Electrical connector for a data or communication cable

Abstract

Electrical connector (1) for a data or communication cable with the following features: - a series of contact elements (30) arranged along a longitudinal axis (L), - at least two intersections (35) formed by two intersecting contact elements (30), - each intersection (35) is formed by two intersection webs (36) belonging to each of the contact elements (30), wherein the intersection webs (36) are arranged offset from each other when viewed from a top view.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to an electrical connector for a data or communication cable according to the features of claim 1.

[0002] US Patent 72 01 618 B2 discloses an electrical connector comprising a printed circuit board with intersecting conductive traces. A problematic aspect of such an electrical connector is that the circuit board is formed from a dielectric substrate. The permittivity of such a dielectric substrate is three to five times greater than that of air. The capacitive coupling between opposing conductive surfaces is directly inversely proportional to the distance between the conductive surfaces and directly proportional to the area of ​​the conductive surface and the permittivity of the material located between the conductive surfaces. The capacitive coupling between the opposing conductive surfaces is increased by the elevated permittivity of the dielectric substrate.Increased capacitive coupling leads to increased crosstalk and alters the inductive and capacitive components of, for example, a conductor track, which can negatively affect insertion and reflection loss.

[0003] This problem is solved by an electrical connector for a data or communication cable having the features of claim 1.

[0004] Advantageous embodiments and further developments of the invention are specified in the dependent claims.

[0005] According to the invention, an electrical connector for a data or communication cable is a series of contact elements arranged along a longitudinal axis, preferably elongated, at least two intersections formed by two intersecting contact elements each, each intersection being formed by two, preferably by crossing webs running at least substantially parallel to each other and orthogonal to the longitudinal axis, each belonging to one of the contact elements.

[0006] Advantageously, each intersection is formed by intersection webs that run at least essentially parallel to each other and orthogonally to the longitudinal axis, each belonging to one of the contact elements.

[0007] The present invention is based on the idea of ​​providing an electrical connector in which contact elements are arranged in an optimized manner with respect to the parameters FEXT, NEXT, and insertion and reflection loss. For this purpose, it is advantageous to arrange the crossing bridges of the intersection parallel to each other, thereby precisely optimizing the capacitive coupling depending on the degree of overlap of the crossing bridges of the contact elements, particularly with respect to NEXT and FEXT.

[0008] Advantageously, the electrical connector comprises a housing and a circuit board at least partially arranged within the housing. A series of contact elements are connected to the circuit board. The electrical connector has at least one intersection, the intersection being formed by at least two contact elements that at least partially overlap and whose sequence changes. The intersection has two crossing ribs, the crossing ribs being parallel to each other when viewed from a top view.

[0009] Advantageously, the electrical connector has a one-piece, two-piece, or multi-piece housing comprising a front, a back, a bottom, a top, and two side surfaces. Preferably, the housing of the electrical connector is at least partially made of a conductive material. This results in improved properties for the electrical connector with regard to electromagnetic compatibility and electromagnetic interference emission.

[0010] Within the housing of the electrical connector, at least part of a circuit board can be arranged, to which contact elements and contact pins, preferably designed as insulation displacement connectors (IDCs), are connected. The contact elements are interconnected with the IDCs via a conductor track.

[0011] The conductor track has a path at the end of which two contact pads are arranged. These contact pads are electrically connected to the contact elements and insulation displacement connectors. The contact pads can be round or rectangular. Furthermore, the contact pads can be compatible with through-hole (THT) or surface-mount (SMD) components.

[0012] The arrangement of the contact elements in the mating face, particularly in the area of ​​the contact points with a complementary electrical connector, is defined by standards. The contact elements are assigned the designations one to eight, with contact elements one and eight being the two outermost contact elements in the area of ​​the contact point with the mating connector. The other contact elements are numbered consecutively. The conductor tracks and insulation displacement connectors are assigned the same numbering as the contact elements.

[0013] Viewed from above, the contact elements are arranged in a row on the circuit board. The order of the contact elements on the circuit board and the order of the contact elements at the contact point with a mating connector may differ.

[0014] In electrical connectors, which are preferably used in telecommunications, data transmission occurs via differential lines, with each pair of conductor tracks forming a differential line. Advantageously, conductor tracks one and two, three and six, four and five, and seven and eight each form a differential line.

[0015] Here and in the following, a differential circuit has a first conductor track and a second conductor track. The conductor track often referred to as the positive or tip track is the first conductor track, while the negative or ring conductor track is defined as the second conductor track. The same applies to the contact element connected to each conductor track.

[0016] When transmitting data over a differential line, a signal is transmitted on the first conductor, while the second conductor transmits the inverted signal. The receiver calculates the difference between the two signals, with this difference corresponding to the original signal to be transmitted.

[0017] Preferably, one or more simple intersections are formed. In a simple intersection, only one contact element overlaps and changes order with another contact element. Multiple simple intersections can also be formed between two contact elements. Furthermore, a contact element can overlap more than one other contact element. For example, a contact element can overlap two, three, or four other contact elements within a single crossing.

[0018] According to the invention, the crossing bridges are arranged offset from one another when viewed from a top view. Preferably, the longitudinal axes of the crossing bridges do not run parallel to each other.

[0019] The crossing bridges can also be arranged to partially overlap each other. The crossing bridges can also be designed to completely overlap each other. Advantageously, the areas of the crossing bridges overlap by less than 90 percent, preferably less than 70 percent, particularly preferably less than 50 percent, most preferably less than 25 percent, and particularly preferably less than 10 percent.

[0020] According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the crossing bridge is formed at least approximately orthogonal or orthogonal to the insertion direction of the electrical connector.

[0021] The crossing rib of a contact element can also be arranged at an angle to the insertion direction. For example, the angle of the crossing rib to the insertion direction can be between 30 and 90 degrees, preferably between 45 and 90 degrees, particularly preferably between 70 and 90 degrees, and most preferably between 80 and 90 degrees.

[0022] The angles of the contact ribs of a crossover relative to the insertion direction of the electrical connector can also be different. For example, one crossover rib can be at an angle of 75 degrees to the insertion direction of the electrical connector, and the other crossover rib of the same crossover at 90 degrees. The length of the crossover ribs must be adjusted accordingly.

[0023] Preferably, the crossing bridges of an intersection are of different lengths. The crossing bridges of an intersection can have a length difference of more than 2 percent, preferably more than 5 percent, particularly preferably more than 10 percent, very preferably more than 15 percent, particularly preferably more than 25 percent, and most preferably more than 40 percent. The crossing bridges of an intersection can also be of the same length.

[0024] The crossing bridges of different crossings can be of the same length or of different lengths.

[0025] The crossing bridges of the outer crossings can be of equal length. The crossing bridges of the contact elements of the outer crossings, which are connected to the first and / or second conductor tracks, can be of equal length. The crossing bridges of all crossings can be of equal length. The same percentage length difference values ​​mentioned above apply to the crossing bridges of different crossings.

[0026] The contact elements are always galvanically isolated from each other.

[0027] Preferably, at least three intersections are formed, preferably one central intersection and two outer intersections. The central intersection is preferably formed by contact elements four and five. The central intersection can also be formed, for example, by contact elements three and six, two and three, and four and seven. The outer contact elements are preferably formed by contact elements one and two, as well as seven and eight. This results in a symmetry of the transmission path. Symmetrical configurations of the transmission path generally exhibit higher interference resistance, improved signal quality, and thus enable a higher data transmission rate. However, the outer contact elements can also be formed, for example, by contact elements one and three or one and six.

[0028] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, at least one crossing bridge of the central crossing is arranged closer to a contact point of a mating connector along an electrical connection than any crossing bridge of an outer crossing. The crossing bridge of the central crossing is arranged at least 5 percent, preferably at least 10 percent, most preferably at least 15 percent, and most preferably at least 30 percent closer to a contact point than the crossing bridge of an outer crossing along an electrical connection to the respective contact point.

[0029] According to a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, both crossing bridges of the middle crossing are arranged closer to the contact point of a mating connector along an electrical connection than any crossing bridge of an outer crossing.

[0030] Preferably, both crossing bridges of the outer and / or middle crossing can have the same distance along an electrical connection to the respective contact point. However, the distance can also be different. For example, the different distance of the two outer and / or middle crossing bridges to their respective contact point can be at least 2 percent, preferably at least 5 percent, most preferably at least 8 percent, and most preferably at least 15 percent.

[0031] Preferably, at least one crossing bridge of an outer crossing along an electrical connection is arranged at the same distance from the contact point for connecting a mating connector as a crossing bridge of another outer crossing. Preferably, both crossing bridges of an outer crossing along an electrical connection are arranged at the same distance from the contact point for connecting a mating connector as a crossing bridge of another outer crossing.

[0032] Preferably, the crossing bridges are arranged closer to the contact point than the connection point of the contact elements with the circuit board. Preferably, the connection point of the circuit board along an electrical connection is arranged at least 75 percent, preferably at least 50 percent, particularly preferably at least 25 percent, and most preferably at least 10 percent further away from a crossing bridge than the crossing bridge is from its respective contact point.

[0033] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the intersection is formed by two contact elements connected to conductor tracks of the same differential line. Preferably, the contact element connected to the first conductor track of the differential line and the contact element connected to the second conductor track of the differential line form an intersection. For example, the contact element electrically connected to conductor track one and the contact element electrically connected to conductor track two form an intersection.

[0034] In a particularly preferred embodiment of the invention, eight contact elements are connected to the circuit board, wherein contact elements one and two and contact elements seven and eight each form an outer intersection and contact elements four and five form a central intersection.

[0035] Advantageously, the contact elements are electrically connected to the circuit board at a single point. The contact elements can also be mechanically and / or electrically connected to the circuit board at two, three, or more points.

[0036] The contact elements are connected to the circuit board and its conductor tracks via contact pads. Compensation units, such as coils or capacitors, can be integrated on the circuit board. Multiple compensation units can be arranged within a single transmission path. These units can be connected between the same or different differential lines.

[0037] Branch lines can be connected to the conductor tracks, but these branch lines are not directly part of the data transmission path. Compensation units, in particular capacitors, preferably plate or interdigital capacitors, can be installed at the ends of the branch lines. The capacitors can also be implemented as discrete components.

[0038] Preferably, the contact elements are designed and / or arranged in a spring-like manner. The spring-like design of the contact elements improves the contact between the electrical connector and the contact elements of a complementary connector, thereby ensuring reliable data transfer.

[0039] In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, a free space is formed between the contact elements of the intersection. This free space prevents the presence of dielectric material between the contact elements. Dielectric materials exhibit a higher permittivity compared to air. Air has a permittivity of one, while, for example, FR4 materials have a permittivity between three and five. Higher permittivity leads to greater capacitive coupling between the contact elements. The relative permittivity is directly proportional to the capacitance. Greater capacitive coupling leads to increased crosstalk, which in turn can result in a reduced data rate.

[0040] According to a particularly preferred embodiment of the invention, the contact elements are designed to be freestanding at one end. The ends of the contact elements are arranged in a row. Due to the freestanding ends, the spring action of the contact elements is greater. As a result, the contact elements of the electrical connector and any complementary connector are always in contact, and the risk of incorrect contact is minimized.

[0041] Advantageously, the crossing bridges of an intersection are arranged without overlapping each other.

[0042] Advantageously, a compensation circuit board is at least partially arranged in the housing, with the contact elements being electrically connected to the compensation circuit board.

[0043] Compensation components must be positioned as close as possible to the contact point of the electrical connector and mating connector. Often, the main board is located too far away, or there is no space on the main board for compensation units, so an additional compensation circuit board can be advantageous. Furthermore, main boards are typically thicker, as they contribute to the mechanical stability of the electrical connector. This results in a spacing between the main board layers that is usually greater than 100 µm, meaning that the opposing plates of a parallel-plate capacitor are spaced further apart.

[0044] The capacitance can be increased by increasing the area of ​​the plates of the plate capacitor or by decreasing the distance between the plates.

[0045] To minimize the size of the compensation units, particularly the plates of the plate capacitor, it is advantageous for the compensation circuit board to be as thin as possible. Preferably, the thickness of the compensation circuit board is less than 300 µm, more preferably less than 100 µm, most preferably less than 50 µm, and most preferably less than 20 µm.

[0046] Preferably, the electrical connector has at least one central crossing and at least one outer crossing, wherein at least one crossing bridge of the central crossing is arranged along an electrical connection closer to a contact point of a mating connector than any crossing bridge of an outer crossing to its electrically connected contact point.

[0047] According to a particularly preferred embodiment of the invention, compensation units, preferably capacitors, are arranged on the compensation circuit board. The capacitors are preferably designed as plate capacitors or interdigital capacitors.

[0048] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the circuit board and the compensating circuit board are arranged at least partially orthogonally to each other. This allows the electrical connector to be designed as compactly as possible. The circuit board and the compensating circuit board can be arranged at an angle to each other. The angular range in which the compensating circuit board and the circuit board can be arranged to each other is preferably between 0 and 90 degrees. The angular range in which the compensating circuit board and the circuit board can be arranged to each other is particularly preferably between 45 and 90 degrees, and most preferably between 70 and 90 degrees. The circuit board and the compensating circuit board can also be arranged parallel to each other.

[0049] Preferably, the circuit board is arranged perpendicular to the insertion direction of the electrical connector. This perpendicular arrangement of the circuit board allows the electrical connector to be made particularly short along its longitudinal axis.

[0050] The contact elements can be arranged at least partially parallel to the longitudinal axis and project towards the plug-in face of the electrical connector.

[0051] The circuit board can have an angle with respect to the longitudinal axis. The circuit board can be arranged at an angle between 0 and 90 degrees with respect to the longitudinal axis. The circuit board has an angular range of 45 to 90 degrees with respect to the longitudinal axis. Particularly preferably, the circuit board has an angular range of 70 to 90 degrees with respect to the longitudinal axis.

[0052] Preferably, the electrical connector is designed as an RJ45 socket or an RJ45 plug. The electrical connector can also be designed as a junction box, a telephone socket, or similar.

[0053] Overlap is defined in the preceding, present, and subsequent sections such that at least one vector exists that intersects two surfaces arranged in space, with the vector intersecting one of the surfaces orthogonally. Complete overlap occurs when there is no vector that, if it intersects one of the two surfaces orthogonally, does not also intersect the other surface.

[0054] The front side is the side that can be inserted into another electrical connector, or the side into which another electrical connector is inserted. The mating face is usually located on the front side.

[0055] The back is the side into which a connecting cable can be inserted into the electrical connector.

[0056] The longitudinal axis is the axis that intersects the front and back sides orthogonally.

[0057] The transverse axis is orthogonal to the longitudinal axis. The transverse axis intersects the side surfaces of the electrical connector orthogonally.

[0058] In the preceding text, as well as here and in the following, a series is understood to be an arrangement or configuration of elements that, viewed from a particular perspective, are arranged along an imaginary line or axis. A series has a sequence, preferably a numbered sequence.

[0059] In the preceding text, as well as here and in the following, the middle contact elements are defined as those contact elements arranged in a row on the mating face, excluding the outermost contact elements. For example, in an RJ45 plug or RJ45 socket, contact elements two through seven are defined as middle contact elements.

[0060] In the preceding text, as well as here and in the following, the outermost contact elements are defined as those contact elements arranged in a row on the mating face. For example, in an RJ45 plug or RJ45 socket, contact elements one and eight are defined as the outermost contact elements.

[0061] The central intersection consists exclusively of central contact elements.

[0062] The outer intersection has at least one outer contact element.

[0063] The crossing bridge is defined above, as well as here and below, as the part of a contact element that causes the change in the order of the contact elements for the contact element in question.

[0064] The contact point of an electrical connector is defined above, here and in the following as the point or area which, when two electrical connectors, e.g. a plug and a socket, are plugged together, establishes the electrical and thus data interface between the electrical connectors.

[0065] The distance specifications starting from the crossing bridges, especially to the respective contact points, always refer to the path to be traveled along an electrical connection.

[0066] An embodiment of the invention is explained below with reference to the figures. The figures show: Fig. Figure 1 shows an exploded view of an electrical connector with a housing front part, a housing rear part, a support element, a circuit board, a compensation board, contact elements and insulation displacement connectors. Fig. Figure 2 shows a perspective view of an assembly of the electrical connector made of Fig. 1, comprising a carrier element, a compensation circuit board and contact elements, Fig. Figure 3 shows a perspective view of the support element and the contact elements. Fig. Figure 4 shows a sectional view from above of the support element and the contact elements, and Fig. Figure 5 shows a perspective side view of an intersection.

[0067] In the following figures, identical reference symbols denote identical parts with the same meaning.

[0068] Fig. Figure 1 shows an electrical connector 1, wherein the electrical connector 1 is designed as a socket.

[0069] The socket comprises a housing 10 with a housing front part 50 and a housing rear part 70, a support element 90, a circuit board 20, a compensation circuit board 60, contact elements 30 and insulation displacement connectors 85.

[0070] The front part of the case 50 has a front 5, a back 6, a top 8a, a bottom 9 and a first and a second side surface 3a, 4.

[0071] The front face 5 of the housing front part 50 corresponds to the mating face of the socket. The front face 5 has a recess 51. The recess 51 can be stepped. The width of the recess 51 can taper towards the top face 5 of the housing front part 50. A complementary mating connector (not shown) can be inserted into the socket through the recess 51.

[0072] The first and second side surfaces 3a, 4 of the housing front part 50 are of different lengths. The second side surface 4 is longer than the first side surface 3a of the housing front part 50. The second side surface 4 extends from the front 5 along the longitudinal axis L to the rear 6 of the socket. The first side surface 3a of the housing front part 50 extends from the front 5 along the longitudinal axis L towards the rear 6 of the socket, with the first side surface 3a having only about half the length along the longitudinal axis L of the second side surface 4. The two side surfaces 3a, 4 of the housing front part 50 can also be of the same length.

[0073] The first and second side surfaces 3a, 4 of the housing front part 50 each have a recess 52. The recess 52 is located closer to the front 5 of the housing front part 50 than to the rear 6.

[0074] The upper surface 8a of the housing front part 50 has a pin 53. The pin 53 has a first cylinder 54 with a first diameter and a second cylinder 55 with a second diameter. The first cylinder 54 is directly connected to the upper surface 8a of the housing front part 50. The second cylinder 55 is mounted on the first cylinder 54, such that the first cylinder 54 is positioned between the upper surface 8a of the housing front part 50 and the second cylinder 55. The diameter of the first cylinder 54 is smaller than the diameter of the second cylinder 55.

[0075] A locking hook 56 can also be formed on the upper surface 8a of the front part of the housing 50.

[0076] The rear part of the housing 70 has a top surface 8b, a bottom surface 9 and a first side surface 3b.

[0077] The upper surface 8b of the rear housing part 70 has a recess 71. The recess 71 is located at the edge of the upper surface 8b. The recess 71 is circular in shape, with the circle being partially cut off by the edge of the upper surface 8b. The upper surface 8b of the rear housing part 70 may also have a locking groove 72.

[0078] The front housing part 50 is pivotably arranged on the rear housing part 70. For this purpose, the pin 52, which is located on the upper surface 8a of the upper housing part 50, fits into the at least partially circular recess 71, which is formed on the upper surface 8b of the rear housing part 70.

[0079] In the connected state, the locking hook 56, which is located on the upper surface 8a of the front housing part 50, engages in the locking groove 72, which is formed on the upper surface 8b of the rear housing part 70. In the locked state, a pivoting movement between the front housing part 50 and the rear housing part 70 is not possible without releasing the locking connection.

[0080] In the connected state, the first side surface 3a of the housing front part 50 and the first side surface 3b of the housing rear part 70 form a common side surface 3a, 3b of the socket. The common side surface 3a, 3b of the socket has the same extent along the longitudinal axis L as the second side surface 4 of the housing front part 50.

[0081] The front part of the housing 50 and the rear part of the housing 70 are preferably made of a material that is electrically and thermally conductive.

[0082] The support element 90 has an L-shaped longitudinal section. The support element 90 is preferably made of plastic.

[0083] The support element 90 has a first side surface 91 and a second side surface 92. The first and second side surfaces 91, 92 extend parallel to the side surfaces 3a, 4 of the housing front part 50. The side surfaces 91, 92 of the support element 90 have a first web 93 and a second web 94. The first web 93 extends parallel to the longitudinal axis L. The second web 94 is arranged orthogonally to the first web 93.

[0084] The first two webs 93 of the first and second side surfaces 91, 92 of the support element 90 are connected to each other via a cross web 95.

[0085] The two second webs 94 of the first and second side surfaces 91, 92 of the support element 90 are connected to each other via an upper web 96 and a lower web 97.

[0086] The second web 94 of the side surface 91, 92 of the support element 90 each has a locking hook 98.

[0087] The locking hook 98 engages in the locking groove 52 of the housing front part 50 when the bushing is assembled. The support element 90 is thus mechanically connected to the housing front part 50. Preferably, the support element 90 is arranged inside the housing front part 50 of the bushing.

[0088] The compensation circuit board 60 has compensation units, preferably in the form of plate capacitors and / or interdigital capacitors. Inductive components may also be implemented on the compensation circuit board. Preferably, the compensation circuit board 60 is very thin, preferably less than or equal to 100 µm, and particularly preferably less than or equal to 35 µm. This allows the compensation units to be small on the compensation circuit board 60. The use of a compensation circuit board 60 has the advantage that the compensation units can be arranged as close as possible to the connection point of the socket and its complementary counterpart, which is advantageous with regard to NEXT and FEXT.

[0089] The compensating circuit board 60 is placed on a frame 99 of the support element 90, wherein the frame 99 is formed by the two first webs 93, the side surfaces 91, 92 of the support element 90 as well as the cross web 95 and bottom web 97.

[0090] The contact elements 30 are made of an electrically conductive material, preferably copper or aluminum.

[0091] The contact elements 30 are preferably electrically connected to the compensation circuit board 60. The contact elements 30 are electrically connected to the circuit board 20. All or only some, for example four, of the contact elements 30 can be electrically connected to the compensation circuit board 60. Advantageously, three to six of the contact elements 30 are electrically connected to the compensation circuit board 60.

[0092] The circuit board 20 is arranged parallel to the front face 5 of the housing front part 50. The circuit board 20 can also be arranged parallel to the longitudinal axis L of the socket. The circuit board 20 can also be arranged at an angle to the longitudinal axis L, the angle preferably being between 0 and 45 degrees.

[0093] The circuit board 20 can be designed as a single-layer, two-layer or multi-layer, in particular as a four-layer or six-layer circuit board 20.

[0094] Circuit board 20 preferably includes compensation units. These compensation units can be inductive and / or capacitive. Inductive components are, for example, designed as coils, whereas capacitive components are designed as plate capacitors or interdigital capacitors. Two parallel conductor tracks also exhibit inductive and capacitive coupling to each other.

[0095] IDC terminals 85 are arranged on the circuit board 20. The IDC terminals 85 point towards the rear 6 of the socket. The IDC terminals 85 can also point towards the top 8a, 8b, the bottom 9, the side surfaces 3a, 3b, 4 or the front 5 of the housing front part 50 and / or housing rear part 70.

[0096] The insulation displacement connectors 85 have a base that is electrically and mechanically connected to a contact pad on the circuit board 20. The insulation displacement connectors 85 are soldered or crimped to the contact pad. The insulation displacement connector 85 also has two cutting edges 86.

[0097] The insulation displacement connectors 85 can be arranged in groups on the circuit board 20. The insulation displacement connectors 85 can be arranged in rows, preferably in pairs.

[0098] The individual wires of a data cable (not visible) are placed or pressed between the cutting edges 86 in the assembled state, so that the insulation of the individual wires is released and an electrical connection is formed between the individual wires and the cutting terminal 85.

[0099] Fig. Figure 2 shows the support element 90, the compensation circuit board 60, and the contact elements 30 in their installed arrangement in a perspective view. A total of eight contact elements 30 are arranged. More or fewer contact elements 30 may also be used.

[0100] The contact elements 30 run parallel to each other in the area of ​​the contact point 45 with a complementary connector. One or more contact elements 30 can also be arranged offset from the other contact elements 30. For example, contact elements three and six 103 106 can be recessed in the area of ​​the contact point 45 towards the circuit board 20.

[0101] The contact elements 30 are preferably spring-loaded. The contact elements 30 are arranged and designed such that they exert a force (spring force) on the contact pads of the compensation circuit board 60. This ensures a constant electrical connection between the contact elements 30 and the compensation circuit board 60.

[0102] Fig. Figure 3 shows a perspective view of the contact elements 30 and the support element 90.

[0103] The contact elements 30 have a first section 33a which runs parallel to the longitudinal axis L and can be directly connected to the circuit board 20 electrically and mechanically, preferably by means of soldering.

[0104] The contact elements 30 have a second section 33b which runs at least partially parallel to the longitudinal axis L and forms the intersections 35, which will be explained in detail later. The first and second sections 33a, 33b are connected to each other via a first connecting element 34a. The first section 33a of the contact element 30 is closer to the upper surface 8a of the front housing part 50 than the second section 33b of the same contact element 30.

[0105] The third section 33c of the contact element 30 is the section 33c that is electrically connected to the compensation circuit board 60. The second and third sections 33b, 33c are electrically connected to each other via a second connecting element 34b, wherein the third section 33c of the contact element 30 is arranged closer to the top surface 8a of the housing front part 50 than the second section 33b of the same contact element 30. The second connecting element 34b has the shape of a semicircle.

[0106] The fourth section 33d of the contact element 30 is arranged above the compensation circuit board 60 and is electrically directly connected to the third section 33c of the contact element 30. The fourth section 33d of the contact element 30 has the contact point 45, which connects the socket to a complementary mating connector (not shown).

[0107] The carrier element 90 has notches 100 in its transverse web 95 into which the contact elements 30 can be inserted. This holds the contact elements 30 in position. In particular, displacement of the contact elements 30 along the transverse axis of the bushing is now only possible with difficulty.

[0108] Fig. Figure 4 shows a sectional view from above of the support element 90 and the contact elements 30.

[0109] Viewed from a top view, the contact elements 30 are arranged in a row 32 in the area of ​​the circuit board 20 and in the area of ​​the contact point 45, each with a complementary mating connector (not shown). The contact elements 30 can also be arranged in several rows 32 in both the area of ​​the contact point 45 and in the area of ​​the circuit board 20.

[0110] In the area of ​​the mating connector, the sequence of the contact elements 30 is specified by standard. Contact elements one and eight (101, 108) are the outermost contact elements 30. The numbering of the intermediate contact elements 102-107 continues consecutively, resulting in the sequence of contact elements 30 with the corresponding designations one, two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight.

[0111] In the area of ​​the circuit board 20, the contact elements 30 with their corresponding designations have the following order in the top view: seven, eight, six, four, five, three, one, two. This results from the intersection 35 of contact elements seven and eight 107, 108, contact elements four and five 104, 105, and contact elements one and two 101, 102. This forms two outer intersections 38 and one central intersection 37.

[0112] Contact elements two and three 102, 103, or six and seven 106, 107 can also be crossed. Any crossing 35 of two or more contact elements 30 is conceivable.

[0113] A junction 35 has two crossing bridges 36. The crossing bridges 36 of the middle and the outer junction 37, 38 run in the representation of Fig. 4 each parallel and orthogonal to the longitudinal axis L of the connector. The crossing webs 36 can also be at an angle to each other.

[0114] The distance specifications starting from the crossing bridges 36, in particular to the respective contact points 45, always refer to the path to be traveled along an electrical connection.

[0115] The crossing bridges 36 of a crossing 35 are designed without overlap. In this configuration, one crossing bridge 36 of a crossing 35 is arranged closer to the contact point 45 than the other crossing bridge 36 of the same crossing 35. The crossing bridges 36 can also be arranged to partially or completely overlap each other.

[0116] The crossing bridges 36 of the middle crossing 37 are both arranged closer to the contact point 45 than any crossing bridge 36 of an outer crossing 38. It is also possible for a crossing bridge 36 of an outer crossing 38 to be arranged closer to the contact point 45 than a crossing bridge 36 of a middle crossing 37.

[0117] The crossing bridges 36 of the outer crossing 38 are preferably arranged at the same distance from the contact point 45. This ensures that the contact elements 30 are at least nearly symmetrical, which can have a positive effect on the transmission speed.

[0118] Preferably, the crossing web 36 of contact element four 104 is arranged closer to the respective contact point 45 than the crossing web 36 of contact element five 105. Preferably, the crossing web 36 of contact element two 102 is arranged closer to the contact point 45 than the crossing web 36 of contact element one 101. Preferably, the crossing web 36 of contact element eight 108 is arranged closer to the contact point 45 than the crossing web 36 of contact element seven 107.

[0119] Preferably, no dielectric material is arranged in the area of ​​the intersections 35. This reduces the electromagnetic coupling of the contact elements 30 to each other, thereby improving NEXT and FEXT in particular. The electromagnetic coupling is thus not dependent on the material arranged between the conductive surfaces in the area of ​​the intersections, which can vary due to manufacturing tolerances. Instead, NEXT and FEXT are adjusted to each other by the degree of overlap of the intersection bridges 36.

[0120] Fig. Figure 5 shows a perspective side view of an intersection 35.

[0121] To allow the contact elements 30 to cross, one contact element 30 is first moved to a different level. After the crossing 35, the contact element 30 is returned to the level it occupied before the crossing process.

[0122] A free space is formed between the contact elements 30. This space is filled with air. No dielectric material is arranged in the intersection area. This reduces the capacitive coupling between the contact elements 30.

[0123] The crossing bridges 36 are arranged completely offset from one another, as indicated by the dashed lines. This offset arrangement of the crossing bridges 36 reduces the capacitive coupling between the crossing bridges 36 and thus between the contact elements 30.

[0124] The contact elements 30 are guided parallel to each other before and after the crossing process. Therefore, there is a non-negligible electromagnetic coupling between the contact elements 30.

[0125] By appropriately positioning the crossing bridges, the inductive and / or capacitive properties of the contact elements can be adjusted. Taking all components of the socket into account, optimization is performed with regard to NEXT, FEXT, insertion loss, and reflection loss. Reference symbol list 1 Electrical connector 3a First side surface (front of housing) 3b First side surface (rear of housing) 4 Second side surface 5 Front 6 Back 8a Top side (front of housing) 8b Top side (rear of housing) 9 Subpage 10 cases 20 circuit boards 21 conductor track 22 Differential line 23 First conductor track 24 Second conductor track 30 contact elements 31 Free space 32nd row 33a First Section 33b Second Section 33c Third Section 33d Fourth Section 34a First connecting element 34b Second connecting element 35 Intersection 36 Crossing footbridge 37 Middle Intersection 38 Outer Intersection 45 Contact point 50 Front of housing 51 Exclusion 52 recess 53 cones 54 First cylinder 55 Second cylinder 56 locking hooks 60 Compensation circuit board 61 Capacitor 70 Rear of housing 71 Exclusion 85 insulation displacement connectors 86 cutting bridge 90 support element 91 First side surface 92 Second side surface 93 First Bridge 94 Second Bridge 95 Crossbar 96 Oberg 97 Underpass 98 locking hooks 99 frames 100 notches 101 contact elements one 102 contact elements two 103 contact elements three 104 contact elements four 105 contact elements five 106 contact elements six 107 contact elements seven 108 contact elements eight QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents cited by the applicant was automatically generated and is included solely for the reader's convenience. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA accepts no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] US 72 01 618 B2

[0002]

Claims

[1] Electrical connector (1) for a data or communication cable having the following features: - a series of contact elements (30) arranged along a longitudinal axis (L), - at least two intersections (35) formed by two intersecting contact elements (30), - each intersection (35) is formed by two intersection webs (36) belonging to each of the contact elements (30), wherein the intersection webs (36) are arranged offset from each other when viewed from a top view. [2] Electrical connector (1) according to claim 1, characterized by that the electrical connector has a housing (10), wherein a circuit board (20) is at least partially arranged in the housing and the contact elements (30) are electrically connected to the circuit board (20). [3] Electrical connector (1) according to claim 1 or, characterized by, that each intersection (35) is formed by two crossing bridges (36) which are at least substantially parallel to each other and orthogonal to the longitudinal axis. [4] Electrical connector (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the crossing bridges (36) of a crossing (35) are of different lengths. [5] Electrical connector (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that at least three intersections (35) are formed, wherein a middle intersection (37) and two outer intersections (38) are formed. [6] Electrical connector (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that at least one crossing bridge (36) of the middle crossing (37) along an electrical connection is arranged closer to a contact point (45) of a mating connector than any crossing bridge (36) of an outer crossing (38). [7] Electrical connector (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that both crossing bridges (36) of the middle crossing (38) are arranged along an electrical connection closer to the contact point (45) of a mating connector than any crossing bridge (36) of an outer crossing (38). [8] Electrical connector (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that at least one crossing bridge (36) of an outer crossing (38) along an electrical connection is spaced at the same distance to the contact point (45) for connecting a mating connector as a crossing bridge (36) of another outer crossing (38). [9] Electrical connector (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the intersection (35) is formed by two contact elements (30) which are connected to a differential line (22). [10] Electrical connector according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by, that the contact elements (30) are electrically contacted with the circuit board (20) at only one point. [11] Electrical connector according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by that the contact elements (30) are designed and / or arranged in a resilient manner. [12] Electrical connector (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the crossing bridges (36) of a crossing (35) are arranged without overlapping each other. [13] Electrical connector (1) according to any one of the preceding claims characterized by , that a compensation circuit board (60) is at least partially arranged in the housing (10), wherein the contact elements (30) are electrically connected to the compensation circuit board (60). [14] Electrical connector (1) according to any one of the preceding claims characterized by , that the circuit board (20) and the compensation circuit board (60) are arranged at least partially orthogonally to each other. [15] Electrical connector according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the circuit board (20) is arranged perpendicular to the insertion direction of the electrical connector (1). [16] Electrical connector (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the electrical connector (1) is designed as an RJ45 socket or RJ45 plug.

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