Contact assembly and electronic module

Abstract

The invention relates to a contact arrangement of a circuit carrier, comprising a plug connector, said plug connector comprising at least one electrically insulating plug body, a plurality of spaced-apart wires are arranged in the at least one electrically insulating plug body in a layout with a corresponding end of the plurality of wires forming a plug contact pattern for a mating plug and with a corresponding other end of the plurality of wires forming a connection contact pattern for a corresponding contact point of the circuit carrier. In this case, the wires are oriented by an electrically insulating positioning and / or orientation plate at least on the side of the connection contact pattern in an arrangement of the wires relative to one another. The positioning and / or orientation plate comprises at least one positioning element. The at least one positioning element penetrates through a recess in the circuit carrier at least in some regions and the positioning element determines the relative position of the circuit carrier and the plug connector relative to each other by forming a form-fit, force-fit and / or material-fit. The contact assembly further comprises at least one shielding element for shielding electromagnetic radiation, the shielding element being connected to the circuit carrier, and the recess in the circuit carrier, which is at least partially penetrated by the positioning element, being completely covered by the shielding element.

Description

Field of the Invention

[0001] The present invention relates to a contact assembly according to the preamble of the independent claim and an electronic module including the contact assembly. Background Art

[0002] The demands in the field of electronics are constantly increasing, especially due to the increasing computing power and the data bandwidth to be transmitted, resulting in more and more stringent requirements for the electromagnetic compatibility (hereinafter abbreviated as EMC) of many electronic devices (such as control units in the automotive field). Generally, in previously known designs, the entire circuit board or components of the electronic device are surrounded by an EMC-tight housing. This EMC sealing function is essentially achieved through a metal housing. In many cases, a connector is provided in the housing as an external connection of the electronic device. However, to do this, the housing in this area must be opened so that the connector can be introduced and then connected to the shielded electronic device in the housing. Known connectors (including multi-pin male connectors) have positioning elements for correctly positioning relative to the circuit carrier to be electrically contacted, and the positioning elements engage in corresponding grooves in the circuit carrier. Many connectors are designed as plastic injection molded parts for insulation purposes, and the positioning elements are molded on the connector body made of electrically insulating plastic. According to the design of the electronic device, the engagement area of the positioning element in the circuit carrier groove represents an EMC weak point. The groove on the circuit carrier is more than 1 mm, for example, the hole depth is 1.6 mm, which allows incoming and outgoing electromagnetic waves to pass through the groove. This design may cause EMC problems in the electronic device itself or other electronic devices.

[0003] For example, in Figure 1 such a vulnerable embodiment of the electronic device 200' is schematically shown, where, with the increasing requirements for the above-mentioned EMC vulnerability, the EMC reaches its limit. The electronic device 200' includes a metal housing 210, such as a multi-part housing 210, in which a circuit carrier 10 having a circuit 20 (not shown) designed according to the application is accommodated. In the area of the connector 100', a part of the circuit carrier protrudes from the housing 210 such that the carrying side 15 of the circuit carrier 10 is still substantially or completely covered by the housing 210. On the contrary, on the opposite carrying side 16, the circuit carrier 10 is only covered in the first area 16a. However, the remaining area 16b of the carrying side 16 is available for the arrangement of the connector 100'. To position the connector 100' relative to the circuit carrier 10, the positioning element 111' formed on the connector body 110 of the connector 100' engages with the corresponding groove 11 in the remaining area of the circuit carrier 10 in a precise fit manner.

[0004] For EMC protection, the housing 210 is conductively connected from both sides 15, 16 of the carrier to the remaining area 16b of the circuit carrier 10, which is achieved by a further known EMC seal 220. In the connection areas A, B to the EMC seal 220, the circuit carrier 10 has ground lines 14. The ground lines continue in the remaining area 16b of the circuit carrier 10, for example, through the inner layer, so that the respective connection areas A, B are conductively connected to the EMC seal 220 by an actually closed metal layer. Thus, the closed metal layer 14 compensates for the missing coverage of the housing 210 in the remaining area 16b of the circuit carrier. However, in the area of the groove 111 for the positioning element 111' of the insertion connector 100', the metal layer is open. This means that in the case of high EMC requirements, there are unfavorable EMC weak points in the area of the groove 11 and the positioning element 111'. Signal interference and / or errors may occur, especially when the data lines of the 100' connector are in the Gbit / s range. For safety reasons, some future applications can no longer use this design with EMC risks, such as control units in the automotive field, especially those for partial or fully autonomous driving. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The object of the present invention is to improve the EMC of an electronic module in the field of plug connectors.

[0006] This task is achieved by a contact assembly having the features of the independent claims and an electronic module including this contact assembly.

[0007] Starting from a contact arrangement of a circuit carrier with a plug connector, wherein the plug connector comprises at least one electrically insulating plug body, and wherein a plurality of electrically conductive lines spaced apart in a layout form, at their respective one ends, a plugging contact pattern for a mating plug and, at their respective other ends, a connecting contact pattern for respective contact sites of the circuit carrier. Herein, the lines are oriented, at least on one side of the connecting contact pattern, in their arrangement relative to one another by means of an electrically insulating positioning and / or orientation plate. The positioning and / or orientation plate comprises at least one positioning element which at least partially penetrates a recess in the circuit carrier, and there the positioning element defines the relative position of the circuit carrier and the plug connector relative to one another by forming a form fit, a force fit and / or a material fit. Furthermore, the contact assembly comprises at least one shielding element for shielding electromagnetic radiation, wherein the shielding element is connected to the circuit carrier and the recess in the circuit carrier which is at least partially penetrated by the positioning element is completely covered by the shielding element. In particular, there is complete overlap when, in each radial section through the central axis of the positioning element, the cutting edges in the recess area are continuously bridged with one another by the shielding element on both sides of the central axis. Furthermore, in a projection plane obtained on a bearing side of the shielding element perpendicular to the bearing side of the circuit carrier, it extends at least to the edge of the recess. The shielding element is made of a shielding-capable material, in particular made of metal or metal particles embedded in a basic matrix. Thus, a shielding-capable material means a material that attenuates the transmission of electromagnetic radiation, in particular having an attenuation of >50%, preferably >75%, for example >90%.

[0008] Advantageously, in this way it is possible to achieve a closed EMC-permeation-proof shielding surface in the connection region of the plug connector and the circuit carrier, by means of which a continuous shielding effect can be achieved even in the above-mentioned connection region without other existing EMC gaps. Thus, a significantly improved EMC is produced, whereby embodiments that must meet increased EMC standards can now be achieved. The positioning and / or orientation plate is mechanically connected to the plug body here, for example by means of a snap connection, a clamping connection, a plug-in connection or by other types of detachable or non-detachable connections.

[0009] An equivalent alternative embodiment of the contact assembly is also shown. Contrary to the previously described embodiment, the plug now comprises at least one positioning element which is designed to determine the relative position of the circuit carrier and the plug connector relative to one another by at least partially penetrating a groove in the circuit carrier. For this purpose, the positioning element forms a form-fit, force-fit and / or material-fit in the region of the groove. In addition, the contact assembly likewise comprises at least one shielding element for shielding electromagnetic radiation, wherein the shielding element is connected to the circuit carrier and the groove in the circuit carrier which is at least partially penetrated by the positioning element is completely covered by the shielding element. Thus, the same advantages as described in the previously explained embodiment are shown. The positioning and / or orientation plate can, but does not have to be, part of this embodiment of the contact assembly.

[0010] Advantageous developments and improvements of the plug connector according to the invention are made possible by the measures listed in the dependent claims. The following further embodiments refer to the two previously described embodiments.

[0011] In an advantageous embodiment of the contact assembly, the shape of the groove in the circuit carrier is geometrically adapted to the outer geometry of the positioning element. The mutually adapted geometries preferably can have a circular cross-sectional shape in a section perpendicular to the engagement axis of the positioning element. Thus, the groove and the positioning element can be realized very simply with a cylindrical or conical outer surface. Alternatively, other geometries in the section can also be envisaged, such as oval, rectangular, triangular, star-shaped or other shapes. Here, the correspondingly shaped positioning element is received at least sectionally or completely in the correspondingly shape-adapted groove in the engagement direction, such that no position change or only a position change with a defined small tolerance occurs at least in a plane parallel to one of the bearing sides of the circuit carrier. This is achieved in particular by forming a fit between the positioning element and the groove. A clearance fit produces a form-fit which still allows very small, permitted position movements due to the clearance dimensions. In an interference fit, this position movement is even smaller and can even form a form-fit and a force-fit with a corresponding dimension pairing. In the case of a press fit, there is no longer any freedom of movement. In all the above cases, it is advantageous to ensure a very precise positioning accuracy and thus a very precise positioning of the plug connector to the circuit carrier as a whole. The engagement direction of the positioning element into the groove is preferably perpendicular to one of the bearing sides of the circuit carrier. Preferably, the engagement is carried out without any undercuts, especially in order to keep the engagement force low. Advantageously, the groove on the side of the circuit carrier facing away from the plug connector is closed cap-like by the shielding element, and thus any otherwise existing EMC gap is completely eliminated. Preferably, there is a gap spacing between the end section of the positioning element and the shielding element, so that the correct engagement of the wire in the engagement direction with the corresponding contact site of the circuit carrier is not limited to the depth dimension by the stop of the positioning element and the shielding element.

[0012] In an alternative embodiment of the contact assembly, the shielding element has a receiving opening having a shape geometry that geometrically matches the exterior of the positioning element, and the positioning element is received at least sectionally or completely in the receiving opening in the joining direction, in particular by forming a fit. The same statements can be made regarding possible forms of fit, conceivable geometries, the spacing of the end section of the positioning element facing the shielding element, and the resulting advantages as have already been mentioned in the previous embodiments.

[0013] In principle, an advantageous embodiment of the contact assembly can be achieved in which the positioning element first passes through the groove and then through the receiving opening in the joining direction. In these cases, the shielding element is arranged entirely on the carrier side of the circuit carrier facing away from the plug connector. The connection of the shielding element to this facing-away carrier side can be achieved, for example, very simply by soldering contact, sintering contact, or adhesive contact. By means of this connection, the shielding element can be oriented in a very precise position relative to the circuit carrier. This can be achieved, for example, by a mechanical and / or optical measuring system that checks the position of the shielding element relative to the plug connector to be joined later and arranges a corresponding position correction within the permitted tolerances.

[0014] Other advantageous embodiments of the contact assembly are provided such that the positioning element first passes through the receiving opening and then through the groove in the joining direction. Thus, at least a part of the shielding element is also arranged on the carrier side of the circuit carrier facing the plug connector, while another part projects at least partially into the groove of the circuit carrier. In this case, analogously to the previous description, the position of the shielding element relative to the circuit carrier can be held very precisely within the permitted tolerances by preferably forming a soldering contact, sintering contact, or adhesive contact between the carrier side facing the plug connector and the part of the shielding element arranged there. The groove in the circuit carrier is dimensioned large enough here such that no contact occurs during position correction within the permitted tolerances.

[0015] Alternatively, in an advantageous embodiment of the contact assembly, a recess formed in the circuit carrier can be used to shield the correct positioning of the element itself. Here, the shape of the recess in the circuit carrier is geometrically adapted to the outer geometry of the shielding element, and the shielding element is received in the recess, in particular by form fit. Since such a recess can be formed in the circuit carrier at a very precise position, the recess can be used as a mechanical system reference for the correct positioning of the shielding element. In this way, the positioning accuracy can be specified correspondingly precisely as required, from clearance fit to transition fit to press fit. Regarding the adapted shape geometry, the same explanations can be made as for the previously described embodiment of the shape geometry of the recess in the circuit carrier and the positioning element. If a part of the shielding element is arranged on the carrier side of the circuit carrier facing away from the plug connector and within the recess of the circuit carrier and ends flush with the carrier side facing the plug connector, the positioning element penetrates the receiving opening in the shielding element and the recess formed geometrically further radially outwards in the circuit carrier simultaneously and in parallel during engagement. Thereby, the mating length between the positioning element and the shielding element can be set to be maximized in the engagement direction, where the interference profile of the shielding element on the carrier side facing the plug connector does not limit the design freedom of the plug connector.

[0016] It is generally advantageous that in an embodiment of the contact assembly, the engagement axes of the receiving opening in the shielding element and the recess in the circuit carrier are arranged to overlap each other. In this way, the mechanical reference for the positioning of the shielding element relative to the circuit carrier can be achieved in the simplest manner. Here, the recess in the circuit carrier can have a centering stage starting from the carrier side facing the plug connector to simplify the insertion of the positioning element into the receiving opening of the shielding element, which is arranged on the carrier side of the circuit carrier facing away from the plug connector. It is also conceivable that the recess and the receiving opening are designed to be completely coincident in the engagement direction of the positioning element, such that the positioning element is received segment by segment not only by the recess but also by the shielding element.

[0017] Advantages are also shown in the following embodiment of the contact assembly, where the shielding element has a sleeve shape with a one-sided opening closed by forming a sleeve bottom, and the sleeve bottom is arranged opposite the free end of the positioning element received in the recess and / or the receiving opening of the shielding element. Here, the shielding element is especially similar to a thimble and can be manufactured very easily and cost-effectively in this form, for example by means of extrusion methods, cup drawing methods, deep drawing methods or other methods, and if necessary, for example by means of machining methods.

[0018] Further advantages result from the following embodiments of the contact assembly, in which the shielding element has a circumferential flange, for example in the basic shape of a thimble. The circumferential flange provides here a connection surface closable on the circumferential side, which is connected in the region of the recess to one of the bearing sides of the circuit carrier, in particular by means of a soldering layer, a sintering layer or an adhesive layer. In addition, a further closed shielding surface can be continued very simply on the circumferential flange - in electrical contact with the flange - thus ensuring a larger shielding surface extending beyond the recess. Such a further closed shielding surface results, for example, from the fact that the circuit carrier has a closed surface metallization on at least one of the bearing sides and / or in the inner layer, which is conductively contacted with the shielding element at least indirectly. The metallization preferably corresponds to the conductor structure of the circuit carrier in terms of its design type and material.

[0019] Particularly advantageous situations exist in embodiments of the contact assembly in which the positioning element is a press-in pin or a soldering pin. A very simple but reliable assembly and connection technique is thus used, which is particularly useful for mass production. As a soldering pin, the positioning element is mechanically connected by means of solder after insertion. The solder ensures here that the possible gap distances between the positioning element and the recess in the circuit carrier or the receiving opening of the shielding element are completely closed. The press-in pin and the soldering pin can enable an airtight joint, thereby also ensuring a closed shielding in the region of the recess of the circuit carrier. It is further preferred that the conductors can be designed in the same way such that at least one positioning element and the conductors can be joined in a common joining process. It is generally advantageous that the joining axis of at least one positioning element is oriented axially parallel to the conductors on the side of the connecting contact pattern. The recess or the receiving opening and the press-in pin or the soldering pin have a material pairing that is favorable for pressing in or soldering. The material can also be applied only as a coating to the base material here.

[0020] Advantages are also shown in embodiments of the contact assembly, in which the positioning element has a tapered insertion region at its free end for insertion into the recess of the circuit carrier and / or the receiving opening of the shielding element. The insertion region projects further in the direction of the joining axis of the positioning element than the end of the conductor on the side of the connecting contact pattern from the plug connector. When the plug connector is inserted into the circuit carrier, the positioning element precedes the conductor and is first inserted into the recess of the circuit carrier and / or the receiving opening of the shielding element. It is thus ensured that the conductor is correctly aligned in its position relative to the circuit carrier before it is inserted into the circuit carrier. In the subsequent joining, the conductor is also accurately inserted into the corresponding recess in the circuit carrier with axial alignment. The tapered insertion region can, for example, be designed as a cone, in particular a cone or a frustum of a cone. The threading at the beginning of the joining process is thus significantly simplified.

[0021] In all embodiments of the contact arrangement, the shielding element is preferably designed as a deep-drawn sheet metal part, a stamped part, a turned and / or milled part or an injection-molded part. A design using additive manufacturing processes is also conceivable.

[0022] It is usually advantageous if the plug connector has at least two positioning elements, wherein the conductor is arranged between the two positioning elements in the direction of the centering axis of the positioning elements in a top view. In this way, the positioning of the plug connector in a plane perpendicular to the centering axis can be carried out very accurately, so that the joining process can be carried out process-reliably, especially for the conductors. The conductors on the sides of the contact connection pattern are electrically connected to the circuit carrier in the contact assembly.

[0023] The present invention also proposes an electronic module, which includes a contact assembly according to at least one of the aforementioned embodiments. The circuit carrier of the contact assembly is basically received in an EMC-proof housing, in particular a housing made of metal, such as a sheet metal housing or an injection-molded housing. In addition, the plug connector of the contact assembly is arranged outside the housing by forming an external contact connection of the electronic module. As a result, the circuit carrier part in the plug connector area is arranged outside the shielding effect of the housing. It is advantageous that the mentioned surface area of ​​the circuit carrier is at least partially or completely shielded by the closed EMC-proof shielding surface of the shielding element. Alternatively or additionally, at least another part of the EMC-proof shielding surface can also be designed as a part of the circuit carrier, in particular as a closed or substantially closed surface in the form of metallization on at least one carrier side or as at least one inner layer of the circuit carrier. This metallization can be formed very easily, preferably in the scope of forming a metal conductor structure on the carrier side or the inner layer. It is particularly advantageous here if the part of the EMC-proof shielding surface comprises at least one closed surface area made of a material that can shield against electromagnetic radiation on both carrier sides of the circuit carrier, in particular the aforementioned metallization, which is at least indirectly in conductive contact with the shielding element. The metallized surface is a simple contact surface for the continuation of the EMC-proof shielding surface by means of a further element, such as a metal housing, which is in system contact with the contact surface.

[0024] In the interface between the housing and the circuit carrier, an EMC gap can be advantageously prevented by electrically contacting each other at least indirectly through the housing and the previously described closed EMC-permeation-preventing shielding surface. It is preferably implemented in such a way that an EMC-permeation-preventing seal is arranged between the housing and the closed EMC-permeation-preventing shielding surface, and the seal is in electrical contact with the housing and / or the EMC-permeation-preventing shielding surface at least indirectly. Further preferably, the EMC-permeation-preventing seal is directly clamped and received between the housing and the metallized part of the EMC-permeation-preventing shielding surface on the carrier side of the circuit carrier. Therefore, an overall shielding effect can be very simply achieved by partially receiving the circuit carrier in the housing.

[0025] Special applications are developed in electronic modules in the field of high-frequency data communication. The plug connector has at least one wire as a data line for data transmission in the Gbit / s range within the contact assembly. In this way, due to the reduced interference sensitivity through particularly good EMC characteristics, significantly improved data signals are ensured. Therefore, such an electronic module is suitable for use in semi-automatic or fully automatic driving, such as controllers, vehicle computers or similar devices. Description of the Drawings

[0026] Further advantages, features and details of the present invention result from the following description of the preferred embodiments and from the accompanying drawings. The drawings show:

[0027] Figure 1 : A schematic diagram of an exemplary known electronic module according to the prior art, which has a circuit carrier and has an EMC gap in the region of a groove in the circuit carrier into which the positioning element of the plug-in connector is inserted,

[0028] Figure 2a : A side view of the contact connection pattern of a known plug connector, which is part of a contact assembly having at least one circuit carrier,

[0029] Figure 2b : A side view of the side of the contact connection pattern of an exemplary implemented plug connector as part of a contact assembly according to the present invention, which has at least one circuit carrier,

[0030] Figure 2c : A side view of the contact connection pattern of another exemplary implemented plug connector having at least one circuit carrier in another contact assembly implemented according to the present invention,

[0031] Figure 3a : Figure 2b Or a schematic cross-sectional view of a part of the contact assembly in 2c passing through the positioning element of the plug connector;

[0032] Figure 3b : Figure 2b Schematic partial cross-sectional view of a shielding element of another exemplary embodiment of the contact assembly in 2c;

[0033] Figure 3c : Figure 2b Schematic partial cross-sectional view of a shielding element of another exemplary embodiment of the contact assembly in 2c;

[0034] Figure 3d : Figure 2b Schematic partial cross-sectional view of a shielding element of another exemplary embodiment of the contact assembly in 2c;

[0035] Figure 4 : Schematic view of the shielding surface in the area of the plug connector in a top view of the contact assembly. Detailed description

[0036] In the drawings, components with the same function are denoted by the same reference numerals.

[0037] Figure 2aA known embodiment of a plug connector 100' is shown. The plug connector 100' has a plug body 110 made of an electrically insulating polymer material. The plug body 110 is here penetrated by a plurality of electrically conductive lines 120 arranged at intervals in a pattern, such that respective ends project on both sides of the plug body 110. A perspective view from the connection contact pattern S2 side of the plug connector 100' is shown, such that one end of a corresponding electrically conductive line 120 can be seen, which end can be brought into contact with a corresponding contact site 12 of a circuit carrier 10. On the side opposite the connection side S2 - the insertion side S1 - the electrically conductive lines 120 form an insertion contact pattern for a mating plug that can be contacted. The correct spacing between the electrically conductive lines 120 on the connection side S2 is ensured by a positioning and / or orientation plate 130' made of an insulating polymer material and is part of the plug connector 100'. It has a plate-shaped base body 131, in which continuous through-openings corresponding to the connection contact pattern are formed. By penetrating from the connection side S2, all the electrically conductive lines 120 are held in the correct position relative to one another and in the direction of the circuit carrier 10 to be contacted. The positioning and / or orientation plate 130' is connected to the plug body 110, for example, by a snap connection or a plug connection. The relative arrangement with respect to the plug body 110 is thus maintained. In the 90° plug connector 100', the ends of the electrically conductive lines 120 located on the connection side S2 are oriented at a 90° angle relative to the ends on the insertion side S1. A positioning element 111' is integrally formed on the side of the contact connection pattern S2 in the opposite end region of the positioning and / or orientation plate 130' in the same orientation as the ends of the electrically conductive lines 120. By means of the positioning element 111', the positioning and / or orientation plate 130' or thus the plug connector 100' itself can be positioned relative to the circuit carrier 10 to be connected and / or an assembly tool. The position positioning is achieved, for example, by a form-fit of at least one positioning element 111' of the positioning and / or orientation plate 130' with a complementary recess formed correspondingly in the circuit carrier 10. For example, one of the positioning elements 111' has a positioning surface for this, which is designed, for example, as a cylindrical outer surface and can be referenced to the wall of a correspondingly complementary-shaped recess in the circuit carrier 10. Thus, the mutually complementary-formed positioning element 111' and the recess are part of a positioning device within the contact assembly 150, which contact assembly is formed by the plug connector 100 or the positioning and / or orientation plate 130' and the circuit carrier 10.

[0038] Figure 2b A vertical view of the connection side S2 of the plug connector 100 within the contact assembly 150 according to the invention is schematically shown. The positioning and / or orientation plate 130 is also shown, similar to Figure 2a the known positioning and / or orientation plate in Figure 1 the manner shown inFigure 1 Compared with the embodiment of the present invention, the electronic module 200 according to the present invention has an improved EMC. Corresponding to the contact connection pattern of the plug connector 100, the circuit carrier 10 has corresponding complementary contact parts 12, for example in the form of metallized grooves 11a in particular. All wires 12 on the connection side S2 are electrically connected to the complementary contact parts 120. This can be achieved by, for example, soldering contacts 121. Here, the ends of the wires 120 are formed as solder pins 111b, which penetrate the metallized grooves 11a and are connected to the metallized 11a in the groove 11 area by solder. Alternatively, the ends of each wire 120 have a press-in area, which is pressed into the metal grooves 11a correspondingly adapted in diameter-forming press-in contacts 122. In order to accurately position the plug connector 100 relative to the circuit carrier 10, the contact assembly 150 also has a positioning device 140. The positioning device includes at least one positioning element 111, which is arranged on the positioning and / or orientation plate 130. The positioning element 111 at least indirectly penetrates the groove 13 formed in the circuit carrier 10. In addition, the positioning element 111 forms a form lock, a force lock and / or a material lock in the area of ​​the groove 13. Therefore, the positioning device 140 determines the relative position of the plug connector 100 and the circuit carrier 10 with respect to each other. In addition, a shielding element 145 is also arranged in the area of ​​the groove 13 and is connected to the circuit carrier 10, so that the shielding element completely covers the groove 13 on the carrier side 15 of the circuit carrier 10 facing away from the plug connector 100 and at least partially penetrated by the positioning element 111. Therefore, the shielding element 145 closes the EMC gap that originally existed in the circuit carrier 10 through the groove 13 in a cover-like manner. In the present embodiment, the conductor 120 is arranged between two positioning elements 111 formed on the outside of the positioning and / or orienting plate 130. Alternatively, it is also possible to have a shielding element 145 on the corresponding other side (with respect to the other side of one or both positioning elements 111). Figure 2b Single or multiple conductors 120 may be arranged differently from those shown in FIG.

[0039] Figure 2c An alternative embodiment of a plug connector 100 in a contact assembly 150 or an electronic module 200 is shown in FIG. Figure 2b Unlike the embodiment of the present invention, the positioning element 111 is now arranged on the plug body 110 and protrudes from the plug body 110 in the direction of the circuit carrier 10 and respectively penetrates the groove 13 formed in the circuit carrier 10 at least partially. Alternatively, this embodiment can also be designed without a positioning and / or orientation plate 130. In principle, a variant of the plug connector 100 can also be conceived, which has at least one positioning element 111 on the plug body 110 and the positioning and / or orientation plate 130, respectively.

[0040] Normally, in the indirect connection area between the plug connector 100 and the circuit carrier 10 - in particular here, the Figure 1 surface area of the remaining area marked as the carrier side 16b in the

[0041] Figures 3a - 3d is schematically shown reduced Figure 2b or Figure 2c a closed EMC-permeation-proof shielding surface 160 is arranged, through which a continuous shielding effect can now be achieved in this area where there was originally an EMC gap. The projection surface obtained perpendicular to the carrier side of the circuit carrier 10 from the shielding surface 160 completely covers at least one similarly obtained projection surface of the groove 13. There are various possibilities regarding the design or arrangement of such an EMC-permeation-proof shielding surface 160 for the shielding element 145. Some advantageous possibilities will be explained in more detail in the following figures.In the region of the recess 13, a section passing through the positioning element 111. For the sake of simplicity of representation, essentially only the circuit carrier 10, the positioning element 111 and the shielding element 145 are shown. In all embodiments, the positioning element 111 is embedded in the recesses 13, 145.13 with complementary shapes, by forming an embedding region 146. The joining direction of the mutual embedding is oriented perpendicular to the bearing sides 15, 16 of the circuit carrier 10 in particular. The embedding region 146 has a shape geometry fit of the positioning element 111 and the corresponding recesses 13, 145.13, for example a clearance fit, a transition fit or preferably an interference fit. According to an embodiment, the positioning element 111 can be made of a polymeric material or of a metal or metal alloy. The positioning element 111 is designed, for example, as a press-in pin 111a, which has a press-in region formed on the end side. The press-in pin 111a is received in the complementary recesses 13, 145.13 such that the press-in region is squeezed by the press-in pin by forming a press-in contact 112a. Alternatively, the positioning element 111 is designed, for example, as a soldering pin 111b by forming a soldering contact 112b. The press-in contact 112a or the soldering contact 112b determines the position state of the plug connector 100 relative to the circuit carrier 10. The press-in pin 111a is designed in particular as a sheet metal part, alternatively made of a round semi-finished product, for example round material. The press-in region can exist, for example, as a stamping. In addition, the press-in pin 111a is formed by exactly one layer material 116, for example made of copper or a copper alloy. In order to improve the press-in process, however, a coating 115 can be applied in the region of the press-in region, for example a tin (Sn) or tin-silver layer (SnAg). The coating 115 has material properties favorable for press-in here. The complementary recesses 13, 145.13 have a metallization 11a allowing a favorable press material pairing in particular. In the case of the soldering contact 112b, an additional coating 115 can also be provided, but the additional coating has material properties favorable for soldering, for example tin (Sn). The coating 115 is provided in the soldering region in particular. The press-in pin 111a and / or the soldering pin 111b can be designed as an insert, which is at least partially surrounded by an insulating polymeric material by forming a plug body 110 during the injection molding process.

[0042] In accordance with Figure 3aIn the embodiment, the positioning element 111 is received in a groove 13 formed in the circuit carrier 10. The shielding element 145 is arranged on the carrier side 15 of the circuit carrier 10 facing away from the plug connector. The shielding element 145 is connected to the circuit carrier 10 by means of a closed circumferential flange 145.a by means of a connection layer 118, for example by means of a soldering layer, a sintering layer or an adhesive layer. The shielding element 145 completely covers the groove 13 in a lid-like manner. Since the shielding element 145 is made of a material capable of shielding electromagnetic radiation, for example made of a metallic material, an EMC-permeation-proof shielding surface 160 is formed in the region of the groove 13 by this material. Preferably, the engagement axis F1 of the positioning element 111 and the central axis M1 of the shielding element 145 are arranged exactly coincidentally. However, the shielding element 145 can also be arranged on the circuit carrier 10 with its central axis M2 offset V relative to the engagement axis F1 of the positioning element 111. The positioning element 111 still has a clearance distance D from the shielding element 145 in the engagement direction in its final position. Additionally or alternatively, in the region of the shielding element 145 or the groove 13, a metallization 14 arranged on one of the carrier sides 15, 16 of the circuit carrier 10 and / or arranged in the inner layer - especially in the form of a ground wire - can also be continuously guided in a closed manner to the EMC-permeation-proof shielding surface 160. The metallization 14 is preferably designed in the same way as the conductor structure of the circuit carrier 10. In this case, the metallization 14 preferably electrically contacts the shielding element 145 at least indirectly, for example in the region of the circumferential flange 145.a. The metallization 14 can also be arranged on both carrier sides 15, 16 of the circuit carrier 10.

[0043] According to Figure 3b the embodiment of Figure 3a differs from the embodiment shown in that the shielding element 145 has a receiving opening 145.13 which is designed to coincide exactly with the groove 13 in the circuit carrier 10. Thus, the receiving opening 145.13 continues the groove 13 in the engagement direction with the same cross-sectional shape and the same cross-sectional dimensions. Thus, the positioning element 111 first passes through the groove 13 and then at least partially through the receiving opening 145.13. Alternatively, the groove 13 can be designed larger in cross-section such that only a defined fit is formed between the positioning element 111 and the receiving opening 145.13. The shielding element 145 is in particular designed in the form of a cylindrical sleeve with a one-sided opening closure. The opening closure is provided by a sleeve bottom 145.b which is arranged opposite the free end of the positioning element 111 with a clearance distance D.

[0044] Figure 3c shows another possible implementation possibility. It differs from according to Figure 3bThe embodiment differs in that it lacks a closed circumferential flange. The geometric shape of the groove 13 in the circuit carrier 10 and the external geometry of the shielding element 145 are mutually adapted. The shielding element 145 is received in the groove 13 here - in particular by forming a fit - and preferably ends flush with the bearing side 16 facing the plug connector 100. Thus, the positioning element 11 simultaneously penetrates the groove 13 and the receiving opening 145.13 of the shielding element 145. The shielding element 145 can be pressed into the groove 13 here or brazed, sintered or glued to the groove. In both cases, the groove 13 in particular has a metallization 11a, which facilitates pressing in and / or is wettable for the connecting material 118.

[0045] Figure 3d The embodiment shown in Figure 3a and 3b combines aspects of the embodiment shown in Figure 3c Compared with the embodiment according to Figure 3b a closed circumferential flange is formed on the shielding element 145. Compared with the embodiment according to Figure 3b the flange is now arranged on the bearing side of the circuit carrier 10 facing the plug connector 100 and is preferably connected thereto. Thus, the positioning element 111 first passes through the receiving opening 145.13 and then also through the groove 13.

[0046] Regarding the viewing direction perpendicular to the bearing sides 15, 16 of the circuit carrier 10, Figure 4 possible boundaries E14 or E145 of the shielding surface 160 effectively preventing EMC penetration are also shown according to the foregoing embodiments. Here, the boundary E14 results from the obtained projection surface of the metallization 14 arranged in the bearing sides 15, 16 or the inner layer of the circuit carrier 10. The boundary E145 results from the obtained projection surface of the shielding element 145. Also shown is the boundary E145 resulting from the groove 13 completely covered by the shielding surface 160 effectively preventing EMC penetration. Thus, the shielding surface 160 effectively preventing EMC penetration is produced in the overlap or seamless transition of the metallization 14 and the shielding element 145. Embodiments are also conceivable in which the shielding surface 160 effectively preventing EMC penetration is provided only by the shielding element 145.

[0047] The boundary E14 and / or E145 also at least borders the following area of the circuit carrier 10: the area that is outside the housing 210 of the electronic module 200 in the area where the plug connector 100 is arranged and is there shielded from EMC penetration by the shielding surface 160 of the contact assembly 150. Here, the closed shielding surface 160 effectively preventing EMC penetration of the housing 210 and the contact assembly 150 are at least indirectly conductively contacted with each other. Compared with Figure 1 an EMC - permeation - proof seal 220 is also arranged between the housing 210 and the shielding surface 160 effectively preventing EMC penetration - and is at least indirectly in electrical contact therewith.

[0048] In the electronic module 200, special applications can be developed in the field of high-frequency data communication. Here, the plug connector 100 has at least one wire 120 as a data line for data transmission in the Gbit / s range. In this way, due to the reduced interference sensitivity through particularly good EMC characteristics, significantly improved data signals are ensured. Therefore, such an electronic device 200 is suitable for, for example, partially autonomous or fully autonomous driving, such as controllers, vehicle computers, or the like.

Claims

1. A contact assembly (150) for a circuit carrier (10), the circuit carrier being provided with a plug connector (100), wherein the plug connector (100) comprises at least one electrically insulating plug body (110), in which a plurality of spaced-apart conductors (120) are arranged in a layout such that corresponding ends of the plurality of conductors form a plugging contact pattern for a mating plug, and corresponding other ends of the plurality of conductors form a connection contact pattern for respective contact sites (12) of the circuit carrier (10), wherein the conductors (120) are oriented at least on one side of the connection contact pattern by an electrically insulating positioning and / or orientation plate (130) with respect to their arrangement relative to one another, and the positioning and / or orientation plate (130) comprises at least one positioning element (111), the at least one positioning element at least partially penetrating a recess (13) in the circuit carrier (10), and the positioning element (111) defining, at that location, a relative position of the circuit carrier (10) and the plug connector (100) relative to one another by forming a form-fit, force-fit and / or material-fit, characterized in that, the contact assembly (150) comprises at least one shielding element (145) for shielding electromagnetic radiation, wherein the shielding element (145) is connected to the circuit carrier (10), and the recess (13) in the circuit carrier (10) that is at least partially penetrated by the positioning element (111) is completely covered by the shielding element (145).

2. A contact assembly for a circuit carrier (10), the circuit carrier being provided with a plug connector (100), wherein the plug connector (100) comprises at least one electrically insulating plug body (130), in which a plurality of spaced-apart conductors (120) are arranged in a layout such that corresponding ends of the plurality of conductors form a plugging contact pattern for a mating plug and corresponding other ends of the plurality of conductors form a connection contact pattern for respective contact sites (12) of the circuit carrier (10), and the plug body (110) comprises at least one positioning element (111), the positioning element at least partially penetrating a recess (13) in the circuit carrier (10), and the positioning element (111) defining, at that location, a relative position of the circuit carrier (10) and the plug connector (100) relative to one another by forming a form-fit, force-fit and / or material-fit, characterized in that, the contact assembly (150) comprises at least one shielding element (145) for shielding electromagnetic radiation, in particular made of metal, wherein the shielding element (145) is connected to the circuit carrier (10), and the recess (13) in the circuit carrier (13) that is at least partially penetrated by the positioning element (111) is completely covered by the shielding element (145).

3. The contact assembly (150) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The shape of the recess (13) in the circuit carrier (10) is geometrically adapted to the external geometry of the positioning element (111), and the positioning element (111) is received in the recess (13) at least in sections or completely in the joining direction, in particular by form fit.

4. The contact assembly (150) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the shielding element (145) has a receiving opening (145.12), the receiving opening having a shape geometry adapted to the external geometry of the positioning element (111), and the positioning element (111) is received in the receiving opening (145.13) at least in sections or completely in the joining direction, in particular by form fit.

5. The contact assembly (150) according to claim 4, characterized in that the positioning element (111) first passes through the recess (13) in the joining direction and then through the receiving opening.

6. The contact assembly (150) according to claim 4, characterized in that the positioning element (111) first passes through the receiving opening (145.13) in the joining direction and then through the recess (13), or passes through the receiving opening (145.13) and the recess (13) in parallel.

7. The contact assembly (150) according to any one of claims 4 to 6, characterized in that the joining axis (M1) of the receiving opening (145.13) in the shielding element (145) and the joining axis (F1) of the recess (13) in the circuit carrier (10) are arranged overlapping each other.

8. The contact assembly (150) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the shielding element (145) has a sleeve shape, and by forming a sleeve bottom (145.b), the sleeve shape has a one-sided opening closure, wherein the sleeve bottom (145.b) is arranged opposite the free end of the positioning element (111) received in the recess (13) and / or the receiving opening (145.13) of the shielding element (145).

9. The contact assembly (150) according to any one of claims 1, 2, 4 or 6 to 8, characterized in that the shape of the recess (13) in the circuit carrier (10) is geometrically adapted to the external geometry of the shielding element (145), and the shielding element (145) is received in the recess (13), in particular by form fit.

10. The contact assembly (150) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the shielding element (145) has a circumferential flange (145.a), and the circumferential flange is connected to one of the bearing sides (15, 16) of the circuit carrier (10) in the region of the recess (13), in particular by a soldering layer, a sintering layer or an adhesive layer.

11. The contact assembly (150) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The positioning element (111) is a press-in pin (111a) or a soldering pin (111b), and the joining axis (F1) of the positioning element (111) is oriented axially parallel to the conductor (120) on the side of the connection contact pattern.

12. The contact assembly (150) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the positioning element (111) has a tapered insertion region (146) at its free end for insertion into the recess (13) of the circuit carrier (10), wherein the insertion region (146) protrudes more from the plug connector (100) in the direction of the joining axis (F1) of the positioning element (111) than the end of the conductor (120) on the side of the connection contact pattern.

13. The contact assembly (150) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the circuit carrier (10) has a closed-surface metallization (14) on at least one of the carrier sides (15, 16) and / or in the inner layer, and the closed-surface metallization is conductively contacted at least indirectly with the shielding element (145) by forming a shielding surface (160) that prevents EMC penetration in the region of the plug connector (100).

14. An electronic module (200) comprising the contact assembly (150) according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the circuit carrier (10) of the contact assembly (150) is substantially received in a housing (210) that prevents EMC penetration, the housing being made of metal, such as a sheet-metal housing or an injection-molded housing, and the plug connector (100) of the contact assembly (150) is arranged outside the housing (210) by forming an external contact connection of the electronic module (200), wherein the determined part of the circuit carrier (10) in the region of the plug connector (100) is arranged outside the shielding effect of the housing (210), and the housing is conductively contacted at least indirectly with the shielding element (145) of the contact assembly (150) and / or the shielding surface (160) that prevents EMC penetration.

15. The electronic module (200) according to claim 14, characterized in that an EMC-penetration-preventing seal (220) is arranged between the housing (210) and the closed EMC-penetration-preventing shielding surface (160) of the contact assembly (150), and the EMC-penetration-preventing seal is conductively contacted at least indirectly with the housing (210) and / or the EMC-penetration-preventing shielding surface (160) of the contact assembly (150).

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