Electrical plug connector and electrical connection device

Abstract

The invention relates to an electrical plug connector (2) and an electrical connection device, the electrical plug connector having an insulating part (14) and at least one pair of inner conductor contact elements (15) for differential signal transmission. The pair of inner conductor contact elements (15) comprises a first inner conductor contact element (16) and a second inner conductor contact element (17), which pair of inner conductor contact elements (15) extends from a first end (18) of the insulating part (14) through the insulating part (14) to a second end (19) of the insulating part (14). The inner conductor contact elements (16, 17) have a contact section (20) for contacting an inner conductor of a corresponding mating plug connector in the region of the first end (18) of the insulating part (14) and a press-in pin (21) for pressing into a metallized recess (11) of an electrical assembly (3) in the region of the second end (19) of the insulating part (14).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an electrical plug connector having an insulating component and at least one pair of inner conductor contact elements for differential signal transmission, wherein the pair of inner conductor contact elements includes a first inner conductor contact element and a second inner conductor contact element, the inner conductor contact element extending from a first end of the insulating component through the insulating component to a second end of the insulating component, as claimed in the preamble of claim 1.

[0002] The present invention also relates to an electrical connection device having an electrical plug connector and electrical components, particularly a circuit board. Background Technology

[0003] Various electrical plug connectors are known from the field of electrical engineering. As is known, electrical plug connectors are used to transmit power signals and / or data signals to corresponding electrical mating plug connectors. Plug connectors or mating plug connectors can specifically be plugs, circuit board connectors, panel connectors, receptacles, couplers, or adapters. In the context of this invention, the terms "plug connector" or "mating plug connector" represent all variations.

[0004] High demands are placed on the robustness and reliability of plug connectors used in the automotive industry or for vehicles. Therefore, plug connections must sometimes withstand high loads, such as mechanical loads, and remain closed in a defined manner so that the electrical connection is not accidentally disconnected, for example, during vehicle operation. Ensuring reliability is a primary concern, especially in the context of autonomous vehicle operation and driver assistance systems.

[0005] When a vehicle is operating autonomously, or using assistance systems, it is sometimes necessary to combine and typically transmit large amounts of data from multiple cameras, various sensors, and navigation sources in real time. Therefore, the operation of many devices, screens, and cameras requires high-performance infrastructure within the vehicle's electronic systems. Consequently, over time, the demands on plug connectors and cable connections within the vehicle regarding the required data rates have become extremely high. To save structural space and weight, it is further important to design plug connectors to be as compact as possible.

[0006] Further demand for plug connectors used in the automotive industry is that these connectors should be produced economically in high unit quantities and should be easy and reliable to assemble.

[0007] To transmit data at high data rates, electrical connectors typically have differential inner conductor contact pairs. Here, the quality of signal transmission depends significantly on the transition resistance between the inner conductor contacts and the electrical components connected to the connector, as well as the matching of the characteristic impedance within the connector. Regarding connections to electrical components (especially circuit boards), the suitability of the connector for mass production should also be considered, and the cost of assembling the connector onto the electrical components should be kept low.

[0008] Electrical and mechanical contact between the inner conductor contact element of an electrical plug connector and the electrical component is typically achieved in practice through a so-called overfit or "interference fit." For this purpose, a press-in pin is pressed into an associated metal-plated recess of the electrical component with a certain pressing pressure. This results in a cold solder joint and a tight connection is formed between the press-in pin and the recess.

[0009] For a centered press-in action, and to avoid cracking and breakage in electrical components, the most symmetrical possible press-in force should be applied to the respective press-in pins. For this purpose, in practice, each press-in pin has two relatively positioned support shoulders through which the press-in force is transmitted evenly.

[0010] It has been found, in particular, that the support shoulders of the directly relative positioning of the two inner conductor contact elements of a shared inner conductor contact element pair have a non-negligible capacitive effect on the characteristic impedance. In this way, the suitability of the plug connector for transmitting particularly high-frequency electrical signals can be reduced.

[0011] In view of the prior art, the object of the present invention is to provide an electrical plug connector that is suitable for transmitting signals at high data rates and can be economically manufactured and preferably easily assembled in the context of mass production.

[0012] The present invention also aims to provide an improved electrical connection device that is preferably advantageously suited for use in high-frequency technologies.

[0013] For electrical plug connectors, this objective is achieved by the features specified in claim 1. For electrical connection devices, this objective is achieved by the features of claim 14.

[0014] The dependent claims and the features described below relate to advantageous embodiments and variations of the invention. Summary of the Invention

[0015] An electrical plug connector is provided, comprising an insulating component or insulator and at least one pair of inner conductor contact elements for differential signal transmission. The pair of inner conductor contact elements has a first inner conductor contact element and a second inner conductor contact element. The inner conductor contact element extends from a first end of the insulating component through the insulating component to a second end of the insulating component. In the region of the first end of the insulating component, the inner conductor contact element has a contact section for contacting the inner conductor of a corresponding mating plug connector, and in the region of the second end of the insulating component, the inner conductor contact element has a press-fit pin (also known under the term "press-fit pin") for press-fitting (specifically according to the so-called "oversized fit") into a metal-plated recess of an electrical component.

[0016] The first end of the insulating component may be formed, specifically in the region of the "front" end of the insulating component or in the region of the front end of the electrical plug connector equipped with the insulating component. The second end of the insulating component may be formed, specifically in the region of the "rear" end of the insulating component or in the region of the rear end of the electrical plug connector equipped with the insulating component. The two ends may preferably be arranged at the relatively positioned ends of the insulating component or the electrical plug connector equipped with the insulating component (along the longitudinal axis or central axis).

[0017] The proposed press-fit technique is known, particularly in the field of circuit board connections, and has proven successful in achieving solderless electrical connections. In this technique, the outer diameter of the press-fit pin is slightly larger than the inner diameter of the metal-plated recess. Any "overpressure" occurring during the press-fit process can be accommodated within the recess or the press-fit pin through deformation. Due to the accumulated force, a tight, cold-welded, and hermetically sealed connection is formed.

[0018] Using an oversized fit to connect electrical plug connectors to electrical components can be advantageous because, for example, thermal loads are not applied to the components involved. Furthermore, press-fit connections can be initiated very easily and quickly. Additionally, hermetic connections offer durable resistance to aging and corrosion of the plug connector.

[0019] The insulating component is preferably a single piece, but may also be in multiple pieces. The insulating component may optionally have, for example, a seal and / or fastening element, such as a stop element.

[0020] The insulating components are preferably formed only of electrically insulating or insulating materials. However, the insulating components may also substantially have conductive components, such as connecting elements for connecting the plug connector to a circuit board or a corresponding mating plug connector, such as springs, screw elements, and / or locking elements.

[0021] The insulating components may be partially, substantially, or preferably entirely made of plastic.

[0022] According to the invention, the inner conductor contact element has, in each case, a specific support shoulder through which the pressing force required to press the press-in pin into the metal-plated recess can be introduced (indirectly or directly, preferably starting from a suitable assembly tool). The support shoulder is formed along the central axis of the inner conductor contact element between the contact section and the press-in pin. The inner conductor contact element also has a corresponding support surface that avoids the support shoulder and supports the inner conductor contact element in the insulating component.

[0023] The support shoulder preferably extends orthogonally to the central axis of the inner conductor contact element or along a straight line orthogonal to the central axis of the inner conductor contact element. However, the support shoulder may also extend at an angle deviating from the central axis by 90°.

[0024] The proposed inner conductor contact element preferably has an asymmetrical design.

[0025] Due to the fact that, according to the invention, each contact element of the shared inner conductor contact element pair has only a single support shoulder, the introduction of capacitance is advantageously reduced, thereby making the electrical plug connector suitable for transmission signals with particularly high data rates.

[0026] In order to symmetrically press the corresponding inner conductor contact element into the metal-plated recess of the electrical component (even if it has only one shoulder or even if it is asymmetrically configured), the support surface that avoids the support shoulder can be advantageously used to support the inner conductor contact element in the insulating component.

[0027] The support surface is preferably arranged to directly face the support shoulder along the central axis of the inner conductor contact element. The support surface preferably extends along the central axis of the inner conductor contact element in an axial cross-section larger than that of the support shoulder. In this manner, the guidance of the inner conductor contact element within the insulating component can be further improved, and the inner conductor contact element can be supported particularly effectively.

[0028] The proposed electrical plug connector can be manufactured in a material-saving and therefore particularly economical way—while having a simple assembly process.

[0029] In one improvement of the invention, the electrical plug connector may be provided with an outer conductor assembly. The outer conductor assembly may include a first interface for electrical and mechanical contact of the outer conductor of the respective electrical mating plug connector and a second interface for electrical and mechanical contact of the electrical components. An insulating portion is preferably received in the outer conductor assembly and positioned with its first end in the first interface and its second end in the second interface (or with its first end on the first interface and its second end on the second interface).

[0030] The outer conductor assembly is preferably in single-piece form, but may also be in multi-piece form.

[0031] The outer conductor assembly may optionally have a spring cage adjacent to the first interface for connection to the outer conductor of the corresponding mating plug connector.

[0032] The outer conductor assembly is preferably formed entirely of conductive material. However, the outer conductor assembly may also substantially have electrically insulating components, such as seals and / or stop elements made of plastic. The outer conductor assembly is preferably designed as a plug connector component of an electromagnetically shielded electrical plug connector. The outer conductor assembly is also preferably designed to provide an impedance-controlled electrical transition between the electrical components and the mating plug connector.

[0033] The outer conductor assembly may be partially, substantially, or preferably entirely formed of metal, preferably a sheet of metal.

[0034] The outer conductor assembly preferably has a sleeve-like form in order to enclose the plug connector components of the electrical plug connector that are to be electromagnetically shielded, particularly the inner conductor contact elements of the shared inner conductor contact element pair.

[0035] The outer conductor assembly may have a straight, curved, or angled profile, and in particular, a right-angled profile for use in angled plug connectors.

[0036] To facilitate contact with electrical components, the second interface of the outer conductor assembly can have multiple contact elements. Specifically, contact elements (like existing inner conductor contact elements) can be designed as press-fit pins (for distinction, the press-fit pins of the outer conductor assembly will also be referred to hereinafter as "press-fit contacts") for oversized engagement in the metal-plated recesses of the electrical component. Alternatively or additionally, contact elements can also be provided, for example, as resilient contact elements for insertion into the metal-plated recesses of the electrical component. Very particularly preferred, the first set of contact elements is designed as press-fit contacts, and the second set is designed as resilient contact elements. In this way, the number and / or density of contact elements can be advantageously increased without the risk of damage or breakage to the electrical component (e.g., circuit board) due to assembly. Due to the increased density of contact elements or the reduced minimum spacing between contact elements, it is ultimately possible to increase the shielding effect of the outer conductor assembly and reduce the transition resistance, thereby providing an electrical plug connector for transmitting signals with even higher frequencies.

[0037] The electrical plug connector may also have multiple outer conductor assemblies, such as two or more, four or more, or eight or more. Preferably, each outer conductor assembly precisely electromagnetically shields two inner conductor contact elements or one pair of inner conductor contact elements.

[0038] The outer diameter of the press-in pin of the inner conductor contact element and / or the press-in contact of the outer conductor assembly is preferably larger than the inner diameter of the corresponding metallized recess of the electrical assembly. Any "overpressure" occurring during the press-in process can ultimately be accommodated by the press-in pin or press-in contact and / or the metallized recess.

[0039] The press-in pin of the inner conductor contact element and / or the press-in contact of the outer conductor assembly may have an insertion section at its free end, the outer diameter of which is smaller than the inner diameter of the metallized recess. It may be provided that the cross-section of the press-in pin or press-in contact widens from the insertion section. This facilitates the insertion of the press-in pin or press-in contact. Furthermore, in this manner, the pressing pressure required for the press-in pin or press-in contact to press into the recess during the pressing process can be continuously increased, which further reduces the mechanical load on the components involved.

[0040] In one configuration of the invention, the press-in pin of the inner conductor contact element and / or the press-in contact of the outer conductor assembly may have an elastically deformable region in the cross-section at least along its longitudinal axis. This deformable region is preferably formed by a central material recess. The press-in pin or press-in contact may particularly have an elongated material recess, groove, or recess oriented along the longitudinal axis of the press-in pin or press-in contact. It is also possible to provide multiple material recesses, preferably arranged to be distributed along the longitudinal axis of the corresponding press-in pin or press-in contact. However, the press-in pin or press-in contact may also be substantially solid in design.

[0041] In one configuration of the invention, the outer conductor assembly may be formed as a single piece, preferably from stamping and bending components. The outer conductor assembly may be formed as a single piece, particularly with its contact element. However, it may also be provided that the outer conductor assembly and contact element are in a multi-piece configuration. Producing the outer conductor assembly as a single piece made of sheet metal is particularly suitable for mass production.

[0042] In an advantageous configuration of the invention, the outer conductor assembly, particularly the contact element, and / or the inner conductor contact element may be made of aluminum bronze.

[0043] The outer conductor assembly and / or inner conductor contact element can be formed of any metal or any metal alloy (and also from different metals or metal alloys respectively). The outer conductor assembly and / or inner conductor contact element can be formed, for example, of brass, bronze, and / or beryllium copper. However, the inventors have determined that aluminum bronze is suitable for a particularly good connection between electrical plug connectors and electrical components.

[0044] The surfaces of the outer conductor assembly and / or inner conductor contact element may be blank, nickel-plated, tin-plated, gold-plated, and / or palladium-plated.

[0045] In one improvement of the invention, the electrical plug connector may be provided with an insulating housing assembly having a mechanical interface for connecting the electrical plug connector to a corresponding mating plug connector.

[0046] Preferably, the outer conductor assembly is received in the housing assembly (particularly preferably in a form-locking and / or non-form-locking manner) and its first interface is positioned in the mechanical interface. However, the opposite arrangement can also be provided, wherein the housing assembly is received in the outer conductor assembly, preferably in a form-locking and / or non-form-locking manner.

[0047] The mechanical interface of the housing assembly may have means for mechanical coding, specifically for ensuring the correct orientation of the plug connector and mating plug connector and / or for ensuring that only permissible mating plug connectors can be mechanically connected to the plug connector. The mechanical interface may have a stop mechanism for locking engagement between the plug connector and mating plug connector. The mechanical interface may have one or more seals.

[0048] It can be provided that the outer conductor assembly extends out of the housing assembly as an end section at the second (rear) end of the housing assembly, positioned opposite the mechanical interface. In this way, mechanical and / or electrical connections to electrical components (e.g., cables, device housings, or circuit boards) can be made possible in a particularly simple manner.

[0049] The electrical insulation housing assembly is preferably a single piece, but may also be in a multi-piece form. The housing assembly may optionally have, for example, seals and / or fastening elements.

[0050] The housing assembly is preferably formed of only electrically insulating material. However, the housing assembly may also substantially have conductive components, such as connecting elements for connecting the plug connector to a circuit board or a corresponding mating plug connector, such as spring contacts, screw elements, and / or locking elements.

[0051] The housing assembly may be partially, substantially, or preferably entirely made of plastic.

[0052] The outer conductor assembly optionally has at least one fastening tab that can be bent from a basic state to a fastened state to secure the outer conductor assembly to the housing assembly during the plug connector assembly process. This proposed fastening provides a solid undercut between the housing assembly and the outer conductor assembly. In this way, the housing assembly can be significantly secured to the outer conductor assembly (or vice versa), preferably preventing pull-out in the forward direction or in a direction opposite to the insertion direction of the corresponding mating plug connector. Alternatively, however, it is possible to provide other fastenings between the outer conductor assembly and the housing assembly, such as an interference fit or fastening by fastening claws.

[0053] The housing assembly can be designed to accommodate more than one outer conductor assembly, such as two or more, three or more, four or even more. Alternatively or additionally, at least one outer conductor assembly can be designed to shield multiple inner conductor contact elements separately from each other. Preferably, the outer conductor assembly is designed to shield two inner conductor contact elements of a shared inner conductor contact element pair from any other possible inner conductor contact element / inner conductor contact element pair in each case.

[0054] Electrical plug connectors can have virtually any number of inner conductor contact element pairs, such as one or more individual inner conductor contact elements in addition to inner conductor contact element pairs. However, preferably, electrical plug connectors have one to six inner conductor contact element pairs, particularly exactly one inner conductor contact element pair, exactly two inner conductor contact element pairs, or exactly four inner conductor contact element pairs.

[0055] In addition to insulating components, insulating housing assemblies, outer conductor assemblies, and inner conductor contact elements, electrical plug connectors may also have additional plug connector components, such as seals or fastening elements for fastening to electrical components (e.g., fastening to cables or fastening to circuit boards).

[0056] In an advantageous improvement of the invention, the support shoulder may be provided directly adjacent to the press-in pin along the central axis of the inner conductor contact element.

[0057] In this way, the pressure can be introduced particularly effectively and precisely.

[0058] In one improvement of the invention, the first inner conductor contact element and the second inner conductor contact element may be provided to be arranged and formed in an axisymmetric manner along the longitudinal axis of the insulating component.

[0059] By means of the axisymmetric or mirror-symmetric arrangement of the inner conductor contact elements of the shared inner conductor contact element pair, the impedance of the plug connector can be controlled in a particularly advantageous manner.

[0060] In one improvement of the invention, the support shoulder of the first inner conductor contact element and the support shoulder of the second inner conductor contact element may extend in opposite directions, preferably along a common orthogonal straight line relative to the corresponding central axis of the inner conductor contact element.

[0061] Therefore, when they are assembled in an electrical plug connector, the inner conductor contact element may preferably not have an "inner" support shoulder but rather an "outer" support shoulder in each case.

[0062] The support shoulders of adjacent inner conductor contact elements in a shared pair of inner conductor contact elements preferably point in opposite directions, which further reduces capacitance introduction and improves signal transmission. It has been found that low capacitance introduction is achieved, particularly if the support shoulders each extend along a common orthogonal straight line relative to the corresponding central axis of the inner conductor contact element.

[0063] In one improvement of the invention, the insulating component, the outer conductor assembly, and / or the housing assembly may be provided having at least one engagement surface for the assembly tool, through which the pressing force for pressing the press-in pin into the metal-plated recess can be introduced from the assembly tool into the support shoulder.

[0064] In principle, the pressing force can also be directly introduced into the corresponding support shoulder. However, it is preferred to introduce the pressing force via insulating components, outer conductor assemblies, and / or housing assemblies. The housing assembly preferably has a mating surface.

[0065] The mating surface is preferably arranged directly above the inner conductor contact element or the metal-plated recess in the pressing direction.

[0066] In one improvement of the invention, the insulating member may be provided with a rib-shaped extension on its inner side, the rib-shaped extension having a corresponding lateral abutment surface facing the electrical component and a corresponding support shoulder abutting against the lateral abutment surface to transmit the pressing force.

[0067] The pressing force can be reliably introduced into the corresponding support shoulder via the rib-shaped extension.

[0068] In an advantageous improvement of the invention, the laterally adjacent surface may be formed recessed in the rib-like extension or behind the recessed portion to provide a stop for the corresponding support shoulder.

[0069] The corresponding recessed portion can provide form-locking for the support shoulder on the adjacent surface. Thus, the inner conductor contact element can be positioned and oriented on the adjacent surface in a particularly optimal manner through its support shoulder, preferably engaging with the stop action behind the recessed portion.

[0070] In one improvement of the invention, the inner conductor contact element may be supported in the insulating member by its support surface via a corresponding guide surface formed on the inner side of the insulating member.

[0071] The guiding of the corresponding inner conductor contact element can preferably be achieved through a corresponding guide wall of the insulating component, which forms a guiding surface.

[0072] The guiding surface is preferably formed in the insulating member by a surface of an intermediate wall facing the corresponding inner conductor contact element or the corresponding support surface, the intermediate wall extending between the inner conductor contact elements in the insulating member.

[0073] The guide surface or guide wall preferably extends at least over the entire axial range of the support surface of the inner conductor contact element.

[0074] In an advantageous improvement of the invention, it can be provided that the inner conductor contact element is guided through the insulating member between the support surface and the ribbed extension in each case.

[0075] The insulating component advantageously provides a guide channel for the corresponding inner conductor contact element. Through the guide channel, the corresponding inner conductor contact element can be optimally oriented and positioned within the insulating component, while simultaneously, a pressing force can be introduced into the corresponding support shoulder in a highly precise and component-retaining manner.

[0076] In an advantageous improvement of the invention, the contact section of the inner conductor contact element may be designed as a pin contact or a sleeve contact.

[0077] However, the contact section of the inner conductor contact element can have virtually any design, with the corresponding configuration depending particularly on the application of the electrical plug connector.

[0078] The electrical plug connector is preferably in the form of a circuit board plug connector (plug or socket) or a cable plug connector (plug or coupler).

[0079] Electrical plug connectors are preferably in the form of angled plug connectors. However, electrical plug connectors can also be in the form of non-angled plug connectors.

[0080] Electrical plug connectors can be specifically designed to provide modular plug connector systems, such as H-MTD plug connectors. However, electrical plug connectors are not limited to specific plug connector types, in which the present invention is particularly suitable for plug connectors for high-frequency technologies. In particular, it can also be a plug connector of type PL, BNC, TNC, SMBA (FAKRA), SMA, SMB, SMS, SMC, SMP, BMS, HFM (FAKRA-Mini), BMK, Mini-Coax, or MATE-AX.

[0081] The plug connector according to the invention is particularly advantageous for use in vehicles, especially motor vehicles. Here, the term "vehicle" describes any means of transport, particularly vehicles used on land, water, or in the air, and also includes spacecraft. Possible areas of use include autonomous driving, driver assistance systems, navigation systems, infotainment systems, rear-seat entertainment systems, internet connectivity, and gigabit wireless (IEEE 802.11ad standard). Possible applications involve high-resolution cameras (e.g., 4K and 8K cameras), sensor devices, onboard computers, high-resolution screens, high-resolution dashboards, 3D navigation units, and mobile radio units.

[0082] The plug connector according to the invention is suitable for any application in the entire field of electrical engineering and should not be construed as limited to use in automotive engineering.

[0083] In an advantageous improvement of the invention, the inner conductor contact elements may be provided as single pieces. However, the inner conductor contact elements may also be provided as multiple pieces.

[0084] The present invention also relates to an electrical connection device having an electrical plug connector and electrical components, particularly a circuit board, as described above and below.

[0085] The electrical connection device according to the invention can preferably be designed as a connection device consisting of a circuit board connector and a circuit board. However, in principle, it is possible to provide any connection device consisting of an electrical plug connector and an electrical component, such as a cable plug connector that is fastened to an electrical component in the form of a cable or an electrical device plug connector that is fastened to the device housing of the electrical component.

[0086] It is possible to advantageously provide an electrical connection device in which the assembly of electrical plug connectors on electrical components can be significantly improved.

[0087] In addition, it is possible to advantageously reduce the space requirements or size of electrical plug connectors, thereby allowing them to occupy less structural space on electrical components.

[0088] The proposed electrical connection device is advantageously suited for transmitting electrical signals with particularly high data rates.

[0089] In one improvement of the invention, the metal-plated recesses may be provided as plated through-holes (“vias”) and / or blind holes in electrical components, particularly in circuit boards.

[0090] The present invention also relates to a method for assembling an electrical plug connector, wherein at least one inner conductor contact element (particularly an inner conductor contact element as described above and below) is inserted at a first end into a corresponding slot in an insulating component of the electrical plug connector and subsequently bent along a guide channel of the insulating component.

[0091] The inner conductor contact element is preferably bent at 90° to form a one-piece inner conductor contact element for angled plug connectors.

[0092] Preferably, due to the bending process, the support shoulder of the inner conductor contact element is positioned to engage with the lateral abutment surface of the rib-shaped extension within the insulating component.

[0093] An insulating component equipped with at least one inner conductor contact element, preferably having at least one differential pair of inner conductor contact elements (consisting of a first inner conductor contact element and a second inner conductor contact element), can preferably subsequently be inserted into the outer conductor assembly of the plug connector and engaged by a stop action in the outer conductor assembly of the plug connector. The outer conductor assembly equipped with the insulating component can preferably subsequently be inserted into the housing assembly and fastened to the housing assembly.

[0094] Further features of this specification and patent claims relate to advantageous embodiments and variations of the assembly method.

[0095] The present invention also relates to an inner conductor contact element having a press-in pin at one end for pressing into a metal-plated recess of an electrical component, and wherein the inner conductor contact element has a support shoulder formed on one side through which the pressing force required for pressing into the press-in pin can be introduced.

[0096] Further features of this specification and patent claims relate to advantageous embodiments and variations of the inner conductor contact element.

[0097] The features already described in conjunction with the electrical plug connector according to the invention can of course also be advantageously applied to electrical connection devices—and vice versa. Furthermore, the advantages already mentioned regarding the electrical plug connector according to the invention can also be understood in relation to electrical connection devices—and vice versa.

[0098] Furthermore, it should be noted that expressions such as “comprising,” “having,” or “with” do not exclude any other features or steps. Additionally, expressions such as “a” or “the” that refer to a step or feature in the singular do not exclude multiple features or steps, and vice versa.

[0099] However, in purely illustrative embodiments of the invention, it may also be provided that the features introduced by the expressions "comprising," "having," or "with" constitute an exhaustive list. Therefore, in the context of the invention, one or more lists of features may be considered, for example, separately for each claim in a self-contained form. For example, the invention may consist only of the features specified in claim 1.

[0100] It should be noted that terms such as "first" or "second" are primarily used for the purpose of distinguishing features between various devices or methods, and are not mandatory in indicating that features are interdependent or related to each other. Furthermore, the term "inner conductor" in the description of an inner conductor contact element / inner conductor contact element pair should not be construed as implying that an outer conductor or outer conductor assembly is mandatory.

[0101] In the context of this invention, the longitudinal axis or central axis may preferably be the axis of symmetry of the corresponding component.

[0102] Furthermore, it is emphasized that, if such deviations are not excluded in practice in the embodiments of the present invention, the values ​​and parameters described in this case also include deviations or fluctuations of ±10% or less, preferably ±5% or less, more preferably ±1% or less, and very particularly preferably ±0.1% or less, of the values ​​or parameters stated respectively. Specifying ranges by way of starting and ending values ​​also includes all values ​​and fractions included by the ranges stated respectively, in particular the starting and ending values ​​and their corresponding average values.

[0103] The present invention also relates to an electrical plug connector independent of claim 1, the plug connector having a first inner conductor contact element and a second inner conductor contact element, each of the first and second inner conductor contact elements being insertable through one of their ends into a metal-plated recess of an electrical component, wherein each inner conductor contact element has a defined support shoulder through which the pressing force required to insert the inner conductor contact element into the metal-plated recess can be introduced. Further features of claim 1 and the dependent claims, as well as the features described herein, relate to advantageous embodiments and variations of the plug connector. Attached Figure Description

[0104] Exemplary embodiments of the present invention will now be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0105] These figures each illustrate preferred exemplary embodiments, wherein individual features of the invention are shown in combination with each other. Features of one exemplary embodiment may also be implemented separately from other features of the same exemplary embodiment, and thus can be readily combined by an expert to form further useful combinations and sub-combinations of features having other exemplary embodiments.

[0106] Components with the same function are indicated by the same reference numerals in the accompanying drawings.

[0107] In the diagram, each case is illustrated schematically:

[0108] Figure 1 An electrical connection device consisting of an electrical plug connector and electrical components is shown in a three-dimensional view;

[0109] Figure 2 Shown in a separate 3D view Figure 1 The outer conductor assembly of the plug connector;

[0110] Figure 3 Shown in a separate 3D view Figure 1 The insulating components of the plug connector and the common inner conductor contact element pair guided therein;

[0111] Figure 4 It shows Figure 1 A three-dimensional view of the two inner conductor contact elements of the plug connector;

[0112] Figure 5 A three-dimensional view is shown from the rear. Figure 3 An insulating component having a single inner conductor contact element;

[0113] Figure 6 Enlarged perspective details of the inner conductor contact element within a second exemplary embodiment of the insulating member are shown to illustrate the transmission of force between the supporting shoulder and the abutting surface of the ribbed extension in the insulating member; and

[0114] Figure 7 The rear view shows the data based on... Figure 6 The inserted inner conductor contact element Figure 3 Insulating components. Detailed Implementation

[0115] Figure 1 An electrical connection device 1 having a first electrical plug connector 2 and an electrical component 3 is shown. In an exemplary embodiment, the electrical plug connector 2 is in the form of a circuit board plug connector, and the electrical component 3 is in the form of a circuit board. However, this should not be construed as limiting. In the context of the present invention, essentially any electrical plug connector 2 and any electrical component 3 can be provided. In an exemplary embodiment, the electrical plug connector 2 is in the form of an angled plug connector, but it can also be in the form of a non-angled or straight plug connector.

[0116] The electrical plug connector 2 has an electrically insulating housing assembly 4, which has a mechanical interface 5 for connecting the electrical plug connector 2 to a corresponding mating plug connector (not shown). The housing assembly 4 is formed as a single piece of plastic.

[0117] The electrical plug connector 2 also has an outer conductor assembly 6, which is received in the housing assembly 4 in a form-locking manner. For a complete demonstration, in Figure 2 The outer conductor assembly 6 is shown separately.

[0118] The fastening between the outer conductor assembly 6 and the housing assembly 4 is substantially arbitrary. In an exemplary embodiment, the outer conductor assembly 6 has two flexible fastening tabs 7. In their basic state (not shown), the fastening tabs 7 allow assembly movements for mounting the housing assembly 4 onto the outer conductor assembly 6 along the longitudinal axis L of the housing assembly 4. In contrast, in the bent fastening state shown, the fastening tabs 7 can form-lock the housing assembly 4 onto the outer conductor assembly 6. For this purpose, the housing assembly 4 has a fastening web 8 (see...). Figure 1 ), the fastening tab 7 is engaged behind its fastening edge.

[0119] The outer conductor assembly 6 has a first interface 9 for electrical and mechanical contact of the outer conductor of the corresponding electrical mating plug connector. The outer conductor assembly 6 also has a second interface 10 for electrical and mechanical contact of the metal-plated recess 11 of the electrical component 3 or the circuit board. For contact with the electrical component 3, the second interface 10 has a plurality of contact elements 12, 13 (see details). Figure 2 ).

[0120] The electrical plug connector 2 also has an insulating component 14 and at least one inner conductor contact element pair 15 for differential signal transmission, such as Figure 3 As shown. The first inner conductor contact element 16 and the second inner conductor contact element 17 of the inner conductor contact element pair 15 are each formed as a single piece and in Figure 4 The two sides jointly showcased it.

[0121] The insulating component 14 is received in the outer conductor assembly 6 and positioned in the first interface 9 via its first end 18 and in the second interface 10 via its second end 19. The inner conductor contact elements 16, 17 of the common inner conductor contact element pair 15 extend from the first end 18 of the insulating component 14 through the insulating component 14 to the second end 19 of the insulating component 14.

[0122] The inner conductor contact elements 16 and 17 have contact sections (e.g., contact pins 20 as shown) for contacting the inner conductors of the respective mating plug connectors in the region of the first end 18 of the insulating member 14, and a press-in pin 21 for pressing into the corresponding corresponding metallized recess 11 of the electrical assembly 3 in the region of the second end 19 of the insulating member 14. Through the insulating member 14, the inner conductor contact elements 16 and 17 can be sufficiently secured in the electrical plug connector 2 and electrically insulated relative to the outer conductor assembly 6.

[0123] The outer conductor assembly 6 can be used for electromagnetic shielding of the inner conductor contact elements 16 and 17. The outer conductor assembly 6 can also function as an electrical outer conductor for transmitting an electrical reference signal in the context of signal transmission.

[0124] For contacting electrical component 3 or the circuit board, the contact elements 12 and 13 of the outer conductor assembly 6 are provided to be divided into two groups (see...). Figure 2 The first set of contact elements 12, 13 are formed as press-fit contacts 13 for oversized fit into the metal-plated recesses 11 of the electrical component 3 or circuit board. The second set of contact elements 12, 13 are formed as resilient contact elements 12 for insertion into the metal-plated recesses 11 of the electrical component 3 or circuit board. The press-fit contacts 13 can be particularly along their longitudinal axis L. E The cross section has an elastic deformation zone 22, which is preferably formed by a central material recess in the form of a groove or pinhole, as shown.

[0125] The press-fit pins 21 of the inner conductor contact elements 16, 17 can have a similar design (see, for example, see...). Figure 4 or Figure 6 The press-in pin 21 may also have an elastic deformation zone 22. Figures 1 to 5 In the exemplary embodiment shown, the elastic deformation region 22 is formed as a groove that does not extend continuously through the material of the inner conductor contact elements 16, 17. In contrast, in Figure 6 and Figure 7 In the exemplary embodiment shown, the deformation zone 22 is formed as a groove that extends continuously through the material.

[0126] In an exemplary embodiment, the metal-plated recess 11 is formed as an electroplated through-hole in the circuit board 3, and is not shown in more detail. However, the metal-plated recess 11 may also be formed as a blind hole or a recess.

[0127] For example from Figure 4As can be seen, the inner conductor contact elements 16 and 17 each have a specific support shoulder 23. The support shoulder 23 allows the introduction of the pressing force required to press the press-in pin 21 into the metal-plated recess 11. The support shoulder 23 is formed along the central axis M of the inner conductor contact elements 16 and 17 between the contact section 20 and the press-in pin 21. In an exemplary embodiment, the support shoulder 23 directly abuts the press-in pin 21 along the central axis M of the inner conductor contact elements 16 and 17 to improve the introduction of force.

[0128] exist Figure 3 and Figure 7 In this configuration, inner conductor contact elements 16 and 17 are shown to be commonly housed within an insulating member 14. The first inner conductor contact element 16 and the second inner conductor contact element 17 are arranged and formed in an axisymmetric or mirror-symmetric manner along the longitudinal axis L of the insulating member 14. Here, the support shoulders 23 of the first inner conductor contact element 16 and the second inner conductor contact element 17 extend in opposite directions relative to their respective central axes M along a common orthogonal line O. In this manner, the characteristic impedance of the electrical plug connector 2 can be optimized.

[0129] To allow for the introduction of forces as symmetrically and uniformly as possible, although the individual inner conductor contact elements 16 and 17 are asymmetrical, the inner conductor contact elements 16 and 17 have corresponding support surfaces 24 (see details). Figure 4 The support surface 24 avoids the support shoulder 23 and the inner conductor contact elements 16, 17 are supported in the insulating member 14 via the support surface 24.

[0130] exist Figure 5 In the rear view, the insulating member 14 and the first inner conductor contact element 16 are shown. For clarity, the second inner conductor contact element 17 is omitted. It can be seen that the insulating member 14 has a rib-like extension 25 on its inner side, the rib-like extension 25 having a corresponding lateral abutment surface 26 facing the electrical assembly 3, and a corresponding support shoulder 23 supporting against the lateral abutment surface 26 to transmit the pressing force. Here, the lateral abutment surface 26 is formed recessed in the rib-like extension 25 or after the recess 27 to provide a stop for the corresponding support shoulder 23 and to secure the inner conductor contact elements 16, 17, or even more effectively, within the insulating member 14 (see also...). Figure 6 ).

[0131] The inner conductor contact elements 16 and 17 are supported by their support surfaces 24 via corresponding guide surfaces 28 formed on the inner side of the insulating member 14. Here, the guide surfaces 28 are formed on the surfaces of the insulating member 14 facing the corresponding inner conductor contact elements 16 and 17 of the intermediate wall 29 formed between the inner conductor contact elements 16 and 17. In an exemplary embodiment, the inner conductor contact elements 16 and 17 are generally guided through the insulating member 14 between the support surface 24 and the rib-like extension 25. The insulating member 14 thus has U-shaped guides for the inner conductor contact elements 16 and 17, which transition into corresponding grooves 30 (see...). Figure 5 and Figure 7 ).

[0132] In order to assemble the corresponding inner conductor contact elements 16, 17, their contact sections 20 can be inserted into the groove 30 and then bent along the groove 30 between the support surface 24 and the rib extension 25 until the support shoulder 23 has reached its end position below the adjacent surface 26.

[0133] In order to introduce the pressing force provided for the pressing action into the support shoulder 23, the insulating member 14, the outer conductor assembly 6, and / or the housing assembly 4 may have at least one mating surface 31 for use with the respective assembly tool. In an exemplary embodiment, the housing assembly 4 is provided to have a mating surface 31 (see [link to example]). Figure 1 It is arranged in the area above the press-in pins 21 of the inner conductor contact elements 16, 17. In particular, it can be specified that the press-in pins 21 of the inner conductor contact elements and the contact elements 12, 13 of the outer conductor assembly 6 are pressed into the corresponding metal-plated recesses 11 of the electrical assembly 3 or the circuit board.

Claims

1. An electrical plug connector (2) having an insulating member (14) and at least one pair of inner conductor contact elements (15) for differential signal transmission, wherein the pair of inner conductor contact elements (15) includes a first inner conductor contact element (16) and a second inner conductor contact element (17), the pair of inner conductor contact elements (15) extending from a first end (18) of the insulating member (14) through the insulating member (14) to a second end (19) of the insulating member (14), wherein, The inner conductor contact elements (16, 17) have contact sections (20) in the region of the first end (18) of the insulating member (14) for contacting the inner conductor of the corresponding mating plug connector, and the inner conductor contact elements (16, 17) have press-in pins (21) in the region of the second end (19) of the insulating member (14) for pressing into the metal-plated recesses (11) of the electrical assembly (3). Its features are, The inner conductor contact elements (16, 17) each have a specific support shoulder (23) through which the pressing force required to press the press-in pin (21) into the metal-plated recess (11) can be introduced, wherein the support shoulder (23) is formed along the central axis (M) of the inner conductor contact elements (16, 17) between the contact section (20) and the press-in pin (21), and wherein the inner conductor contact elements (16, 17) have corresponding support surfaces (24) that avoid the support shoulder (23) and support the inner conductor contact elements (16, 17) in the insulating member (14) through the support surfaces; wherein the support shoulder (23) of the first inner conductor contact element (16) and the support shoulder (23) of the second inner conductor contact element (17) extend in opposite directions.

2. The electrical plug connector (2) according to claim 1. Its features are, The outer conductor assembly (6) has a first interface (9) and a second interface (10), the first interface being for electrical and mechanical contact of the outer conductor of the respective electrical mating plug connector, and the second interface being for electrical and mechanical contact of the electrical assembly (3), wherein the insulating member (14) is received in the outer conductor assembly (6) and oriented with a first end (18) of the insulating member (14) facing the first interface (9) and with a second end (19) of the insulating member (14) facing the second interface (10).

3. The electrical plug connector (2) according to claim 2. Its features are, The insulated housing assembly (4) has a mechanical interface (5) for connecting the electrical plug connector (2) to the corresponding mating plug connector, wherein the outer conductor assembly (6) is received in the housing assembly (4) and oriented toward the mechanical interface (5) with the first interface (9) of the outer conductor assembly (6).

4. The electrical plug connector (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 3. Its features are, The support shoulder (23) is directly adjacent to the press-in pin (21) along the central axis (M) of the inner conductor contact element (16, 17).

5. The electrical plug connector (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 4. Its features are, The first inner conductor contact element (16) and the second inner conductor contact element (17) are arranged and formed in an axially symmetrical manner along the longitudinal axis (L) of the insulating member (14).

6. The electrical plug connector (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 5. Its features are, The support shoulder (23) of the first inner conductor contact element (16) and the support shoulder (23) of the second inner conductor contact element (17) extend along a common orthogonal line (O) relative to the corresponding central axis (M) of the inner conductor contact elements (16, 17).

7. The electrical plug connector (2) according to claim 3. Its features are, The insulating component (14), the outer conductor assembly (6), and / or the housing assembly (4) have at least one engagement surface (31) for the assembly tool, through which the pressing force for pressing the press-in pin (21) into the metal-plated recess (11) is introduced from the assembly tool into the support shoulder (23).

8. The electrical plug connector (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 7. Its features are, The insulating component (14) has a rib-shaped extension (25) on its inner side, the rib-shaped extension (25) having a corresponding lateral abutment surface (26), and the corresponding support shoulder (23) abuts against the lateral abutment surface to transmit the pressing force.

9. The electrical plug connector (2) according to claim 8. Its features are, The lateral abutment surface (26) is formed to be recessed in the rib extension (25) or behind the recess (27) to provide a stop for the corresponding support shoulder (23).

10. The electrical plug connector (2) according to claim 8 or 9. Its features , The inner conductor contact element (16, 17) is supported in the insulating member (14) by its support surface (24) via a corresponding guide surface (28) formed on the inner side of the insulating member (14).

11. The electrical plug connector (2) according to claim 8 or claim 10. Its features are, The inner conductor contact elements (16, 17) are each guided through the insulating member (14) between the support surface (24) and the rib extension (25).

12. The electrical plug connector (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 11. Its features are, The contact section of the inner conductor contact element (16, 17) is formed as a contact pin (20) or a sleeve contact.

13. The electrical plug connector (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 12. Its features are, The inner conductor contact elements (16, 17) are each in single-piece form.

14. An electrical connection device (1) having an electrical plug connector (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 13 and having electrical components, particularly a circuit board (3).

15. The electrical connection device (1) according to claim 14. Its features are, The metal-plated recesses are formed as electroplated through holes (11) and / or blind holes in the electrical components, particularly in the circuit board (3).

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