Electrical plug-in connection

Abstract

The present invention relates to an electrical connector. An electrical connector (1) comprising an electrical plug connector (2) and an associated mating electrical plug connector (3) has a conductor contact element (5) in the plug connector (2) and a conductor counter-contact element (8) in the mating plug connector (3). In a plug-side end region of the conductor contact element (5), an inner surface (9) is formed which is rotationally symmetrical with respect to a longitudinal axis L1 of the plug connector (2) and has an inner diameter that tapers in a direction opposite to a plug-in direction S1 of the plug connector (2). In a plug-side end region of the conductor counter-contact element (8), an outer surface (12) is formed which is rotationally symmetrical with respect to a longitudinal axis L2 of the mating plug connector (3) and has an outer diameter that tapers in a plug-in direction S2 of the mating plug connector (3).The inner surface (9) and the outer surface (12) contact each other only along a circular line (15).

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to an electrical plug connection comprising an electrical plug connector with an outer conductor contact element and an associated electrical mating connector with an outer conductor counter contact element according to the preamble of patent claim 1. TECHNICAL BACKGROUND

[0002] Electrical connections consisting of an electrical connector and a corresponding mating connector are used for the separable transmission of data signals and / or electrical supply voltages. To prevent electromagnetic radiation from being coupled into or out of the connector, connectors are typically shielded. Shielding requirements are particularly stringent, particularly when transmitting high-frequency to ultra-high-frequency signals. The outer conductor contact between the outer conductor contact element of the connector and the outer conductor mating contact element of the mating connector is rarely made via radial contact, since the point contact of the individual spring tabs of an outer conductor contact element required for this purpose does not allow for circumferential outer conductor contact.Rather, in these fields of application, a face contact is usually used between the flat and plane-parallel contact surfaces of the outer conductor contact element and the outer conductor counter contact element.

[0003] While the Fig. 1A in a longitudinal section a plug-in process between a connector and a mating connector is shown, the longitudinal section of the Fig. 1B A face contact between the outer conductor contact element and the outer conductor mating contact element in the mated state. The face contact ideally enables a surface contact that is circumferentially closed relative to the longitudinal axis of the connector and enables optimal shielding at the electrical and mechanical interface between the connector and the mating connector.

[0004] Reliable end contact usually requires a relatively high axial contact pressure. If the axial contact pressure is insufficient, it can, as described in Fig. 1C As shown, tilting may occur between the outer conductor contact element and the corresponding outer conductor mating contact element. This tilting is possible because a certain amount of play is required for the mating process between the inner diameter of the outer conductor contact element of the connector and the outer diameter of the outer conductor mating contact element of the mating connector.

[0005] The intended circumferential surface contact thus transforms into a one-sided point contact in the undesired, tilted state of the plugged connection, which impairs the shielding and thus the high-frequency transmission characteristics. Furthermore, the one-sided point contact may not be stable but may vary over time, thus generating undesired p assiver I nter m odulation (PIM).

[0006] This is a situation that needs to be improved. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0007] Against this background, the present invention is based on the object of specifying an electrical plug connection which enables a secure circumferential contact between the outer conductor contact element and the outer conductor counter-contact element even in a tilted state between the plug connector and the mating connector.

[0008] According to the invention, this object is achieved by an electrical plug connection having the features of patent claim 1.

[0009] Accordingly, it is provided: An electrical connector made of an electrical plug connector and an associated electrical mating connector, wherein the plug connector has an outer conductor contact element and the mating connector has an outer conductor counter-contact element, wherein in a plug-side end region of the outer conductor contact element an inner surface is formed which is rotationally symmetrical to a longitudinal axis of the plug connector and has an inner diameter which tapers in a direction opposite to a plug-in direction of the plug connector, and in a plug-side end region of the outer conductor counter-contact element an outer surface is formed which is rotationally symmetrical to a longitudinal axis of the mating connector and has an outer diameter which tapers in a plug-in direction of the mating connector, wherein the inner surface and the outer surface contact each other only on a circular line.

[0010] The insight / idea underlying the present invention consists in forming an inner surface in the contacting area of ​​the outer conductor contact element, the inner diameter of which tapers in the direction opposite to the plug-in direction of the connector, and in forming an outer surface in the contacting area of ​​the outer conductor mating contact element, the outer diameter of which tapers in the plug-in direction of the mating connector. In this way, a contact force with an axial force component and a radial or lateral force component relative to the longitudinal axis of the connector can be realized on the inner surface of the outer conductor contact element, and a contact force with an axial force component and a radial or lateral force component relative to the longitudinal axis of the mating connector can be realized on the outer surface of the outer conductor mating contact element.

[0011] The invention is particularly (but not exclusively) suitable for use with a plug connection in which there is a mechanical play, for example due to manufacturing tolerances, which allows the plug partners to tilt when plugged in.

[0012] The rotationally symmetrical inner surface is preferably a completely continuous surface and, within the scope of the invention, is generally not to be understood as a composite of several individual surfaces. The same preferably applies to the outer surface.

[0013] Particularly preferably, the connector has only the (in particular exactly one contiguous) inner surface and the mating connector has only the (in particular exactly one contiguous) outer surface for the electrical and mechanical outer conductor contact.

[0014] Preferably, no contact spring tabs are involved in the electrical and mechanical outer conductor contact.

[0015] Furthermore, if a linear contact, in particular a contact solely along a circular line, is implemented instead of a surface contact between the outer surface and the inner surface, then for each tilt angle between the longitudinal axis of the connector and the longitudinal axis of the mating connector, a circular line on the inner surface can be brought into contact with a circular line on the outer surface corresponding to the tilt angle. Thus, depending on the size of the tilt angle, a different circular line on the outer surface is in circular contact with the inner surface.

[0016] Contacting along a circular line requires an inner surface of the outer conductor contact element that is rotationally symmetrical to the longitudinal axis of the connector and an outer surface of the outer conductor mating contact element that is rotationally symmetrical to the longitudinal axis of the mating connector. The circular line of the contact is located on the inner surface of the outer conductor contact element if the center of the circular line lies on the longitudinal axis of the connector.

[0017] If there is no tilt between the longitudinal axis of the connector and the mating connector, i.e. the longitudinal axes of the connector and the mating connector are aligned with each other, the circular line of the contact is located on both the inner surface of the outer conductor contact element and the outer surface of the outer conductor mating contact element if the center of the circular line lies on both the longitudinal axis of the connector and the longitudinal axis of the mating connector.

[0018] In particular, it can be provided that the inner surface and the outer surface contact each other along a circular line in at least one possible mating state of the plug connection, preferably in several possible mating states, in particular also in the case of a coaxial alignment of the longitudinal axes of the plug connector and the mating connector. Particularly preferably, the inner surface and the outer surface contact each other along a circular line in all possible mating states.

[0019] The orientation of the contact plane, which is spanned by the contacting circle of the contact plane, is tilted by a tilt angle relative to the longitudinal axis of the mating connector when tilted between the longitudinal axis of the connector and the longitudinal axis of the mating connector. The orientation of the contact plane results from the orientation of a surface vector of the contact plane through the center of the contacting circle on the outer surface.

[0020] Contact is made between the inner surface of the outer conductor contact element and the outer surface of the outer conductor mating contact element if the contacting area of ​​the outer conductor contact element and the outer conductor mating contact element are each located in the plug-side end area of ​​the connector or the mating connector and the outer conductor mating contact element is inserted into the outer conductor contact element of the connector at the plug-side end area of ​​the mating connector.

[0021] The circumferential contact between the outer conductor contact element and the outer conductor counter-contact element advantageously enables circumferential shielding or circumferential shield transfer for a different degree of tilt between the connector and the corresponding mating connector as well as for the non-tilted case and thus a high-frequency transmission characteristic in the connector that is optimized with regard to shielding.

[0022] In addition, linear contacting along a circular line allows for higher contact pressure than flat contacting. This allows undesirable deviations in the contact surfaces between the contact partners to be compensated for with low contact forces, thus achieving more effective, all-round electrical contact between the contact partners.

[0023] Finally, compared to a surface contact, the line contact allows for scrubbing between the contact surfaces during a tilting movement, especially during repeated tilting movements (in the case of multiple mating cycles), between the connector and the mating connector. An oxide layer that forms on the contact surface over time, which undesirably increases contact resistance, is advantageously removed by the scraping movement of the line contact, thus keeping the contact resistance low.

[0024] If an axial offset occurs between the longitudinal axis of the connector and the longitudinal axis of the mating connector during the mating process, the tapering of the inner diameter of the inner surface of the outer conductor contact element, which is formed in the mating direction of the mating connector, enables centering and thus axial alignment of the mating connector in the connector.

[0025] The outer diameter of the inner surface of the outer conductor contact element and the inner diameter of the outer surface of the outer conductor mating contact element can each taper linearly, curvedly, or in single or multiple steps. In the case of a curved taper, a curvature with a constant or variable radius of curvature is conceivable. The curvature can be convex or concave. In the case of a linear taper of the outer or inner diameter, a conically shaped outer surface or a conically shaped inner surface is present. In the case of a convex or concave taper of the outer or inner diameter, a convex or concave curved outer surface or a convex or concave curved inner surface is present. In the case of a convex or concave curved taper of the inner diameter of the inner surface or the outer diameter of the outer surface with a constant radius of curvature, there is a convex spherical or concave shape.a concave spherical curvature of the outer or inner surface. In all other cases of curvature, an aspherical curvature exists. The transition between a convex curvature and a concave curvature, ie, an S-shaped curvature, is also conceivable as a special case of aspherical curvature.

[0026] The outer surface, whose outer diameter tapers, and the inner surface, whose inner diameter tapers, can extend over a larger axial section of the outer conductor mating contact element and the outer conductor contact element, respectively. Alternatively, the outer surface, whose outer diameter tapers, and the inner surface, whose inner diameter tapers, can each be formed only in the axial section of a rounded edge or a chamfered edge.

[0027] If the outer diameter of the outer surface or the inner diameter of the inner surface tapers linearly, with a convex curve, or with a concave curve, the taper occurs continuously along the entire axial extent of the outer surface or inner surface. This ensures that for every technically feasible tilt angle between the longitudinal axis of the connector and the longitudinal axis of the mating connector, a circular line on the outer surface fully contacts a circular line on the inner surface.

[0028] In a further development of the invention, it can be provided that the inner diameter of the inner surface and the outer diameter of the outer surface taper with different pitches or different radii of curvature.

[0029] It is also conceivable for the outer surface or inner surface to each have multiple axial sections, the inner diameter or outer diameter of which tapers linearly with different pitches or curved with different radii of curvature. It is also possible to realize multiple axial sections of the outer surface or inner surface, forming a combination of conical and curved tapers of the inner or outer diameter. In these cases, a circumferential edge can be formed at the transition between the individual axial sections of the outer surface or inner surface.

[0030] In a particularly advantageous development of the invention, the inner diameter of the inner surface can taper linearly or in steps (single-stage or multi-stage), and the outer diameter of the outer surface can taper in a curved manner—or vice versa. In particular, a combination of a non-curved or non-curved taper with a curved or curved taper has proven particularly advantageous.

[0031] As already mentioned above, the contacting circle between the inner surface of the outer conductor contact element and the outer surface of the outer conductor mating contact element changes its position on the outer surface of the outer conductor mating contact element when the tilt angle between the longitudinal axis of the connector and the longitudinal axis of the mating connector changes. This change in the position of the contacting circle on the outer surface of the outer conductor mating contact element only occurs when the outer diameter of the outer surface tapers linearly or curvedly. In the case of a stepped taper of the outer diameter of the outer surface, a change in the position of the contacting circle on the outer surface of the outer conductor mating contact element is not possible. In this case, the contacting circle on the outer surface is positioned on the outer edge of the stepped tapered outer diameter of the outer surface for different tilt angles.

[0032] The contacting of the inner surface of the outer conductor contact element and the outer surface of the outer conductor counter contact element on a circular line represents a line contact. In this case and in the following, a line contact on a circular line includes not only the linear contact occurring in the idealized case, but also the flattening of the circular contact between the outer conductor contact element and the outer conductor counter contact element (so-called surface pressure or Hertzian pressure) occurring due to the residual elasticity of the outer conductor contact element and the outer conductor counter contact element at a certain contact pressure.

[0033] The outer conductor contact element and the outer conductor counter-contact element are each sleeve-shaped contact elements made of a material with good mechanical and electrical properties, preferably brass, bronze, steel, or stainless steel. To minimize the contact resistance in the contact area, the outer conductor contact element and the outer conductor counter-contact element can be coated with a coating material with good electrical conductivity, preferably gold, silver, or nickel, particularly in the contact area. Alternatively, a bare contact surface is also conceivable.

[0034] Since the outer conductor contact element and the outer conductor counter-contact element each have a rotationally symmetrical contacting area, i.e., a rotationally symmetrical inner surface and a rotationally symmetrical outer surface, respectively, the edges of the outer surface and the edges of the inner surface, in particular the inner edge of the outer surface and the inner surface, are preferably also rotationally symmetrical. Therefore, the through-bore of the outer conductor contact element and the outer conductor counter-contact element for receiving the inner conductor contact element and the inner conductor counter-contact element, respectively, preferably each has a round cross-sectional profile.Thus, a single inner conductor contact element for forming a coaxial connector is preferably accommodated in the round through-hole of the outer conductor contact element, and a single inner conductor counter-contact element for forming a coaxial mating connector is preferably accommodated in the round through-hole of the outer conductor mating contact element. Alternatively, however, multiple inner conductor contact elements or multiple inner conductor counter-contact elements, for example, two or four inner conductor contact elements or two or four inner conductor counter-contact elements, are also conceivable.

[0035] The connector and the mating connector are each preferably a cable connector. However, it is also possible for the connector or, alternatively, the mating connector to be designed as a printed circuit board connector, a housing connector, a flush-mounted connector, or an adapter connector. Preferably, the connector and the mating connector are each designed as a straight connector. An angled variant for the connector and the mating connector is also conceivable. In this variant, the feature of a longitudinal axis of the connector or a longitudinal axis of the mating connector mentioned above and below refers to the longitudinal axis of the connector or the mating connector in the mating-side end region of the connector or the mating connector.

[0036] Advantageous embodiments and further developments emerge from the further subclaims and from the description with reference to the figures of the drawing.

[0037] It is understood that the features mentioned above and those to be explained below can be used not only in the combination specified in each case, but also in other combinations or on their own, without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0038] Preferably, the inner surface of the outer conductor contact element and the outer surface of the outer conductor mating contact element, in the case of a linearly or curved tapered outer diameter or inner diameter, can have a gradient relative to the longitudinal axis of the plug connector or relative to the longitudinal axis of the mating connector in a range between 35° and 75° and preferably in a range between 55° and 65° and can particularly preferably have 60°.

[0039] If the pitches of the inner and outer surfaces are each smaller than the specified parameter ranges, manufacturing tolerances may result in inaccuracies in the axial position of the mating connector. If the pitches of the inner and outer surfaces are each larger than the specified parameter ranges, static friction occurring between the contact surfaces may prevent centering between the connector and the mating connector.

[0040] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the circular line-shaped contact between the inner surface of the outer conductor contact element and the outer surface of the outer conductor mating contact element can occur for different tilt angles between the plug connector and the mating plug connector if the circular line is positioned on a circumferential outer edge of the outer surface or the inner surface or on a convex curvature of the outer surface or the inner surface.

[0041] A circumferential outer edge is understood here and below, in contrast to a circumferential inner edge, to be a circumferential edge that rises on the inner surface of the outer conductor contact element in the direction of the oppositely arranged outer surface of the outer conductor mating contact element or on the outer surface of the outer conductor mating contact element in the direction of the oppositely arranged inner surface of the outer conductor contact element. The circumferential outer edge represents the boundary between two sloping partial surfaces of the inner or outer surface. The angle between the sloping partial surfaces of the outer edge can be between an acute and an obtuse angle. In the first case, there is an outer edge in the form of a ridge. In the second case, there is an outer edge between two gently rising partial surfaces of the inner or outer surface. If there is an angle between the sloping partial surfaces of the inner or outer surface, the outer edge is formed as an acute angle.of the outer surface of 90°, there is a stepped taper of the inner diameter of the inner surface or the outer diameter of the outer surface.

[0042] A circumferential convex curvature of the inner or outer surface, also referred to as a circumferential positive curvature, is an outward-directed curvature of the outer surface of the inner or outer surface. This has a convex curvature in the direction of the tapered inner diameter of the inner surface or the outer diameter of the outer surface.

[0043] If an outer edge or a convex curvature in the direction of the inner surface is formed only on the outer surface or an outer edge or a convex curvature in the direction of the outer surface is formed only on the inner surface, the taper of the diameter of the opposite surface to be contacted, ie the taper of the inner diameter of the inner surface or the taper of the outer diameter of the outer surface can be conical, single or multi-stepped, convexly curved or concavely curved.

[0044] In a further preferred embodiment of the invention, the inner surface of a plug-side end of the outer conductor contact element or the outer surface of a plug-side end of the outer conductor counter-contact element can each be formed axially spaced.

[0045] If the inner surface of the connector, in which the inner diameter tapers in a direction opposite to the plug-in direction of the connector, can be arranged at an axial distance from the plug-in end of the outer conductor contact element, the outer conductor contact element has an insertion region for inserting the outer conductor mating contact element. In this way, during the plug-in process of the connector with the mating connector, the outer conductor contact element can be aligned with the outer conductor mating contact element in a first plug-in process step before the inner conductor contact element is aligned with the inner conductor mating contact element. For better alignment of the outer conductor contact element with the outer conductor mating contact element, a catching funnel function can be formed in the insertion region. For this purpose, either the plug-in end of the insertion region can have a chamfer or the entire axial section of the insertion region can be conically shaped.

[0046] Alternatively, the outer surface of the mating connector, in which the outer diameter tapers in the mating direction of the mating connector, can be arranged at an axial distance from a mating-side end of the outer conductor mating contact element in order to align the outer conductor contact element with the outer conductor mating contact element before aligning the inner conductor contact element with the inner conductor mating contact element during the mating process of the connector with the mating connector. The mating-side end of the outer conductor mating contact element is centered on the inner surface of the outer conductor contact element, whose inner diameter tapers in a direction opposite to the mating direction of the connector. In this case, the outer conductor contact element cannot have an insertion area on the mating side in front of the outer surface area.To improve the centering of the outer conductor counter contact element to the outer conductor contact element, a chamfer can be formed on the plug-side end of the outer conductor counter contact element.

[0047] In a further preferred embodiment of the invention, the plug connector and / or the mating plug connector can each have an axially acting clamping means in order to contact the inner surface of the outer conductor contact element with the outer surface of the outer conductor counter-contact element with sufficient contact pressure. An axially acting clamping spring can preferably be used here, which is clamped in a pre-tensioned manner between the plug connector housing and the outer conductor contact element. The spring force of the clamping spring acts on the outer conductor contact element and realizes a contact force for the outer conductor contact element in the plug-in direction. Alternatively or in addition to the clamping spring of the plug connector, a clamping spring can also be provided, which is clamped in a pre-tensioned manner between the mating connector housing and the outer conductor counter-contact element and generates a contact force acting in the plug-in direction for the outer conductor counter-contact element.

[0048] An alternative technical solution for generating a contact force can also be a common screw connection, particularly by means of a union nut with an internal thread, between the connector and the mating connector. Finally, magnets or locking devices can also be provided as clamping means.

[0049] For transmitting a high-frequency or very high-frequency signal, the plug connector can additionally have an inner conductor contact element, which can be arranged at least in part within the outer conductor contact element, and the mating connector can additionally have an inner conductor counter-contact element, which can be arranged at least in part within the outer conductor counter-contact element. When the plug connection is plugged in, the inner conductor contact element and the inner conductor counter-contact element can preferably contact each other within an axial section of the outer conductor counter-contact element. If the inner conductor contact element can preferably be arranged solely within a section of the outer conductor contact element, both the inner conductor contact element can be arranged protected within the outer conductor contact element and the inner conductor counter-contact element can be arranged protected within the outer conductor counter-contact element.

[0050] In addition, such an arrangement between the inner conductor contact element, the inner conductor counter-contact element, the outer conductor contact element and the outer conductor counter-contact element can, in the event of tilting between the plug connector and the mating plug connector, particularly in the case of a larger tilt angle, cause bending of the inner conductor contact element and / or the inner conductor counter-contact element and, to a greater extent, permanent destruction of the inner conductor contact element and / or the inner conductor counter-contact element or a release of the contact between the inner conductor contact element and the inner conductor counter-contact element.

[0051] In a particularly preferred embodiment, the contact between the inner conductor contact element and the inner conductor counter-contact element can be arranged in an axial section of the outer conductor counter-contact element adjacent to the plug-side end of the outer conductor counter-contact element, i.e., in the axial section of the outer surface of the outer conductor counter-contact element. In an ideal embodiment, the contact between the inner conductor contact element and the inner conductor counter-contact element can be arranged in a rotation or tilting center of the outer surface of the outer conductor counter-contact element.

[0052] In the penultimate case and especially in the latter case, the inner conductor mating contact element rotates relative to the inner conductor contact element in the event of tilting between the plug connector and the mating connector adjacent to or exactly in their contact area, so that no damage or at least very little damage occurs to the inner conductor contact element and / or the inner conductor mating contact element.

[0053] The inner conductor contact element and the inner conductor counter-contact element can contact each other in a radial contact, preferably according to the socket-pin principle.

[0054] In a further preferred embodiment of the invention, the contact between the inner conductor contact element and the inner conductor counter-contact element can be realized according to the contacting principle of the outer conductor contact element with the outer conductor counter-contact element.

[0055] For this purpose, in a first embodiment of the contacting principle, an inner jacket surface with an inner diameter that tapers in a direction opposite to a plug-in direction of the plug connector can be formed in a plug-side end region of the inner conductor contact element, and an outer jacket surface with an outer diameter that tapers in a plug-in direction of the mating connector can be formed in a plug-side end region of the inner conductor mating contact element.

[0056] In a second embodiment of the contacting principle, an outer jacket surface with an outer diameter that tapers in a plug-in direction of the plug connector can be formed in a plug-in end region of the inner conductor contact element, and an inner jacket surface with an inner diameter that tapers in a direction opposite to a plug-in direction of the mating connector can be formed in a plug-in end region of the inner conductor mating contact element.

[0057] In both forms of the contacting principle, the inner surface can only contact the outer surface on a circular line.

[0058] For the technical characteristics of the inner surface or the outer surface of the inner conductor contact element and the outer surface or the inner surface of the associated inner conductor counter-contact element, the individual technical features explained above for the inner surface of the outer conductor contact element and the outer surface of the inner conductor contact element apply equivalently.

[0059] To achieve a contact pressure between the inner conductor contact element and the inner conductor counter-contact element, the inner conductor contact element and / or the inner conductor counter-contact element can preferably each be spring-mounted. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the inner conductor contact element and / or the inner conductor counter-contact element can each have a compression spring, which can be arranged between two axially spaced partial bodies of the inner conductor contact element or the inner conductor counter-contact element.

[0060] The above embodiments and further developments can be combined with one another as desired, where appropriate. Further possible embodiments, further developments, and implementations of the invention also include combinations of features of the invention not explicitly mentioned above or described below with regard to the exemplary embodiments. In particular, those skilled in the art will also add individual aspects as improvements or additions to the respective basic form of the present invention. TABLE OF CONTENTS OF THE DRAWING

[0061] The present invention will be explained in more detail below with reference to the exemplary embodiments shown in the schematic figures of the drawing. In the drawings: Fig. 1A, 1B, 1C Longitudinal sectional views of a plug connection according to the prior art in the unmated state, in the plugged and untilted state, and in the plugged and tilted state, Fig. 2A, 2B, 2C Longitudinal sectional views of a first embodiment of a plug connection according to the invention in the unmated state, in the plugged and untilted state, and in the plugged and tilted state, Fig. 2D View of a section of a first embodiment of a plug connection according to the invention in the plugged and untilted state, Fig. 2E A plan view of an outer conductor counter contact element in the plugged and untilted state, Fig. 3 Longitudinal sectional views of a second embodiment of a plug connection according to the invention in the plugged and untilted state.4A, 4B, 4CLongitudinal sectional views of an extension of the plug connection according to the invention in the unmated state, in the mated and non-tilted state, and in the mated and tilted state, Fig. 5A, 5BLongitudinal sectional views of two implementation variants for applying a contact force for a plug connection according to the invention, and Fig. 6A - 6MLongitudinal sectional views for different geometries of a plug connection according to the invention.

[0062] The accompanying drawing figures are intended to provide a further understanding of embodiments of the invention. They illustrate embodiments and, in conjunction with the description, serve to explain principles and concepts of the invention. Other embodiments and many of the noted advantages will become apparent upon review of the drawings. Elements of the drawings are not necessarily shown to scale relative to one another.

[0063] In the figures of the drawing, identical, functionally identical and acting elements, features and components are provided with the same reference symbols, unless otherwise stated.

[0064] In the following, the characters are described coherently and comprehensively. DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

[0065] In the Figuren 2A bis 2E A first embodiment of a plug connection 1 according to the invention comprising a plug connector 2 and an associated mating plug connector 3 is shown. The plug connector 2 has an inner conductor contact element 4 and an outer conductor contact element 5 enclosing the inner conductor contact element 4. The inner conductor contact element 4 is spaced from the outer conductor contact element 5 by a plurality of dielectric spacer elements 6 and is thus electrically insulated from it. Equivalently, the mating plug connector 3 has an inner conductor mating contact element 7 and an outer conductor mating contact element 8 enclosing the inner conductor mating contact element 7. The inner conductor mating contact element 7 is also spaced from the outer conductor mating contact element 8 by a plurality of dielectric spacer elements 6 and is thus electrically insulated from it.

[0066] The outer conductor contact element 5 has a conical inner surface 9 whose inner diameter tapers in a direction opposite to the plug-in direction S 1 of the connector 2. The tapered inner surface 9 is arranged axially spaced from the plug-in end 10 of the outer conductor contact element 5 in the direction opposite to the plug-in direction S 1 in order to form an insertion area 11 for the outer conductor counter-contact element 8.

[0067] The outer conductor mating contact element 8 has a convexly curved outer surface 12, i.e., a spherically shaped outer surface 12, whose outer diameter tapers in the plug-in direction S 2 of the mating connector 3. The tapered outer surface 12 of the outer conductor mating contact element 8 directly adjoins the plug-in end 13 of the outer conductor mating contact element 8.

[0068] The outer conductor mating contact element 8 is resiliently mounted in the plug-in direction S 2 of the mating connector 3 by a spring 14, preferably by a clamping spring 14 spirally enclosing the outer conductor mating contact element 8. The clamping spring 14 is preferably arranged between a flange 23 formed on the outer conductor contact element 8 and a Figuren 2A bis 2E clamped into the connector housing of the mating connector 3 (not shown).

[0069] When the connector 1 is plugged in, according to the Figuren 2B bis 2E the spherically formed outer surface 12 of the outer conductor counter contact element 3 contacts the conically formed inner surface 9 of the outer conductor contact element 2. In this case, the outer conductor contact element 5 contacts the outer conductor counter contact element 8 both for the non-tilted (coaxial) state between the longitudinal axis L 1 of the connector 2 and the longitudinal axis L 2 of the mating connector 3 according to Fig. 2B as well as for the tilted state according to Fig. 2C only on a circular line 15 (see Fig. 2E ). Thus, a contact is established between the outer conductor contact element 2 and the outer conductor mating contact element 3, which contact runs circumferentially relative to the longitudinal axis L 1 of the plug connector 2 and the longitudinal axis L 2 of the mating plug connector 3, which prevents high-frequency or very high-frequency radiation from being emitted into or out of the plug connection 1.

[0070] A longitudinal axis which runs through the center of the contacting circular line 15 on the outer surface 12 of the mating connector 3 and is orthogonal to a contact plane 30 (see Fig. 2E ) which is spanned by the contacting circular line 15 on the outer surface 12 of the mating connector 3, is tilted relative to the longitudinal axis L 2 of the mating connector 3 by the tilt angle α K between the longitudinal axis L 1 of the connector 2 and the longitudinal axis L 2 of the mating connector 3. The center of the circular line of the contact on the outer surface 12 of the mating connector 3 is not located on the longitudinal axis L 2 of the mating connector 3, but is arranged axially spaced from the longitudinal axis L 2 of the mating connector 3 depending on the tilt angle α K, as can be seen from Fig. 2E is evident.

[0071] The contact between the inner conductor contact element 4 and the inner conductor counter contact element 7 is made radially according to the usual pin-socket principle, as shown in the Figuren 2A bis 2D Ideally, the contact between the inner conductor contact element 4 and the inner conductor counter contact element 7 is as shown in Fig. 2D is shown, arranged in the center of curvature or tilting point K of the spherically curved outer surface 12 of the outer conductor counter-contact element 8 in order to avoid bending or damage to the inner conductor contact element 4 and the outer conductor counter-contact element 7.

[0072] Out of Fig. 3 A second embodiment of a plug connection 1 according to the invention emerges. Compared to the first embodiment, the outer surface 12 of the outer conductor counter-contact element 8 is arranged at an axial distance from the plug-side end 13 of the outer conductor counter-contact element 8. For this purpose, the outer conductor counter-contact element 8 has a hollow-cylindrical axial section 16 between the plug-side end 13 and the tapered outer surface 12 of the outer conductor counter-contact element 8, which additionally facilitates insertion of the outer conductor counter-contact element 8 into the insertion area 11 of the outer conductor contact element 5.

[0073] The Figuren 4A bis 4C represent a preferred extension of the plug connection 1 according to the invention, in which, in addition to the contacting of the outer conductor contact element 5 and the outer conductor counter-contact element 8 on a circular line 15, a circular contacting of the inner conductor contact element 4 and the inner conductor counter-contact element 7 is realized.

[0074] For this purpose, the inner conductor contact element 4 has a conical inner surface 17 whose inner diameter tapers in a direction opposite to the plug-in direction S 1 of the connector 2. The tapered inner surface 17 preferably extends directly adjacent to the plug-in end 18 of the inner conductor contact element 4. Furthermore, the inner conductor mating contact element 7 has an outer surface 19 whose outer diameter tapers in the plug-in direction S 2 of the mating connector 3. The tapered outer surface 19 extends analogously from the plug-in end 20 of the inner conductor mating contact element 7.

[0075] To achieve a sufficient contact force between the inner conductor contact element 4 and the outer conductor mating contact element 7, the inner conductor mating contact element 7 has two axially spaced partial bodies 21 1 and 21 2, which are connected to one another via a spring 22, preferably a compression spring 22. Thus, the partial body 21 1 of the inner conductor mating contact element 7, which is arranged at the plug-side end 20 of the inner conductor mating contact element 7 and has the tapered outer surface 19, is spring-loaded in the plug-in direction S 2 of the mating connector 3. In the plugged state of the plug connection 1 according to the Figuren 4B und 4C The compression spring 22 is pretensioned so that the spring force of the compression spring 22 presses the partial body 21 1 of the inner conductor counter-contact element 7 against the inner conductor contact element 4 with a specific contact pressure. The further partial body 21 2 of the inner conductor counter-contact element 7 is fixed, for example, to the dielectric spacer elements 6.

[0076] Out of Fig. 5A 1 shows an overall view of a plug connection 1 in which the contact pressure for the outer conductor contact is realized via a clamping spring 14. For this purpose, the clamping spring 14 is clamped between a flange 23 formed on the outer jacket side of the outer conductor mating contact element 7 and a connector housing 24 of the mating connector 3. The connector housing 24 of the mating connector 3 is connected to the connector housing 25 of the connector 2 via, for example, a latching connection. For this purpose, the connector housing 25 of the connector 2 has at least one latching means 26, which for this purpose is designed, for example, as a latching feedthrough, into which an associated counter-latching means 27 of the connector housing 24 of the mating connector 3 is inserted and latched.Due to the locking between the locking means 26 and the counter-locking means 27, the clamping spring 14 is compressed so that its spring force presses the outer conductor contact element 8 against the outer conductor counter-contact element 5 with a contact force corresponding to the spring force.

[0077] Instead of a snap-in connection between the connector housing 24 of the mating connector 3 and the connector housing 25 of the connector 2, a bayonet connection or a screw connection is also conceivable.

[0078] As an alternative to generating a contact force by means of a pre-tensioned clamping spring 14, a clamping between the outer conductor contact element 5 and the associated outer conductor counter-contact element 8 by means of a magnetic connection according to Fig. 5B possible. For this purpose, at least one magnetic connection, preferably a plurality of magnetic connections, is formed between the connector housing 25 of the connector 2 and the connector housing 24 of the mating connector 3. Each magnetic connection consists of a first magnet 28 1 and a second magnet 28 2 , which attract one another due to their different magnetic polarity. The magnet 28 1 is preferably arranged on an end face or in a region of the connector housing 24 of the mating connector 3 that is adjacent to the end face, while the magnet 28 2 is preferably arranged on an opposite end face or in a region of the connector housing 25 of the connector 2 that is adjacent to the opposite end face.

[0079] The outer conductor mating contact element 8 is guided axially in the plug-in direction S 2 of the mating connector 3 by the connector housing 24 of the mating connector 3 via its flange 23 formed on the outer jacket side and is pressed against the outer conductor contact element 5 with a specific contact pressure when the connector housing 24 of the mating connector 3 is attracted to the connector housing 25 of the connector 2 via the at least one magnetic connection and is thus fixed.

[0080] The contact force between the outer conductor contact element 5 and the associated outer conductor counter contact element 8 can be realized alternatively to clamping by a spring force of a clamping spring 14 or by the magnetic attraction force between two magnets, also by the clamping force of a screw connection, a bayonet connection or a snap-in connection between the connector housings 24 and 25 of the mating connector 3 or the connector 2.

[0081] As an alternative to the previously explained circular contact between a conically shaped inner surface 9 of the outer conductor contact element 5 and a spherically curved outer surface 12 of the outer conductor counter-contact element 8, other geometry combinations for a circular contact are also conceivable, as in the following Figuren 6A bis 6M shown: From Fig. 6A A circular contact is created between the outer conductor contact element 5 and the associated outer conductor counter contact element 8 via a conically shaped inner surface 9 of the outer conductor contact element 5 and a rounded edge between the plug-side end face and the outer surface of the outer conductor counter contact element 8.

[0082] In Fig. 6B a circular contact between a concavely curved inner surface 9 of the outer conductor contact element 5 and a convexly curved outer surface 12 of the outer conductor counter contact element 8 is shown.

[0083] The Fig. 6C shows a circular contact between a convexly curved inner surface 9 of the outer conductor contact element 5 and a likewise convexly curved outer surface 12 of the outer conductor counter-contact element 8.

[0084] The Fig. 6D represents a circular contact between a convexly curved inner surface 9 of the outer conductor contact element 5 and a conically shaped outer surface 12 of the outer conductor counter contact element 8.

[0085] In Fig. 6E a circular contact between an outer edge 29 on the inner surface 9 of the outer conductor contact element 5 and a concavely curved outer surface 12 of the outer conductor counter contact element 8 is shown.

[0086] In Fig. 6F The inner surface 9 of the outer conductor contact element 5 and the outer surface 12 of the outer conductor counter-contact element 8 are each conically shaped. The circular contact between the inner surface 9 and the outer surface 12 occurs between the conically shaped inner surface 9 of the outer conductor contact element 5, which has a greater gradient than the conically shaped outer surface 12 of the outer conductor counter-contact element 8, and an outer edge 29 on the outer surface 12 of the outer conductor counter-contact element 8.

[0087] Equivalent goes out Fig. 6G A contact is established between the conically shaped inner surface 9 of the outer conductor contact element 5 and the likewise conically shaped outer surface 12 of the outer conductor counter-contact element 8, each of which has a different gradient. The circular contact occurs between the outer edge 29 on the inner surface 9 of the outer conductor contact element 5 and the conical inner surface 12 of the outer conductor counter-contact element 8.

[0088] The Fig. 6H shows a contact between a conically shaped inner surface 9 of the outer conductor contact element 5 and a double-stepped outer surface 12 of the outer conductor counter-contact element 8. The circular contact takes place between the conical inner surface 9 of the outer conductor contact element 5 and the outer edge 29 on the outer surface 12 of the outer conductor counter-contact element 8.

[0089] A contact between a concavely curved inner surface 9 of the outer conductor contact element 5 and a double-stepped outer surface 12 of the outer conductor counter-contact element 8 results from Fig 6I . The circular contact is made between the concavely curved inner surface 9 of the outer conductor contact element 5 and the outer edge 29 on the outer surface 12 of the outer conductor counter contact element 8.

[0090] The Fig. 6J shows a contact between a double-stepped inner surface 9 of the outer conductor contact element 5 and a convexly curved outer surface 12 of the outer conductor counter-contact element 8. The circular contact results here between the outer edge 29 on the inner surface 9 of the outer conductor contact element 5 and the convexly curved outer surface 12 of the outer conductor counter-contact element 8.

[0091] The Fig. 6K , a contact can be seen between a concavely curved and stepped inner surface 9 of the outer conductor contact element 5 and a convexly curved outer surface 9 of the outer conductor counter-contact element 8. The circular contact results between the outer edge 29 on the inner surface 9 of the outer conductor contact element 5 and the convexly curved outer surface 12 of the outer conductor counter-contact element 8.

[0092] The Fig. 6L shows a contact between a convexly curved inner surface 9 of the outer conductor contact element 5 and a double-stepped outer surface 12 of the outer conductor counter-contact element 8. In this case, the circular contact results between the convexly curved inner surface 9 of the outer conductor contact element 5 and the outer edge 29 on the outer surface 12 of the outer conductor counter-contact element 8.

[0093] Finally, Fig. 6Ma contact between a concavely curved and stepped inner surface 9 of the outer conductor contact element 5 and a conically shaped outer surface 9 of the outer conductor counter-contact element 8. The circular contact results between the outer edge 29 on the inner surface 9 of the outer conductor contact element 5 and the conically shaped outer surface 9 of the outer conductor counter-contact element 8.

[0094] Although the present invention has been fully described above using preferred embodiments, it is not limited thereto but can be modified in many ways.

Claims

1. Electrical plug connection (1) comprising an electrical plug connector (2) and an associated electrical mating connector (3), wherein the plug connector (2) has an outer conductor contact element (5) and the mating connector (3) has an outer conductor counter contact element (8), characterized by thatin a plug-side end region of the outer conductor contact element (5), an inner surface (9) is formed which is rotationally symmetrical to a longitudinal axis L1 of the plug-in connector (2) and has an inner diameter which tapers in a direction opposite to a plug-in direction S1 of the plug-in connector (2), and in a plug-side end region of the outer conductor counter-contact element (8), an outer surface (12) is formed which is rotationally symmetrical to a longitudinal axis L2 of the mating connector (3) and has an outer diameter which tapers in a plug-in direction S2 of the mating connector (3), wherein the inner surface (9) and the outer surface (12) contact each other only on a circular line (15).

2. Electrical plug connection (1) according to claim 1, characterized by that the inner diameter of the inner surface (9) and the outer diameter of the outer surface (12) each taper linearly, single- or multiply stepped or curved.

3. Electrical plug connection (1) according to claim 2, characterized by that a longitudinal axis which runs through a center point of the circular line (15) on the outer surface (12) and is oriented orthogonally to a contact plane (30) which is spanned by the circular line (15) on the outer surface (12), to the longitudinal axis L2 of the mating connector (3) by a tilt angle α K is tilted between the longitudinal axis L1 of the connector (2) and the longitudinal axis L2 of the mating connector (3), wherein the outer diameter of the outer surface (12) tapers linearly or curvedly.

4. Electrical plug connection (1) according to claim 2 or 3, characterized by thata gradient of the inner surface (9) and / or the outer surface (12) in the case of a linearly or curvedly tapered inner diameter or outer diameter is in a range between 35° and 75° and preferably in a range between 55° and 65° and is particularly preferably 60°.

5. Electrical plug connection (1) according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized by that the circular line (15) is positioned on a circumferential outer edge (29) of the outer surface (12) or the inner surface (9) or on a convex curvature of the outer surface (12) or the inner surface (9).

6. Electrical plug connection (1) according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized by that the inner surface (9) is axially spaced from a plug-side end (10) of the outer conductor contact element (5) or the outer surface (12) is axially spaced from a plug-side end (13) of the outer conductor counter-contact element (8).

7. Electrical plug connection (1) according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized by that the plug connector (1) and / or the mating plug connector (2) each have an axially acting clamping means, preferably an axially acting clamping spring (14), for contacting the inner surface (9) of the outer conductor contact element (5) and the outer surface (12) of the outer conductor mating contact element (8).

8. Electrical plug connection (1) according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized by thatthe plug connector (2) additionally has an inner conductor contact element (4) which is arranged at least in sections within the outer conductor contact element (5), and the mating plug connector (3) additionally has an inner conductor counter-contact element (7) which is arranged at least in sections within the outer conductor counter-contact element (8), wherein the inner conductor contact element (4) contacts the inner conductor counter-contact element (7) within an axial section of the outer conductor counter-contact element (8).

9. Electrical plug connection (1) according to claim 8, characterized by that the inner conductor contact element (4) contacts the inner conductor counter-contact element (7) within an axial section of the outer surface (12).

10. Electrical plug connection (1) according to claim 8 or 9, characterized by thatin a plug-side end region of the inner conductor contact element (4), an inner jacket surface (17) is formed with an inner diameter which tapers in a direction opposite to a plug-in direction S1 of the plug-in connector (2), and in a plug-side end region of the inner conductor mating contact element (7), an outer jacket surface (19) is formed with an outer diameter which tapers in a plug-in direction S2 of the mating plug-in connector (3), wherein the inner jacket surface (7) contacts the outer jacket surface (19) only on a circular line.

11. Electrical plug connection according to claim 8 or 9, characterized by thatin a plug-side end region of the inner conductor contact element (7), an outer jacket surface is formed with an outer diameter which tapers in a plug-in direction S1 of the plug-in connector (2), and in a plug-side end region of the inner conductor mating contact element (7), an inner jacket surface is formed with an inner diameter which tapers in a direction opposite to a plug-in direction S2 of the mating plug-in connector (3), wherein the inner jacket surface makes mutual contact with the outer jacket surface only on a circular line.

12. Electrical plug connection (1) according to one of claims 8 to 11, characterized by thatfor contacting the inner conductor contact element (4) with the inner conductor counter-contact element (7), the inner conductor contact element (4) and / or the inner conductor counter-contact element (7) are each spring-mounted, preferably each having a compression spring (22) which is arranged between two axially spaced partial bodies (211, 212) of the inner conductor contact element (4) or of the inner conductor counter-contact element (7).

13. Electrical plug connection (1) according to one of claims 8 to 12, characterized by that in the plug connector (2) and in the mating plug connector (3) an axial feedthrough with a round cross-sectional profile is formed for receiving the inner conductor contact element (4) and the inner conductor counter-contact element (7) respectively.

14. Electrical plug connection (1) according to one of claims 2 to 13, characterized by thatthe inner diameter of the inner surface (9) and the outer diameter of the outer surface (12) taper with different pitches or different radii of curvature.

15. Electrical plug connection (1) according to one of claims 1 to 14, characterized by that the inner surface (9) and the outer surface (12) contact each other on the circular line (15) in every possible plug-in state of the plug connection (1), in particular also in the case of a coaxial alignment of the longitudinal axes (L1, L2) of the plug connector (2) and the mating connector (3).

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