Shielding device for electromagnetic shielding

Abstract

The invention relates to a shielding device (1) for electromagnetic shielding of a data transmission device (3). The apparatus comprises a housing (2) made of a bent and stamped sheet metal, the housing comprising at least one press-fit / compliant pin (4) adapted to connect the housing with the PCB (210). Further, the paired signal lines (5, 6) are arranged inside the housing (2) so as to be electromagnetically shielded.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an electromagnetic shielding device for continuously shielding a conductive element, such as a data transmission device, such as a signal cable. Background Art

[0002] In many fields of application, cables and connections need to be electromagnetically shielded. In particular in the automotive industry, signal transmission lines are required to handle increasingly higher data transmission speeds. Due to the speeds involved, shielding of connectors and cables is a must to avoid possible interference and to ensure the required signal integrity for high-speed data transmission. It is often important to electrically connect, for example, the electromagnetic shielding of a signal transmission device to the electromagnetic shielding of a housing or a printed circuit board (PCB) in order to establish shielding continuity. Due to the huge demand for electrical components, for example in the field of automotive applications, such components must be produced efficiently and inexpensively; however, they still have to meet high quality standards.

[0003] Known solutions for high-speed data transmission rely on die-cast shielding shells, which are reliable and can be mass-produced. However, such die-cast solutions are relatively expensive and the possible shapes of the shell are limited due to the production process. In addition, it is difficult to assemble conductive elements within the shielding shell by press-fitting / compliant pins such as signal lines. Summary of the invention

[0004] The subject of the present invention is to provide a new electromagnetic shielding device which minimizes or eliminates the above mentioned problems. Another object of the present invention is to provide an electromagnetic shielding device which minimizes the parts required to manufacture the device and preferably provides for convenient installation of the electrical conductors to be shielded. Furthermore, the object of the present invention is to achieve all the advantages with an inexpensive product which preferably can be made from a single piece of metal sheet, which is required for press fit / compliant pins to be used for PCB connection.

[0005] These and other objects which will become apparent on reading the following description are achieved by an electromagnetic shielding device according to claim 1 .

[0006] According to the present invention, a shielding device for electromagnetic shielding of a data transmission device is provided, the shielding device comprising a housing made of bent and stamped sheet metal. The housing also comprises at least one press-fit / compliance pin, which is suitable for connecting the housing to a printed circuit board, in particular for establishing a connection between the housing and the ground. In addition, pairs of signal lines are arranged inside the housing and are electromagnetically shielded. By making a shielding housing from sheet metal, which is stamped and then bent into the desired shape of the housing, cheap and flexible production is possible. In addition, the housing is provided with at least one press-fit / compliance pin for establishing, for example, a ground connection between the housing and another electrical or electronic component such as a printed circuit board. The press-fit / compliance pin can also be advantageously used to fasten the housing itself to other components. Preferably, the housing is provided with an even number of press-fit / compliance pins, for example two or four.

[0007] At least one pair of signal lines is arranged inside the shielding housing so that these lines are electromagnetically shielded. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that for effective electromagnetic shielding, it is advantageous for the housing to enclose the signal lines as completely as possible. Therefore, advantageously, the housing preferably comprises no openings or only very few and small openings, except for the necessary connection or matching ends of the housing that must be provided to allow the connection of the signal lines.

[0008] It is generally preferred that the signal line is suitable for enabling data transmission at at least 5 GHz, preferably at least 10 GHz, more preferably at least 20 GHz, and most preferably at least 50 GHz.

[0009] In a preferred embodiment, the press-fit / compliant pins are formed integrally with the housing. Another advantage of using sheet metal to manufacture the housing is that it is easy to integrate the press-fit / compliant pins with the housing wall. Typically, the press-fit / compliant pins are made from stamped sheet metal, so in the present invention, the pins can be manufactured together with the rest of the housing in one manufacturing process. When, for example, the desired shape of the housing is stamped out from a sheet metal sheet, the press-fit / compliant pins can also be formed, for example extending integrally from the edge of the wall of the housing. Therefore, it is not necessary to assemble, for example, prefabricated press-fit / compliant pins to a die-cast metal housing as is done in the prior art.

[0010] In a preferred embodiment, the shielding device has a 90° configuration for achieving a 90° connection of paired signal lines. In many applications, it is necessary to provide a 90° connection device for the signal lines, rather than, for example, a 180° connection. The shielding of a 180° connection can be achieved relatively simply with a metal cylinder or sleeve, while the shielding work of a 90° configuration is more challenging. The concept of using sheet metal as the housing allows for a cost-effective and flexible manufacturing process, especially for more complex shapes, which is necessary for such a 90° configuration.

[0011] Preferably, the housing also includes a first cavity for receiving a first end of the signal line and a second cavity for receiving a second end of the signal line, the first cavity defining a first direction, and the second cavity defining a second direction substantially perpendicular to the first direction. As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, the shielding housing needs to be suitable for accommodating the signal line therein. The signal line is usually provided with a device at its respective end for establishing electrical connection with other components such as other signal lines or electronic components such as a printed circuit board. To this end, the housing is shaped so as to form a suitable cavity for accommodating the corresponding ends of the signal line so that a connection can be established. By arranging these cavities so that they define directions perpendicular to each other, a 90° connection of the signal line pair is again facilitated.

[0012] Furthermore, preferably, the first cavity is formed by bending the sheet metal into an elliptical cylindrical shape, and the second cavity is formed by bending the sheet metal into a box-shaped structure. Using stamped and bent sheet metal to manufacture the housing is particularly advantageous for constructing basic geometric shapes, such as a tube or a substantially rectangular box shape. The box-shaped structure is generally preferred for connection ends that are mounted, for example, to a printed circuit board, while the elliptical cylindrical or tube shape is preferred for connection ends that are respectively suitable for connection to another connector or another signal line.

[0013] In another preferred embodiment, the housing comprises at least one dedicated press-in surface, which is adapted to be engaged by a corresponding press-in tool. The dedicated surface facilitates an automated mounting process of the shielding device, for example on a printed circuit board. The surface is preferably arranged so that the press-in force of the tool is transmitted in the plane of the wall of the housing, without being angled thereto. Thus, high press-in forces can also be handled by relatively thin walls of the housing.

[0014] Preferably, the housing comprises a locking aperture and a corresponding locking projection, so that when the housing is bent into a dedicated shape, the locking aperture and the locking projection interact to maintain the shape. The use of such a locking device improves the structural stability of the housing. For example, when bending two parts of stamped sheet metal so that the two parts are perpendicular to each other to form, for example, a corner of the housing, one of the parts can be arranged in the aperture, while the other part has a corresponding projection that fits into the aperture. In this way, the spring properties of the sheet metal can be advantageously utilized, for example, so that, for example, the projection interlocks with the aperture. More preferably, the projection can also be provided, for example, with a hook that interacts with the edge of the aperture to prevent the projection from being removed undesirably from the aperture.

[0015] In a preferred embodiment, the housing comprises interacting locking elements in the form of dovetail connectors, so that when the housing is bent into a dedicated shape, the dovetail connectors act to maintain the shape. The use of such dovetail elements increases the structural stability of the housing. For example, when a stamped metal sheet is bent into a desired shape, two edges adapted to engage with each other may be provided with corresponding dovetail projections and dovetail cutouts, so that a dovetail projection on one edge matches a dovetail cutout on the opposite edge. Such locking elements are particularly advantageous when the two parts of bent sheet metal are considered to form a common wall, i.e., not to form corners of the housing.

[0016] In another preferred embodiment, the pair of signal wires are arranged inside an insulator, wherein the insulator is preferably molded around the signal wires. It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the signal wires cannot be in electrical contact with the wall of the housing, but must be insulated therefrom. By using an insulator that separates the signal wires from each other and from the inner wall of the housing, the signal wires are safely held in a desired position and do not contact other conductive parts. The connection ends of the signal wires preferably extend out of the insulator to allow for a desired electrical connection.

[0017] Preferably, the housing is at least partially bent around the insulator. In the prior art, when using a housing produced by die casting, it is often difficult to install the insulator with the signal line inside the housing. Especially in the case of a 90° connection, it is usually necessary to split the insulator in two so that each half can be assembled into the housing from its respective mating end. By using the sheet metal construction of the present invention, it is now possible to fold or bend the housing around the insulator so that, for example, a single integrated insulator can be used. This provides significant advantages, especially in automated assembly processes.

[0018] In another preferred embodiment, the signal line is provided with a connection end in the form of a press-fit / compliant pin. Preferably, the press-fit / compliant pin is arranged on the same end as the press-fit / compliant pin of the shielding shell and extends in the same direction, so that the connection of the shell and the signal line can be achieved in a single assembly step, for example by pressing all the press-fit / compliant pins into the printed circuit board using the same press. The corresponding other end of each signal line can also be provided with a press-fit / compliant pin, but preferably has a regular contact shape, such as in the form of a contact pin.

[0019] Preferably, the housing comprises projections, such as teeth, on the edge of the housing wall, which projections are adapted to contact the printed circuit board to improve the contact quality of the housing and the printed circuit board. The projections may, for example, be in the form of teeth extending in the mating or mounting direction of the housing, so that when the housing is mounted on the surface of the printed circuit board, the teeth cut into the surface. This can be used not only to strengthen the structural connection to the printed circuit board, but also to strengthen the electrical connection to ground. Another alternative is to provide a single projection, which extends over a considerable length of the edge of the wall and is adapted to fit in a corresponding slot, for example, provided in the printed circuit board.

[0020] In another preferred embodiment, the housing comprises mounting means, in particular mounting hooks, adapted to fasten the housing to a corresponding insulating connector housing. For many applications, it is necessary or desirable that the shielding housing is in turn arranged inside a connector housing made of insulating material. The connector housing facilitates the connection of the signal line to other electrical components, such as other connectors or printed circuit boards.

[0021] In order to mount the shielding housing safely and securely inside the connector housing, the wall of the shielding housing is provided with mounting means, in particular in the form of hooks, which latch onto corresponding mounting or latching apertures provided in the connector housing.

[0022] Preferably, the shielding shell is formed from a single piece of sheet metal. By forming the shielding shell from a single piece of sheet metal, the present invention takes full advantage of the advantages associated with the production process, because all the different functional elements such as press-fit pins or locking features can be made by stamping, and these features do not have to be installed on the formed shell later. Since the shielding shell is used for electromagnetic shielding, the one-piece forming also provides a very effective shielding function.

[0023] The invention further relates to a connector system comprising a shielding device as claimed in any one of the preceding claims and an insulating housing, wherein the shielding device is at least partially received. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0024] The following is a brief description of the drawings that illustrate specific embodiments of the present invention.

[0025] Figure 1 schematically shows a view of a stamped shield shell partially bent toward its final shape;

[0026] Figure 2 Schematically shows a shielding device according to the present invention;

[0027] Figure 3 Schematically shows the Figure 1 A data transmission device used in connection with the housing;

[0028] Figure 4 Schematically shows Figure 3 How to install the data transmission device to Figure 1 A partially curved shell;

[0029] Figure 5 Shows Figure 4 An arrangement wherein the shell is further bent toward its final shape;

[0030] Figure 6 Shows Figure 5 The device wherein the housing is further curved;

[0031] Figure 7 Shows Figure 5 An apparatus wherein the housing is bent into its final shape;

[0032] Figure 8 Two alternatives for an improved edge design of the housing are schematically shown;

[0033] Fig. 9 Schematically shows another embodiment of a shielding device according to the present invention;

[0034] Fig.10 The housing is shown mounted on an insulated connector and a PCB; and

[0035] Fig.11 shows the connection to the mating connector Fig.10 device. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0036] Figure 1 A top view of a housing 2 made from stamped and partially bent sheet metal is shown. In the illustrated construction, only a portion of the housing is formed into its final shape, with the lower portion (as shown) not yet bent. As shown, the entire housing 2 is formed from a single piece of sheet metal so that all features of the housing are integrally formed.

[0037] The housing includes four press-fit / compliant pins 4, which are adapted to be press-fit into corresponding openings in the PCB. Thus, a connection can be established between the housing 2 and the mass. The pins 4 also serve to structurally mount the housing to the PCB, thus having a dual function: establishing ground continuity and fixing.

[0038] The specific shield design allows all press-fit / compliant pins 4 to be in one row so that they can all be plated in one process. Figure 1The housing 2 shown in the figure will be stamped into a long strip of sheet metal, with hundreds of housings being stamped into the same strip. The strip can then be transported through the plating tanks in a reel-to-reel plating process, which makes plating very economical. After the plating process, the stamped components are separated and bent into the desired shape.

[0039] The housing is provided with several locking or mounting elements, which serve to keep the housing in its final shape. For example, the housing 2 is provided with two locking apertures 12, 12', which are adapted to interact with corresponding locking projections 13, 13', which will be described in more detail below. In addition, the upper part of the housing 2 is provided with a locking element in the form of a dovetail connector. Two abutting edges of the housing wall are provided with a dovetail projection 15 and a dovetail cutout 14, which match to provide a secure fixation.

[0040] The housing is also provided with two mounting means in the form of mounting hooks 22, 23, which are suitable for fastening the housing to a corresponding insulating connector housing. The sheet metal of the housing 2 is provided with fold lines, one of which is at Figure 1 In the figure, it is exemplarily indicated by reference numeral 30.

[0041] Figure 2 The shielding device 1 is shown in its final configuration, comprising a data transmission device 3, which is arranged inside the housing 2 and is completely surrounded for electromagnetic shielding. A first cavity 7 for receiving the first ends 5', 6' of the signal lines 5, 6 defines a first direction. A second cavity 8 suitable for receiving the second ends 5", 6" of the signal lines defines a second direction substantially perpendicular to the first direction. Thus, in the configuration shown, the shielding device 1 has a 90° configuration for achieving a 90° connection of the paired signal lines 5, 6. From Figure 2 It can be seen how the protrusions 13, 13' extend into the apertures 12, 12' for additional fixation of the shape of the housing.The first cavity 7 is formed by bending the sheet metal into an elliptical cylindrical shape 40 and the second cavity 8 is formed by bending the sheet metal into a box-shaped structure 41 .

[0042] Figure 3 An exemplary embodiment of a pair of signal lines 5, 6 arranged inside an insulator 16 is shown. The insulator 16 is molded around the signal lines and largely encapsulates them, except for their connection ends. The connection ends 5', 6' are provided in the form of contact pins to establish, for example, an electrical connection with a corresponding female contact terminal. The other ends 5", 6" are provided in the form of press-fit pins. Obviously, the data transmission device shown has a 90° configuration. The insulator 16 is made of a dielectric material and can also be used to control crosstalk between the two signal lines 5, 6. However, its main purpose is to keep the signal lines in the intended position and prevent their metal parts from contacting the walls of the shielding shell 2.

[0043] Figures 4 to 7 FIG. 1 shows the assembly process of the shielding device 1. Figure 4 In the case 2, Figure 1 Only a partially bent construction is shown. The first cavity 7 has been bent into its final shape, while the dovetail connectors 14, 15 improve the structural integrity of the oval portion 40. The box-shaped structure has not yet been formed, and the corresponding part of the sheet metal of the housing 2 has been stamped but not yet bent. In this way, the data transmission device 3 can be easily inserted into the first cavity 7 from its rear end. Since the box-shaped structure has not yet been formed, no part of the housing 2 hinders the insertion of the data transmission device 3, so the assembly is very convenient and can be easily automated. As shown in the figure, the structural features of the housing 2, such as the four press-fit / compliant pins 4, the orifices 12, 12', the hooks 22, 23 and all other features have been completely stamped from sheet metal, so that only a bending operation is required to complete the housing 2.

[0044] exist Figure 5 middle, Figure 4 The left and right portions 31 and 32 of the unbent portion are now shown along Figure 5 The orientation shown is bent upwards by 90°. Since the data transmission device 3 is already fully inserted into the oval section 40, this bending operation is not hindered.

[0045] exist Figure 6 middle, Figure 5 The right-hand part of the housing 2 is shown now also bent upwards. The press-fit / compliant pins 4 of the housing 2 are aligned with the press-fit / compliant pins 5", 6" of the data transmission device 3 and extend in the same direction. In this way, the press-fit / compliant pins 4 of the signal line and the press-fit / compliant pins 5", 6" can be installed in one operation, for example by pressing the press-fit / compliant pins into corresponding openings in the PCB. Figure 6 The configuration shown is not yet the final configuration. However, it can be seen that the locking projections 13, 13' extend into the locking apertures 12, 12', thereby holding the housing 2 in place. Figure 6 Thus, the housing 2 can no longer be easily bent back to, for example, Figure 5 The structure shown in the figure requires first unlocking the locking devices or disengaging the locking devices from each other.

[0046] Figure 7 The final construction of the housing 2 is shown. Figure 6 The two wing-shaped parts 33,34 shown in the figure are bent towards each other, so that their respective edges abut. In order to improve the connection, for example, dovetail connectors similar to the dovetail connectors 14,15 that keep the walls of the oval part 40 forming the connector housing together can also be provided for these contact edges.

[0047] Figure 8 Two alternatives for an improved edge design of the housing 2 are schematically shown. Figure 8 Part a on the left hand side of FIG. 1 shows a single protrusion 20 which extends over a considerable length of the edge of the wall and is adapted to fit in a corresponding slot provided in, for example, a PCB. Figure 8 The right-hand side part b of the illustration shows a different solution by means of rows of teeth extending in the mating or mounting direction of the housing 2. When the housing 2 is mounted to the PCB by pressing the press-fit / compliant pins 4 and 5", 6" respectively into corresponding openings in the PCB, the teeth will cut into the surface of the PCB, thereby improving the structural and electrical connection between the housing 2 and the PCB.

[0048] Fig. 9 Schematic diagram showing how to combine Figures 1 to 8 The inventive concept depicted as a one port 90° device is scaled up to, for example, a four port 90° configuration 100. The present invention allows for essentially almost unlimited expansion of the concept by using the same basic structure but different dimensions.

[0049] Fig.10 The shielding device 1 is shown mounted on a PCB 210. The shielding device is further mounted in an insulating connector 200, which serves to establish electrical connections with other electrical components. Fig.11 In the figure, it is shown by way of example how an insulating connector 200 is matched with an insulating mating connector 201. The mating connector 201 is provided with a signal cable 202. The arrangement shown provides a 90° connection. The details of such insulating connectors and mating connectors are well known to those skilled in the art, so a more detailed description thereof is avoided.

Claims

1. A shielding device (1) for electromagnetically shielding a data transmission device (3), comprising: A housing (2) made of bent and stamped sheet metal, the housing (2) comprising at least one press-fit / compliant pin (4) adapted to connect the housing to a printed circuit board (210); A pair of signal lines (5, 6) are arranged inside the housing (2) so as to be electromagnetically shielded.

2. The shielding device (1) for electromagnetic shielding according to claim 1, characterized in that: The press-fit / compliant pin (4) is formed integrally with the housing (2).

3. The shielding device (1) for electromagnetic shielding according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The shielding device has a 90° configuration for enabling the paired signal lines (5, 6) to be connected at 90°.

4. The shielding device (1) for electromagnetic shielding according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The housing (2) further comprises: a first cavity (7), the first cavity being used to receive the first end (5', 6') of the signal line, the first cavity defining a first direction; and A second cavity (8), the second cavity is used to receive the second end (5", 6") of the signal line, the second cavity defines a second direction substantially perpendicular to the first direction.

5. Shielding device (1) for electromagnetic shielding according to the preceding claim, characterized in that The first cavity (7) is formed by bending the sheet metal into an elliptical cylindrical shape (40), and the second cavity (8) is formed by bending the sheet metal into a box-shaped structure (41).

6. The shielding device (1) for electromagnetic shielding according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The housing (2) comprises at least one dedicated press-in surface (10, 11) adapted to be engaged by a corresponding press-in tool.

7. The shielding device (1) for electromagnetic shielding according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The housing (2) comprises locking apertures (12, 12') and corresponding locking projections (13, 13'), so that when the housing (2) is bent into a dedicated shape, the locking apertures (12, 12') and locking projections (13, 13') interact to maintain the shape.

8. The shielding device (1) for electromagnetic shielding according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The housing (2) comprises interacting locking elements in the form of dovetail connections (14, 15) so that when the housing is bent into the dedicated shape, the dovetail connections (14, 15) act to maintain the shape.

9. The shielding device (1) for electromagnetic shielding according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The pair of signal wires (5, 6) are arranged inside an insulator (16), wherein preferably, the insulator is molded around the signal wires.

10. Shielding device (1) for electromagnetic shielding according to the preceding claim, characterized in that The housing (2) is at least partially bent around the insulator (16).

11. The shielding device (1) for electromagnetic shielding according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The signal lines (5, 6) are provided with connection ends in the form of press-fit pins (5", 6").

12. The shielding device (1) for electromagnetic shielding according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The housing (2) comprises one or more protrusions (20, 21) such as teeth, which are located on the edge of the housing wall suitable for contacting the printed circuit board (210) to improve the contact quality between the housing and the printed circuit board.

13. The shielding device (1) for electromagnetic shielding according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The housing (2) comprises mounting means (22, 23), in particular mounting hooks, which are suitable for fastening the housing to a corresponding insulating connector housing.

14. The shielding device (1) for electromagnetic shielding according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The housing (2) is formed from a single piece of sheet metal.

15. A connector system, comprising the shielding device (1) and the insulating connector (200) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The shielding device is at least partially received.

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