Outer conductor assembly, electrical plug connector and electrical connection device

Abstract

The invention relates to an outer conductor assembly (6) for an electrical plug connector (2). The outer conductor assembly (6) has a first interface (9) for electrically and mechanically contacting an outer conductor of a corresponding electrical counterpart plug connector and a second interface (10) for electrically and mechanically contacting a metallized recess (11) of an electrical assembly (3). The second interface (10) has a plurality of contact elements (12, 13) for contacting the electrical assembly (3). It is provided that a first group of contact elements is formed as press-in pins (12) for an overdimensioned fit in the metallized recess (11) of the electrical assembly (3) and a second group of contact elements is formed as elastic contact elements (13) for insertion into the metallized recess (11) of the electrical assembly (3).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an outer conductor assembly for an electrical plug connector, the outer conductor assembly having a first interface and a second interface, the first interface being for the outer conductor of an electrically mated plug connector corresponding to electrical and mechanical contacts, and the second interface being for the metal-plated recesses of the electrical and mechanical contact electrical components, as claimed in the preamble of claim 1.

[0002] The present invention also relates to an electrical plug connector.

[0003] The present invention also relates to an electrical connection device having an electrical plug connector and electrical components, particularly a circuit board. Background Technology

[0004] Various electrical plug connectors are known in 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. Specifically, a plug connector or mating plug connector can be a plug, a circuit board connector, a panel connector, a socket, or a coupler. In the context of this invention, the terms "plug connector" or "mating plug connector" represent all variations.

[0005] 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.

[0006] When a vehicle operates autonomously, or with assistance systems in use, it is sometimes necessary to combine and typically transmit large amounts of data from numerous 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, the demands on plug connectors and cable connections within the vehicle regarding the required data rates have become increasingly stringent over time. To save structural space and weight, it is further important to design plug connectors to be as compact as possible.

[0007] Further requirements for plug connectors used in the automotive industry are that these plug connectors should be economically producible in high unit quantities and should be easy and reliable to assemble.

[0008] Electrical plug connectors typically have an outer conductor assembly, particularly for electromagnetic shielding to facilitate signal transmission and for transmitting a reference voltage between the mating plug connector and the electrical component, contributing to signal transmission. Here, the overall electrical characteristics of the plug connector and its usability for transmitting high-frequency electrical signals are not limited by the quality of the electromagnetic shielding (and particularly the transition resistance between the outer conductor assembly and the electrical component). While sufficient shielding can be relatively easily ensured in the area of ​​the first interface for connection to the corresponding electrical mating plug connector and within the plug connector itself, the continuation of electromagnetic shielding in the area of ​​the second interface for connection to electrical components (especially circuit boards) is often difficult in practice if the plug connector's suitability for mass production is maintained simultaneously while keeping the cost of assembling the plug connector onto the electrical component low.

[0009] Electrical and mechanical contact between the outer conductor assembly and the electrical component of an electrical connector is typically achieved in practice using a so-called oversize fit or "interference fit." For this purpose, multiple press-fit pins of the outer conductor assembly are pressed into associated metal-plated recesses of the electrical component using a specific pressing pressure. This results in a cold solder joint and a tight connection between the press-fit pins and the recesses.

[0010] However, the maximum press-in pressure that can be supplied is limited to avoid cracking and breakage in electrical components, especially circuit boards. For this reason, the minimum spacing between two adjacent press-in pins should not be less than the defined minimum spacing. However, to provide high shielding and low transition resistance, especially when plug connectors are used to transmit high-frequency electrical signals, the smallest possible spacing between the press-in pins is desirable. Summary of the Invention

[0011] In view of the prior art, the object of the present invention is to provide an outer conductor assembly that provides particularly high shielding, especially in the transition region to electrical components, and that the outer conductor assembly can be economically manufactured and easily assembled, preferably in the context of mass production.

[0012] The present invention also aims to provide an electrical plug connector that provides particularly high shielding, especially in the transition area to electrical components, and that can be economically manufactured and easily assembled, preferably in the context of mass production.

[0013] Finally, another object of the present invention is to provide an improved electrical connection device that is preferably advantageously suited for use in high-frequency technologies.

[0014] For the outer conductor assembly, this objective is achieved by means of the features specified in claim 1. For the electrical plug connector, this objective is achieved by means of the features of claim 8. For the electrical connection device, this objective is achieved by means of claim 12.

[0015] The dependent claims and the features described below relate to advantageous embodiments and variations of the invention.

[0016] An outer conductor assembly for an electrical plug connector is provided. The outer conductor assembly has a first interface and a second interface. The first interface is for the outer conductor of the electrically mating plug connector corresponding to electrical and mechanical contacts. The second interface is for the metal-plated recesses of electrical and mechanical contacts of electrical components. For contacting the electrical components, the second interface has multiple contact elements.

[0017] The outer conductor assembly is preferably a single component, but it may also be a multi-component assembly.

[0018] 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.

[0019] The outer conductor assembly is preferably formed entirely of a 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.

[0020] The outer conductor assembly may be partially, substantially, or preferably entirely formed of metal, preferably sheet metal.

[0021] The first interface may be specifically formed in the region of the "front" end of the outer conductor assembly or in the region of the front end of the electrical plug connector equipped with the outer conductor assembly. The second interface may be specifically formed in the region of the "rear" end of the outer conductor assembly or in the region of the rear end of the electrical plug connector equipped with the outer conductor assembly. The two interfaces may preferably be arranged at the relatively positioned ends of the outer conductor assembly or the electrical plug connector equipped with the outer conductor assembly (along the longitudinal axis or the central axis).

[0022] The outer conductor assembly is preferably in the form of a sleeve so as to enclose the plug connector component to be electromagnetically shielded by the electrical plug connector.

[0023] The outer conductor assembly can have a straight, curved, or angled profile, and in particular, a right-angled profile for use in angled plug connectors.

[0024] According to the invention, a first set of contact elements is formed as press-fit pins (also referred to as "press-fit pins") for oversized engagement in the metallized recesses of electrical components.

[0025] This press-fit technique is known in the circuit board industry, particularly as a connection technique, and has proven successful for producing 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" that occurs during the press-fit process can be accommodated by deformation within the recess and / or by deformation of the press-fit pin. Due to the accumulated force, a tight, cold-welded, and airtight connection is formed.

[0026] Using an oversized fit for connecting electrical plug connectors to electrical components can be advantageous because, for example, thermal loads on the components involved are avoided. Furthermore, press-fit connections can be manufactured very easily and quickly. Additionally, hermetic connections offer durable resistance to aging and corrosion of the plug connector.

[0027] However, as mentioned in the introduction, a disadvantage of oversized fits is that they naturally require relatively high pressing forces for the press-in operation, which correspondingly subjectes the electrical components and outer conductor assemblies to mechanical loads during assembly. Therefore, the minimum spacing between adjacent contact elements depends on the components and should therefore not be less than the maximum number of contact elements.

[0028] According to the present invention, the second set of contact elements is formed as resilient contact elements for insertion into the metal-plated recesses of electrical components.

[0029] The resilient contact element is preferably designed in the form of an angled contact foot or a spring tab. Specifically, the resilient contact element may be angled and protrude laterally from the outer conductor assembly, at least in certain sections.

[0030] The resilient contact element preferably extends to avoid being coplanar with the wall of the outer conductor assembly.

[0031] Due to the fact that, according to the present invention, two different sets of contact elements are provided, wherein the first set has press-fit pins for oversized fits and the second set has resilient contact elements, the number or density of contact elements can be advantageously increased without the risk of damage or breakage to electrical components (e.g., circuit boards) caused by assembly. The increased density of contact elements or the reduced minimum spacing between contact elements can ultimately be used to sufficiently improve the shielding effect of the outer conductor assembly and to reduce transition resistance, thereby providing an electrical plug connector for transmitting high-frequency electrical signals. Furthermore, an impedance-controlled transition between the external connector assembly and the electrical components can be provided.

[0032] The outer diameter of the press-in pin is preferably larger than the inner diameter of the metal-plated recess of the electrical component to allow for oversized fit.

[0033] In contrast, the outer diameter of the resilient contact element is preferably smaller than the inner diameter of the metallized recess of the electrical component. Because the resilient contact element can be inserted into the metallized recess without significant force expenditure, the electrical component is free from mechanical load. Simultaneously, the preload of the resilient contact element creates a secure mechanical and electrical connection between the outer conductor assembly and the electrical component.

[0034] The press-in pin may have an insertion section at its free end, the outer diameter of which is smaller than the inner diameter of the metal-plated recess. It can be provided that the cross-section of the press-in pin widens from the insertion section. This facilitates the insertion of the press-in pin. Furthermore, in this way, the pressing pressure required for the press-in pin to press into the recess can be continuously increased during the pressing process, which can further reduce the mechanical load on the component involved.

[0035] It can be provided that the press-in pin is designed to be longer than the resilient contact element, preferably designed to be at least 10% longer than the resilient contact element, particularly preferably designed to be at least 20% longer than the resilient contact element, very particularly preferably designed to be at least 50% longer than the resilient contact element, and even more preferably designed to be at least 100% longer than the resilient contact element.

[0036] In an advantageous improvement of the invention, the press-in pin may be provided with an elastically deformable zone, at least along its longitudinal axis. This deformable zone is preferably formed by a central material recess.

[0037] The press-in pin may in particular have an elongated material recess or groove, preferably oriented in a pinhole manner, along the longitudinal axis of the press-in contact.

[0038] It can be provided that the material recess does not extend through the material of the press-in pin, but is formed, for example, only as a depression or groove, or for example, as a depression on both sides.

[0039] Multiple material recesses may also be provided, preferably arranged along the longitudinal axis of the corresponding press-in pin.

[0040] It can also be provided that the press-in pin does not have a deformation zone but is solid.

[0041] In one improvement of the invention, a second interface may be provided formed on an end section of the sleeve-shaped surrounding wall of the outer conductor assembly, the end section facing the electrical assembly on its face side. Preferably, the contact element extends from the end section in the assembly direction.

[0042] Preferably, the contact element extends as an elongation of the wall of the outer conductor assembly.

[0043] The contact elements are preferably arranged in a ring shape (e.g., rectangular, elliptical, or circular) in the area of ​​the second interface.

[0044] In one improvement of the invention, the contact elements may be arranged to be distributed along the periphery of the sleeve-shaped surrounding wall. The contact elements are preferably arranged symmetrically and / or uniformly or equidistantly.

[0045] The contact elements can be arranged preferably symmetrically along the peripheral axis. However, a point-symmetric arrangement is also possible. Furthermore, an equidistant distribution of the contact elements can be particularly suitable, and in some cases, a non-equidistant distribution may also be provided.

[0046] In one improvement of the invention, at least one of the resilient contact elements may be arranged between two press-fit pins along the periphery of the sleeve-shaped surrounding wall.

[0047] However, it is not mandatory to arrange one or more resilient contact elements between all adjacent press-fit pins—it depends on the spacing between the press-fit pins.

[0048] Essentially, a large number of press-fit pins is preferred to reduce the transition resistance between the outer conductor assembly and the electrical components; for this reason, more press-fit pins than resilient contacts can be used. However, in general, any desired number of press-fit pins and any desired number of resilient contacts can be provided. The ratio between the number of press-fit pins and the number of resilient contacts is arbitrary.

[0049] Preferably, two to ten or more resilient contact elements are provided, and more preferably four to eight resilient contact elements, especially exactly six resilient contact elements. However, it is also possible to provide only a single resilient contact element.

[0050] Preferably, two to ten or more push-in pins are provided, particularly four to eight push-in pins, especially exactly four push-in pins. However, it is also possible to provide only a single push-in pin.

[0051] In one improvement of the invention, the outer conductor assembly may be provided as a single piece, preferably formed from a stamped and bent component.

[0052] The outer conductor assembly can be specifically formed as a single piece with the contact elements (press-in pins and / or resilient contact elements). However, it is also possible to provide the outer conductor assembly and contact elements in a multi-part form. Producing the outer conductor assembly as a single piece from a metal sheet can be particularly suitable for mass production.

[0053] In an advantageous improvement of the invention, it can be provided that the outer conductor assembly, particularly the contact elements (press-in pins and / or resilient contact elements), is formed of aluminum bronze.

[0054] Essentially, the outer conductor assembly and / or contact elements can be formed from any metal or any metal alloy, such as brass, bronze, and / or beryllium copper. However, the inventors have determined that aluminum bronze is particularly suitable for a particularly good connection between electrical plug connectors and electrical components.

[0055] The surface of the outer conductor assembly (particularly the surface of the contact elements (press-in pins and / or resilient contact elements)) may be blank, nickel-plated, tin-plated, gold-plated, and / or palladium-plated.

[0056] The present invention also relates to an electrical plug connector having an outer conductor assembly as described above and below.

[0057] By using the proposed outer conductor assembly in the plug connector, the setting force required to assemble the electrical plug connector onto the electrical component can be advantageously reduced.

[0058] The plug connector according to the invention is advantageously suited for transmitting high-frequency electrical signals. The plug connector and its fastening to electrical components can also have a robust and compact form.

[0059] 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.

[0060] 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).

[0061] 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, and the present invention is particularly suitable for plug connectors used in high-frequency technologies. In particular, it can also be a plug connector of the PL, BNC, TNC, SMBA (FAKRA), SMA, SMB, SMS, SMC, SMP, BMS, HFM (FAKRA-Mini), BMK, Mini-Coax, or MATE-AX type.

[0062] The plug connector according to the invention can be particularly advantageously used 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.

[0063] 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. However, it is preferred if the electrical plug connector is a purely electrical plug connector and does not have optical components.

[0064] In an advantageous improvement of the invention, an electrically insulating housing assembly with a mechanical interface can be provided for connecting the electrically insulating housing connector to a corresponding mating plug connector.

[0065] Mechanical interfaces may have devices 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.

[0066] The mechanical interface may have a stop for locking engagement between the plug connector and the mating plug connector.

[0067] Mechanical interfaces may have one or more seals.

[0068] The outer conductor assembly can preferably be received in the housing assembly in a form-locking and / or non-form-locking manner. However, an alternative arrangement can also be provided, wherein the housing assembly is preferably received in the outer conductor assembly in a form-locking and / or non-form-locking manner.

[0069] It can be provided that the outer conductor assembly extends from the housing assembly at the second (rear) end of the housing assembly using an end section, the second end being located opposite the mechanical interface. In this way, mechanical and / or electrical connections to electrical components (e.g., cables, equipment housings, or circuit boards) can be made possible in a particularly simple manner.

[0070] 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.

[0071] 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 the circuit board or the corresponding mating plug connector, such as spring contacts, screw elements, and / or locking elements.

[0072] The housing assembly may be partially, substantially, or preferably entirely made of plastic.

[0073] The outer conductor assembly may optionally have 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 plug connector assembly. By means of the proposed fastening, a solid undercut can be provided 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 the opposite direction to the insertion direction of the respective mating plug connector. Alternatively, however, other fastenings may be provided between the outer conductor assembly and the housing assembly, such as interference fits or fastening by means of fastening claws.

[0074] In an advantageous improvement of the invention, an electrical plug connector may be provided having at least one electrical inner conductor contact element extending through an outer conductor assembly from a first end to a second end, the first end being disposed within a first interface and the second end being disposed within a second interface, wherein the inner conductor contact element at its first end is designed for electrical and mechanical contact with a corresponding inner conductor of the mating plug connector, and the inner conductor contact element at its second end is designed for electrical and mechanical contact with a corresponding inner conductor of the electrical assembly.

[0075] Electrical plug connectors can have virtually any number of inner conductor contact elements, such as exactly one inner conductor contact element. However, electrical plug connectors preferably have two to twelve inner conductor contact elements, particularly two, four, or eight inner conductor contact elements.

[0076] 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 jointly shield two inner conductor contact elements and any other inner conductor contact elements that may be present in each case.

[0077] 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.

[0078] Electrical plug connectors may also have additional plug connector components besides the insulating housing assembly and the outer conductor assembly. For example, an electrical plug connector may be provided with one or more insulating parts made of electrically insulating material to electrically insulate at least one inner conductor contact element relative to the outer conductor assembly and to mechanically secure said at least one inner conductor contact element within the outer conductor assembly. Electrical plug connectors may also substantially have any other desired components, such as seals or fastening elements for fastening to electrical components (e.g., to cables or to circuit boards).

[0079] In one improvement of the invention, the maximum center-to-center spacing between directly adjacent contact elements along the periphery of the sleeve-shaped surrounding wall of the second interface corresponds to one-quarter of the wavelength of the signal frequency intended for signal transmission with the electrical plug connector.

[0080] Electromagnetic shielding can therefore be optimized for the wavelength to be used. The signal frequency intended for signal transmission with the electrical plug connector could be, for example, 20 GHz.

[0081] It can be provided that the maximum center-to-center distance between directly adjacent contact elements is 0.5 mm to 4.0 mm, preferably 1.0 mm to 2.0 mm, and particularly preferably about 1.5 mm, for example 1.6 mm. However, the center-to-center distance can also be less than 0.5 mm or greater than 4.0 mm.

[0082] The present invention also relates to an electrical connection device having an electrical plug connector according to any one of the foregoing and the following statements and having an electrical component, particularly a circuit board, having a metal-plated recess for electrical and mechanical contact with a second interface assembly of the outer conductor assembly of the electrical plug connector.

[0083] The electrical connection device according to the invention can preferably be designed as a connection device consisting of a circuit board plug connector and a circuit board. However, essentially any connection device consisting of an electrical plug connector and an electrical component can be provided, 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.

[0084] Electrical connection devices can be advantageously provided, in which case the assembly of the electrical plug connector onto the electrical component can be performed with reduced assembly force. The resilient contact element (which may also be referred to as a "contact spring") proposed according to the invention can significantly improve known oversized mating or press-fit connections.

[0085] According to the present invention, the shielding effect in the transition area between the electrical plug connector and the electrical component can be improved, wherein cracks or breaks in the circuit board or electrical component during the assembly process are avoided.

[0086] It can be provided that the resilient contact elements are inserted only into the associated metal-plated recesses against the resilient restoring force and are not pressed in, but at the same time, due to the restoring force in the state where they are already inserted into the metal-plated recesses, the resilient contact elements apply a corresponding contact pressure on the metal coating of the recesses for sufficient mechanical and electrical connection.

[0087] Preferably, the resilient contact element and the metal-plated recess are designed such that inserting the resilient contact element into the recess does not result in cold welding, but rather in a fastening based on resilient preload.

[0088] In an advantageous improvement of the invention, the metal-plated recesses can be provided as plated through-holes (“vias”) and / or blind vias in electrical components, particularly circuit boards. Recesses can also be provided in electrical components.

[0089] The contact between the resilient contact element and the metallized recess of the electrical component is preferably radially arranged. In a preferred improvement of the invention, it can therefore be provided that the resilient contact element is designed to radially abut against the inner surface of the metallized recess under mechanical preload when the resilient contact element has been inserted into the metallized recess.

[0090] However, if the metallized recess is formed as a blind hole or depression, it can alternatively or additionally provide a face-to-side contact.

[0091] In one improvement of the invention, the press-in pin, resilient contact element, and / or metallized recess may have a circular or rectangular cross-section. Additional (particularly polygonal) cross-sections may also be provided.

[0092] In particular, a square cross-sectional profile with rounded corners can be especially suitable for forming press-fit pins and / or resilient contact elements.

[0093] In an advantageous improvement of the invention, it can be provided that all the metal-plated recesses provided for contacting the outer conductor assembly have the same diameter.

[0094] This approach can further simplify the costs associated with producing electrical components or circuit boards.

[0095] Features already described in connection with one of the subjects of the invention (particularly the outer conductor assembly according to the invention, the electrical plug connector according to the invention, and the electrical connection device according to the invention) can also be advantageously applied to other subjects of the invention. Similarly, advantages already mentioned in connection with one of the subjects of the invention can also be understood to relate to other subjects of the invention.

[0096] 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 / described” that refer to a step or feature in the singular do not exclude multiple features or steps—and vice versa.

[0097] However, in linguistic 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 can be considered in a self-contained form, for example, individually for each claim. The invention may, for example, consist only of the features specified in claim 1.

[0098] Note that terms such as “first” or “second” are used primarily for the purpose of distinguishing features between the corresponding apparatus or method features, and are not mandatory in indicating that features are interdependent or related to each other. Furthermore, the term “outer conductor” in the description of the outer conductor assembly should not be construed as implying that an inner conductor or inner conductor contact element must be provided.

[0099] It is further 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. The specified range by way of starting and ending values ​​also includes all values ​​and fractions included in the ranges stated separately, particularly the starting and ending values ​​and their corresponding average values.

[0100] The present invention also relates to an outer conductor assembly for an electrical plug connector, independent of claim 1, the outer conductor assembly having at least one press-in pin and at least one resilient contact element, the at least one press-in pin being configured to fit oversized within a recess of the electrical component, and the at least one resilient contact element being configured to press into the recess of the electrical component. Further features of claim 1 and the dependent claims, as well as features described herein, relate to advantageous embodiments and variations of the outer conductor assembly. Attached Figure Description

[0101] Exemplary embodiments of the present invention will now be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0102] The accompanying drawings illustrate preferred exemplary embodiments, in which 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 with other exemplary embodiments.

[0103] In the figure, elements with the same function are represented by the same reference numerals.

[0104] In the diagram, in each case, schematically:

[0105] Figure 1 An electrical connection device consisting of an electrical plug connector and electrical components is shown in a three-dimensional diagram;

[0106] Figure 2 Shown separately in a 3D diagram Figure 1 The outer conductor assembly of the plug connector;

[0107] Figure 3 Shown separately in a 3D diagram Figure 1 The insulating components of the plug connector;

[0108] Figure 4 Shown separately in a 3D diagram Figure 1 The two inner conductor contact elements of the plug connector;

[0109] Figure 5 A plan view of the second interface is shown. Figure 2 outer conductor assembly;

[0110] Figure 6 A cross-section through an electrical component is shown, which has metal-plated through-holes for receiving press-in pins and resilient contact elements during the assembly of the electrical plug connector to the electrical component;

[0111] Figure 7 This illustrates the process after the electrical plug connector is assembled onto the electrical components. Figure 6 The cross-section;

[0112] Figure 8 It shows Figure 1 Enlarged stereoscopic details of the two resilient contact elements of the outer conductor assembly of the plug connector and the press-in pin arranged between the two resilient contact elements;

[0113] Figure 9 Shown in side view Figure 1 Details of the second interface of the plug connector; and

[0114] Figure 10 The following view shows Figure 1 Details of the second interface of the plug connector. Detailed Implementation

[0115] Figure 1 An electrical connection device 1 having an electrical plug connector 2 and an electrical component 3 is shown. In an exemplary embodiment, the electrical plug connector is in the form of a circuit board plug connector 2, and the electrical component is in the form of a circuit board 3. However, this should not be construed as limiting. In the context of the present invention, essentially any electrical plug connector and any electrical component can be provided. In an exemplary embodiment, the electrical plug connector 2 is in the form of an angled plug connector 2; however, 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 assembling the housing assembly 4 along the longitudinal axis L of the housing assembly 4 onto the outer conductor assembly 6. 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 the fastening edge.

[0119] The outer conductor assembly 6 has a first interface 9 for electrical and mechanical contact with the outer conductor of the corresponding electrically mating plug connector. The outer conductor assembly 6 also has a second interface 10 for electrical and mechanical contact with the metal-plated recess 11 of the electrical component or circuit board 3 (see...). Figure 1 , Figure 6 and Figure 7 To make contact with circuit board 3, the second interface 10 has multiple contact elements 12, 13.

[0120] The electrical plug connector 2 preferably has at least one inner conductor contact element 14. In an exemplary embodiment, the electrical plug connector 2 has exactly two inner conductor contact elements 14, which in Figure 4 The inner conductor contact element 14 extends through the outer conductor assembly 6 from a first end 15 to a second end 16. The first end 15 is disposed within the first interface 9, and the second end 16 is disposed within the second interface 10 (see details). Figure 5 (As shown by the dashed line in the diagram). At its first end 15, the inner conductor contact element 14 is designed for electrical and mechanical contact with the corresponding inner conductor of the electrical mating plug connector. At its second end 16, the inner conductor contact element 14 is designed for electrical and mechanical contact with the corresponding conductor / inner conductor of the electrical component or circuit board 3 (e.g., conductor track or plated through-hole).

[0121] The electrical plug connector 2 may also have additional plug connector components. The electrical plug connector 2 of this exemplary embodiment has an insulating part 17 received within the outer conductor assembly 6, and within the insulating part 17, the inner conductor contact element 14 is individually guided. The insulating part 17... Figure 3 The inner conductor contact element 14 is shown separately by way of example. With the help of the insulating member 17, the inner conductor contact element 14 can be adequately secured in the electrical plug connector 2 and electrically insulated relative to the outer conductor assembly 6.

[0122] The outer conductor assembly 6 can be used as an electromagnetic shielding inner conductor contact element 14. Furthermore, the outer conductor assembly 6 can function as an electrical outer conductor for transmitting an electrical reference signal in the context of signal transmission.

[0123] For contacting the electrical component or circuit board 3, the contact elements 12 and 13 are provided in two groups. The first group of contact elements is formed as press-fit pins 12 for oversized engagement in the metal-plated recesses 11 of the electrical component or circuit board 3. The second group of contact elements is formed as resilient contact elements 13 for pressing into the metal-plated recesses 11 of the electrical component or circuit board 3. The press-fit pins 12 may be particularly positioned along their longitudinal axis L. E The cross section has an elastic deformation zone, which is preferably formed by a central material recess 18 in the form of a groove or pinhole, as shown.

[0124] Figure 6 and Figure 7 The different pressing processes of the press-in pin 12 and the resilient contact element 13 into the metallized recess 11 are visualized. When the pressing of the press-in pin 12 results in a cold weld or a cohesive, hermetic connection, the fastening of the resilient contact element 13 in the metallized recess 11 occurs through the elastic preload of the resilient contact element 13.

[0125] Because of the use of resilient contact element 13 in addition to press-fit pin 12, a closer arrangement of contact elements 12 and 13 can be achieved, while maintaining a closer arrangement, or even reducing the pressing force. Therefore, damage to electrical components or circuit board 3 due to the pressing process can be avoided. However, the closer arrangement of contact elements 12 and 13 improves shielding in the area of ​​the second interface 10.

[0126] Similar to the press-in pin 12, the inner conductor contact element 14 may have a deformable region 19 at its second end 16. In this way, the inner conductor contact element 14 can also be press-fitted into an electrical component or into a circuit board 3. However, virtually any fastening technique can be used between the inner conductor contact element 14 and the electrical component or circuit board 3, such as soldering.

[0127] Figure 5 A view of the outer conductor assembly 6 from below is shown by way of example. It can be seen that the second interface 10 is formed on the end section of the sleeve-shaped surrounding wall 20 of the outer conductor assembly 6, facing the electrical component or circuit board 3 on the face side. Starting from the face side of the sleeve-shaped surrounding wall 20 of the outer conductor assembly 6, contact elements 12 and 13 extend in the direction of the electrical component or circuit board 3. Here, the contact elements 12 and 13 are arranged to be distributed along the periphery of the sleeve-shaped surrounding wall 20. In this exemplary embodiment, the contact elements 12 and 13 are arranged to be axially symmetrically distributed and equidistantly distributed in multiple regions. Due to the use of the proposed press-fit pin 12 and resilient contact elements 13, the maximum center-to-center distance D between the contact elements 12 and 13 adjacent to each other along the periphery of the sleeve-shaped surrounding wall 20 of the second interface 10 (see [link to documentation]). Figure 5 The center-to-center distance D can be less than that used when only the push-in pin 12 is used. Preferably, the center-to-center distance D can correspond to one-quarter of the wavelength of the signal frequency intended for signal transmission with the electrical plug connector 2.

[0128] In an exemplary embodiment, the metal-plated recess is formed as a plated through-hole 11 in the circuit board 3 (see details). Figure 6 and Figure 7 However, metal-plated recesses can also be formed as blind holes or depressions.

[0129] Preferably, all the metal-plated recesses 11 provided for contacting the outer conductor assembly 6 have the same inner diameter in order to simplify the production of electrical components or circuit boards 3.

[0130] Figure 8 The details of the second interface 10 of the outer conductor assembly 6 are shown at an enlarged scale. Figure 9A side view of the electrical plug connector 2 in the region of the second interface 10 of the outer conductor assembly 6 is also shown, and Figure 10 A rear view of the electrical plug connector 2 in the region of the second interface 10 of the outer conductor assembly 6 is shown. The outer conductor assembly 6 is preferably formed as a single piece, and particularly preferably formed from stamped and bent components. Here, aluminum bronze has proven to be a particularly advantageous material for forming the outer conductor assembly 6.

[0131] The press-in pin 12, the resilient contact element 13, and / or the metal-plated recess 11 preferably have a circular or (as in the case of the exemplary embodiment) rectangular cross-section (optionally with rounded corners).

[0132] To facilitate insertion, the press-in pin 12 may be designed to be longer than the resilient contact element 13. The press-in pin 12 may also have an insertion section at its free end with a reduced cross-section, the cross-section being widened in the deformation zone (see details). Figure 8 ).

[0133] The press-in pin 12 is preferably formed to be coplanar with the surrounding wall 20 of the outer conductor assembly 6 and extends linearly in the direction of the electrical assembly or circuit board 3. The resilient contact element 13 is preferably angled and extends so as not to be coplanar with the surrounding wall 20 (see details). Figure 9 and Figure 10 However, alternative configurations of the resilient contact element 13 and / or the press-in pin 12 may also be provided.

Claims

1. An outer conductor assembly (6) for an electrical plug connector (2), the outer conductor assembly (6) having a first interface (9) and a second interface (10), the first interface (9) for electrical and mechanical contact with the outer conductor of a corresponding electrical mating plug connector, and the second interface (10) for electrical and mechanical contact with a metal-plated recess (11) of an electrical component (3), wherein, The second interface (10) has a plurality of contact elements (12, 13) for contacting the electrical component (3). Its features are, The first set of contact elements is formed as press-fit pins (12) for oversized fit in the metal-plated recesses (11) of the electrical assembly (3), and the second set of contact elements is formed as resilient contact elements (13) for insertion into the metal-plated recesses (11) of the electrical assembly (3); wherein the resilient contact elements are bent such that three spaced-apart contact areas are formed along the respective resilient contact elements (13) for corresponding inner contact of the metal-plated recesses (11).

2. The outer conductor assembly (6) according to claim 1. Its features are, The press-in pin (12) has an elastic deformation zone at least along its longitudinal axis (LE) section, the elastic deformation zone being formed by a central material recess (18).

3. The outer conductor assembly (6) according to claim 1 or 2. Its features are, The second interface (10) is formed on the end section of the sleeve-shaped surrounding wall (20) of the outer conductor assembly (6) facing the electrical assembly (3) on the surface side, and the contact elements (12, 13) extend from the end section in the direction of the electrical assembly (3).

4. The outer conductor assembly (6) according to claim 3. Its features are, The contact elements (12, 13) are arranged in a distributed manner along the periphery of the sleeve-shaped surrounding wall (20).

5. The outer conductor assembly (6) according to claim 4. Its features are, The contact elements (12, 13) are arranged symmetrically and / or equidistantly along the periphery of the sleeve-shaped surrounding wall (20).

6. The outer conductor assembly (6) according to claim 4 or 5. Its features are, At least one of the elastic contact elements (13) is arranged between two press-fit pins along the periphery of the sleeve-shaped surrounding wall (20).

7. The outer conductor assembly (6) according to any one of claims 1 to 2 and 4 to 5. Its features are, The outer conductor assembly (6) is formed as a single piece.

8. The outer conductor assembly (6) according to claim 7. Its features are, The outer conductor assembly (6) is formed as a single piece from stamped and bent components.

9. The outer conductor assembly (6) according to any one of claims 1 to 2, 4 to 5 and 8. Its features are, The outer conductor assembly (6) is formed of aluminum bronze.

10. An electrical plug connector (2) having an outer conductor assembly (6) according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

11. The electrical plug connector (2) according to claim 10. Its features are, The electrical plug connector (2) includes an electrical insulating housing assembly (4) having a mechanical interface (5) for connecting the electrical plug connector (2) to a corresponding mating plug connector, wherein the outer conductor assembly (6) is received in the housing assembly (4) in a form-locking manner.

12. The electrical plug connector (2) according to claim 10 or 11. Its features are, The electrical plug connector (2) further includes at least one inner conductor contact element (14) extending from a first end (15) to a second end (16) through the outer conductor assembly (6), the first end (15) being disposed within the first interface (9) and the second end (16) being disposed within the second interface (10), wherein the inner conductor contact element (14) at its first end (15) is designed for electrical and mechanical contact with the corresponding inner conductor of the electrical mating plug connector, and the inner conductor contact element (14) at its second end (16) is designed for electrical and mechanical contact with the corresponding inner conductor of the electrical component (3).

13. The electrical plug connector (2) according to claim 10 or 11. Its features are, The maximum center-to-center spacing (D) between the contact elements (12, 13) directly adjacent to each other along the periphery of the sleeve-shaped surrounding wall (20) of the second interface (10) corresponds to one-quarter of the wavelength of the signal frequency intended for signal transmission with the electrical plug connector (2).

14. An electrical connection device (1) having an electrical plug connector (2) according to any one of claims 10 to 13 and having an electrical component having a metal-plated recess (11) for electrical and mechanical contact with a second interface (10) of an outer conductor assembly (6) of the electrical plug connector (2).

15. The electrical connection device (1) according to claim 14. Its features are, The metal-plated recess is formed as a plated through hole (11) and / or a blind hole in the electrical assembly.

16. The electrical connection device (1) according to claim 14 or 15. Its features are, The electrical component is a circuit board (3).

17. The electrical connection device (1) according to claim 14 or 15. Its features are, The resilient contact element (13) is designed to make radial contact with the metal-plated recess (11) at its inner surface under mechanical preload when the resilient contact element (13) has been inserted into the metal-plated recess (11).

18. The electrical connection device (1) according to claim 14 or 15. Its features are, The outer diameter of the elastic contact element (13) is smaller than the inner diameter of the metal-plated recess (11).

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