Inner-conductor contact element for an angled connector, and associated production method

Abstract

An inner-conductor contact element for an angled connector has a crimp region which is designed to be connectable to an inner conductor of a cable, and an interface region which is designed to be connectable to an inner-conductor contact element of a counterpart connector corresponding to the angled connector. The inner-conductor contact element also has a connection region which connects the crimp region to the interface region. The inner-conductor contact element is formed in one piece. The connection region has a first transverse extent and a second transverse extent which is smaller, preferably many times smaller, than the first transverse extent. The connection region has an angular shape in a plane formed by the first transverse extent and a longitudinal extent of the connection region.

Claims

1. An inner-conductor contact element for an angled connector, the inner-conductor contact element comprising: a crimp region connectable to an inner conductor of a cable, an interface region connectable to an inner-conductor contact element of a counterpart connector corresponding to the angled connector, and a connection region which connects the crimp region to the interface region, wherein the inner-conductor contact element is formed in one piece, wherein the connection region has a first transverse extent and a second transverse extent which is smaller than the first transverse extent, wherein the connection region has an angular shape in a plane formed by the first transverse extent of the connection region and a longitudinal extent of the connection region, wherein the crimp region has a bearing region and at least one crimp wing which is attached to the bearing region over a longitudinal extent of the bearing region at a lateral end of the bearing region, wherein an axial end region of the connection region is attached laterally to an axial continuation of the bearing region, and wherein a flange-shaped region is attached laterally to the axial continuation of the bearing region, in such a way that the axial continuation of the bearing region forms a U-shaped cross-sectional profile with the flange-shaped region and with the connection region.

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

3. The inner-conductor contact element as claimed in claim 1, wherein the connection region is band-shaped.

4. The inner-conductor contact element as claimed in claim 1, wherein the connection region is planar in the plane formed by the first transverse extent of the connection region and the longitudinal extent of the connection region.

5. The inner-conductor contact element as claimed in claim 1, wherein the bearing region is oriented orthogonally to or in the same direction as the connection region.

6. The inner-conductor contact element as claimed in claim 5, wherein the axial continuation of the bearing region is oriented at a right angle to the connection region.

7. The inner-conductor contact element as claimed in claim 1, wherein the interface region has a shape of a socket in the longitudinal extent of the interface region, and wherein the interface region has a longitudinal portion with a tapering of an outer diameter, for axially fixing the inner-conductor contact element in a bore of an insulator element belonging to the angled connector.

8. The inner-conductor contact element as claimed in claim 1, wherein the interface region comprises a latching means for axially fixing the inner-conductor contact element in a counterpart latching means of an insulator element belonging to the angled connector.

9. The inner-conductor contact element as claimed in claim 1, wherein the connection region comprises at least one of a recess and an elevation that is configured to latch onto a complementary profile in an insulator element belonging to the angled connector in order to fix the inner-conductor contact element in the insulator element.

10. The inner-conductor contact element as claimed in claim 1, comprising a further angular region attached to the connection region via a connection web, wherein the connection region and the further angular region are arranged parallel to each other and at a distance from each other.

11. An angled connector comprising: an inner-conductor contact element comprising (i) a crimp region connectable to an inner conductor of a cable, (ii) an interface region connectable to an inner-conductor contact element of a counterpart connector corresponding to the angled connector, and (iii) a connection region which connects the crimp region to the interface region, wherein the inner-conductor contact element is formed in one piece, wherein the connection region has a first transverse extent and a second transverse extent that is smaller than the first transverse extent, wherein the connection region has an angular shape in a plane formed by the first transverse extent of the connection region and a longitudinal extent of the connection region, wherein the crimp region has a bearing region and at least one crimp wing which is attached to the bearing region over a longitudinal extent of the bearing region at a lateral end of the bearing region, wherein an axial end region of the connection region is attached laterally to an axial continuation of the bearing region, and wherein a flange-shaped region is attached laterally to the axial continuation of the bearing region, in such a way that the axial continuation of the bearing region forms a U-shaped cross-sectional profile with the flange-shaped region and with the connection region; and an insulator element comprising (i) a sleeve-shaped portion for receiving the interface region of the inner-conductor contact element and (ii) a trough-shaped portion for receiving the crimp region and the connection region of the inner-conductor contact element, wherein the trough-shaped portion extends as far as the sleeve-shaped portion.

12. The angled connector as claimed in claim 11, wherein an inner wall of the trough-shaped portion comprises an asymmetrical constriction for impedance matching.

13. The angled connector as claimed in claim 11, wherein, to enable a force-fit connection to the connection region, at least one web-shaped portion is located in an inner wall of the trough-shaped portion and is oriented in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the interface region.

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

Description

CONTENTS OF THE DRAWING

(1) The present invention is explained in more detail below with reference to the exemplary embodiments shown in the schematic figures of the drawing. In the drawing:

(2) FIG. 1A shows a plan view of an inner-conductor contact element after the stamping,

(3) FIG. 1B shows an isometric representation of a finished inner-conductor contact element,

(4) FIGS. 1C, 1D, 1E show a side view of a finished inner-conductor contact element,

(5) FIG. 2A shows a plan view of a widening of an inner-conductor contact element after the stamping,

(6) FIG. 2B shows an isometric representation of a widening of a finished inner-conductor contact element,

(7) FIGS. 2C, 2D, 2E show a side view of a widening of a finished inner-conductor contact element,

(8) FIG. 3 shows a side view of a cable assembled with the inner-conductor contact element,

(9) FIG. 4A shows an isometric representation of a cable pre-assembled with the angled connector,

(10) FIGS. 4B, 4C show sectional representations of a cable pre-assembled with the angled connector, and

(11) FIGS. 4D, 4E show details of the angled connector.

(12) The accompanying figures of the drawing are intended to convey a better understanding of the embodiments of the invention. They illustrate embodiments and, in connection with the description, serve to explain the principles and concepts of the invention. Other embodiments and many of the advantages mentioned will become clear from the drawings. The elements in the drawings are not necessarily shown in a manner true to scale in relation to one another.

(13) In the figures of the drawing, identical, functionally identical and identically acting elements, features and components are each provided with the same reference signs, un-less stated otherwise.

(14) The figures are described in an interrelated and comprehensive manner below.

DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

(15) A basic exemplary embodiment of an inner-conductor contact element 1 can be seen from FIGS. 1A to 1E.

(16) The inner-conductor contact element 1 has an interface region 2, a crimp region 3 and an angularly shaped connection region 4, which connects the crimp region 3 to the interface region 2 in the longitudinal extent L (cf. FIG. 1B) of the inner-conductor contact element 1.

(17) As can be seen from FIGS. 1A, 1B and 1E, the angular connection region 4 of the individual inner-conductor contact elements 1 is each connected laterally to a carrier strip before the method step of separation. FIG. 1A shows the individual inner-conductor contact elements 1, which are still of planar design, after the stamping process, while FIG. 1B depicts the individual stamped and bent inner-conductor contact elements 1 after the stamping and bending process. It will be seen from FIGS. 1A and 1B together that the connection region 4 obtains its angular shape solely through the stamping process.

(18) In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1A to 1E, the crimp region 3 has a bearing region 6 and two laterally attached crimp wings 7. However, the attachment of a single crimp wing 7 to the bearing region 6 is also conceivable. The crimp wings 7 of the crimp region 3 are bent relative to the bearing region 6 in the phase between the bending process and the assembly process with the cable, as can be seen from FIGS. 1B to 1E.

(19) The bearing region 6 of the crimp region 3 has, in the direction of the connection region 4, an axial continuation 8 which is attached laterally to the connection region 4. The lateral attachment of the axial continuation 8 to the connection region 4 is preferably carried out within an axial end portion of the connection region 4.

(20) For the symmetrical positioning of the inner-conductor contact element 1 in the angled connector 22 (cf. FIGS. 4A to 4E), the bearing region 6 of the crimp region 3 is preferably oriented at right angles to the connection region 4, i.e. the surface vector of the planar bearing region 6 is oriented at right angles to the surface vector of the planar connection region 4. Thus, the axial continuation 8 of the bearing region 6 is preferably attached to the side of the connection region 4 at a right angle.

(21) So that the pressing tool, with which the inner-conductor contact element 1 is inserted into an insulator element 24 of the angled connector 22, can be given a symmetrical bearing surface for the symmetrical positioning of the inner-conductor contact element 1 in the angled connector 22, a flange region 9 is attached to the side of the axial continuation 8 of the bearing region 6 opposite the connection region 4. The surface vector of the planar flange region 9 is oriented, equivalent to the connection region 4, at a right angle to the surface vector of the axial continuation 8 of the bearing region 6. The two end faces of the flange region 9 and of the connection region 4 are thus directed in the same direction as the surface vector of the axial continuation 8 of the bearing region 6 belonging to the crimp region 3. Thus, these two end faces offer mutually symmetrical bearing surfaces fora pressing tool, in order to insert the inner-conductor contact element 1 in the joining direction, i.e. in the direction of the longitudinal extent L of the interface region 2, into the angled connector 22 without tilting.

(22) The interface region 2 of the inner-conductor contact element 1 is preferably formed in the shape of a socket. The interface region 2 is used to bring the inner-conductor contact element 1 into contact with a corresponding inner-conductor contact element of a counterpart connector. For this purpose, several spring tabs 10 are preferably formed at the axial end of the interface region 2.

(23) The annular end face of the interface region 2 in the transition to the connection region 4 represents a further bearing surface for a pressing tool in order to insert the inner-conductor contact element 1 in the joining direction, i.e. in the direction of the longitudinal extent of the interface region 2, into the angled connector 22 without tilting.

(24) For the axial fixation of the inner-conductor contact element 1 in the angled connector 22, at least one latching means 11 (see, for example, FIG. 1B), preferably two latching means 11 arranged opposite each other on the outer surface, is/are formed on the outer surface of the interface region 2. The latching means 11 is preferably designed as an elastic latching tab, as is shown in FIGS. 1B, 1D and 1E. Each of these latching means 11 latches with a counterpart latching means formed in the insulator element 24 in the same axial and rotational position. In the case of an elastic latching tab, the counterpart latching means is preferably designed as a latching recess. As can be seen in particular from FIG. 1E, the elastic latching tab has a supporting surface which is directed counter to the joining direction and which is supported on an inner wall of the associated latching recess in the insulator element 24. With a latching means 11 designed in this way, it is thus possible to effect blocking of the inner-conductor contact element 1 in the angled connector 22 counter to the joining direction, i.e. a reverse stop.

(25) A blocking of the inner-conductor contact element 1 in the angled connector 22 in the joining direction, i.e. a so-called forward stop, is effected by a tapering 12, preferably a conical tapering 12, of the outer diameter of the inner-conductor contact element 1 in the joining direction. Such 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, on a tapering formed at the same axial position in the insulator element 24.

(26) One or more longitudinal portions 13 of the interface region 2, each with a changed outer diameterin FIGS. 1A, 1B, 1D and 1E with a reduced outer diameter in each casecompared to the remaining longitudinal portions, are used, in corresponding longitudinal portions of an outer conductor contact element 23 (cf. FIGS. 4A to 4E) each with a changed inner diameter, for the impedance matching in the interface region 2.

(27) In a continuation of the inner-conductor contact element 1 according to FIGS. 2A to 2E, a further angular region 14 is formed parallel to the angular connection region 4. The angular shape of the further region 14 preferably corresponds in terms of shape and size to the angular connection region 4. The further angular region 14 is connected to the angular connection region 4 via a connection web 15 and is spaced apart by the connection web 15 from the angular connection region 4 and arranged parallel thereto.

(28) In the transition region of the angled connector 22 between the interface region 2 and the crimp region 3 of the inner-conductor contact element 1, the combination of the further angular region 14 and the angular connection region 4 forms, together with the outer-conductor contact element 23 of the angled connector 22, which typically has a rectan-gular or round cross-sectional profile. an approximation to a coaxial or quasi-coaxial structure. In this way, the impedance profile along the longitudinal extent of the angled connector 22 is additionally improved.

(29) The representation in FIG. 3 shows a finished stamped and bent inner-conductor contact element 1, the crimp region 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, as shown in FIG. 3, is exposed from the cable jacket 19 and folded back about a supporting sleeve. Equivalently, a metal foil 20 is exposed from outer conductor shield 18, an insulator 21 is exposed from the metal foil 20, and the inner-conductor 16 is exposed from the insulator 21.

(30) An angled connector 22 and details of the angled connector 22 can be seen from FIGS. 4A to 4E:

(31) The angled connector 22 has an outer-conductor contact element 23, an insulator element 24, which in the assembled state with the coaxial cable 17 according to FIGS. 4B and 4C is surrounded by the outer-conductor contact element 23, and the inner-conductor contact element 1 arranged within the insulator element 24.

(32) In the final assembled state according to FIGS. 4B and 40, the outer-conductor contact element 23 has an angular longitudinal profile and a substantially sleeve-shaped cross-sectional profile. To adapt to different outer conductor profiles of the counterpart connector, an outer-conductor interface sleeve 26 can be fastened to that axial end of the outer-conductor contact element 23 at which the interface to the counterpart connector is located. Contact springs 27 for reliable contacting of the outer conductor of the counterpart connector are preferably formed on the outer-conductor contact element 23 or on the outer-conductor interface sleeve 26 in the region of the interface to the counterpart connector.

(33) In a pre-assembled state according to FIG. 4A, the portion of the outer-conductor contact element 23 in which the interface to the coaxial cable 17 is located is trough-shaped, in order to allow the insulation element 24 and the inner-conductor contact element 1 to be inserted. In a final assembly step, outer-conductor crimp wings 28 attached laterally to the trough-shaped portion of the outer-conductor contact element 23, and closing flaps 29 adjoining them in the direction of the longitudinal axis, are closed by means of a pressing or crimping tool. Here, the outer-conductor crimp wings 28 are crimped to the outer conductor shield 18 of the coaxial cable.

(34) The insulator element 24 of the angled connector 22 also has an angular longitudinal profile. The insulator element 24 has a longitudinal portion 30 (see FIG. 4C) with a sleeve-shaped cross-sectional profile, in which the preferably socket-shaped interface region 2 of the inner-conductor contact element 1 is received, and a trough-shaped portion 31 (see FIG. 4C), in which the crimp region 3 and the connection region 4 of the inner-conductor contact element 1 are received. The trough-shaped configuration of the trough-shaped portion 31 of the insulator element 24 allows the inner-conductor contact element 1 to be easily inserted into the insulator element 24.

(35) FIG. 4D, which shows an enlarged detail Z from FIG. 4B, illustrates the formation of a web-shaped portion 32, preferably of two web-shaped portions 32 which are each formed on the inner wall of the insulator element 24. The web-shaped portion 32 is directed radially inward, runs in the joining direction of the inner-conductor contact element 1 and is preferably formed in a region of the trough-shaped portion 31 of the insulator element 24, in which the flange-shaped region 9 and the oppositely arranged connection region 4 of the inner-conductor contact element 1 come to lie. By inserting the inner-conductor contact element 1 into the insulator element 24 using a pressing tool, the web-shaped portions 32 of the insulator element 24 are squeezed by the connection region 1 or the flange-shaped region 9 of the inner-conductor contact element 1 and thus connected to each other in a force-fitting manner.

(36) FIG. 4D also shows an asymmetrical constriction 33 formed on the insulator element 24, which asymmetrical constriction 33, on the inner wall of the insulator element 24, is directed in the direction of the planar connection region 4. In this way, the negative influence of the connection region 4 of the inner-conductor contact element 1 on the imped-ante profile, which is arranged asymmetrically to the longitudinal axis of the angled connector, can advantageously be compensated for by a corresponding asymmetrical design of the insulator element 24. To enable the inner-conductor contact element 1 to be inserted into the insulator element 24, the asymmetrical constriction 33 of the insulator element 24 is formed between the positioning of the axial continuation 8 of the bearing region 6, belonging to the crimp region 3, and the joining channel of the interface region 2.

(37) FIG. 4E, which shows an enlarged detail Y from FIG. 4C, illustrates the interaction between the latching means 11, formed in the interface region 2 of the inner-conductor contact element 1, and the counterpart latching means 34, formed in the insulator element 24. The latching means 11 is implemented here, for example, as an elastic latching tab, and the counterpart latching means as an associated latching recess. FIG. 4E also shows a conical tapering 12 of the outer diameter of the interface region 2, which tapering is supported on a likewise conical tapering 35 of the insulator element 24.

(38) Although the present invention has been fully described above on the basis of preferred exemplary embodiments, it is not restricted to these and instead can be modified in a variety of ways.