EP3869631B1 - Data plug-in connection adapter for data transmission and motor vehicle plug with data plug-in connection adapter - Google Patents

Description

The invention relates to a motor vehicle socket for data transmission from a motor vehicle to a motor vehicle component, comprising a socket housing having an insertion opening for connecting a plug of the vehicle component and a connection opening for connecting the socket to a motor vehicle data network or on-board network, wherein the insertion opening can be sealed by a cover hinged to the socket housing. The data plug connection adapter is sealingly secured in the socket housing, wherein one of the two plug connection sides of the data plug connection adapter is accessible in the insertion opening, and the other of the two plug connection sides of the data plug connection adapter is accessible in the connection opening.

The data connector adapter is sealed in the vehicle socket by a suitable multi-part seal between the outer circumference of the data connector adapter and a through-hole in the socket housing, into which the data connector adapter can be accommodated and in which the data connector adapter is fixed. The data connector adapter has a mandrel profile (as previously described) around its circumference, which, when the data connector adapter is secured in the through-hole of the socket housing, is pressed into the socket housing, which is usually made of plastic, under pressure. A sealed connection can also be created, for example, by injection molding or overmolding.

The data connector adapter can be used for data transmission, for example, between a towing vehicle and a trailer or between a vehicle and a vehicle machine, e.g. an agricultural vehicle and an agricultural machine that can be attached to the agricultural vehicle. In particular, the data plug connection adapter can also be used to achieve the tightness required for such applications in the automotive sector. The data plug connection adapter has a plug body that has a first plug connection side, a second plug connection side, an electrically conductive plug shield that surrounds in particular the first and second plug connection sides, and a contact carrier. The first plug connection side comprises a first plug contact connection pattern for connecting a first data plug, and the second plug connection side comprises a second plug contact connection pattern for connecting a second data plug.

Within the scope of the invention, the plug contact connection patterns can generally be adapted to the circumstances, in particular to the various data plugs with which the data plug connection adapter according to the invention is intended to be used, without departing from the scope of the invention. The data plugs are not part of the invention; where data plugs are described as examples in this text, this serves only to explain other features of the invention and for illustration purposes.

According to the invention, the contact carrier of the data connector adapter is arranged between the first and the second connector connection side and carries at least two first contacts and at least two second contacts, which are arranged such that the first contacts form the first plug-in contact connection pattern and the second contacts form the second plug-in contact connection pattern. Exactly one of the first contacts is electrically connected to exactly one of the second contacts via a contact connection section. The contacts in the data plug-in connection adapter thus assume the function of conductors in data cables when transmitting the data signals in the plug-in connection adapter. In data cables, data is usually transmitted via conductor pairs over which signal waves are transmitted.

In some cases, geometric changes in the conductor layout are necessary for practical reasons. EP 1 517 409 A2 discloses, for example, a high-frequency right-angle connector for mounting on a circuit board, consisting of a body into which two dielectrics engage, which in turn comprise the longitudinal and transverse sections of a rectangular electrical contact. However, such geometric changes in the conductor path influence the line characteristic impedance, also referred to as impedance or cable impedance, which in turn has a significant influence on the quality of data transmission via the conductors. Such impedance changes can disrupt data transmission and, as interference, reduce the range of the data transmission and/or the achievable maximum data rate. When data cables are inserted into data connectors, and in particular in data connector adapters for connecting data connectors with different plug contact configurations, as is the function of the data connector adapter according to the invention, the necessary geometric changes in the path of the conductors and the dielectrics surrounding the conductors (conductor insulation, in particular the contact carriers) cause impedance changes in the data transmission conductor. At the locations of the impedance changes, interference with data transmission repeatedly occurs.

For modern applications in the automotive sector, especially for data transmission from the motor vehicle to vehicle components located outside the vehicle, such as trailers, machines or other functions or applications that rely on data exchange with the vehicle’s data network, high data rates, such as in Range of 1 Gbit/s (gigabit per second) can be achieved. However, with such high-frequency data transmission, interference limits the possible data rates, so that data transmission with high data rates over longer transmission distances, especially those involving plug-in connections, cannot be achieved or cannot be achieved with the necessary reliability. The interference in a connector arrangement arises in particular in the form of impedance changes in the cable or conductor, which influence the signal waves to be transmitted. From the prior art, including document DE 10 2018 208 532 A1 It is known that the impedance of a connector arrangement between the plug and mating plug should be kept constant or nearly constant along the plugging direction in order to minimize such interference. For this purpose, the prior art proposes an impedance compensation device comprising an inductance section and a capacitance section, wherein the inductance section generates a variable inductance contribution to the impedance and the capacitance section generates a variable capacitance contribution to the impedance, wherein the inductance contribution must be opposite to the capacitance contribution in order to keep the impedance constant. For this purpose, an inductance section is disclosed which comprises a plurality of deflectable parts, wherein the inductance contribution can be increased and a capacitance contribution can be compensated by the deflection of the inductance section.

An alternative way to influence the impedance of a connector arrangement is described in document DE 10 2018 104 253 B4 The impedance is influenced in particular by changing the distance between an outer conductor and conductors of a conductor pair or the distance between the conductors of the conductor pair. Another alternative way to influence the impedance is the use of a multi-part carrier body with different dielectric constants, which can be achieved, for example, by US 2016/079709 A1 is proposed.

However, these solutions have proven to be disadvantageous in practice, as they are not reliable, especially in more robust environments. For example, external influences, such as vibrations, can cause the Conductors can unintentionally approach each other. The resulting impedance changes negatively impact data transmission. Furthermore, these solutions are structurally quite complex, which not only increases manufacturing costs but also creates comparatively large tolerances in the cable routing, leading to unwanted impedance fluctuations.

The EP 2 088 648 A2 describes a coupler for data transmission with a first connection end and a second connection end, each of which allows the insertion of connectors with different plug contact configurations. The coupler comprises a metallic shield in which a contact carrier is arranged for each of the connection ends, which carries a plurality of contacts arranged according to the respective plug contact configuration. The contacts of the contact carriers are arranged on a circuit board, with one contact on the first connection side and one contact on the second connection side being electrically connected to one another via conductor tracks on the circuit board. The spacing of the contacts on the different connection sides varies. These couplers can be used in industrial environments to connect RJ-45 data connectors, such as those used in communication networks, with other connector types that enable improved signal integrity because crosstalk of signals in the connector connection between different signal paths is avoided, unlike in RJ-45 data connectors. In this regard, the EP 2 088 648 A2 on the US 2006/0246780 A1 , which describes a data communication connector with a connector end (for connection to a power outlet) and a cable end (for connection to a cable with multiple signal paths each comprising a signal pair of electrically conductive insulated cable ends), wherein the contacts of the data communication connector are arranged along a longitudinal axis. Such a communication connector with a corresponding plug contact connection pattern can be optimized such that a characteristic, substantially fluctuation-free impedance is maintained throughout the communication connector arrangement. This prevents signal losses in the data communication port. The impedance can be adjusted by factors such as the dielectric properties of the housing, especially the material between the contacts of a signal pair, the spacing of the contacts, the diameter and cross-section of the contacts, and the distance to the shield. Simulation software is available for this purpose, which can be used to optimize the design variables.

An optimization of the design variables is described for an axial contact geometry in a plug-in connection. This is not known for adapters with contacts that are described for two different contact connection patterns with different contact pitches. In addition, the EP 2 088 648 A2 and US 2006/0246780 A1 The described contact arrangements cannot be sealed against moisture, nor do the spring contacts provide reliable contact under vibration. Therefore, the described adapters are not suitable for the technically robust environment of connector connections on the exterior of motor vehicles.

The object of the invention is therefore to provide a motor vehicle socket with a data plug connection adapter for data transmission, which is easier to manufacture and reliably avoids fluctuations in impedance, especially in the technically robust environment of plug connections in motor vehicles, and reliably enables high-frequency data transmission even in the exterior of a motor vehicle.

This object is achieved by a motor vehicle socket having the features of claim 1 with a data plug connection adapter sealed in the socket. For this purpose, it is provided in particular that the first contacts are surrounded at least in sections by an electrically insulating first carrier body with a first dielectric constant ε _{R 1} and the second contacts are surrounded at least in sections by an electrically insulating second Carrier bodies with a second dielectric constant ε _{R 2} are surrounded. The different carrier bodies in the different areas of the adapter (hereinafter also referred to as 'data plug-in adapter') can thus easily influence the impedance of the adapter in the contact area differently. The first and the second carrier body lie with an outer circumferential surface at least partially, but preferably completely, against an inner wall surface of the connector shield. It has been found that the size and shape of the carrier bodies acting as a dielectric are also important, whereby the effect of the dielectric for the waves transported in the conductor depends in particular on when the electric fields from the dielectric are limited by the connector shielding.

A complete contact of the outer peripheral surface of the first and second carrier bodies with the connector shield means that preferably at least 80%, particularly preferably at least 90%, of the outer peripheral surface contacts the inner wall surface of the connector shield. The inner wall surface of the connector shield is typically larger than the outer peripheral surface of the carrier body, so that even if the outer peripheral surface of the carrier body is completely contacted, it only contacts a portion of the inner wall surface of the connector shield.

By contact, we mean that the carrier bodies are in direct contact with the inner wall surface of the connector shielding. According to the invention, the first dielectric constant ε _{R 1} and the second dielectric constant ε _{R 2} and the shape of the outer circumferential surface of the contact carriers as well as the shape of the corresponding inner wall surface of the connector shielding against which the outer circumferential surface of the contact carriers rests can be selected such that no interference with high-frequency data transmission at the desired data rate occurs within the data plug connection adapter. The dielectric constants ε _{R 1} and ε _{R 2} can, in particular, be selected to be different, but can also be the same. The specific parameters for the sizes can be determined empirically by a person skilled in the art, if necessary, using various models of the adapter and/or through theoretical calculations of the adapter's impedance. Calculation models typically provide a good starting point for a configuration, which can then be empirically optimized until the desired data rates can be achieved during data transmission.

As already explained, impedance differences typically occur at the transition from a first plug-in contact configuration to a second plug-in contact configuration. These differences are caused by geometric changes in the contacts conducting the data signals (as well as in the contact connection sections between the first and second contacts). These changes can lead to interference, especially at high data rates. Interference during data transmission can also occur at the transition between the conductors of a data cable and the contacts in the connectors or connector adapters, particularly because the dielectric properties surrounding the conductors transmitting the data signals change, thus causing impedance differences.

It has been found that the adapter design described in the invention minimizes impedance changes and, especially experimentally, allows for an optimized configuration of the dielectric constants (in particular ε _{R 1} and ε _{R 2} ) and the shape of the outer peripheral surfaces of the carrier bodies or the corresponding connector shielding. This allows data rates in the Gbit range, for example, in the range of 1 Gbit/s (gigabit per second), to be reliably achieved. The size and shape of the dielectric surrounding the conductors are crucial for the propagation of signal waves in the conductors and play a key role in determining the impedance.

Geometric changes in the conductors and their relative arrangement to one another and/or the dielectric around the conductor lead to location-dependent impedance changes. The shape and arrangement of the connector shielding, which surrounds the dielectric around the conductors, also has an important influence on the impedance changes. Due to the structure described according to the invention, the person skilled in the art can optimize the impedance behavior of the adapter by expertly optimizing the dielectric constant ε _R as well as the shape of the carrier bodies and connector shielding to such an extent that the impedances generated by the data connector adapter The impedance differences caused are so small that no interference occurs during data transmission at the intended data rate.

According to the invention, a first contact distance between the first contacts and a second contact distance between the second contacts are different. The design proposed by the invention is particularly useful because the change in the distance between the first and second contacts necessarily entails geometric changes to the design. These changes also lead to impedance changes, which can be compensated for by the design proposed by the invention at least to the extent that no interference occurs in data transmission at the desired data rate. The contact distance between the first and second contact areas is to be understood such that the respective first and second contacts, between which the contact distance is considered, are electrically connected to one another by the contact connection section. The purpose of the adapter is precisely to change this contact distance and thus adapt it to the various plug contact connection patterns.

Additionally or alternatively, the diameter of the first and second contacts can also be different, namely a diameter of the contacting areas of the contacts and/or a diameter of the carrier areas of the contacts. Carrier areas are understood to be the sections of the contacts that are predominantly accommodated in the carrier body of the contact carrier or, equivalently, are surrounded by the carrier body of the contact carrier and are not connected to the plug contacts when the plug is plugged in. Correspondingly, contacting areas are understood to be the sections of the contacts that are connected to the plug contacts when the plug is plugged in. In a typical embodiment, contacting areas protrude from the carrier body as contacts formed by pin contacts or pin contacts. while carrier areas of the contacts are accommodated in the carrier body. In particular, the first and the further contacts can have different diameters, at least in their contacting area. Smaller diameters in the plug connections are usually more similar to the geometric conditions in the data cable, so that impedance changes due to the changed geometry are smaller and can be compensated for more easily. On the other hand, smaller diameters are geometrically less stable and usually only designed for a few mating cycles, typically once during initial installation and possibly for repairs, but not in everyday use. Larger diameters lead to greater impedance fluctuations, but also permit geometries that enable a high number of mating cycles and are therefore suitable for mating processes in everyday use.

According to a preferred embodiment, the first and second contacts are cylindrical in their basic shape, i.e., their base area is round. In this case, the diameter is the diameter of the round base area. However, the invention is not limited to such an embodiment. The first and second contacts can also have a different geometric basic shape, e.g., a rectangular or any other basic shape. The base area, defined as a surface perpendicular to the plug-in direction of the contacts (also referred to as the axial direction of the contacts), then has a corresponding shape. In such a case, the diameter of the contacts is defined as the greatest distance between two edge points of the base area. The same basically applies to the contact connection section between the first and second contacts.

According to the invention, the diameter of the first contact, the second contact and the contact connection section can change several times along the direction of the contacts accommodated in the contact carriers.

• Durchmesser des ersten und/oder zweiten Kontakts in dem ersten und/oder zweiten Trägerkörper, d.h. in dem Trägerbereich der Kontakte
• Durchmesser des Kontaktverbindungsabschnitts
• Abstand der ersten Kontakte zu der Außenumfangsfläche des ersten Trägerkörpers
• Abstand der zweiten Kontakte zu der Außenumfangsfläche des zweiten Trägerkörpers,

sowie optional ergänzend eines der weiteren Parameter:

• Abstand des Kontaktverbindungsabschnitts zu der Außenumfangsfläche des ersten und/oder zweiten Trägerkörpers
• Form der Außenumfangsfläche des ersten und/oder des zweiten Trägerkörpers und damit gleichbedeutend Form der Innenwandfläche der Steckerschirmung in den Bereichen, in denen die Außenumfangsfläche des ersten und/oder zweiten Trägerkörpers an der Innenwandfläche anliegt
• Dielektrizitätskonstante ε _R1 des ersten Trägerkörpers
• Dielektrizitätskonstante ε _R2 des zweiten Trägerkörpers

Due to the data connectors for which the data connector adapter is intended, the first and second contact spacing for the first and second connector contact configurations are often predetermined to match the intended data connectors. To adjust the impedance so that the impedance in the data connector adapter corresponds to a predetermined impedance value, the invention therefore provides the following options by varying at least one, but ideally several, or even all, of the following parameters:

• Diameter of the first and/or second contact in the first and/or second carrier body, ie in the carrier region of the contacts
• Diameter of the contact connection section
• Distance of the first contacts to the outer peripheral surface of the first carrier body
• Distance of the second contacts to the outer peripheral surface of the second carrier body,

and optionally one of the additional parameters:

• Distance of the contact connection section to the outer peripheral surface of the first and/or second carrier body
• Shape of the outer peripheral surface of the first and/or second carrier body and thus the shape of the inner wall surface of the connector shield in the areas in which the outer peripheral surface of the first and/or second carrier body rests against the inner wall surface
• Dielectric constant ε _{R 1} of the first carrier body
• Dielectric constant ε _{R 2} of the second carrier body

It has been found that these parameters significantly influence the impedance behavior of the adapter and thus a variation of these parameters in coordination with each other leads to the impedance in the data connector adapter corresponding to a predetermined impedance value, which corresponds in particular to the impedance of the data cables used for data transmission.

A particularly preferred embodiment of the invention provides that in the region of the contact connection section at least one third carrier body with a third dielectric constant ε _{R 3} is provided, wherein the dielectric constant ε _{R 3} can be selected to be the same as or different from the first dielectric constant ε _{R 1} and/or the second dielectric constant ε _{R 2.} The number of different carrier bodies, which in particular directly surround the first contacts, the second contacts and/or the contact connection sections (or partially only indirectly, e.g. include contacts and a contact carrier directly surrounding these contacts), increases the possibilities for influencing the impedance in the data plug-in connection adapter, so that ultimately even small local defects can be addressed and the impedance changes can be kept so small that reliable data transmission at the desired data rate is possible. It has been shown that adapters with at least three carrier bodies achieve very good results in practice. Similar to the first and second carrier bodies, the third carrier body can surround sections of the contacts over a large area or, for example, can also be designed as a circuit board in which the first and second contacts are held and contacted. Preferred variants of the third carrier body will be described in more detail later.

• Dielektrizitätskonstante ε _R3 des dritten Trägerkörpers
• Form der Außenfläche des dritten Trägerkörpers

derart eingestellt sein oder werden, dass die Impedanz in dem Daten-Steckverbindungsadapter einem vorgegebenen Impedanzwert entspricht. Hierdurch wird eine noch größere Flexibilität bei der Einstellung der Impedanz ermöglicht, insbesondere lokal in dem Bereich des Kontaktverbindungsabschnitts, in dem die das Datensignal transportierenden Leiter (Kontakte und Kontraktverbindungsabschnitt) geometrische Änderungen aufweisen. An diesen Stellen kann eine lokale Möglichkeit zur Beeinflussung der Impedanz im Daten-Steckverbindungsadapter besonders hilfreich sein.By providing the third carrier body according to the invention, the impedance in the data connector adapter can be additionally or alternatively also adjusted by varying at least one of the further parameters

• Dielectric constant ε _{R 3} of the third carrier body
• Shape of the outer surface of the third carrier body

be or will be adjusted such that the impedance in the data connector adapter corresponds to a predetermined impedance value. This allows even greater flexibility in setting the impedance, especially locally in the area of the contact connection section where the The conductors carrying the data signal (contacts and the contact section) exhibit geometric changes. At these locations, a localized impedance control in the data connector adapter can be particularly helpful.

A useful design of the third carrier body according to the invention can, according to one possible embodiment, provide that the third carrier body is also provided, in particular, in a region between different contact connection sections, wherein each of the contact connection sections connects one of the first contacts and one of the second contacts. In particular, the third carrier body can be arranged in a region in which the distance between the first contacts and between the second contacts changes. This provides the possibility of influencing the impedance very locally.

According to further embodiments of a third (or further) carrier body proposed additionally or alternatively according to the invention, this third or further carrier body can have an electrically conductive contact shield which is electrically conductively connected to the plug shield. Such a contact shield can be arranged in particular between the contact connection sections and/or around the contact connection sections. The shape of the contact shield and its distance from the contact connection sections, the first contacts and/or the second contacts can also be used according to the invention as one (i.e. a further) of the parameters by the variation of which the impedance in the data plug connection adapter is or will be set such that the impedance in the data plug connection adapter corresponds to a predetermined impedance value.

One conceivable embodiment of the invention provides that one or each first contact, one or each second contact, and the contact connection section connecting them are designed as a one-piece overall contact. The overall contact defined in this way is therefore constructed in one piece from conductive material and comprises the first and second contacts as well as the contact connection section as contact parts in accordance with the definition of this invention. This avoids contacts between the various contact parts that may interfere with data transmission. Furthermore, such overall contacts can be easily manufactured as a single part from an electrically conductive material, e.g. low-alloy copper or brass, e.g. as pin contacts. These overall contacts, but also each of the contact parts (first contact, second contact, contact connection section), can preferably have different diameters in sections along their axial direction. For example, a contact area of the first contact can have a diameter of approximately 1.3 mm (or between 1.0 and 1.5 mm), and the carrier area of the first contact can have a diameter of approximately 2.0 mm (or between 1.5 and 2.5 mm). Such diameters are suitable, for example, for connecting to data connectors of data cables that have conductors with cross-sections between 0.35 and 0.75 ^mm² and allow Gbit data transmissions of up to 40 meters. Accordingly, for example, a contact area of the second contact can have a diameter of approximately 0.5 mm (or between 0.3 and 0.75 mm), and the carrier area of the second contact can have a diameter of approximately 0.8 mm (or between 0.5 and 1.0 mm). Such diameters are suitable, for example, for connecting data connectors of data cables with conductors with cross-sections between 0.12 and 0.15 ^mm² and allowing Gbit data transmissions of up to approximately 8 to 10 meters. The diameter of the total contacts in the area of the contact connection section preferably corresponds exactly or approximately to the diameter of the first or second contact in its carrier area. Preferably, the smaller of these diameters can be selected.

Such a configuration enables the entire contact to be deliberately bent or curved in the contact connection section in order to achieve a different distance between the first and second contacts in the plug-in contact connection pattern (short for plug-in contact connection pattern). The bending or refolding of the contacts can be carried out using a suitable mold (in the sense of a tool) that brings the originally axially straight contacts into the desired shape in a defined (reproducible) manner during assembly. Suitable tool shapes can be provided as separate assembly aids or, for example, integrated into the carrier body of the contact carrier as guides for the contacts, so that the bending occurs automatically when the contacts are inserted into the carrier body. The insertion of pre-bent contacts is also possible.

In such an embodiment, the first carrier body preferably has through-openings for the first contacts, and the second carrier body preferably has through-openings for the second contacts. Furthermore, a third carrier body can be accommodated in the space between the contact connecting sections. The third carrier body preferably has groove-like recesses (as guides) corresponding to the curvature of the contact connecting sections, into which the bent contact connecting sections are accommodated (or in an assembled data plug connection adapter). Furthermore, the first carrier body and/or the second carrier body can have collars along their outer circumferential surface that protrude in the direction of the contact connecting section, which collars bear against the inner wall surface of the connector shield and envelop the contact connecting sections with the third carrier body accommodated therebetween. In other words, this results in the collar of the first and/or second carrier body being arranged between the contact connecting sections and the connector shield. The thickness of the collar of the first and/or second carrier body can preferably be approximately equal to the distance between the The thickness of the dielectric with the corresponding dielectric constant ε _{R 1} , ε _{R 2} between the contact transmitting the data signal and the connector shield remains approximately the same, even in the area of the contact connection section. This has proven to be a preferred configuration in many cases.

In such a configuration, in which all or part of the features described in the previous paragraph are implemented, it has proven particularly advantageous if the outer peripheral surface of the third carrier body abuts boundary wall surfaces of the first and second carrier bodies. If a contact shield is incorporated into the third carrier body, contact with the connector shield can be established via conductors in the first and/or second carrier bodies, i.e., conductors that are routed through and/or around the carrier bodies.

According to a further embodiment of the invention, the connector shield can be constructed in multiple parts, with the multiple parts of the connector shield being electrically connected. For example, the multiple parts of the connector shield can be electrically connected to one another by plugging, pressing, or locking, or they can also be connected to one another as a single piece. The connector shield can, in particular, have a socket that forms the base of the connector body, in or on which the other components of the data connector adapter are secured. Conceivable preferred embodiments for such a multi-part connector shield are described below.

In a further embodiment, which is particularly alternative to the embodiment with a one-piece overall contact, the contact connection section can have a circuit board as a third or further carrier body, on which the first contacts and the second contacts are arranged on different sides the circuit board are contacted and fixed by means of their circuit board connector sections, wherein conductor tracks are provided on the circuit board for connecting one of the first contacts to one of the second contacts (ie for contact connection or in the function of the contact connection section) and wherein a contact shield which is electrically conductively connected to the connector shield is provided on the circuit board around the conductor tracks connecting the contacts.

The circuit board as a third or additional carrier body, to which the first and second contacts are fixed and connected to one another via the conductor tracks applied to the circuit board as part of the contact connection section, allows many different first and second plug-in contact connection patterns to be easily connected to one another because the arrangement of the contacts on the circuit board is freely adjustable and the electrical connection can be easily realized via conductor tracks on the top and/or bottom of the circuit board, and in a multi-layer structure, possibly also on intermediate layers of the circuit board. As a third/additional carrier body, the circuit board also has a third/additional dielectric constant ε _{R 3} / ε _Ri , which can be influenced - at least within limits - by the choice of material for the circuit board carrier body. The contact shielding, which can be freely incorporated into circuit boards, also makes it possible to locally and very flexibly influence the impedance behavior of the data plug-in connection adapter.

Accordingly, according to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the dielectric constant ε _{R 3} / ε _Ri of the third (and optionally each further) carrier body and/or the arrangement and type of contact shielding in the third (and optionally each further) carrier body can also be a parameter with which the impedance in the data plug-in connection adapter is or will be set by varying this parameter in such a way that the impedance in the data plug-in connection adapter corresponds to a predetermined impedance value.

A contact shield in the third carrier body embodied as a circuit board can, for example, be formed by a plurality of via points that are connected to one another via conductor tracks on one or both sides of the circuit board, and in the case of a multi-layer circuit board, possibly also in intermediate layers of the circuit board. Preferably, the conductor tracks of the contact shield form a closed area around the first and second contacts and the conductor tracks connecting them. The arrangement and shape of the conductor tracks of the contact shield and/or the vias connected to these conductor tracks can be used as previously described parameters. It has been found that a useful configuration can provide for the shape of the conductor tracks to be selected such that the distance to the first and second contacts is as constant as possible, i.e., follows a shape in which fluctuations in the distance are minimized. A further, supplementary, or alternative aspect in the design of the shape of the contact shield can be that the distance between the first and second contacts and the contact shield approximately corresponds to the distance between the conductor tracks connecting the contacts. These can preferably be arranged parallel to one another. Such an arrangement is particularly easy to achieve if the first contacts of the first contact connection pattern and the second contacts of the second contact connection pattern are rotated relative to one another, for example, by rotating them around a center point or center of gravity of the connection patterns relative to the position of the contacts. A preferred configuration that allows a large or, in typical arrangements, the greatest distance between the parallel conductor tracks results from a rotation of approximately 90° (including exactly 90°).

The provision of conductor tracks also in intermediate layers of the board (especially for the conductor tracks that connect the first and second contacts as part of the contact connection section) simulates the structure of a typical conductor in a data cable and can, as an additional parameter, help to minimize the impedance changes in the area of the contact connection sections.

The same applies if conductor tracks of the connecting sections are provided on both sides of the board (even without the provision of intermediate layers).

It is also conceivable in principle to insert and fix integrally formed and correspondingly bent overall contacts into passages of a circuit board. In such a design, the previously described embodiments could also be usefully combined with one another, wherein the circuit board can in particular be designed as a further (e.g. fourth) carrier body. At least for continuous overall contacts, no conductor tracks on the circuit board would be necessary as contact connection sections. According to the invention, embodiments are also conceivable in which some of the contacts are designed as integral overall contacts (in the sense defined above) and another part of the contacts are designed as separate first and second contacts, which are connected to one another via a contact connection section provided as a conductor track on the circuit board.

The design of an embodiment of the invention can further provide that the plug shield is constructed in several parts, wherein a first part of the plug body is a socket in which the first and second contacts with the contact connection sections and the carrier bodies, i.e. the first, second and optionally third and further carrier bodies, are received and which preferably also forms insertion openings for the data plugs that can be plugged into the data plug connection adapter. In this embodiment, at least a second part is provided, which is arranged in the first part and surrounds one of the first or second plug contact connection patterns, i.e. is arranged at a smaller distance from the first or second contacts than the first part of the plug shield. According to the invention, the first part of the plug shield and the second or each further part of the plug shield can be formed in one piece from a single piece of material. However, it is also possible for the first Part of the connector shielding and the second or each further part of the connector shielding are each formed as a part of electrically conductive material and arranged in an electrically conductive connection in the data connector adapter. For example, the first part of the connector shielding can be plugged and/or pressed into the second part of the connector shielding. Any other type of fixing of the first and second parts is also encompassed by the invention.

According to one possible implementation, an optimum of the parameters used for impedance optimization, which have already been described in detail, can be determined by calculating the impedance in a physical model of the data connector adapter. Since the parameters partially influence each other, several optimal parameter values can exist, whereby the impedance in the data connector adapter preferably corresponds or should correspond to a specified impedance value of the data cable. However, determining the parameters in a physical model is comparatively complex because the theoretical calculation of the impedance requires precise consideration of the materials used and geometric conditions.

Therefore, an alternative way to optimize the parameters is to measure the impedance in the data connector adapter, in particular using time domain reflectometry measuring devices. Time domain reflectometry (TDR) determines the propagation lengths and reflection characteristics of electromagnetic waves and signals in cables or signal conductors. Such or similar methods are known to those skilled in the art. They are based on a pulse generator producing a sequence of very short signals that are fed into the cable or adapter. In a measuring device, the signal amplitudes and propagation times of the signals are compared with the fed-in signal. This comparison allows sources of interference to be located. Consequently, the sources of interference are identified, in particular detected by the fact that the impedance at the interference source deviates, in particular swings.

Accordingly, to adjust the impedance of the data connector adapter to the desired impedance value, e.g., the impedance value of the data cable and/or the connected data connector, data connectors with data cables can be connected to one or both sides of the data connector adapter, and sources of interference can be determined with spatial resolution using the described measurement. By varying the parameters, the sources of interference can then be eliminated or at least reduced to such an extent that the interference does not impede reliable data transmission at the desired data rate.

It has been found that the proposed data connector adapter in the described basic configuration often has an impedance of approximately 100 ohms, which is also the case with standard data cables. A similar impedance value here means that the impedance along the length of the data connector adapter does not deviate by more than 5% from an average impedance, and the impedance along the length of the data connector adapter is therefore preferably in the range of 100 ± 5 Ω.

Accordingly, it has proven to be a preferred embodiment to use empirically determined parameters where, in measurements using time-domain reflectometry measuring instruments in a data connector adapter connected to data connectors, no impedance changes or interference are indicated that would interfere with data transmission at the desired data rate. For the measurements, the data connector adapter can be connected (preferably on both sides) to a data connector with a data cable. Interference is understood in particular as impedance changes of a magnitude that disrupt data transmission at the desired data rate.

The respective magnitude can be determined empirically by a person skilled in the art. Optimization can therefore be achieved, in particular, by ensuring that the measured impedance along the length of the data connector adapter is virtually identical to the impedance of the cable outside the adapter, or, in other words, by ensuring that no interference points that impair data transmission are detected within the data connector adapter.

Particularly for the inventive use of the data plug connection adapter in the exterior of motor vehicles, i.e. in motor vehicle data plug connection adapters, it is provided that the data plug connection adapter is protected against the penetration of moisture by two seals, wherein the first seal seals the contact surface of the connector shield and the contact carrier, in particular the first and/or second carrier body, and a second seal seals the contact surface of the contact and the contact carrier, in particular the first and/or second carrier body. This reliably prevents the ingress of moisture into the data cabling in the area of the data plug connection adapter according to the invention. This is particularly important in the area of high-frequency data transmission (i.e. in particular at transmission rates of up to 1 Gbit/s), because ingress of moisture can not only lead to short circuits if it comes into contact with the conductors themselves, but can also change the impedance of the conductor-dielectric system and thus lead to interference in the data transmission.

The seals are designed as mandrel profiles (e.g., in the form of triangular projections) on the more rigid components, i.e., the inner wall surfaces of the connector shield (or the connector body) made of a metallic material and the outer periphery of the contacts made of metallic material. These seals are pressed into the contact surfaces of the adjacent material, i.e., the first and/or second carrier body of the contact carrier (and/or other parts of the contact carrier) under contact pressure, thus achieving a seal. This type of seal meets the given standards for the exterior of motor vehicles, such as ISO 4091, LV 214, USCAR 2, SAE, etc. Furthermore, the components are secured to one another in a way that prevents them from shifting, especially when they are connected by plugging together, as in the preferred embodiments of the invention.

In this context, it is particularly preferred according to the invention if the mandrel profiles do not protrude symmetrically from the contact surface, but form a run-up slope on one side (particularly in the joining direction) and an abrupt step on the other side (particularly opposite to the joining direction). This facilitates the joining of the components and makes it more difficult to separate the components opposite to the sliding direction. According to a particularly preferred embodiment, the two mandrel profiles of the two seals, ie the mandrel profile on the inner wall surface of the connector shielding and the mandrel profile on the contacts is oriented in opposite directions relative to the run-up slope. This ensures high strength of the assembled components.

A further preferred embodiment of the invention can provide that a proprietary connection region is formed on at least one of the first and second connection sides, said connection region having a plug adapter sleeve that can be inserted into the plug body and surrounds the first or second plug contact connection pattern, wherein the inner wall of the plug adapter sleeve is designed to receive the respective first or second data plug. The plug adapter sleeve can, for example, be made of plastic and can be latched to the plug body. This achieves a modular design of this plug connection side, which can be adapted to a variety of different data plugs by exchanging the plug adapter sleeve. This is particularly effective, in particular because the plug contact connection pattern with the arrangement of the contacts and the plug shielding surrounding the contacts corresponds to a fixed design (e.g., due to standards or agreements on the interoperability of data plug connections), but the outer area of the plug is subject to proprietary design. With the proposed data connector adapter equipped with modular connector adapter sleeves on at least one of the connector connection sides, this adapter can be used universally for a variety of data connectors.

The use of the data connector adapter according to the invention is intended for data transmission between motor vehicles and motor vehicle components, such as trailers, machines or other applications for motor vehicles or their components, with desired data rates above 100 Mbit/s, in particular high data rates in the Gbit/s range. Data transmission in motor vehicles and from motor vehicles to trailers, machines or other motor vehicle components that are to be connected to the motor vehicle's data network, particularly those located outside the motor vehicle, is becoming increasingly important for various applications. For this purpose, it is necessary to provide correspondingly robust data connector adapters that can be connected to a wide variety of data cabling in motor vehicles using proprietary data connectors, and that also offer the option of plugging data connectors from components to be connected to the motor vehicles into the adapters in a variety of plug-in cycles as needed. Furthermore, the adapter must also be suitable for accommodating data cables with larger cross-sections and their correspondingly larger data connectors. The cable cross-sections and data connectors used in motor vehicles only allow a limited data transmission range at the aforementioned high data rates. Larger cable cross-sections generally allow for greater ranges in wired, high-frequency data transmission. In addition to passenger cars, the data connector adapter proposed according to the invention is also particularly suitable for trucks, agricultural vehicles, or construction vehicles, particularly those with machines or functions that require data communication. The invention therefore relates to a vehicle data connector adapter which is specially designed for use in the motor vehicle sector and in particular has the tightness required for applications in the exterior of motor vehicles.

In order to enable power supply in addition to data transmission or to achieve individual electrical switching operations directly by switching the operating power on and off, at least one additional electrical contact, but preferably several additional electrical contacts, can be sealed into the socket housing of the vehicle socket in a conventional manner. Preferably, the additional electrical contacts can also be contacted in the insertion opening and connection opening of the vehicle socket.

Further features, advantages and possible applications of the present invention will become apparent from the following description of embodiments and the drawings.

Fig. 1

eine Schnittdarstellung eines Daten-Steckverbindungsadapters zur Verwendung in einer Kraftfahrzeugsteckdose gemäß einer Ausführungsform der Erfindung;

Fig. 2

den Daten-Steckverbindungsadapter gemäß Fig. 1 in einer ungeschnittenen perspektivischen Ansicht;

Fig. 3

eine explosionsartige, teilgeschnittene perspektivische Darstellung des Daten-Steckverbindungsadapters gemäß Fig.1;

Fig. 4

den Daten-Steckverbindungsadapter gemäß Fig. 1 in einer perspektivischen Ansicht auf die zweite Steckeranschlussseite;

Fig. 5

eine Schnittdarstellung eines Daten-Steckverbindungsadapters zur Verwendung in einer Kraftfahrzeugsteckdose gemäß einer weiteren Ausführungsform der Erfindung;

Fig. 6

den Daten-Steckverbindungsadapter gemäß Fig. 5 in einer ungeschnittenen perspektivischen Ansicht;

Fig. 7

eine explosionsartige, teilgeschnittene perspektivische Darstellung des Daten-Steckverbindungsadapters gemäß Fig.5;

Fig. 8

den Daten-Steckverbindungsadapter gemäß Fig. 5 in einer perspektivischen Ansicht auf die zweite Steckeranschlussseite; und

Fig. 9

eine Schnittdarstellung der erfindungsgemäßen Kraftfahrzeugsteckdose mit einem ein dem Dosengehäuse aufgenommenen erfindungsgemäßen Daten-Steckverbindungsadapter gemäß einer Ausführungsform.

They show:

Fig. 1

a sectional view of a data connector adapter for use in a motor vehicle socket according to an embodiment of the invention;

Fig. 2

the data connector adapter according to Fig. 1 in an uncut perspective view;

Fig. 3

an exploded, partially cutaway perspective view of the data connector adapter according to Fig.1 ;

Fig. 4

the data connector adapter according to Fig. 1 in a perspective view of the second connector connection side;

Fig. 5

a sectional view of a data connector adapter for use in a motor vehicle socket according to another embodiment of the invention;

Fig. 6

the data connector adapter according to Fig. 5 in an uncut perspective view;

Fig. 7

an exploded, partially cutaway perspective view of the data connector adapter according to Fig.5 ;

Fig. 8

the data connector adapter according to Fig. 5 in a perspective view of the second connector connection side; and

Fig. 9

a sectional view of the motor vehicle socket according to the invention with a data plug connection adapter according to the invention accommodated in the socket housing according to one embodiment.

With reference to the Figures 1 to 4 A first embodiment of a data connector adapter 100 is described below and with reference to the Figures 5 to 8 A second embodiment of a data plug connection adapter 200 for insertion into a motor vehicle socket according to the invention is described below, wherein comparable parts are identified by 100 different reference numerals. Many of the functions and advantages of the various components of the data plug connection adapters 100, 200 according to the invention have already been described and can be gathered from the drawings with the appropriate expert understanding. These will not be repeated in the following description of the figures, but are valid for all specific embodiments.

A motor vehicle socket 160 according to the invention is provided with a data connector adapter 100 according to the first embodiment in Figure 9 illustrated and described. It is understood that this is only an example, and all components of the motor vehicle socket shown and described can be implemented in the same way with a received data connector adapter 200 according to a second embodiment.

The Figure 1 The illustrated data connector adapter 100 for data transmission comprises a connector body 101 having a first connector connection side 102 and a second connector connection side 103. The first and second connector connection sides 102, 103 are surrounded by an electrically conductive connector shield 104, which comprises a socket-shaped first part of the connector shield 105 and a second part of the connector shield 106.

The first part of the connector shield 105 forms an insertion opening for a data connector on both the first and second connector connection sides 102, 103. The first connector connection side 102 shows a first plug contact connection pattern 111 for connecting a first data connector 11, and the second connector connection side 103 shows a second plug contact connection pattern 112 for connecting a second data connector 12.

A contact carrier 120 is accommodated in the plug body 101, wherein the contact carrier 120 is arranged between the first and second plug connection sides 102, 103 and carries at least two first contacts 121 and at least two second contacts 122, which are arranged such that the first contacts 121 form the first plug contact connection pattern 111 and the second contacts 122 form the second plug contact connection pattern 112. Exactly one of the first contacts 121 is electrically connected to exactly one of the second contacts 122 via a contact connection section 123.

The first part of the connector shield 105 also surrounds the first contacts 121 on the first connector connection side 102. The second contacts 122, however, are surrounded by the second part of the connector shield 106, which is arranged within the first part of the connector shield 105. In this first exemplary embodiment, the first part of the connector shield 105 and the second part of the connector shield 106 are formed in one piece as a common connector shield 104, which simultaneously also forms the connector body 101.

In this embodiment, the contacts are provided as a one-piece overall contact 124, i.e. the first contact 121, the second contact 122 and the contact connecting section 123 between these contacts 121, 122 are formed in one piece from a conductive material.

The first contacts 121 are surrounded at least in sections (with their carrier region 126) by an electrically insulating first carrier body 141 with a first dielectric constant ε _{R 1} , and the second contacts 122 are surrounded at least in sections (with their carrier region 126) by an electrically insulating second carrier body 142 with a second dielectric constant ε _{R 2} , wherein the first and the second carrier bodies 141, 142 rest with an outer peripheral surface 144 on an inner wall surface 145 of the connector shield 104, specifically on an inner wall surface 145 of the first part of the connector shield 105 or the second part of the connector shield 106, respectively.

With their contacting areas 125, the first and second contacts 121, 122 protrude from their respective carrier bodies 141, 142.

In this embodiment, a third carrier body 143 with a third dielectric constant ε _{R 3} is provided in the region of the contact connection section 123, which is positioned between the contact connection sections 123 of the first and second contacts 121, 122.

According to the invention, the diameters of the first and/or second contacts 121, 122 in the first and/or second carrier body 141, 142, the diameters of the contact connecting section 123, the distance of the first contacts 121 to the outer circumferential surface 144 of the first carrier body 141, the distance of the second contacts 122 to the outer circumferential surface 144 of the second carrier body 142, the distance of the contact connection section 123 to the outer circumferential surface 144 of the first and/or second carrier body 141, 142, the shape of the outer circumferential surface 144 of the first and/or second carrier body 141, 142 (and thus equivalently the shape of the inner wall surface 145 of the connector shield 104 in the regions in which the outer circumferential surface 144 of the first and/or second carrier body 141, 142 rests against the inner wall surface), the dielectric constant ε _{R 1} of the first carrier body 141, the dielectric constant ε _{R 2} of the second carrier body 142, the dielectric constant ε _{R 3} of the third carrier body 143 and/or the shape of its outer surface are set such that the impedance in the data plug connection adapter 100 corresponds to a predetermined Impedance value and data transmission through the data connector adapter 100 at the desired data rate is not disrupted. This has already been described in detail.

Figure 2 shows a three-dimensional overall view of the data connector adapter 100 with the connector body 101, the first connector connection side 102 for connection to a first data connector 11 and the second connector connection side 103 for connection to a second data connector 12. The first data connector 11 is connected to a first data cable 13 with a larger cross-section and the second data connector 12 is connected to a second data cable 14 with a smaller cross-section. The connector shield 104 has the first part of the connector shield 105, which Figure 2 not visible first plug contact connection pattern 111, and the second part of the plug shield 106, which surrounds the second plug contact connection pattern 112.

On the second connection side 103, a proprietary connection area 113 is formed around the second plug contact connection pattern 112, which has a plug adapter sleeve 114 that can be inserted into the plug body 101 and the second Plug contact connection pattern 112, wherein the inner wall 115 of the plug adapter sleeve 114 is designed to receive the second data plug 12.

In Figure 3 A partially sectioned exploded view of the data connector adapter 100 with the components already described is shown. Reference is made to this description. The structure of the contact carrier 120 with the first and second contacts 121, 122 and the first, second, and third carrier bodies 141, 142, 143 is described in more detail below. It is shown that the overall contact 124 is deliberately bent or curved in the contact connection section 123 in order to achieve a different distance between the first contacts 121 and the second contacts 122.

The first carrier body 141 has first through-openings 146 for the first contacts 121, and the second carrier body 142 has second through-openings 147 for the second contacts 122. Furthermore, a third carrier body 143 is received in the intermediate space 148 between the first and second carrier bodies 141, 142 and between the contact connecting sections 123. The third carrier body 143 has groove-like recesses 149 (as guides) corresponding to the curvature of the contact connecting sections 123 of the overall contact 124, into which the bent contact connecting sections 123 can be received or are received in an assembled data plug-in connection adapter 100 (cf. Figure 1 ). Furthermore, the first carrier body 141 and/or the second carrier body 142 each have collars 150 projecting in the direction of the contact connection section 123 along their outer circumferential surface, which collars also bear against the inner wall surface 145 of the connector shield 104 and envelop the contact connection sections 123 with the third carrier body 143 accommodated therebetween. In the assembled state, a common collar 150 is formed.

The thickness of the collar 150 of the first carrier body 141 and/or the thickness of the collar 150 of the second carrier body 142 preferably corresponds approximately to the distance between the overall contact 124 accommodated in the carrier bodies 141, 142, so that the thickness of the dielectric with the corresponding dielectric constant ε _{R 1} , ε _{R 2} between the overall contact 124 transmitting the data signal and the connector shielding 104 also remains approximately the same in the region of the contact connection section 123.

Figure 4 shows the Figure 2 described second connector side again in detail.

In a similar manner to the above-described first embodiment, Figure 5 a data connector adapter 200 for data transmission with a connector body 201 having a first connector connection side 202 and a second connector connection side 203. The first and second connector connection sides 202, 203 are surrounded by an electrically conductive connector shield 204, which comprises a socket-shaped first part of the connector shield 205 and a second part of the connector shield 206.

The first part of the connector shield 205 forms an insertion opening for a data connector on both the first and second connector connection sides 202, 203. The first connector connection side 202 shows a first plug contact connection pattern 211 for connecting a first data connector 11, and the second connector connection side 203 shows a second plug contact connection pattern 212 for connecting a second data connector 12.

A contact carrier 220 is accommodated in the plug body 201, wherein the contact carrier 220 is arranged between the first and the second plug connection side 202, 203 and carries at least two first contacts 221 and at least two second contacts 222, which are arranged such that the first contacts 221 form the first plug-in contact connection pattern 211, and the second contacts 222 form the second plug-in contact connection pattern 212. Exactly one of the first contacts 221 is electrically connected to exactly one of the second contacts 222 via a contact connection section 223, wherein the contact connection section 223 is part of a circuit board that also serves as the third carrier body 243 of this embodiment.

In this embodiment, the first plug contact connection pattern 211 and the second plug contact connection pattern 212 are rotated by 90° to each other, so that both contacts 221 of the two first contacts 221 can be seen, but only one contact 222 of the two second contacts 222 can be seen.

As in the first embodiment, the first part of the connector shield 205 also surrounds the first contacts 221 on the first connector connection side 202. The second contacts 222 are also (additionally) surrounded by the second part of the connector shield 206, which is arranged within the first part of the connector shield 205. In this second embodiment, however, the first part of the connector shield 205 and the second part of the connector shield 206 are formed in two parts. The first part of the connector shield 205 and the second part of the connector shield 206 together form the connector shield 204, in that the two parts are arranged in an electrically conductive connection to one another in the data connector adapter 200. The first part of the connector shield 205 also forms the socket-like connector body 201.

In the second embodiment, the contacts 221, 222 are designed as multi-part contacts, wherein the first contacts 221 and the second contacts 222 are each designed as pin contacts that are held and contacted in the circuit board as the third carrier body 243. The contact connection section 223 of each contact, ie the electrically conductive connection between each first contact 221 and each second contact 222, is formed by a conductor track formed on the circuit board 243 (see Figure 7 ).

The first contacts 221 are at least partially surrounded (with their carrier region 226) by an electrically insulating first carrier body 241 with a first dielectric constant ε _{R 1} , and the second contacts 222 are at least partially surrounded (with their carrier region 226) by an electrically insulating second carrier body 242 with a second dielectric constant ε _{R 2} , wherein the first and the second carrier bodies 241, 242 rest with an outer peripheral surface 244 on an inner wall surface 245 of the connector shield 204, in each case on an inner wall surface 245 of the first part of the connector shield 205 or the second part of the connector shield 206.

With their contacting areas 225, the first and second contacts 221, 222 protrude from their respective carrier bodies 241, 242.

The third carrier body 243 provided in this embodiment is designed as a circuit board with a third dielectric constant ε _{R 3} , which is arranged between the first and second carrier bodies 241, 242. Both the first carrier body 241 and the second carrier body 242 extend up to the circuit board 243, with a free space 248 formed in the center of the first carrier body 241 between the circuit board 243 and the first carrier body. The second carrier body 242, on the other hand, rests with its entire end face on the circuit board 243.

According to the invention, the diameters of the first and/or second contact 221, 222 in the first and/or second carrier body 241, 242, the diameters of the contact connection section 223 (in the sense of the dimensioning of the Conductor track 224), the distance of the first contacts 221 to the outer circumferential surface 244 of the first carrier body 241, the distance of the second contacts 222 to the outer circumferential surface 244 of the second carrier body 242, the distance of the contact connection section 223 to the outer circumferential surface 244 of the first and/or second carrier body 241, 242, the shape of the outer circumferential surface 244 of the first and/or second carrier body 241, 242 (and thus synonymously the shape of the inner wall surface 245 of the connector shield 204 in the regions in which the outer circumferential surface 244 of the first and/or second carrier bodies 241, 242 rests against the inner wall surface 245), the dielectric constant ε _{R 1} of the first carrier body 241, the dielectric constant ε _{R 2} of the second The dielectric constant ε _{R 3} of the third carrier body 242, the dielectric constant ε R 3 of the third carrier body 243, and/or the shape of its outer surface are adjusted such that the impedance in the data connector adapter 200 corresponds to a predetermined impedance value and data transmission through the data connector adapter 200 at the desired data rate is not disrupted. This has already been described in detail.

In Figure 7 A partially sectioned exploded view of the data connector adapter 200 with the components already described is shown. Reference is made to this description. The structure of the contact carrier 220 with the first and second contacts 221, 222 and the first, second, and third carrier bodies 241, 242, 243 will be described in more detail below. It is shown that the contact carrier 220 does not have an overall contact like the first embodiment of the data connector adapter 100. Instead, the first contacts 221 and the second contacts 222 are designed as pin contacts that are arranged and contacted at different distances from one another on the circuit board 243. The circuit board also simultaneously forms the third carrier body 243.

The first carrier body 241 has first through-openings 246 for the first contacts 221 and the second carrier body 242 has second through-openings 247 for the second contacts 222.

The contact connection section 223 comprises the circuit board as the third carrier body 243, on which the first contacts 221 and the second contacts 222 are contacted and secured on different sides of the circuit board by means of their circuit board connector sections 227. The circuit board connector sections 227 are each formed as thin pin contact areas of the first and second contacts 221, 222.

On the circuit board 243, the conductor tracks 224 are provided for connecting one of the first contacts 221 to one of the second contacts 222.

Furthermore, a contact shield 230 is provided on the circuit board 243 around the conductor tracks 224 connecting the contacts 221, 222, and is electrically connected to the connector shield 204. This contact shield 230 is formed in the third carrier body 243, which is designed as a circuit board, by a plurality of through-contact points 231, which are connected to one another via conductor tracks 232 on one or both sides of the circuit board. The conductor tracks 232 of the contact shield form a closed area around the first and second contacts 221, 222 and the conductor tracks 224 of the contact connection section 223 connecting them.

The arrangement and shape of the conductor tracks 232 of the contact shield and/or the vias 231 connected to these conductor tracks 232 can also be used as previously described parameters. According to the Figure 7 In the configuration shown, it is provided that the shape of the conductor tracks 232 is chosen to be arc-shaped, approximately such that the distance to the first and second contacts 221, 222 is as constant as possible, ie a shape follows, in which fluctuations in the distance are minimized. Furthermore, the distance between the first and second contacts 221, 222 and the contact shield 230 corresponds approximately to the distance between the conductor tracks 224 connecting the contacts 221, 222, which are arranged parallel to one another. For this purpose, the first contacts 221 of the first contact connection pattern 211 and the second contacts 222 of the second contact connection pattern 212 are arranged rotated by approximately 90° relative to one another, wherein the rotation occurs about a center point or center of gravity 216 of the connection patterns 211, 222 relative to the position of the contacts 221, 222. In the illustrated embodiment, the center point or center of gravity 216 corresponds to the circle center of the round circuit board, without the invention being limited to such a configuration.

As already described, the connector shield 204 is constructed in two parts and comprises, as separate parts, a first part of the connector shield 205, which is formed by the socket-like connector body 201, and a second part of the connector shield 206, which is received in the first part of the connector shield 205, for example, by plugging or pressing in, and surrounds the second contacts 222 of the second plug contact connection pattern 212. The first and second parts 205, 206 of the entire connector shield 204 are electrically connected to one another after assembly.

In the illustrated embodiment, the electrical connection between the connector shield 204 and the contact shield 230 is established by conductors in the second carrier body 241. For this purpose, contact projections 233 are provided on the second part of the connector shield 206 in the direction of the circuit board 243, which protrude onto through-holes 231 of the contact shield in the assembled data connector adapter 220. The contact projections 233 protrude as conductors through a support flange 234 formed on the edge of the first carrier body 241 facing the circuit board 243, in which contact recesses are formed for this purpose.

The Figures 6 and 8 the second embodiment correspond to the Figures 2 and 4 of the first embodiment, whereby according to the second embodiment the reference numerals have been chosen to be 100 higher. Reference is made to the above description of the Figures 2 and 4 which also applies in the same way to the second embodiment of the data connector adapter 200.

In both embodiments, the data plug connection adapter 100; 200 is protected against the penetration of moisture by at least two seals 151, 152; 251, 252, wherein a first seal 151; 251 seals one or the contact surface of the connector shield 104; 204 (in the exemplary embodiments specifically the first part of the connector shield 105; 205) and the contact carrier 100; 200 (in the exemplary embodiments specifically the first carrier body 141; 241) and a second seal 152; 252 seals one or the contact surface of the contact (in the exemplary embodiments specifically the first contact 121; 221) and the contact carrier 100; 200 (in the exemplary embodiments specifically the first carrier body 141; 241). This reliably prevents moisture from entering the data cabling in the area of the data plug connection adapter 100; 200 in the motor vehicle socket 160 according to the invention.

The seals 151, 152; 251, 252 are formed as mandrel profiles (in the sense of triangular projections) on the inner wall surfaces of the first parts of the connector shield 105; 205 made of metallic material and the outer periphery of the contacts 121; 221, also made of metallic material. The mandrel profiles press into the contact surfaces of the adjacent material, specifically the first carrier body 141; 241 of the contact carrier 120; 220, under contact pressure, thus achieving a seal.

In addition, mandrel profiles are formed on the outer circumference of the plug bodies 101; 201, which then act in the same way as a third seal 153; 253 when the data plug connection adapter 100; 200 is inserted, for example, into a motor vehicle socket 160 for data transmission from a motor vehicle to a motor vehicle component.

The seals 151, 152; 251, 252; 153; 253 shown in concrete form are all designed as mandrel profiles, each with two or more spaced-apart (triangular) profile projections 154; 254.

In Figure 9 A motor vehicle socket 160 according to the invention is shown in cross-section with a socket housing 161, which has an insertion opening 162 for connecting a plug of the vehicle component and a connection opening 163 for connecting the socket to a motor vehicle data network or on-board network. The insertion opening 162 can be sealed by a cover 164 hinged to the socket housing. For this purpose, a seal 165 is accommodated in the cover 164, which seal bears sealingly against the edge of the insertion opening 162 when the cover 164 is closed.

An embodiment of the previously described data connector adapter 100 is sealingly secured in the socket housing 161, wherein the first plug connection side 102 of the data connector adapter 100 is accessible in the insertion opening 162 and the second plug connection side 103 of the data connector adapter 100 is accessible in the connection opening 163.

The sealing fixing of the data plug connection adapter 100 in the motor vehicle socket is carried out by the seal 153, which is also designed as a mandrel profile, between the outer circumference of the data plug connection adapter 100 and a through opening 166 of the socket housing 161, into which the data plug connection adapter 100 is received and fixed. The seal 153, designed as a mandrel profile, presses itself (according to the manner already described) into the plastic socket housing 161 under contact pressure when the data connector adapter 100 is secured in the through-opening 166. A sealed connection can also be produced, for example, by injection molding or overmolding.

In the motor vehicle socket 160, further electrical contacts 167, but preferably several further electrical contacts are integrated in a manner known per se in a sealing manner into the socket housing 161 of the motor vehicle socket 160, of which in the sectional view of the Figure 9 only one contact 167 is shown. The other electrical contacts 167 can also be contacted in the insertion opening 162 and in the connection opening 163 of the motor vehicle socket 167.

List of reference symbols:

11

first data connector

12

second data connector

13

first data cable

14

second data cable

100

Data connector adapter

101

Plug body

102

first connector side

103

second connector side

104

Connector shielding

105

first part of the connector shielding

106

second part of the connector shielding

111

first plug contact connection diagram

112

second plug contact connection diagram

113

proprietary connection area

114

Plug adapter sleeve

115

Inner wall of the plug adapter sleeve

120

Contact carrier

121

first contacts

122

second contacts

123

Contact connection section

124

one-piece total contact

125

Contact area

126

Carrier area

141

first carrier body

142

second carrier body

143

third carrier body

144

Outer peripheral surface of the carrier body

145

Inner wall surface of the connector shielding

146

first passage openings

147

second passage openings

148

space

149

guides designed as groove-like recesses

150

collar

151

first seal designed as a mandrel profile

152

second seal designed as a mandrel profile

153

third seal designed as a mandrel profile

154

Profile lead

160

vehicle socket

161

Can housing

162

Insertion opening

163

Connection opening

164

Lid

165

Lid seal

166

passage opening

167

electrical contact

200

Data connector adapter

201

Plug body

202

first connector side

203

second connector side

204

Connector shielding

205

first part of the connector shielding

206

second part of the connector shielding

211

first plug contact connection diagram

212

second plug contact connection diagram

213

proprietary connection area

214

Plug adapter sleeve

215

Inner wall of the plug adapter sleeve

216

Center or center of gravity of the first and second plug contact connection diagrams

220

Contact carrier

221

first contacts

222

second contacts

223

Contact connection section

224

Conductor track of the contact connection section on the board

225

Contact area

226

Carrier area

227

Board connection section

230

Contact shielding

231

vias

232

Conductor track of the contact shield on the board

233

Contact projections

234

Stand flange

235

Contact recesses

241

first carrier body

242

second carrier body

243

third carrier body designed as a circuit board

244

Outer peripheral surface of the carrier body

245

Inner wall surface of the connector shielding

246

first passage openings

247

second passage openings

248

Free space

251

first seal designed as a mandrel profile

252

second seal designed as a mandrel profile

253

third seal designed as a mandrel profile

254

Profile lead

εR1,εR2, εR3

Dielectric constants of the carrier bodies

Claims (12)

1. Motor vehicle socket for data transmission from a motor vehicle to a motor vehicle component

   with a socket housing (161) which comprises a plug-in opening (162) for connecting a plug of the vehicle component and a connection opening (163) for connecting the motor vehicle socket to a motor vehicle data network or vehicle electrical system, wherein the plug-in opening (162) can be closed in a sealing manner by a cover (164) hinged to the socket housing (161), and

   with a data plug-in connection adapter (100, 200) for data transmission, wherein one of two plug connection sides (102, 103, 202 203) of the data plug-in connection adapter (100, 200) is accessible in the plug-in opening (162) and the other of two plug connection sides (102, 103, 202 203) of the data plug-in connection adapter (100, 200) is accessible in the connection opening (163),
   wherein
   the data plug-in connection adapter (100, 200) comprises a plug body (101, 201) which has a first plug connection side (102, 202), a second plug connection side (103, 203), an electrically conductive plug shield (104, 204) made of a metallic material and a contact carrier (120, 220), wherein

   the first plug connection side (102, 202) comprises a first plug contact connection pattern (111, 211) for connecting a first data plug (11);

   the contact carrier (120, 220) is disposed between the first and the second plug connection side (102, 103, 202, 203) and carries at least one first contact (121, 221) and at least one second contact (122, 222) made of metallic material;

   each of exactly one of the first contacts (121, 221) is electrically conductively connected to exactly one of the second contacts (122, 222) via a contact connecting section (123, 223);

   the first contacts (121, 221) are surrounded at least in sections by an electrically insulating first carrier body (141, 241) with a first dielectric constant ε _R1;

   the second contacts (122, 222) are surrounded at least in sections by an electrically insulating second carrier body (142, 242) with a second dielectric constant ε _R2;

   the first and second carrier bodies (141, 142, 241, 242) abut with an outer circumferential surface (144, 244) at least in sections against an inner wall surface (145, 245) of the plug shielding (104, 204);
   the second plug connection side (103, 203) comprises a second plug contact connection pattern (112, 212) different from the first plug contact connection pattern (111, 211) for connecting a second data plug (12);

   the contact carrier (120, 220) carries at least two first contacts (121, 221) and at least two second contacts (122, 222), which are arranged such that the first contacts (121, 221) form the first plug contact connection pattern (111, 211) and the second contacts (122, 222) form the second plug contact connection pattern (112,212), wherein the first and second contacts (121, 221, 122, 222) are designed as pin or pin contacts which protrude with a contacting region from the carrier body (141, 142, 241, 242) with a carrier region embedded in the carrier body (141, 142, 241, 242);

   a first contact distance between the first contacts (121, 221) is different from the second contact distance between the second contacts (122, 222), and

   the impedance in the data connector adapter (100, 200) by varying at least one of the parameters

   • Diameter of the first and/or second contact (121, 122, 221, 222) in the first and/or second carrier body (141, 142, 241, 242)

   • Diameter of the contact connection section (123, 223)

   • Spacing of the first contacts (121, 221) from the outer circumferential surface (144, 244) of the first carrier body (141, 241)

   • Spacing of the second contacts (122, 222) from the outer circumferential surface (144, 244) of the second carrier body (142, 242)

   is set in such a way that the impedance in the data connector adapter (100, 200) corresponds to a predefined impedance value;

   the data connector adapter (100, 200) is protected against moisture penetration by a first seal (151, 251) and by a second seal (152, 252), wherein the first seal (151, 251) seals a contact surface of connector shielding (104, 204) and first and/or second carrier body (141, 142, 241, 242) and the second seal (152, 252) seal a contact surface of the first and/or second contact (121, 122, 221, 222) and the first and/or second carrier body (141, 142, 241, 242), wherein the first seal (151, 251) is formed as a thorn profile on the inner wall surface (145, 245) of the plug shielding (104, 204) and the second seal (152, 252) is formed as a thorn profile on the outer circumference of the contacts (121, 122, 221, 222);

   the data plug-in connection adapter (100, 200) is fixed in the socket housing (161) in a sealing manner by means of a third seal (153, 253), wherein the third seal is in the form of a thorn profile provided on the outer circumference of the plug body (101, 201).
2. Motor vehicle socket according to claim 1, characterized in that the impedance in the data connector adapter (100, 200) is furhter adjusted by varying at least one of the parameters

   • Spacing of the contact connecting portion (123, 223) from the outer peripheral surface (144, 244) of the first and/or second support body (141, 142, 241, 242)

   • Shape of the outer circumferential surface (144, 244) of the first and/or the second support body (141, 142, 241, 242)

   • Dielectric constant ε _R1 of the first recess (141, 241)

   • Dielectric constant ε _R2 of the second carrier body (142, 242) is set in such a way that the impedance in the data connector adapter (100, 200) corresponds to a predefined impedance value.
3. Motor vehicle socket according to any preceding claim, characterized in that at least one third carrier body (143, 243) with a third dielectric constant ε _R3 is provided in the region of the contact connection section (123, 223).
4. The motor vehicle socket according to claim 3, characterized in that the impedance in the data connector adapter (100, 200) is adjusted by varying at least one of the parameters

   • Dielectric constant ε _R3 of the third carrier body (143, 243)

   • Shape of the outer surface of the third carrier body (143, 243) is set in such a way that the impedance in the data connector adapter (100, 200) corresponds to a predefined impedance value.
5. The motor vehicle socket according to claim 3 or 4, characterized in that the third carrier body (143, 243) is provided in a region between different contact connecting portions (123, 223), wherein each of the contact connecting portions (123, 223) connects one of the first contacts (121, 221) and one of the second contacts (122, 222).
6. Motor vehicle socket according to any one of claims 3 to 5, characterized in that the third carrier body (143, 243) comprises an electrically conductive contact shielding (230) which is electrically conductively connected to the plug shielding (104, 204).
7. Motor vehicle socket according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first contact (121), the second contact (122) and the contact connecting section (123) connecting them are designed as a one-piece overall contact (124).
8. Motor vehicle socket according to claim 7, characterized in that the one-piece overall contact (124) is bent in the contact connecting section (123).
9. Motor vehicle socket according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the contact connection section (223) comprises a circuit board as a third or further carrier body (243), on which the first contacts (221) and the second contacts (222) are contacted and fixed on different sides of the circuit board by means of their circuit board connector sections, wherein conductor tracks (224) are provided on the circuit board for connecting each of the first contacts (221) to one of the second contacts (222) and wherein a contact shielding (230) is provided on the circuit board around the conductor tracks (224) connecting the contacts (221, 222), which contact shielding is electrically conductively connected to the connector shielding (204).
10. Motor vehicle socket according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the plug shielding (104, 204) is constructed in several parts, wherein a first part of the plug body (101, 201) is a socket in which the first and second contacts (121, 122, 221, 222) with the contact connection sections (123, 223) and the carrier bodies (141, 142, 143, 241, 242, 243) are embedded in, and wherein at least one second part is provided, which is disposed in the first part and surrounds one of the first or second plug contact connection patterns (111, 112, 211, 212).
11. Motor vehicle socket according to one of the preceding claims and at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that empirically determined parameters are used as parameters in which, in measurements by means of time domain reflectometry measuring devices in a data plug connection adapter (100, 200) connected to data plugs (11, 12), the measured impedance over the length of the data plug connection adapter is almost identical to the impedance of a cable lying outside the adapter, so that no impedance changes or disturbances are indicated which interfere with data transmission at the desired data rate.
12. Motor vehicle socket according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a proprietary connection area (113, 213) is formed on at least one of the first and second connection sides (102, 103, 202, 203), which comprises a plug adapter sleeve (114, 214) which can be plugged into the plug body (101, 201) and respectively surrounds the first or second plug contact connection pattern (111, 112, 211, 212), wherein the inner wall (115, 215) of the plug adapter sleeve (114, 214) is designed to embed in the respective first or second data plug (11, 12).