Plug-in connector assembly

Abstract

Plug-in connector (10) having an inner conductor (11), an insulating part (13) and an outer conductor (15), wherein the insulating part (13) is arranged between the inner conductor (11) and the outer conductor (15), wherein the inner conductor (11) and the insulating part (13) are of U-shaped design on account of having a first limb and a second limb as well as a web which connects the limbs, wherein the plug-in connector has a first end (17) and a second end (19) at which the plug-in connector (10) respectively forms a first interface and a second interface on account of the inner conductor (11) and in particular the outer conductor (15) being designed, at the first end (17) and the second end (19), to be connected to conductors (107, 108) of an object (110) for connection.

Description

AREA OF INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to a printed circuit board arrangement with a connector having a U-shaped inner conductor and insulating part. TECHNICAL BACKGROUND

[0002] It is known to mount electrical conductors on printed circuit boards using connectors. Depending on the mechanical and electrical properties of the connector and its geometric dimensions, space must be created for this purpose on a printed circuit board or in a printed circuit board assembly.

[0003] CN 107 658 607 A shows a connector with at least one inner conductor, an insulating part and an outer conductor, wherein the insulating part is arranged between the inner conductor and the outer conductor, wherein the inner conductor and the insulating part are U-shaped, having a first leg and a second leg, and a web connecting the legs, wherein the connector has a first end and a second end, at which the connector forms a first interface and a second interface respectively, in that the inner conductor and, in particular, the outer conductor are arranged at the first end and the second end to be connected to conductors of an object to be connected. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0004] Accordingly, the invention is based on the objective of creating a printed circuit board arrangement that makes better use of the available installation space in a housing in which the printed circuit board is mounted.

[0005] According to the invention, this problem is solved by a printed circuit board arrangement with the features of claim 1.

[0006] Connectors are used to connect and disconnect electrical conductors to a mating connector. The connecting parts are aligned by a positive fit between the connector components. Connectors often feature locking and / or latching mechanisms to secure or lock the connector to its mating connector. It is also possible to secure connectors against accidental disconnection by screwing them together. The terms connector and mating connector are interchangeable.

[0007] An interface of a connector, also called a plug face or plug interface, forms a plug-side end of the connector and is designed for contact with a compatible interface.

[0008] In this patent application, the connector and the mating connector each have at least one pluggable interface.

[0009] The pluggable interface of the connector refers to the mating connector. Another interface of the connector to the circuit board can be detachable or non-detachable. Non-detachable means that the interface is designed for a one-time connection only; that is, detaching it, for example, can be difficult, require a tool, or be non-destructive.

[0010] Accordingly, the interface between the mating connector and the connector is also pluggable. An interface between the mating connector and a cable can be pluggable or hardwired.

[0011] Coaxial cables are two-core cables with a concentric structure. They consist of an inner conductor surrounded at a constant distance by a hollow cylindrical outer conductor. The outer conductor shields the inner conductor from interference.

[0012] The space between the conductors is called an insulator, insulating part, or dielectric, and it isolates the outer conductor from the inner conductor. The dielectric may contain air. An insulating part comprises a solid material. Often, the outer conductor is protected from the outside by an insulating, corrosion-resistant, and waterproof sheath. The outer conductor often encloses a flexible braid (shielding braid).

[0013] Other cables also exist, e.g. Twin-Ax or Tri-Ax cables, with multiple inner conductors and one outer conductor.

[0014] Accordingly, a connector that connects to a cable having an inner conductor, an insulating part, and an outer conductor also includes the same number of inner conductors as the cable, with the inner conductors of the cable contacting the inner conductors of the connector, an insulator, an insulating part or dielectric, and in particular an outer conductor that contacts the outer conductor of the cable. The inner conductors of the connector are also referred to as plug contacts.

[0015] The outer conductor of a cable does not necessarily have to correspond to the outer conductor of a connector, i.e. a cable (connector) without an outer conductor can be connected to a connector (cable) with an outer conductor.

[0016] In this patent application, U-shaped means that an object has two parallel legs connected by a bridge perpendicular to the legs. The legs and bridge can form a right angle or a contour with a continuous curve. The legs and bridge can be of different lengths. The legs can be longer, the same length, or shorter than the bridge. An alternative term for U-shaped is horseshoe-shaped.

[0017] A double U-shaped object has three parallel legs connected by a perpendicular bridge, specifically between the first and second legs and between the second and third legs. The numbering of the legs is interchangeable.

[0018] Where this patent application refers to terms such as parallel, perpendicular, or the like, these are understood to mean essentially parallel, perpendicular, perpendicular or the like, i.e. that an angle may deviate slightly, e.g. by 1°, 2°, 3°, 4° or 5°, from 0°, 180° or 90° respectively.

[0019] A printed circuit board (PCB), also called a circuit board, is a substrate for electronic components. A PCB serves to mechanically mount the components and connect them electrically.

[0020] A sheet of metal is a flat, manufactured product whose width and length are much greater than its thickness. Almost any metal can be processed into sheet metal.

[0021] A casing is a solid shell that protects sensitive contents or protects the environment from harmful contents.

[0022] The underlying idea of ​​the invention is to design a connector that contacts a printed circuit board (PCB) in a U-shape or double-U-shape. This allows the connector to be securely attached to the PCB and electrically connected. If one leg of the connector or mating connection is guided through a recess in the PCB, the overall height of the PCB assembly can be reduced. The overall height is oriented perpendicular to the PCB with the recess.

[0023] It is understood that a connector according to the invention can be designed as a coaxial connector with one inner conductor or as a connector with several inner conductors.

[0024] A printed circuit board arrangement is provided with a connector as described above, with a mating connector and a printed circuit board, wherein the connector is connected to the printed circuit board at the second interface and the printed circuit board has a recess through which the first leg of the connector or the mating connector is guided.

[0025] Due to the connector's placement within the printed circuit board (PCB) assembly, the required overall height of the PCB can be reduced. Especially when the PCB assembly comprises multiple boards, a connector like the one described above allows for a reduction in the spacing between the boards.

[0026] Advantageous designs and further developments result from the further sub-claims as well as from the description with reference to the figures in the drawing.

[0027] According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the outer conductor is U-shaped and in particular connected to a fastening arm in such a way that the outer conductor and the fastening arm form a double U-shape or the outer conductor is double U-shaped.

[0028] Accordingly, the outer conductor ensures the functionality of a mounting arm by being connected to it. This increases the stability of the connector on the circuit board, making it less susceptible to malfunctions caused by vibrations, for example.

[0029] According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the connector has fastening means at the second end for attachment to a printed circuit board.

[0030] The fasteners ensure a secure and reliable electrical connection between the connector's electrical contacts and the circuit board. For example, the fasteners increase the robustness of the electrical connection between the connector and the circuit board in the event of vibrations.

[0031] According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the connector has a third end with a fastening means for attachment to a printed circuit board. For example, a connector with a double-U-shaped contour has three ends. A three-end connector can be fastened and / or electrically contacted at three points if the connector is fastened and / or contacted at each end of the printed circuit board.

[0032] It is advantageous if the first end is configured for connection to at least one contact of a mating connector. Accordingly, the electrical path in the connector runs from the first end, where the mating connector is connected, to the second end, where the connector is electrically connected to the circuit board.

[0033] According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the outer conductor has a shielding plate that connects the legs of the U- or double-U-shaped outer conductor, thus forming at least part of the web. Accordingly, the shielding plate is an integral part of the outer conductor and connects the legs of the outer conductor, which may be made of a different material or by a different manufacturing process. For example, it is conceivable to manufacture the legs of the outer conductor using a die-casting process, for instance, from zinc die-casting.

[0034] A shielding plate is a material- and space-saving component compared to a die-cast outer conductor, and it can be easily connected to the legs of the outer conductor.

[0035] It is also advantageous if the outer conductor is double-U shaped, or if the outer conductor is U-shaped and connected to a mounting arm in such a way that the outer conductor and mounting arm form a double-U shape, with the mounting arm or a third leg of the double-U-shaped outer conductor being attached to the circuit board. This ensures a robust electrical connection between the circuit board and the connector.

[0036] If the mounting arm is securely attached to a U-shaped outer conductor, this is an alternative to a double U-shaped outer conductor with three legs, which allows for saving material or material costs if the mounting arm is made of a different material than the outer conductor.

[0037] It is also advantageous to arrange the circuit board assembly in a housing, the housing having a cable interface, in particular to connect a cable pin to the first interface of the connector. Alternatively, the connector can be hardwired to the cable and routed through an opening in the housing.

[0038] This allows a component enclosed in a housing to be provided with an interface to an electrical cable.

[0039] It may also be stipulated that the housing and the interface meet certain requirements for material tightness or electrical tightness, which allows the housing to be mounted in another component.

[0040] According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the interface of the mating connector is angled at a right angle to the inner conductor and the insulating part of the mating connector. This angled interface allows it to be positioned in such a way that it is easily accessible for insertion of a cable to the connector. Alternatively or additionally, the angled interface relative to the inner conductor and the insulating part of the connector can also be used to better utilize available installation space.

[0041] If the mounting arm is securely attached to a U-shaped outer conductor, this is an alternative to a double U-shaped outer conductor with three legs, which saves material or material costs.

[0042] The above-mentioned designs and further training options can be combined with each other as appropriate. CONTENT OF THE DRAWING

[0043] The present invention will be explained in more detail below with reference to the exemplary embodiments shown in the schematic figures of the drawing. These figures show: Figure 1 shows a sectional view of a connector according to an embodiment of the invention; Figure 2 shows a perspective view of a connector according to an embodiment of the invention; Figure 3 shows a sectional view of a printed circuit board arrangement according to an embodiment of the invention.

[0044] The accompanying figures are intended to provide a further understanding of the embodiments of the invention. They illustrate embodiments and, in conjunction with the description, serve to explain the principles and concepts of the invention. Other embodiments and many of the advantages mentioned will become apparent with reference to the drawings. The elements of the drawings are not necessarily shown to scale.

[0045] In the figures of the drawing, identical, functionally equivalent and similarly acting elements, features and components - unless otherwise stated - are each provided with the same reference symbols.

[0046] The following section describes the characters in a coherent and comprehensive manner. DESCRIPTION OF EXAMPLES OF EXECUTION

[0047] Figure 1Figure 1 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of a connector 10. The connector 10 comprises a U-shaped inner conductor 11, a U-shaped insulating section 13, and a double-U-shaped outer conductor 15. The inner conductor has two parallel legs 11.1 and 11.3, which are connected by a vertical web 11.2. The insulating section 13 surrounds the inner conductor to electrically isolate it from the outer conductor 15 and is constructed accordingly, with two parallel legs 13.1 and 13.3 and a vertical web 13.2 that connects the legs of the insulating section. The outer conductor 15 surrounds the insulating section 13 and shields the inner conductor 11 from electromagnetic interference.

[0048] The outer conductor is double-U shaped, meaning it comprises three parallel legs 15.1, 15.3, and 15.4, connected by a vertical web 15.2. The third leg 15.4 of the outer conductor 15 serves to secure the outer conductor to a printed circuit board 103. The first leg 15.1 of the outer conductor forms part of an interface to a mating connector 110. The outer conductor 15 includes mounting pins 21, which are formed at the ends 17 and 19 of the second and third legs of the outer conductor 15. The mounting pins 21 are designed to be inserted into holes in a printed circuit board, for example, by soldering, to fix the connector 10 to the printed circuit board 103.

[0049] The connector 10 forms an interface at the end 17 of the first leg for connection with a mating connector 110. The connector 10 forms an interface 20 at the end 19 of the second leg for mechanical fastening and electrical contacting on a printed circuit board 103.

[0050] Figure 2 shows a schematic perspective view of a connector 10 according to Figure 1 In Figure 2 It can be seen that the connector 10 has two fastening pins 21 at its third end 23 and four fastening pins 21 at its second end 19.

[0051] Although the components, in particular the inner conductor 11, the insulating part 13, and the outer conductor 15 of the connector 10, have been described using several sub-sections of these components, namely several legs and a web, it is understood that this does not necessarily imply that these components are multi-part, but rather that the description of these components using their sub-sections primarily serves to describe the geometric shape of the components. The components, i.e., the inner conductor 11, the insulating part 13, and the outer conductor 15, can be designed as either a single piece or as multiple parts, with the subdivision of the components corresponding to the sub-sections of the legs and the web.

[0052] Figure 3Figure 1 shows a schematic sectional view of a printed circuit board assembly 100, which is arranged in a housing 101. The printed circuit board assembly 100 comprises a connector 10 as described above, a mating connector 110, a cable 113, a printed circuit board 103, and a printed circuit board 105.

[0053] The connector 10 is attached to the circuit board 103 by means of mounting pins 21. The mounting pins are located at the second end 19 and the third end 23 of the connector 10, respectively. The connector 10 protrudes at its first end 17, which forms an interface for the mating connector 110, through a recess 111 in the circuit board 103. This allows the overall height of the housing 101 to be reduced, in particular the distance between the cable-side housing wall and the circuit board 103.

[0054] The connector 10 is connected to the mating connector 110, which is attached to the housing 101. The outer conductor 108 of the mating connector 110 contacts the outer conductor 15 of the connector 10, and the inner conductor 107 of the mating connector 110 contacts the inner conductor 11 of the connector 10. Accordingly, the mating connector 110 also includes an interface at one end for connecting the mating connector 110 to the connector 10. Furthermore, the mating connector 110 includes another interface at its other end for connecting to electrical contacts, in particular plug contacts 115 of a cable 113. It is provided that the inner conductor 107 or the outer conductor 108 of the mating connector 110 is perpendicular to the plug contact 115 of the cable 113 when the cable 113 is connected to the other interface of the mating connector 110. Reference symbol list

[0055] 10 Connector 11 Inner conductor 11.1 Leg of inner conductor 11.2 Web of inner conductor 11.3 Leg of inner conductor 13 Insulating part 13.1 Leg of insulating part 13.2 Web of insulating part 13.3 Leg of insulating part 15 Outer conductor 15.1 Leg of outer conductor 15.2 Web of outer conductor 15.3 Leg of outer conductor 15.4 Leg of outer conductor 17 End 19 End 20 Interface 21 Fastener 23 End 100 PCB assembly 101 Housing 103 PCB 105 PCB 107 Inner conductor 108 Outer conductor 110 Mating connector 111 Recess 113 Cable 115 Electrical contact

Claims

1. Printed circuit board arrangement (100) with a plug connector (10) with at least one inner conductor (11), an insulating part (13), and an outer conductor (15), wherein the insulating part (13) is arranged between the inner conductor (11) and the outer conductor (15), wherein the inner conductor (11) and the insulating part (13) are U-shaped, in that they have a first leg (11.1; 13.1) and a second leg (11.3; 13.3) as well as a web (11.2; 13.2) connecting the legs, wherein the plug connector (10) has a first end (17) and a second end (19), at which the plug connector (10) forms a first interface and a second interface, respectively, in that the inner conductor (11), and in particular the outer conductor (15), at the first end (17) and the second end (19) are configured to be connected with conductors (107, 108) of an object (110) to be connected, a mating connector (110) connected to the plug connector (10) and with a printed circuit board (103), wherein the plug connector (10) is connected to the printed circuit board (103) at the second interface (20) and the printed circuit board (103) has a recess (111), through which the first leg or the mating connector (110) is guided or the first end of the first leg electrically contacts with the printed circuit board.

2. The printed circuit board arrangement according to claim 1, wherein the outer conductor (15) is configured U-shaped or double-U-shaped.

3. The printed circuit board arrangement according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the connector (10) has fastening means (21) at a second end (19) for fastening to a printed circuit board.

4. The printed circuit board arrangement according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the connector (10) has a third end (23) with a fastening means (21) for fastening to a printed circuit board.

5. The printed circuit board arrangement according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first end (17) is configured for connection to at least one plug contact of a mating connector (110).

6. The printed circuit board arrangement according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the outer conductor (15) has a shielding plate (16) which connects legs (15.1, 15.3, 15.4) of the U- or double-U-shaped outer conductor.

7. The printed circuit board arrangement according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein a cable-side interface of the mating connector is angled at a substantially right angle to the inner conductor (11) and the insulating part (13) of the mating connector (110)8. The printed circuit board arrangement (100) according to claim 7, wherein the outer conductor (15) is double-U-shaped or the outer conductor (15) is U-shaped, and is connected to a fastening arm such that the outer conductor (15) and the fastening arm form a double-U shape, wherein the fastening arm or a third leg (15.4) of the double-U-shaped outer conductor (15) is fastened to the printed circuit board (103).

9. The printed circuit board arrangement (100) according to claim 7 or claim 8, with a housing (101), which surrounds the printed circuit board arrangement (100), which has an interface, for connecting a plug contact (115) of a cable (113) to the mating connector (110).

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