CONTACT ELEMENT SYSTEM AND CONNECTORS

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a contact element system and a connector.

[0002] For connectors whose contact elements must be soldered to the electrical conductors or strands of one or more cables, it is desirable that the soldering of the electrical conductors to the contact elements be as simple, reliable, and reproducible as possible. This is particularly true for connectors with a large number of contact elements and a corresponding number of cables to be soldered, which are also twisted together. Furthermore, it is desirable that the soldering of the electrical conductors to the connector's contact elements has as little impact as possible on the electrical properties of the contact element and / or the connector.

[0003] Document US 2014 / 378010 A1 discloses an electrical connector in the form of a solid contact pin, comprising: a contact section, a transition section adjacent to the contact section, and a terminal section adjacent to the transition section, for electrical connection to an electrical conductor by ultrasonic welding.

[0004] It is an object of the present invention to provide a contact element system in which the soldering of multiple conductors is simpler and more reproducible and in which constant distances between the contacts are maintained.

[0005] This problem is solved by the subject matter of the dependent claims. Advantageous embodiments are the subject matter of the sub-claims.

[0006] A first independent aspect of solving the problem concerns a contact element system (in particular a contact element pair) for a connector, comprising at least a first and second contact element, wherein the first and second contact elements are arranged parallel to each other (in particular one above the other) such that their respective flat surfaces for soldering an electrical conductor face away from each other. The first and second contact elements each comprise a conductive cylindrical contact element body, wherein an axial end section of the contact element body is flattened and has a substantially flat surface for soldering an electrical conductor.

[0007] In the context of this invention, a contact element is understood to be, in particular, an electrical conductor that forms part of a connector, especially a connector socket or a connector plug. The contact element is designed to transmit electrical signals, e.g., from a cable to another connector and / or to a printed circuit board and / or vice versa. Preferably, the contact element body is solid, in particular as a solid cylinder. The contact element body can be made of a metal or a metal alloy. Preferably, the contact element body comprises copper and / or one or more copper alloys, in particular copper-beryllium (CuBe), bronze (CuSn), and / or brass (CuZn), or is made of one or more of these materials. It is understood that, in principle, any other materials suitable for signal transmission, such as...Silver and / or gold can be used to form the contact element body.

[0008] The flat surface (or area) represents, in particular, a soldering surface or solder connection. Thus, the contact element has, in particular, a solder connection (also referred to here as a solder contour or soldering surface) which is designed as a flat surface (or area) of the contact element body.

[0009] A "flat surface" is understood to be, in particular, a surface such that for any two points on the surface, a line segment passing through those two points also lies entirely within the surface. A flat surface can be created, for example, by milling off the end section of the contact element body, which is why, in this case, the flat surface can also be referred to as a "milled surface." It is understood that a flat surface can alternatively be created by other methods, such as grinding, cutting (especially with a saw blade), broaching, and / or laser ablation.

[0010] The electrical conductor (e.g. the strand of a cable) can be soldered to the flat surface of the (soldering) end section or solder connection, especially with the help of solder.

[0011] Within the scope of the present invention, it was recognized that such a solder terminal offers a significant advantage over a conventional solder cup: with a plurality of parallel contact elements, a cable whose strands are to be soldered to the contact elements can remain twisted for as long or as far as possible, i.e., except for a small end section of the cable. Furthermore, for soldering the cable, it is sufficient to expose only a small portion of the cable strand or to remove the cable shield only from a small end section. In particular, the conductors or strands of the cable do not need to be inserted into a hollow cylinder from a specific direction, as with a conventional solder cup, but can be brought to the solder terminal or soldering surface (for example, from above or laterally, especially in pairs).This significantly simplifies the soldering of electrical conductors or strands of one or more cables to the contact elements.

[0012] In a preferred embodiment, the axial end section (or soldering end section) is designed as a solid half-cylinder (or as a flattened solid cylinder). In other words, the axial end section (or soldering end section) is formed into a solid half-cylinder and / or a flattened solid cylinder.

[0013] In a further preferred embodiment, the axial (soldering) end section of the contact element body is flattened such that an electrical conductor can be placed on the axial end section for soldering from a multitude of directions (i.e., from several sides, e.g., from the front, from the right, and / or from the left). The solder connection differs in particular from a conventional solder cup, which comprises a hollow cylinder into which the electrical conductor must be inserted from above for soldering.

[0014] In a further preferred embodiment, the contact element body has at least one adaptation structure designed and intended to adapt and / or adjust the electrical properties of the contact element and / or the connector by modifying the adaptation structure. Preferably, the adaptation structure is formed on a first axial end section of the contact element or contact element body, while the flat surface for soldering an electrical conductor is formed on a second axial end section of the contact element or contact element body. The first axial end section differs from the second axial end section.

[0015] The modifiable adaptation structure (also referred to as adaptation element) is designed to adapt and / or adjust the electrical properties of the contact element, in particular with respect to one or more further contact elements (which are arranged in particular at a defined and / or predetermined distance, preferably parallel or one above the other, to the said contact element), by a modification (in particular a physical and / or geometric modification or change) of the adaptation structure.

[0016] Electrical properties of the contact element (or a pair of contact elements) can include, for example, capacitive and / or impedance properties, in particular capacitance and / or impedance, and / or clearance and / or creepage distance. Preferably, the matching structure is a capacitance matching structure designed and intended to match and / or adjust the capacitive properties or capacitance of the contact element and / or the connector. Alternatively or additionally, the matching structure can be an impedance matching structure designed and intended to match and / or adjust the impedance of the contact element and / or the connector.

[0017] With the help of the adaptation structure, the electrical properties of the contact element and / or the connector can be advantageously adapted and / or optimized to the respective conditions or requirements, depending on the arrangement and / or the environment of the contact element in the connector.

[0018] Preferably, the adaptation structure represents a local enlargement or thickening of the (in particular cylindrical) contact element body. In particular, the adaptation structure is designed as a substantially ring-shaped structure or element which surrounds a section, in particular an end section, of the contact element body.

[0019] In a further preferred embodiment, the modification of the adaptation structure comprises (targeted) material removal from the adaptation structure, in particular such that the material removal results in the adaptation structure having a flat surface with a predetermined area. In particular, the adaptation structure is designed such that the modification of the adaptation structure can be carried out (targeted) by material removal. The material removal can be carried out, in particular, by machining. Specifically, the material removal can be carried out by milling and / or grinding (especially deep grinding) and / or cutting (e.g., with a saw blade) and / or broaching and / or by laser ablation of the adaptation structure.

[0020] In a further preferred embodiment, the adaptation structure is designed (and / or shaped) such that the size of a flat surface resulting from material removal from the adaptation structure depends on the depth of removal.

[0021] Preferably, the adaptation structure is formed on an axial end section or an axial end of the contact element body.

[0022] In a further preferred embodiment, the adaptation structure is formed on a contact pin of the contact element body. In particular, the adaptation structure can be configured as a contact pin (also referred to as a contact pin) or be shaped to form a contact pin. The contact pin is specifically designed to be inserted into a complementary contact socket (in particular, a female contact element). In other words, the adaptation structure can represent a contact pin for insertion into a contact socket. The adaptation structure thus preferably not only has a modifiable area or surface for adjusting electrical properties, but also simultaneously represents a contact pin. The contact pin is specifically configured as a tapered section, particularly as a tapered end section, of the contact element or contact element body.

[0023] In a further preferred embodiment, the adaptation structure, particularly as a result of a modification (or material removal), has a substantially planar surface. The planar surface preferably extends parallel to a longitudinal axis of the contact element or contact element body. In other words, a normal vector of the planar surface is preferably oriented orthogonally to the longitudinal axis of the contact element or contact element body. Here, too, a "planar surface" is understood to mean, in particular, a surface such that for any two points on the surface, a line segment passing through these two points also lies entirely within the surface.

[0024] Preferably, the flat surface of the adaptation structure represents a first flat surface, while the flat surface for soldering an electrical conductor represents a second flat surface of the contact element or contact element body. Preferably, the first flat surface and the second flat surface are formed on opposite radial sides of the contact element body.

[0025] In a preferred embodiment, the contact element or contact element body thus comprises an adaptation structure with a first flat surface and a solder connection (or solder contour) with a second flat surface. Preferably, the first flat surface (i.e., the flat surface of the adaptation structure) is formed on a first axial end section of the contact element or contact element body, while the second flat surface (i.e., the flat surface of the solder connection) is formed on the second axial end section. Preferably, the first flat surface is formed on a first radial end section of the contact element or contact element body, while the second flat surface is formed on a second radial end section of the contact element or contact element body, which is opposite the first radial end section.In other words, the first flat surface and the second flat surface are formed on different, in particular opposite, radial sides of the cylindrical contact element or contact element body. In other words, the first flat surface and the second flat surface face away from each other. Specifically, the first flat surface (of the adaptation structure) and the second flat surface (of the solder connection) are formed and / or arranged such that a normal vector of the first flat surface is oriented opposite to a normal vector of the second flat surface. This has the advantage that, when two such contact elements are arranged in parallel, e.g., as a "differential contact element pair," the adaptation structures on the first axial end sections of the contact elements allow for the electrical properties of the contact elements to be adjusted.The contact element pair can be adjusted, while at the second end sections of the contact elements, a very specific, predefined distance between the second end sections of the contact elements can be ensured, regardless of (or despite) the soldering of strands of one or more cables. Preferably, therefore, especially in a mounted or plugged-in state of the connector, two contact elements (e.g., of a differential contact element pair) are arranged parallel to each other such that the first flat surfaces (i.e., the flat surfaces of the mating structures) of the two contact elements face each other, and the second flat surfaces (i.e., the flat surfaces of the solder terminals) of the two contact elements face away from each other.

[0026] In particular, the contact elements of the contact element system could each have at least one adaptation structure. In this way, electrical properties (e.g., capacitive and / or impedance properties, especially capacitance and / or impedance) that exist when the first and second contact elements are arranged in parallel can be adapted and / or adjusted. Specifically, the electrical properties that exist at a certain or predetermined distance between the first and second contact elements arranged in parallel or one above the other can be adapted and / or adjusted.

[0027] In particular, the adaptation structure of at least one of the contact elements of the contact element system (preferably the adaptation structures of at least two contact elements of the contact element system) may have been modified (in particular geometrically changed, such as milled or cut) to adapt the electrical properties of the contact element system and / or the connector.

[0028] In a preferred embodiment, the adaptation structure of the first contact element and the adaptation structure of the second contact element each have a substantially planar surface. In particular, the adaptation structure of the first contact element and the adaptation structure of the second contact element have been modified such that they each have a substantially planar surface. The first contact element and the second contact element (or the respective contact element bodies) are preferably arranged parallel to each other (and / or one above the other) such that the planar surface of the adaptation structure of the first contact element and the planar surface of the adaptation structure of the second contact element face each other.

[0029] The contact element system can comprise at least one unmodified contact element (e.g., without an adaptation structure or with an unmodified adaptation structure) and at least one modified contact element (with a modified adaptation structure). Alternatively or additionally, the contact element system can comprise at least two differently modified contact elements. For example, the contact element system can comprise at least one unmodified contact element without an adaptation structure and at least one contact element with a modified adaptation structure. However, it is also possible for the contact element system to comprise at least two contact elements with differently modified adaptation structures. In particular, within the scope of the invention, an "unmodified contact element" is understood to mean a contact element without an adaptation structure or a contact element with an unmodified adaptation structure.A "modified contact element" refers in particular to a contact element with a modified adaptation structure.

[0030] In particular, the contact element system can comprise four unmodified contact elements (e.g., each without an adaptation structure, or each with an unmodified adaptation structure, or a combination of one or more contact elements without an adaptation structure and one or more contact elements with an unmodified adaptation structure) and six modified contact elements (each with a modified adaptation structure). The modified adaptation structures of the six modified contact elements can each have a substantially planar surface. In particular, the adaptation structures of the six modified contact elements can be modified such that they each have a substantially planar surface.The six modified contact elements can comprise three pairs of contact elements, each with two modified contact elements. The two modified contact elements of each pair are arranged parallel to each other such that the planar surfaces of the adaptation structures of the two modified contact elements of each pair face each other. Preferably, two modified contact elements of a first pair of the three pairs can be arranged rotated by 90° relative to each of the other modified contact elements of the other two pairs with respect to their planar surfaces.In other words, the contact elements of the three pairs of contact elements can preferably be arranged such that a normal vector of the two modified contact elements of a first pair of contact elements of the three pairs of contact elements is aligned perpendicular to the normal vectors of all the other modified contact elements of the other two pairs of contact elements.

[0031] The four unmodified contact elements can, in particular, be arranged at the corners of a rectangle when viewed in a section perpendicular to the longitudinal axes of the contact elements (or with respect to a section plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axes of the contact elements). Specifically, the four unmodified contact elements can be arranged such that their axial end sections or endpoints (and / or, if present, their adaptation structures) form the corners of a rectangle. In other words, the four unmodified contact elements can be arranged such that a virtual connecting line, which connects each of a first axial end and / or a first axial end section and / or a first axial endpoint (and / or, in particular, if present, the adaptation structures) of the unmodified contact elements, essentially forms a rectangle.whose axial ends and in particular their adaptation structures) are arranged in a rectangle or at the corners of a rectangle.

[0032] Another independent aspect for solving the task concerns a connector, in particular a circular connector or a USB 3.1 circular connector, comprising: at least one contact element according to the invention; and / or at least one contact element system according to the invention.

[0033] It is understood that the features mentioned above and those to be explained below can be used not only in the combination specified, but also individually or in other combinations, without leaving the scope of the present invention.

[0034] The descriptions of the embodiments of the first aspect given above also apply to the aforementioned further independent aspects and, in particular, to preferred embodiments thereof. In particular, the descriptions given above and below of the embodiments of the other independent aspects also apply to an independent aspect of the present invention and to preferred embodiments thereof.

[0035] The following section describes, by way of example, individual embodiments for solving the problem, illustrated by the figures. Some of the described embodiments exhibit features that are not strictly necessary for carrying out the claimed subject matter, but which provide desirable properties in certain applications. Thus, embodiments that do not possess all the features of the embodiments described below are also considered to be disclosed within the scope of the described technical teaching. Furthermore, to avoid unnecessary repetition, certain features are mentioned only in relation to some of the embodiments described below. It should therefore be noted that the individual embodiments should not only be considered individually, but also in combination.From this overview, the person skilled in the art will recognize that individual embodiments can also be modified by incorporating one or more features from other embodiments. It should be noted that a systematic combination of individual embodiments with one or more features described in relation to other embodiments may be desirable and useful, and should therefore be considered and also be regarded as covered by the description. Brief description of the drawings

[0036] Figure 1a shows a schematic drawing of a contact element as used in the contact element system according to the invention, in a perspective view; Figure 1b shows a schematic drawing of the contact element of Figure 1in a further perspective view; Figure 1c shows a schematic drawing of an exemplary contact element which can be connected to a contact element of the contact element system according to the invention; Figure 2a shows a schematic drawing of a contact element system according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2b shows an enlarged section of adaptation structures of a first exemplary contact element pair of the contact element system of Figure 2a Figure 2c shows an enlarged section of the adaptation structures of a second contact element pair of the contact element system of Figure 2aFigure 2d shows an equivalent circuit diagram for a parallel-arranged contact element pair; Figure 3a shows a measurement result of the impedance as a function of time for differential contact element pairs without matching structures; Figure 3b shows a measurement result for the impedance as a function of time for differential contact element pairs with matching structures; Figure 4a shows a schematic drawing of a contact element system according to a further exemplary embodiment of the present invention; Figure 4b shows a schematic drawing of the contact element system of Figure 4a with a plug-side insulating element; Figure 5 shows a schematic drawing of a connector according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention in a perspective side view; Figure 6a shows a schematic drawing of the connector of Figure 5 in a front view; Figure 6b shows a schematic drawing of a section of the connector of Figure 5 in a perspective rear view. Detailed description of the drawings

[0037] The positional references chosen in the present description, such as top, bottom, side, etc., each refer to the figure directly described and illustrated and should be applied analogously to the new position in the event of a change in position.

[0038] The Figure 1 Figure 1 shows a schematic drawing of a contact element 10a according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention in a perspective view. The contact element 10a is designed for use in a connector and has a cylindrical conductive contact element body 1. At least one adaptation element or adaptation structure 5 is formed on the contact element body 1 at a first end section E1 of the contact element 10a. As shown in the Figure 1As can be seen, this adaptation structure 5 represents a local thickening and / or sheathing of the contact element body 1. The adaptation structure 5 is designed and intended to adapt and / or adjust the electrical properties of the contact element 10a and / or a connector in which the contact element can be arranged by modifying the adaptation structure 5.

[0039] In the example shown, the Figure 1a The adaptation structure 5 of the contact element 10a has already been modified. For this purpose, material was removed from a radial side of the cylindrical or ring-shaped adaptation structure 5 in such a way that a substantially flat surface F1 was formed.

[0040] At the axial end section E1, the contact element 10a further has a contact pin 2, which engages in a complementary socket 6 (see Figure 1c) can be introduced to establish an electrical connection with another contact element 10b (see Figure 1c ) to produce. As in Figure 1a As can be seen, the adaptation structure 5 is formed directly at the contact pin 2 of the contact element 10a. The contact pin 2 is designed as a tapered end section of the contact element body 1a and has a contact tip at its axial end.

[0041] A solder connection or solder contour 8 for soldering an electrical conductor to the conductive contact element body 1a is located at a second axial end section E2 (also referred to as the solder end section in this description) of the contact element 10a. The solder connection 8 is designed as a flat surface F2 of the contact element body 1a. As can be seen particularly in the perspective view of the Figure 1bAs can be seen, the axial end section E2 of the contact element body 1a is flattened, so that it has a substantially flat surface for placing and soldering an electrical conductor. Like the flat surface F1 of the adaptation structure 5, the flat surface F2 of the solder terminal 8 can also be produced by material removal, in particular by milling, grinding, cutting, butting and / or laser ablation of the end section E2 of the contact element body 1a.

[0042] An electrical conductor, such as a strand of a cable, can be soldered to the flat surface F2 of the second end section E2 using solder, thus creating a mechanical and electrical connection between the electrical conductor and the contact element 10a. The axial soldering end section E2 of the contact element 10a has the shape and / or geometry of a solid half-cylinder (or a flattened solid cylinder). This allows an electrical conductor to be placed and soldered to the axial end section E2 from a variety of directions (i.e., from multiple sides, such as the front, the right, and / or the left). As explained above, such a flat soldering surface significantly facilitates the soldering of a corresponding number of electrical conductors or strands, particularly in a connector with multiple contact elements 10a.

[0043] As from the Figures 1a and 1bAs can be seen, the contact element 10a or the contact element body 1a has an adaptation structure 5 with a first flat surface F1 and a solder contour or solder connection 8 with a second flat surface F2. The first flat surface F1 is formed on the first axial end section E1 of the contact element 10a or contact element body 1a, while the second flat surface F2 is formed on the second axial end section E2. Both flat surfaces F1 and F2 extend parallel to a longitudinal axis L of the contact element body 1a. The first flat surface F1 and the second flat surface F2 are formed on opposite radial sides of the cylindrical contact element body 1a, i.e., the first flat surface F1 faces away from the second flat surface F2. As shown in the Figures 1a and 1b As indicated, the planar surfaces F1 and F2 are arranged and / or designed such that a normal vector or a direction R1 of the first planar surface F1 opposite to a normal vector or direction R 2 of the second flat surface F2 is aligned. As described above, such a configuration has the advantage that when two contact elements 10a are arranged in parallel (as e.g. in the Figure 2a (as shown) by means of the adaptation structures 5 at the first axial end sections E1 of the contact elements 10a, the electrical properties of the contact elements 10a or of the contact element pair can be adjusted, while at the second end sections E2 of the contact elements 10a, a very specific predefined distance D (see also) can be maintained regardless of or despite the soldering of strands of one or more cables. Figure 6b ) between the second end sections E2 of the contact elements 10a can be maintained. Advantageously, this distance D is not affected by the application of solder in such a configuration.

[0044] The Figure 1c Figure 1 shows a schematic drawing of an exemplary contact element 10b, which can be electrically and mechanically connected to contact element 10a. Compared to the one shown in the Figures 1a and 1b In the contact elements 10a and 10b shown, the end section E2 of the contact element body 1b of contact element 10b is not designed as a solder terminal, but as a socket 6. In other words, the contact element body 1b has an opening or a slot. By inserting and / or plugging in the contact pin 2 of the contact element 10b, the end section E2 of the contact element body 10b is not designed as a solder terminal, but as a socket 6. Figures 1a and 1bBy inserting the contact element 10a shown into the socket 6 of the contact element 10b, an electrical and / or mechanical connection can be established between the contact elements 10a and 10b. The contact element 10 also has a contact pin 3, which is formed by or integrated into the adaptation structure 5. The contact pin 3 serves for electrically contacting contacts on a printed circuit board. In particular, the contact elements 10b can be soldered onto the printed circuit board using the contact pins 3, especially by surface-mount soldering (SMD soldering).

[0045] As furthermore, from the Figures 1a to 1cAs can be seen, the adaptation structure 5 is designed such that the size A of a planar surface F1 resulting from material removal (e.g., milling or cutting) of the adaptation structure 5 depends on the removal depth. The size of the surface F1 can thus be determined by the amount of material removed from the adaptation structure. In this way, the surface F1, and therefore also the electrical properties of the contact element (such as capacitance or impedance), can be adapted and / or adjusted, particularly in conjunction with at least one further contact element arranged parallel to the contact element.

[0046] The Figure 2a Figure 1 shows a schematic drawing of an exemplary contact element system 50 (here, for example, a "SuperSpeed ​​transmitter differential pair" for a "USB 3.1 - Socket and Plug" circular connector). The contact element system 50 of the Figure 2aThe connector comprises two contact elements 10b arranged parallel to each other, which can be arranged in particular in a socket element (here the female part) of a connector, and two contact elements 10a arranged parallel to each other, which can be arranged in particular in a plug element (i.e. the male part) of the connector. As shown in the Figure 2aAs shown, the contact pins 2 of the plug contact elements 10a are inserted into the sockets 6 of the socket contact elements 10b. An electrical conductor or a strand 13 of a cable 18 is soldered to the flat surfaces of the solder end sections E2 of the plug contact elements 10a. In this assembled or plugged-in state, the two contact elements 10a are arranged parallel to each other such that the first flat surfaces F1 of the adaptation structures 5 face each other, while the second flat surfaces F2 (i.e., the flat surfaces of the solder terminals formed by the end sections E2) of the two contact elements 10a face away from each other.

[0047] The Figure 2b shows an enlarged section of the adaptation structures 5 of the socket contact element pair (comprising two socket contact elements 10b arranged parallel to each other) of the contact element system 50 of Figure 2a .

[0048] The Figure 2c shows an enlarged section of the adaptation structures 5 of the plug contact element pair (comprising two plug contact elements 10a arranged parallel to each other) of the contact element system 50 of Figure 2a As in Figure 2b As indicated, the flat surfaces F1 of the modified adaptation structures 5 are spaced apart by a distance d.

[0049] The Figure 2d shows a waveguide equivalent circuit for a pair of contact elements arranged in parallel or one above the other, as shown in the respective figures. Figures 2a to 2c This is an example illustration. The contact element pair can, for example, be a differential contact element pair. The impedance Z is calculated as follows: Z = R ′ + iωL ′ G ′ + iωC ′ .

[0050] This refers to L' an inductance coating, C' a capacity occupancy, R' a resistance coating, G' a transverse guide surface, and ω = 2 πfThe angular frequency of the alternating current. At a frequency of a few megahertz and above, and therefore ωL' " Around ωC' » G', In simplified terms: Z = L ′ C ′ .

[0051] The impedance Z is therefore dependent on the capacitance or capacitance per unit area C' when L' is constant.

[0052] With the help of the in the Figures 2b and 2c The enlarged illustration of modified adaptation structures 5 of the contact elements 10a and 10b shows that the capacitance of a contact element pair can be adjusted, in particular, via the size A of the area F1. The following applies to the capacitance C: C = ϵ ⋅ A d

[0053] This refers to εThe dielectric constant. Thus, the capacitance depends on the area A of the contact element F1 and the distance d. The area A can be adjusted by modifying the adaptation structure 5 of the contact elements 10a and 10b. For a given distance d, the capacitance C can therefore be adjusted by modifying the adaptation structure 5 of the contact elements 10a and 10b. In particular, the capacitance C can be increased by flattening the adaptation structure 5, and thus increasing the area F1 or A.

[0054] One challenge with connectors is achieving a consistently high impedance, at least within certain tolerance limits. For example, a desired or permissible impedance range might be between 80 Ω and 100 Ω. In the Figure 3aA measurement result of the impedance as a function of time for differential standard contact element pairs without matching structures is shown, while in the Figure 3b The corresponding measurement result for differential contact element pairs with matching structures according to the invention is shown. As can be seen from the diagrams, the measured impedances for the standard contact element pairs are partly outside the tolerance limits specified above (see the diagram of the Figure 3a ), while the measured impedances of the contact element pairs with modified matching structures and thus adapted or optimally adjusted capacitances lie within the tolerance limits specified above (see the diagram of the Figure 3b ). By adapting or modifying the adaptation structures 5 according to the invention, a significant improvement in the electrical properties of the contact elements or contact element pairs can thus be achieved.

[0055] The Figure 4a Figure 1 shows a schematic drawing of another exemplary contact element system 50. The contact element system 50 comprises a first contact element system 50a and a second contact element system 50b. The contact element system 50a comprises a plurality of contact elements 10a (see also the Figures 1a and 1b ), while the contact element system 50b has a variety of contact elements 10b (see also the Figure 1c ) comprises a corresponding number of cables 18, which are guided through a cable guide element 16, and the strands of these cables are soldered to the solder terminals 8 of the contact elements 10a. Furthermore, the contact pins 2 of the contact elements 10a are inserted or plugged into the sockets 6 of the contact elements 10b.

[0056] The Figure 4b shows a schematic drawing of the contact element system 50 of Figure 4a, wherein the plug contact elements 10b are at least partially surrounded by a plug insulating element 20. A corresponding socket insulating element (in the Figure 4b (not shown) also surrounds the socket contact elements 10a. For better illustration, such a socket insulating element is shown in the Figure 4b However, it was omitted.

[0057] The Figure 5 Figure 1 shows a schematic drawing of a connector 100 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention in a perspective side view. The connector 100, which in the illustrated embodiment is a circular connector (in particular a USB 3.1 circular connector), comprises, as shown in the Figures 4a and 4b shown, a contact element system 50 with a plurality of contact elements 10a (in Figure 5not recognizable) and 10b. The connector 100 has a connector plug 30 with a first contact element system 50a, whose contact elements 10a (in Figure 5 (not recognizable) each has a contact pin 2, which can be inserted into one of the contact sockets 6 (see in particular also the Figures 1a to 1c Furthermore, the connector 100 has a connector socket 40 with a second contact element system 50b, each of whose contact elements 10b has a contact socket 6 for receiving one of the contact pins 2 of the contact elements 10a. The in Figure 5Element 30 shown represents a connector plug or plug housing, while element 40 represents a connector socket or socket housing. In the assembled or connected state of connector 100, a contact pin 2 of the contact elements 10a of the first contact element system is inserted into a contact socket 6 of the contact elements 10b of the second contact element system.

[0058] In particular, the connector plug comprises a plug contact element system 50a with a plurality of contact elements 10a, a plug insulating element 20 for insulating the plug contact elements 10a, and a plug housing 30 which surrounds the plug insulating element 20 and thus also the plug contact elements 10a. Similarly, the connector socket comprises a socket contact element system 50b with a plurality of socket contact elements 10b, a socket insulating element for insulating the socket contact elements 10b, and a socket housing 40 which surrounds the socket insulating element and thus also the socket contact elements 10b.

[0059] The connector base 40 also has four drill holes or screw holes for attaching the connector base to a circuit board (not shown in the figures) with screws, preferably in such a way that the base contact elements 10b are electrically connected to associated contacts on the circuit board.

[0060] The Figure 6a shows a schematic drawing of connector 100 from Figure 5in a front view. This view clearly shows that the connector 100, or the contact element system 50 arranged in the connector 100, comprises both unmodified contact elements (i.e., contact elements without an adaptation structure and / or contact elements with an unmodified adaptation structure) and modified contact elements (i.e., contact elements with a modified adaptation structure). In particular, the contact element system 50 comprises at least two differently modified contact elements. For example, the contact element system 50 can, as shown in the Figure 6aThe system is shown to comprise four unmodified contact elements (each without an adaptation structure) and six contact elements, each with a modified adaptation structure. However, it is also possible that the contact element system 50 comprises at least two contact elements with differently modified adaptation structures. Two contact elements 10b arranged one above the other or side by side, each having a modified adaptation structure, form a differential contact element pair 15 ("Differential Pair").

[0061] As in the Figure 6aAs can be seen, the connector or contact element system 50 comprises four unmodified contact elements (each without an adaptation structure) and six modified contact elements, each with a modified adaptation structure. The modified adaptation structures of the six modified contact elements each have a flat surface. The six modified contact elements comprise three contact element pairs 15 (in particular, "differential pairs"), each with two modified contact elements, wherein the two modified contact elements of each contact element pair 15 are arranged parallel to each other such that the flat surfaces of the adaptation structures of the two modified contact elements of each contact element pair 15 face each other.Two modified contact elements of the first of the three contact element pairs are arranged rotated by 90° relative to each of the other modified contact elements of the other two contact element pairs with respect to their planar surfaces. The four unmodified contact elements, viewed in a section perpendicular to their longitudinal axes, are arranged at the corners of a rectangle. In other words, the four unmodified contact elements are arranged such that their axial end sections E1 (see, for example, the figure) Figure 1c ) form the corners of a rectangle.

[0062] The Figure 6b shows a schematic drawing of a section of the connector of Figure 5 in a perspective rear view. In this rear view, the end sections E2 or the solder connections 8 of the plug contact elements 10a are visible (see also the Figures 1a and 1b ) to be seen. For presentation reasons, in the Figure 6bOnly two of the ten connected cables are shown, while the remaining eight cables are hidden. Thus, primarily those in connector 100 and its plug-in element system 50 are not shown. Figures 5 , 6a and 6bThe three existing contact element pairs 15, which are in particular differential contact element pairs, are more readily apparent. The two modified contact elements 10a of each contact element pair 15 each have a predetermined distance D at the end sections E2 or the solder terminals 8. By arranging the contact elements 10a such that the flat soldering surfaces 8 of the two contact elements involved in each contact element pair 15 face away from each other, it can advantageously be ensured that the distance D always remains the same, regardless of the amount of solder applied when soldering the wires. This advantageously ensures the most constant electrical properties possible, such as a most constant capacitance and / or impedance of the connector 100 or of the contact element system 50 arranged in the connector 100. Reference symbol list

[0063] 1a, 1b Contact element body 2 Contact pin 3 Contact pin 5 Adapter (adapter structure) 6 Socket 8 Solder contour (solder connection) 10a, 10b Contact element 13 Strand (electrical conductor) 15 (differential) contact element pair 16 Cable guide element 18 Cable 20 Insulating element 30 Plug (housing) 40 Socket (housing) 42 Hole (screw hole) 50 Contact element system 100 Connectors A Area / Surface area d Spacing D Spacing E1 (first) axial end section E2 (second) axial end section F1 First flat surface F2 Second flat surface L Longitudinal axis R1 First direction R2 Second direction

Claims

1. Contact element system (50) for a plug connector (100), comprising at least a first and second contact element (10a), wherein the first and second contact element (10a) each comprise an electrically conductive cylindrical contact element body (1a), wherein an axial end portion (E2) of the contact element body (1a) is flattened and has an essentially planar surface (F2) for soldering an electrical conductor, and wherein the first and second contact element (10a) are arranged parallel to one another such that the respective planar surfaces (F2) for soldering an electrical conductor face away from one another.

2. Contact element system (50) according to claim 1, wherein the axial end portion (E2) is designed as a solid half-cylinder.

3. Contact element system (50) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the axial end portion (E2) of the contact element body (1a) is flattened in such a way that an electrical conductor coming from a plurality of directions can be placed onto the axial end portion (E2) for soldering.

4. Contact element system (50) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the contact element body (1a) has at least one adjustment structure (5) which is designed and intended to adapt and / or set electrical properties of the contact element (10a) and / or of the plug connector (100) by a modification of the adjustment structure (5).

5. Contact element system (50) according to claim 4, wherein the adjustment structure (5) is formed at a first axial end portion (E1) of the contact element body (1a), while the planar surface (F2) for soldering an electrical conductor is formed at a second axial end portion (E2) of the contact element body (1a), wherein the first axial end portion (E1) differs from the second axial end portion (E2).

6. Contact element system (50) according to claim 4 or 5, wherein the modification of the adjustment structure (5) comprises a removal of material from the adjustment structure (5), and / or wherein the adjustment structure (5) is formed such that the size of a planar surface (F1) of the adjustment structure (5) resulting from a removal of material from the adjustment structure (5) depends on a removal depth.

7. Contact element system (50) according to any one of claims 4 to 6, wherein the adjustment structure (5) is formed on a contact pin (3) of the contact element body (1a).

8. Contact element system (50) according to any one of claims 4 to 7, wherein the adjustment structure (5) has an essentially planar surface (F1), which preferably extends parallel to a longitudinal axis (L) of the contact element body (1a).

9. Contact element system (50) according to claim 8, wherein the planar surface (F1) of the adjustment structure (5) constitutes a first planar surface, and the planar surface (F2) for soldering an electrical conductor constitutes a second planar surface of the contact element body (1a), and wherein the first planar surface (F1) and the second planar surface (F2) are formed on respectively opposite radial sides of the contact element body (1a).

10. Plug connector (100), comprising at least one contact element system (50) according to any one of the preceding claims.