtained from the inventive method described above (3rd aspect).

[0051] According to a fifth aspect, the present invention relates to a push-pull connector comprising at least one contact and a housing or housing component, wherein at least one of the at least one contact and the housing or housing component is selected from the housing or housing component described above (2nd aspect) and the contact already described (4th aspect).

[0052] In a further embodiment, the push-pull connector according to the invention comprises both the housing or housing component described above (2nd aspect) and the contact described above (4th aspect).

[0053] According to a sixth aspect, the present invention relates to the use of brass for the manufacture of components of a push-pull connector by machining, wherein the brass contains less than 0.1 wt% lead.

[0054] A component of a push-pull connector is, in particular, a housing or housing part, or a contact. Depending on the component being manufactured, the brass must possess specific properties to fulfill its respective function.

[0055] The preferred embodiments of the inventive method for manufacturing a housing or housing component of a push-pull connector, which have already been described in detail above, can be applied when using brass to manufacture a housing or housing component of a push-pull connector by machining. Therefore, the above description of the preferred method characteristics is not limited to the specific method, but can also be applied to the use of brass for manufacturing a housing or housing component, or to the housing or housing component itself.

[0056] Regarding the use of brass for machining the contact of a push-pull connector, the preceding definitions and embodiments of the inventive method for machining a contact of a push-pull connector also apply. In this respect, the above description of the preferred method characteristics is not limited to the specific method, but can also be applied to the use of brass for machining a contact or to the contact itself.

[0057] The figures show: Figure 1 shows an exemplary clamping sleeve according to the present invention. Figure 2 shows an exemplary shielding ring according to the present invention. Figure 3 shows an exemplary locking part according to the present invention. Figure 4 shows an exemplary female contact according to the present invention. Figure 5 shows an exemplary male contact according to the present invention. Figure 6 shows different chip shapes that were obtained when machining the brass SW1 - CuZn21Si3P (Example 1). Figure 7 shows different chip shapes that were obtained when machining the brass S34 - CuZn34Mn2SiAlNi (Example 2). Figure 8 shows different chip shapes that were obtained when machining brass M59 - CuZn42 (Example 3). Figure 9 shows different chip shapes that were obtained when machining brass M60 - CuZn40 (Example 4). Figure 10 shows different chip shapes that were obtained when machining the brass CuZn39Pb3 (reference example 1). Figure 11 shows the surface roughness after turning the brass CuZn39Pb3 (reference example 1). Figure 12 shows various chip shapes that were obtained when machining the material K55 - CuNi3SiMg (reference example 2). Examples

[0058] The present invention is described in detail below with reference to exemplary embodiments. In particular, various brass materials were machined and their chip shape was evaluated. Furthermore, the surface roughness of the workpiece was measured after machining. Measurement method: Material composition:

[0059] In the following examples, (brass) materials from the manufacturer Wieland were used, as specified in each example. The listed compositions correspond to the manufacturer's specifications. Chip shapes and their evaluation:

[0060] To determine the machinability of the respective material, a sample workpiece was turned with different depths of cut ap and feed rates f, and the resulting chips were collected. The cutting speed was adjusted depending on the material. These were photographed and stored in the Figures 5 to 10 The turning process was further assessed with regard to its machinability, and the machinability was divided into 4 groups: unusable The chip does not break and, as a long, wide chip, forms uneven balls which can wrap around the tools. critical Chips do not break and, as long, thin chips, form uniform balls which are less likely to wrap around the tools. useful The chip does not break, but is twisted very tightly around its own axis, which most likely prevents it from wrapping around the tools. good Chips break regularly, tool wrapping is prevented, and resulting chips are easily removed. Machining process:

[0061] The machining process performed was a turning process, and in particular an external longitudinal turning process with the following parameters: Machine: CINCOM L20 (Examples 1 and 2) CINCOM L12 (Examples 3 and 4, Reference Example 2) OPTIturn TH3309 (Reference example 1) Cooling lubricant: ECOCUT 216 (for reducing friction and improving heat dissipation) Tool geometry: VCGX 11 03 02-AL H10 Cutting material: hard metal Feed rate: variable Cutting depth: variable Cutting speed: variable Surface roughness:

[0062] With earlier lead-free alloy variants, the desired "roughness" comparable to that of lead-containing materials could not be achieved. Signs of particle breakage were observed, as well as increased tool wear. To achieve a surface finish comparable to lead-containing alloys, the machining process parameters had to be modified. Depending on the alloy composition, different surface finishes were obtained even with identical process parameters.

[0063] The surface roughness was determined using the following measurement method: The surface was visually inspected and the surface roughness was measured using a surface roughness measuring instrument with a stylus according to ISO 4288:1996. Example 1 : SW1 - CuZn21Si3P (Method for manufacturing a housing (component) - 1st aspect)

[0064] In Example 1, the brass alloy SW1 - CuZn21Si3P Ecobrass from the manufacturer Wieland was used. This alloy consists of the components shown in Table 1. The chip shapes for variable cutting depths and feed rates are shown in Figure 6 The surface roughness values ​​and an assessment of machinability are shown and listed in Tables 2 and 3. The turning process was carried out at a cutting speed of v = 200 m / min. Depths of cut of 0.10 to 2.00 mm and feed rates of 0.05 to 0.15 mm / rev were tested. SW1 exhibits a tensile strength of ≥ 670 MPa, a yield strength of ≥ 400 MPa, a modulus of elasticity of 100 GPa, and an electrical conductivity of 7.8% IACS. Table 1: Composition of SW1 - CuZn21Si3P element Mass fraction / Mass % Cu 76,0 Zn 20,95 Si 3,0 P 0,05 Pb < 0,09 Example 2:S34 - CuZn34Mn2SiAlNi (Method for manufacturing a housing (component) - 1st aspect)

[0065] In Example 2, the brass alloy S34 - CuZn34Mn2SiAlNi from the manufacturer Wieland was used. This alloy consists of the components shown in Table 4. The chip shapes for variable cutting depths and feed rates are shown in Figure 7 The surface roughness values ​​and an assessment of machinability are shown in Tables 5 and 6. The turning process was carried out at a cutting speed of v = 200 m / min. Depths of cut of 0.10 to 2.00 mm and feed rates of 0.05 to 0.15 mm / rev were tested. S34 has a tensile strength of 450 to 650 MPa, a yield strength of 200 to 450 MPa, a modulus of elasticity of 117 GPa, and an electrical conductivity of 20% IACS. Table 4: Composition of S34 - CuZn34Mn2SiAlNi element Mass fraction / Mass % Cu 62,0 Zn 34,5 Mn 1,5 Si 0,5 Al 0,5 Ni 0,5 Fe 0,5 Pb < 0,10 Example 3: M59 - CuZn42 (Method for establishing a contact - 3rd aspect)

[0066] In Example 3, the brass alloy M59 - CuZn42 from the manufacturer Wieland was used (material standard DIN EN 12164 (bar) or DIN EN 12166 (wire)). This alloy consists of the components shown in Table 7. The chip shapes at variable cutting depths and feed rates are shown in Figure 8The surface roughness values ​​and an assessment of machinability are shown in Tables 8 and 9. The turning process was carried out at a cutting speed of v = 50–100 m / min. Depths of cut of 0.30 to 1.00 mm and feed rates of 0.02 to 0.10 mm / rev were tested. M59 exhibits a tensile strength of ≥ 360 to 680 MPa, a yield strength of ≥ 200 to 560 MPa, a modulus of elasticity of 107 GPa, and an electrical conductivity of 24% IACS. Table 7: Composition of M59 - CuZn42 element Mass fraction / Mass % Cu 58,0 Zn 42,0 Pb < 0,10 Example 4: M60 - CuZn40 (Method for establishing a contact - 3rd aspect)

[0067] In Example 4, the brass alloy M60 - CuZn40 from the manufacturer Wieland was used. This alloy consists of the components shown in Table 10. The chip shapes for variable cutting depths and feed rates are shown in Figure 9 The surface roughness values ​​and an assessment of machinability are shown in Tables 11 and 12. The turning process was carried out at a cutting speed of v = 50–100 m / min. Depths of cut of 0.30 to 1.00 mm and feed rates of 0.02 to 0.10 mm / rev were tested. M60 has a tensile strength of 360 to 500 MPa, a yield strength of 300 to 350 MPa, a modulus of elasticity of 95 GPa, and an electrical conductivity of 25% IACS. Table 10: Composition of M60 - CuZn40 element Mass fraction / Mass % Cu 60,0 Zn 40,0 Pb < 0,10 Reference example 1: CuZn39Pb3

[0068] In reference example 1, the lead-containing brass alloy CuZn39Pb3 from the manufacturer Wieland was used. This alloy consists of the components shown in Table 13. The chip shapes for variable cutting depths and feed rates are shown in Figure 10 shown and the corresponding surface roughnesses are in the Figure 11 The process evaluation was good within the investigated process window. The turning process was carried out at a cutting speed of v = 190 m / min. Cutting depths of 0.20 to 2.50 mm and feed rates of 0.1 to 0.4 mm / rev were tested. CuZn39Pb3 exhibits a tensile strength of ≥ 500 MPa, a yield strength of >_ 350 MPa, a modulus of elasticity of 96 GPa, and an electrical conductivity of 25% IACS. Table 13: Composition of CuZn39Pb3 element Mass fraction / Mass % Cu 57,5 Zn 39,2 Pb 3,3 Reference example 2: K55 - CuNi3SiMg

[0069] In reference example 2, the material K55 - CuNi3SiMg from the manufacturer Wieland was used, which is not brass. It consists of the components shown in Table 14. The chip shapes at variable depths of cut and feed rates are shown in Figure 12, and the corresponding surface roughness and an assessment of machinability are listed in Tables 15 and 16. The turning process was carried out at a cutting speed of v = 200 m / min. Depths of cut from 0.30 to 1.00 mm and feed rates from 0.02 to 0.10 mm / rev were tested. K55 has a tensile strength of 500 to 950 MPa, a yield strength of 400 to 860 MPa, a modulus of elasticity of 130 GPa, and an electrical conductivity of 50% IACS. Table 14: Composition of K55 - CuNi3SiMg element Mass fraction / Mass % Cu 96,2 Ni 3,0 Si 0,65 Mg 0,15

[0070] As can be seen from Tables 3, 6, 9, 12 and 16, as well as the Figures 5 to 9 and 11 As can be seen, the investigated materials, which fulfilled the properties of the present invention, could be machined within specific process windows, producing usable chip shapes. The leaded brass in Reference Example 1 exhibited good machinability, while the material K55 in Reference Example 2 could not be processed usably. It should also be noted that M59 exhibits better machinability than M60.

Claims

1. Method for manufacturing a housing or housing component of a push-pull connector, comprising: machining a metal workpiece, wherein the metal workpiece contains brass as its main component, wherein the brass contains less than 0.1 wt% lead, and wherein the brass contains Si in a proportion of 0.1 to 10.0 wt% and P in a proportion of 0.01 to 0.2 wt%.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein the brass contains Cu and Zn and optionally contains one or more of Mn, Ni and Al.

3. Method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the brass contains Cu in a proportion of 55 to 85 wt%, preferably 60 to 80 wt%, and Zn in a proportion of 15 to 45 wt%, preferably 20 to 40 wt%.

4. Method according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the brass contains one or more of Mn in a proportion of 0.1 to 5.0 wt%, Ni in a proportion of 0.05 to 1.0 wt%, Al in a proportion of 0.05 to 1.0 wt% or combinations thereof.

5. Method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the metal workpiece has a tensile strength of more than 450 MPa and / or a yield strength of more than 300 MPa and / or a modulus of elasticity of 90 to 130 GPa.

6. Method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the machining is a method selected from drilling, turning and milling.

7. Method according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the metal workpiece consists of lead-free brass.

8. Method according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the lead-free brass consists of Cu and Zn.

9. Housing or housing component of a push-pull connector, obtained by: machining a metal workpiece, wherein the metal workpiece contains brass as its main component, wherein the brass contains less than 0.1 wt% lead, and wherein the brass contains Si in a proportion of 0.1 to 10.0 wt% and P in a proportion of 0.01 to 0.2 wt%.

10. Push-pull connector comprising at least one contact and a housing or housing component according to claim 9.

11. Use of brass for the manufacture of components of a push-pull connector by machining, wherein the brass contains less than 0.1 wt% lead, wherein the brass contains Si in a proportion of 0.1 to 10.0 wt% and P in a proportion of 0.01 to 0.2 wt%.

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