PCB connectors for fiber optics

Abstract

The invention relates to a plug connector (1) for connecting a printed circuit board (2) to a mating plug connector, the plug connector comprising: a plug connector housing (3) which can be connected to a mating plug connector housing of a mating plug connector; a lens unit (4) which can be connected to a transmitting / receiving unit (5) arranged on the printed circuit board (2) and to an optical conductor of the mating plug connector in a light-conducting manner; and a fixing unit (6) which has two fixing arms (7.1; 7.2) and a fixing section (8) which connects the fixing arms (7.1; 7.2). The plug connector housing (3) has a receiving space (9) in which the lens unit (4) is arranged. The fixing unit (6) is detachably connected to the fixing arms (7.1; 7.2) at two opposite side walls (10.1; 10.2) of the plug connector housing (3), wherein the fixing section (8) fixes the lens unit (4) in the receiving space (9).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a plug connector for connecting a printed circuit board to a mating plug connector. Here, the plug connector is used to create a light-conducting connection between the printed circuit board and the mating plug connector, so that optical signals can be transmitted between the printed circuit board and the mating plug connector. Background Art

[0002] Due to the increasing digitization and miniaturization of products and processes, and the resulting ever-increasing data volume, the demand for space-saving and cost-effective data connections that can achieve high data transfer rates is also growing. Since optical fibers are particularly suitable for transmitting very high data rates, it has become increasingly interesting to use optical fibers as a means of data transmission. The connection of optical fibers is usually achieved via a plug-in system, so that the optical fibers can be detachably connected to other optical fibers or semiconductor circuit boards. For the connection to a semiconductor circuit board, a circuit board plug is usually used, which is non-detachably (e.g., by soldering) connected to the semiconductor circuit board. The non-detachable connection of the semiconductor circuit board enables simple installation and the precise and loadable arrangement of the circuit board plug on the semiconductor circuit board, thereby ensuring optical transmission through the circuit board plug.

[0003] Due to the increasing scarcity of raw materials and the continuous increase in the demand for more sustainable products, there are some disadvantages associated with the non-detachable fixation of the circuit board plug. For example, the non-detachable connection significantly makes reusability difficult, because the components cannot be separated from each other frequently or cannot be completely separated from each other. In addition, most of the individual components of the circuit board plug for transmitting optical signals are non-detachably connected to each other, so that the individual components within the circuit board plug are usually not replaceable and thus not repairable. Therefore, a faulty circuit board plug usually results in the entire semiconductor circuit board having to be replaced depending on the application of the circuit board plug. Therefore, the recyclability and reusability of the circuit board plugs to date usually only exist on a small scale. Summary of the Invention

[0004] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a plug connector that can achieve a light-conducting connection between a printed circuit board and an optical fiber, overcomes at least one of the disadvantages mentioned in the prior art, and in particular has higher recyclability and reusability.

[0005] The object according to the invention is achieved by a plug connector having the features of the independent claims. Other advantageous embodiments can be derived from the dependent claims, the description, and the drawings.

[0006] The plug connector according to the present invention for connecting a circuit board to a mating plug connector has a plug connector housing. The plug connector housing can be connected to the mating plug connector housing of the mating plug connector. The plug connector according to the present invention further has a lens unit. The lens unit can be connected to a transmitting / receiving unit arranged on a printed circuit board. Here, the transmitting / receiving unit can be used for transmitting and / or receiving optical signals. The transmitting / receiving unit can also be designed to convert an optical signal into an electrical signal. The lens unit can also be connected in a light-guiding manner to an optical conductor of the mating plug connector. In this way, a light-guiding connection can be established between the optical fiber of the mating plug connector and the transmitting / receiving unit of the printed circuit board by means of the lens unit. In addition, the lens unit can be designed to deflect an optical signal from the optical fiber and / or the transmitting / receiving unit, so that there is a greater degree of freedom in the arrangement of the optical fiber to the transmitting / receiving unit. For example, the connection plane where the light-guiding connection is generated between the transmitting / receiving unit and the lens unit can be arranged at an angle of, for example, 80 to 110 degrees with respect to the connection plane where the light-guiding connection is generated between the lens unit and the optical fiber. In this way, a plugging axis parallel to the printed circuit board can be selected, along which the plug connector can be connected to the mating plug connector. The plug connector according to the present invention has a fixing unit. The fixing unit has two fixing arms and a fixing section. The fixing section connects the fixing arms to each other. Here, preferably, the two fixing arms are arranged parallel to each other. The plug connector housing has a receiving space. The lens unit is arranged in the receiving space. Preferably, the receiving space can be accessed via one side of the plug connector housing, so that the lens unit can be introduced into the receiving space or removed from the receiving space. The fixing unit is detachably connected to two opposite side walls of the plug connector housing, especially side walls extending parallel to each other, by means of the fixing arms. Here, the fixing arms are preferably connected to the plug connector housing on the side of the side wall facing away from the receiving space. The fixing section of the fixing unit fixes the lens unit in the receiving space. Here, preferably, when the plug connector is arranged on the printed circuit board, the fixing section is arranged between the lens unit and the transmitting / receiving unit.

[0007] By means of the solution according to the present invention, a plug connector for optical data transmission can be provided, which can reliably connect an optical fiber to a printed circuit board, while at the same time ensuring that the lens unit of the plug connector can be taken out. For this purpose, it is only necessary to remove the fixing unit detachably connected to the plug connector housing, which at the same time releases the fixing of the lens unit in the receiving space. On the one hand, this enables the replacement of a faulty lens unit, and on the other hand, the recyclability of the plug connector according to the present invention can be improved, because the plug connector can be disassembled into its individual components without damage.

[0008] The plug connector housing can have a plugging cavity. The plugging cavity can be separated from the receiving space by a separating wall. The separating wall can have at least one connecting opening. The mating plug connector housing can be introduced at least partially into the plugging cavity. In addition, the plugging cavity can have a coding element to prevent connection with an inappropriate mating plug connector housing. By means of the connecting opening, it is ensured that an optical signal can reach the lens unit in the receiving space from the mating plug connector arranged in the plugging cavity.

[0009] The plug connector housing can have at least one groove adjacent to the separating wall in the receiving space. Here, the groove can extend on a plurality of inner sides of the receiving space. In addition, the groove preferably extends perpendicular to the plugging axis. The lens unit can be arranged at least in the groove. The lens unit can, for example, have a flange that corresponds to the negative shape of the groove and can be arranged in the groove. Since the groove can be directly adjacent to the separating wall, the lens unit can be fixed relative to the groove and relative to the separating wall, which reduces the risk of undesired movement of the lens unit within the receiving space.

[0010] The lens unit can have at least one coupling section that extends through the connecting opening into the plugging cavity. The coupling section can have an outer contour corresponding to the contour of the connecting opening. If the separating wall has a plurality of connecting openings, the lens unit can have a plurality of coupling sections. In this regard, it is particularly preferred that the coupling sections can be associated with each connecting opening. The coupling sections can be used both for a simple light guiding connection between the lens unit and the optical fiber and for additionally positioning the lens unit in the receiving space.

[0011] The fixing arms can each have a first connecting element. For example, the first connecting element can be a locking element, i.e., for example, a locking hook or a snap hook. The side wall of the plug connector housing can have a second connecting element that is complementary in construction to the first connecting element. The first connecting element can be connected to the second connecting element (especially in a mechanical manner). This connection is preferably achieved by a force fit and / or a form fit connection.

[0012] The side wall of the plug connector housing can have a guiding section in which the fixing arms of the fixing unit are guided. The guiding section can, for example, be formed by a recess that can be particularly preferably at least sectionally connected to the receiving space. In addition, the second connecting element can be arranged within the guiding section.

[0013] The guiding section can preferably extend from the base side at which the plug connector housing is connected to the printed circuit board to the cover side opposite the base side. In addition, the guiding section can extend perpendicular to the plugging axis. Here, the guiding section preferably adjoins the base side. In addition, it can be advantageous that the guiding section is arranged at a distance from the cover side.

[0014] Furthermore, the guiding section can taper as the distance from the base side increases. For example, the distance between two opposite sides that define the guiding section can become smaller as the distance from the base side increases. Here, the tapering can be achieved continuously and stepwise. By means of the tapering, the lens unit can be fixed at multiple depths because the acting forces can be distributed when the fixing unit moves within the guiding section.

[0015] The fixing arms of the fixing unit can be connected to the guiding section in a force-fitting manner. Here, preferably, each fixing arm is connected to the guiding section in a force-fitting manner, and the corresponding fixing arm is arranged in the guiding section. The force-fitting connection can be achieved, for example, by a press connection. As long as the receiving space is connected to the guiding section, the sealing of the receiving space can be achieved especially by means of the press connection, so that the receiving space remains free of dirt during normal use.

[0016] The plug connector housing can have tabs within the receiving space, and the fixing section of the fixing unit abuts against the tabs. The tabs preferably extend from the side of the receiving space facing the cover side to the base side. Furthermore, the tabs are preferably arranged parallel to the side walls. The tabs can be used to position the lens unit more precisely within the receiving space. In addition, by the fixing section abutting against the tabs, it can be ensured that the lens unit is fixed more comprehensively within the receiving space.

[0017] The lens unit can have a recess, and the tab is arranged in the recess. Here, the recess can at least partially correspond to the negative shape of the tab. Thus, the lens unit can be positioned within the receiving space in a particularly simple manner by means of the tab.

[0018] The fixing section can have ribs that are guided through through-openings in the lens unit and abut against the tabs. The ribs can be implemented parallel to the fixing arms. As long as the lens unit has multiple coupling sections, preferably, the through-openings are arranged in a plane extending between at least two coupling sections. The ribs can prevent the lens unit from twisting or tilting within the receiving space.

[0019] The tab can form an inclined section at the narrow side, and the rib abuts against the tab at the narrow side. The rib can have a contact surface complementary to the inclined section. Particularly preferably, if the guiding section tapers, the inclined section is arranged at an angle corresponding to the taper angle of the guiding section.

[0020] The plug connector housing can be detachably connected to the printed circuit board. For this purpose, the plug connector housing can, for example, have a locking shoulder at the base side, and the locking shoulder can engage into a locking opening provided therefor in the printed circuit board.

[0021] The transmitting / receiving unit can be arranged in the receiving space. For this purpose, the receiving space can have a contour that at least partially matches the contour of the transmitting / receiving unit in the region of the base side. Description of the Drawings

[0022] In addition, other advantages and features of the present invention can be derived from the following description of the preferred embodiments. The features described there and above can be implemented individually or in combination, as long as these features do not contradict each other. Hereinafter, a preferred embodiment will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Shown herein:

[0023] Figure 1 A three-dimensional exploded view showing a first embodiment of a plug connector according to the present invention;

[0024] Figure 2 A three-dimensional view showing a plug connector housing of a plug connector according to the present invention according to the first embodiment;

[0025] Figure 3 A three-dimensional view showing a plug connector housing and a lens unit of a plug connector according to the present invention according to the first embodiment;

[0026] Figure 4 A three-dimensional view showing a plug connector housing, a lens unit, and a fixing unit of a plug connector according to the present invention according to the first embodiment;

[0027] Figure 5 A top view showing a plug connector according to the present invention according to the first embodiment;

[0028] Figure 6 A cross-sectional view taken along a cutting plane A-A of a plug connector according to the present invention according to the first embodiment; and

[0029] Figure 7 A cross-sectional view taken along a cutting plane B-B of a plug connector according to the present invention according to the first embodiment. Detailed Description

[0030] Figure 1 An exploded view showing a first embodiment of a plug connector 1 according to the present invention. The plug connector 1 is suitable for connection at a printed circuit board 2 in a light guiding manner. In addition, the plug connector 1 is configured to be connected to a mating plug connector such that a light guiding connection can be established between the mating plug connector and the printed circuit board. The plug connector 1 has a plug connector housing 3, a lens unit 4, and a fixing unit 6. The lens unit 4 can be connected to a transmitting / receiving unit 5 on the printed circuit board 2 in a light guiding manner. In addition, the lens unit 4 can be connected to an optical fiber (not shown) of the mating plug connector in a light guiding manner. The lens unit 4 can be arranged within the plug connector housing 3. For more precise positioning, the lens unit has a flange 29.

[0031] The fixing unit 6 consists of two fixing arms 7.1; 7.2, a fixing section 8 and ribs 21. The fixing arms 7.1; 7.2 are connected to each other by the fixing section 8. The two fixing arms 7.1; 7.2 each have a first connecting element 16. In the present embodiment, the first connecting element 16 is configured as a locking hook. The fixing unit 6 can be detachably connected to the plug connector housing 3 by means of the first connecting element. For this purpose, the plug connector housing 3 has a second connecting element 17 in the form of a locking receptacle, which is arranged at the side wall 10.1 of the plug connector housing 3. In order to position the fixing unit 6 more precisely at the plug connector housing 3, the plug connector housing 3 has a guiding section 18.1 at the side wall 10.1, in which the fixing arms 7.1; 7.2 can be arranged. In the present embodiment, the second connecting element 17 is arranged within the guiding section 18.1. The guiding section 18.1 extends from the base side to the cover side 26 opposite the base side. In addition, the guiding section 18.1 is configured such that it tapers with increasing distance from the base side.

[0032] The plug connector housing 3 has a plugging cavity 11 into which a mating plug connector housing (not shown) can be inserted. Here, the mating plug connector housing is inserted into the plugging cavity 11 parallel to the plugging axis 30. The plug connector housing 3 also has three locking shoulders 27 by means of which the plug connector housing 3 is fixed to the printed circuit board 2. The printed circuit board 2 has corresponding locking openings 28 into which the locking shoulders can be inserted.

[0033] Figure 2 A three-dimensional view of the plug connector housing 3 according to a first embodiment of the plug connector 1 according to the invention is shown. The base side 25 of the plug connector housing 3 faces the observer. The plug connector housing 3 has a receiving space 9 into which a lens unit can be inserted. In the present embodiment, access to the receiving space 9 is possible via the base side 25. The receiving space 9 is separated from the plugging cavity by a separating wall 12. Two connecting openings 13 are arranged in the separating wall 12 in order to enable a light guiding connection between the lens unit and the optical fiber of the mating plug connector. The plug connector housing 3 has a groove 14 within the receiving space 9, which is arranged adjacent to the separating wall 12. The groove 14 is used to receive the flange of the lens unit, such that precise positioning of the lens unit within the receiving space 9 is possible. The plug connector housing 3 has a tab 19 within the receiving space 9, which extends from the wall portion of the receiving space 9 parallel to the plugging axis 30 to the base side 30, the wall portion facing the cover side. The tab 19 is also used to position the lens unit within the receiving space 9. In addition, the fixing unit can be supported at the narrow side 23 of the tab 19.

[0034] Figure 3A three-dimensional view of a connector housing 3 according to a first embodiment of a connector 1 according to the invention is shown, in which a lens unit 4 is arranged in a receiving space 9. Furthermore, a fixing unit 6 has been pre-positioned for connection to the connector housing 3. The flange 29 of the lens unit 4 is introduced into a groove. Furthermore, the lens unit 4 has a recess 20 in which a tab 19 of the connector housing 3 is arranged. In addition to the recess 20, the lens unit 4 also has a through-opening 22 through which a rib 21 of the fixing unit 6 can be guided.

[0035] Figure 4 A three-dimensional view of a connector 1 according to the invention according to a first embodiment is shown. The base side 25 of the connector housing 3 faces the observer. The fixing unit 6 is connected to the connector housing 3 at the side walls 10.1; 10.2, wherein the fixing arms 7.1; 7.2 are introduced into the guide sections 18.1; 18.2. The two fixing arms 7.1; 7.2 have additional pressing ribs 31 which form an additional force-locking connection between the connector housing 3 and the fixing unit 6. The pressing ribs 31 provide the additional advantage that they seal the receiving space 9 against the entry of dust and dirt in the region of the guide sections 18.1; 18.2. The fixing section 8 fixes the lens unit 4 in the receiving space 9 such that the lens unit 4 is positioned in a position-fixed manner relative to the connector housing 3. Here, the arrangement of the fixing section 8 is chosen such that sufficient free space is left in the receiving space 9 between the base side 25 and the fixing section 8 in order to be able to arrange a transmitting / receiving unit in the receiving space 9.

[0036] Figure 5 A two-dimensional top view of a connector 1 according to the invention according to a first embodiment is shown. The base side 25 faces the observer. Two cutting planes A-A and B-B are introduced into the connector 1, the cutting planes being arranged parallel to the side walls 10.1; 10.2.

[0037] Figure 6 A sectional view according to cutting plane A-A of a connector 1 according to the invention according to a first embodiment is shown. The lens unit 4 has a coupling section 15 which extends through a connection opening 13 into the plugging cavity 11. The coupling section 15 is basically used for a light-conducting connection with a mating connector. Furthermore, it can be seen that the flange 29 of the lens unit 4 is arranged in a groove 14.

[0038] Figure 7Shows a sectional view along the sectional plane B-B of the plug connector 1 according to the invention according to the first embodiment. The rib 21 of the fixing unit 6 abuts against the narrow side 23 of the tab 19 by means of the abutment surface 24. The narrow side 23 of the tab 19 forms an inclined portion, wherein the abutment surface 24 of the tab 19 has a shape complementary to the inclined portion. In this way, a component force can be generated, and the rib 21 presses the lens unit 4 against the separating wall 12 by means of this component force, and thus the lens unit 4 can be more simply fixed in a position-fixed manner.

[0039] List of reference numerals

[0040] 1 Plug connector

[0041] 2 Printed circuit board

[0042] 3 Plug connector housing

[0043] 4 Lens unit

[0044] 5 Transmitting / receiving unit

[0045] 6 Fixing unit

[0046] 7 Fixing arm

[0047] 8 Fixing section

[0048] 9 Accommodating space

[0049] 10 Side wall

[0050] 11 Plugging cavity

[0051] 12 Separating wall

[0052] 13 Connection opening

[0053] 14 Groove

[0054] 15 Coupling section

[0055] 16 First connecting element

[0056] 17 Second connecting element

[0057] 18 Guiding section

[0058] 19 Tab

[0059] 20 Recess

[0060] 21 Rib

[0061] 22 Through opening

[0062] 23 Narrow side

[0063] 24 Abutment surface

[0064] 25 Base side

[0065] 26 Cover side

[0066] 27 Locking shoulder

[0067] 28 Locking opening

[0068] 29 Flange

[0069] 30 Insertion axis

[0070] 31 Extrusion rib.

Claims

1. A plug connector (1) for connecting a printed circuit board (2) to a mating plug connector, the plug connector comprising: a plug connector housing (3) which can be connected to a mating plug connector housing of the mating plug connector; a lens unit (4) which can be connected in a light-conducting manner to a transmitting / receiving unit (5) arranged on the printed circuit board (2) and to at least one optical conductor of the mating plug connector; and A fixing unit (6) comprising two fixing arms (7.1; 7.2) and a fixing section (8) connecting the fixing arms (7.1; 7.2), in The plug connector housing (3) has a receiving space (9), in which the lens unit (4) is arranged. The fixing unit (6) is detachably connected to two opposite side walls (10.1; 10.2) of the plug connector housing (3) by means of the fixing arms (7.1; 7.2), wherein: The fixing section (8) fixes the lens unit (4) in the receiving space (9).

2. The plug connector (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein: The plug connector housing (3) has a plug-in cavity (11), which is separated from the accommodating space (9) by a separation wall (12), wherein the separation wall (12) has at least one connecting opening (13).

3. The plug connector (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein: The plug connector housing (3) has in the receiving space (9) at least one groove (14) adjacent to the partition wall (12), and the lens unit (4) is at least partially arranged in the groove.

4. The plug connector (1) according to claim 2 or 3, wherein: The lens unit (4) has at least one coupling section (15) which extends through the connecting opening (13) into the plug-in cavity (11).

5. The plug connector (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The fixing arms (7.1; 7.2) each have a first connecting element (16), in particular a locking element, which can be connected to a second connecting element (17) on the side wall (10.1; 10.2), the second connecting element being configured to be complementary to the first connecting element (16).

6. The plug connector (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The side wall (10.1; 10.2) of the plug connector housing (3) has a guide section (18.1; 18.2) in which the fixing arm (7.1; 7.2) of the fixing unit (6) is guided.

7. Plug connector (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein: The guide section (18.1; 18.2) extends from a base side (25) at which the plug connector housing (3) can be connected to the printed circuit board (2) to a cover side (26) opposite the base side (25).

8. Plug connector according to the preceding claim, wherein The guide section (18.1; 18.2) tapers as the distance from the base side (25) increases.

9. The plug connector (1) according to any one of claims 6 to 8, wherein: The fixing arm (7.1; 7.2) is connected to the guide section (18.1; 18.2) in a force-fitting manner.

10. The plug connector (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The plug connector housing (3) has a web (19) in the receiving space (9), against which the fastening section (8) abuts.

11. Plug connector (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein: The lens unit (4) has a recess (20) in which the web (19) is arranged.

12. The plug connector (1) according to claim 10 or 11, wherein: The fastening section (8) has a rib (21) which is guided through a through opening (22) in the lens unit (4) and abuts against the web (19).

13. Plug connector (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein: The web (19) forms an inclination at the narrow side (23), and the rib (21) has a contact surface (24) complementary to the inclination, wherein the rib (21) contacts the web (19) at the narrow side.

14. The plug connector (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The plug connector housing (3) can be detachably connected to the printed circuit board (2).

15. The plug connector (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The transmitting / receiving unit (5) can be arranged in the receiving space (9).

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