Circuit board connector, circuit board assembly and method for assembling a circuit board connector

Abstract

The invention relates to a printed circuit board connector (1) with a first interface (2) for electrical and mechanical connection to an electrical circuit board (3), comprising an electrically conductive outer housing (10), an electrically insulating contact carrier (8) for at least one electrical contact element (5), which is accommodated at least in sections in the outer housing (10), and at least one outer conductor connecting element (7) fastened to the contact carrier (8). For electrical and mechanical connection to the electrical circuit board (3), the outer conductor connecting element (7) has at least one first contacting section (6) arranged in the first interface (2), as well as at least one second contacting section (14) which is elastic in the lateral direction (y) and which is used for electrical and mechanical contacting of an inner circumferential surface (15) of the outer housing (10).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a printed circuit board connector with a first interface for electrical and mechanical connection to an electrical circuit board, comprising an electrically conductive outer housing, an electrically insulating contact carrier and at least one outer conductor connection element, according to the preamble of claim 1.

[0002] The invention further relates to a printed circuit board arrangement comprising an electrical printed circuit board and a printed circuit board connector electrically and mechanically connected to the printed circuit board.

[0003] Furthermore, the invention relates to a method for assembling a printed circuit board connector designed for electrical and mechanical connection to an electrical printed circuit board.

[0004] Printed circuit board connectors are used to establish electrical connections with at least one printed circuit board (PCB) to enable the exchange of data and power between the board and one or more other electrical components. A printed circuit board connector can be used, for example, to connect an electrical cable to the printed circuit board or to directly connect another printed circuit board or other electrical component to the printed circuit board.

[0005] Particularly in high-frequency technology, it is sometimes crucial to ensure electromagnetically shielded signal transmission. This requires a reliable ground or shielding connection between the electrical circuit board and the circuit board connector. For shielding, circuit board connectors often have a metallic outer housing that can be connected to a ground connection on the electrical circuit board. A dielectric contact carrier for accommodating at least one electrical contact element is typically arranged within the outer housing.

[0006] As an example of a shield connection for a printed circuit board connector, reference is made to US Pat. No. 10,439,335 B2, which proposes a front-end shield connection that is elastic in the axial direction. For this purpose, an elastic connecting element is provided that is separate from the outer housing and connects a separate, pin-shaped ground contact to the outer housing.

[0007] The existing outer conductor connections are generally complex to manufacture and assemble, making them particularly problematic for the cost-effective manufacture of the PCB connector in mass production. Therefore, there is a need for alternative options for connecting the outer conductor or shield of a PCB connector.

[0008] In view of the known state of the art, the object of the present invention is to provide a printed circuit board connector which enables a reliable and preferably easy-to-manufacture and assemble outer conductor connection to the electrical circuit board.

[0009] The present invention is also based on the object of providing a printed circuit board arrangement comprising an electrical printed circuit board and a printed circuit board connector which enables a reliable and preferably easy-to-manufacture and assemble outer conductor connection to the electrical printed circuit board.

[0010] Furthermore, the invention is based on the object of providing a method for assembling a printed circuit board connector in order to produce a printed circuit board connector with a reliable outer conductor connection, preferably simply and economically.

[0011] The problem is solved for the printed circuit board connector with the features listed in claim 1. With regard to the printed circuit board assembly, the problem is solved by the features of claim 14 and for the method for assembling the printed circuit board connector by claim 15.

[0012] The dependent claims and the features described below relate to advantageous embodiments and variants of the invention.

[0013] The invention relates to a printed circuit board connector with a first interface for electrical and mechanical connection to an electrical circuit board.

[0014] The invention is particularly advantageous, but not exclusively, for use with circular connectors, such as M8, M12, M23, or other circular connectors. In principle, however, the printed circuit board connector and its connector components can have any geometry or cross-section.

[0015] The printed circuit board connector can be designed as any connector type. For example, the invention can be intended for single-pole or multi-pole printed circuit board connectors. The printed circuit board connector is described below essentially as a multi-pole connector, but this is not to be understood as a limitation—the printed circuit board connector can also be a single-pole, coaxial connector, for example.

[0016] The printed circuit board connector can be configured for electrical data transmission and / or electrical power transmission. It is preferably a printed circuit board connector for high-frequency technology, for transmitting electrical data at high data rates.

[0017] Said "first interface" is preferably designed for a direct connection to the electrical circuit board.

[0018] Preferably, the first interface is arranged at a first end of the printed circuit board connector.

[0019] The first interface can optionally include mechanical connecting means, such as locking elements for locking with counter-locking elements of the electrical circuit board, mechanical coding means for ensuring a defined alignment or orientation of the printed circuit board connector relative to the electrical circuit board, locking elements for blocking the movement of the printed circuit board connector connected to the circuit board in at least one degree of freedom (e.g., a centering pin insertable into a receptacle of the circuit board), insertion and positioning means, and / or spacers or feet. The invention is suitable for use with any type of interface.

[0020] According to the invention, the printed circuit board connector has an electrically conductive outer housing.

[0021] The electrically conductive outer housing is preferably a metallic outer housing, particularly preferably a die-cast part or turned part made of a metal.

[0022] The outer housing can have one or more mechanical interfaces for connecting the printed circuit board connector to the electrical circuit board, an assembly housing surrounding the electrical circuit board, an electrical cable, or another electrical device. The mechanical interface can be, for example, a screw connection (e.g., an external thread of the outer housing for connection to a screw nut or other sleeve-shaped screw element with an internal thread). In principle, the invention can be suitable for use with any outer housing and is not limited to a specific design.

[0023] Preferably, the outer housing is at least substantially sleeve-shaped or cylindrical and is configured to provide electromagnetic shielding for the printed circuit board connector.

[0024] It should be noted here that the term "outer housing" does not exclude the possibility that one or more additional housing elements of the printed circuit board connector may be provided around the "outer housing," regardless of whether these are electrically conductive or electrically insulating. For example, an insulating housing surrounding the outer housing may be provided to ensure contact protection.

[0025] The outer housing may also be constructed in multiple parts (e.g., consisting of two interconnectable housing shells). However, a one-piece or single-part outer housing is preferably provided.

[0026] According to the invention, the printed circuit board connector also has an electrically insulating contact carrier for at least one electrical contact element, which is accommodated at least partially in the outer housing.

[0027] The electrically insulating contact carrier is preferably at least substantially accommodated in the outer housing, in particular in a through-hole or other passage in the outer housing.

[0028] It can be provided that the contact carrier is captively received in the outer housing, preferably secured in the outer housing by a form-fitting, force-fitting, and / or material fit. The outer housing can, in particular, have one or more axial stops to allow axial movement of the contact carrier to be limited. For this purpose, the contact carrier can, for example, have one or more elevations on the outer casing, such as, among other things, a fully circumferential mounting flange, a circumferentially extending step, or another projection on the outer casing.

[0029] Optionally, one or more sealing elements, such as sealing rings, can be provided between the outer housing and the contact carrier to prevent the penetration of fluids and / or contamination into the interior of the printed circuit board connector.

[0030] The contact carrier preferably serves to secure the electrical contact elements of the printed circuit board connector and can, for example, have one or more contact chambers for accommodating one or more contact elements (preferably exactly one contact chamber per contact element). The contact chambers preferably extend completely through the contact carrier, allowing contact to be made on both sides of the contact element accommodated in the contact carrier.

[0031] Optionally, shielding plates (e.g. a shielding star) can be provided in the contact carrier to shield the individual contact elements.

[0032] The at least one electrical contact element can be secured in the contact carrier (in particular within said contact chamber). Preferably, the electrical contact element can be locked in the contact element at least in the axial direction, for example, by a step or a locking hook in the corresponding contact chamber, by a press connection between the contact chamber and the contact element, or by another fastening technique.

[0033] The electrical contact element can, in principle, be designed in any way and can also be referred to as an "inner conductor contact element." The electrical contact element can, for example, be designed as a stamped or bent part or a turned part.

[0034] In particular, it can be provided that the electrical contact element extends into the first interface of the printed circuit board connector and is designed in the region of the first interface for electrical and mechanical connection to the electrical circuit board. For this purpose, the electrical contact element can be designed, for example, at least in the region of the first interface, as a contact pin for a press and / or solder connection to the electrical circuit board, although in principle any connection technology can be provided for connection to the electrical circuit board in the region of the first interface.

[0035] According to the invention, the printed circuit board connector has at least one outer conductor connection element fastened to the contact carrier.

[0036] The outer conductor connecting element is preferably a component that is independent of the contact carrier and the outer housing.

[0037] According to the invention, the outer conductor connecting element has at least one first contacting section arranged in the first interface for electrical and mechanical connection to the electrical circuit board.

[0038] Said "first contacting section" of the outer conductor connecting element can, for example, be designed as a contact pin, for example, as a contact pin for a press connection (including a "press fit") and / or solder connection to the electrical circuit board. In principle, however, any connection technology can be provided for the connection to the electrical circuit board. For example, the first contacting section of the outer conductor connecting element can also be designed as an SMD solder contact (this can also apply alternatively or additionally to the electrical contact element).

[0039] Preferably, the first contacting section is configured for a direct electrical and mechanical connection to the electrical circuit board.

[0040] According to the invention, the outer conductor connecting element has at least one second contacting section which is elastic in the lateral direction for electrically and mechanically contacting an inner surface of the outer housing.

[0041] The outer conductor connection element can thus advantageously be used to establish a ground or outer conductor connection between the electrical circuit board and the outer housing of the printed circuit board connector. For this purpose, the outer conductor connection element is preferably connected directly to the electrical circuit board and directly to the outer housing of the printed circuit board connector.

[0042] Preferably, the first contacting section and the second contacting section are spaced apart from one another and particularly preferably arranged in the region of different (in particular opposite) end sections of the outer conductor connecting element.

[0043] The outer conductor connecting element is preferably a one-piece component, in particular a stamped and bent part. In principle, however, the outer conductor connecting element can also be formed in multiple parts (less preferred). Furthermore, any manufacturing method can be suitable for forming the outer conductor connecting element.

[0044] Because the outer conductor connection element is a one-piece component that establishes a (usually end-face) connection to the electrical circuit board and a lateral or radial connection to the outer housing of the PCB connector, the outer conductor connection element, and thus the PCB connector itself, can be easily manufactured and installed. The elasticity of the second contact section also enables vibration-stable and tolerance-compensating contact.

[0045] In an advantageous development of the invention, it can be provided that the at least one outer conductor connecting element is accommodated at least in sections in a recess of the contact carrier.

[0046] Said recess is preferably a laterally accessible recess, for example an elongated recess running in the axial direction (e.g. a fastening groove) within an outer surface of the contact carrier.

[0047] In this way, the outer conductor connection element can be particularly easily connected to the contact carrier or mounted on the contact carrier. For example, the outer conductor connection element can be mounted directly laterally or in the radial direction (although mounting in the axial direction, starting from the first interface, is generally preferred).

[0048] Through a laterally accessible recess, the second contacting section of the outer conductor connecting element can be optimally accessible for contacting the inner surface of the outer housing.

[0049] It should be noted at this point that a recess in the contact carrier for accommodating the outer conductor connecting element is not absolutely necessary. In principle, the outer conductor connecting element can also be attached directly to or on the outer surface of the contact carrier, for example, using locking elements or similar elements arranged on the outer surface.

[0050] Preferably, however, the outer conductor connecting element is received in said recess at least in the region of the second contacting section, in particular in such a way that the second contacting section protrudes laterally from the recess for contacting the outer housing at least in the mechanically relaxed state of the outer conductor connecting element.

[0051] According to a further development of the invention, it can be provided that the at least one outer conductor connecting element has at least one fastening clamp, with which the outer conductor connecting element is non-positively fastened to the contact carrier. The fastening clamp is preferably spaced apart from the first contacting section and the second contacting section, but can also be formed in one or both of said contacting sections if necessary.

[0052] The at least one fastening clamp is preferably arranged between the first contacting section and the second contacting section (in particular in a central axial section of the outer conductor connecting element).

[0053] The mounting clamp may have one or more elastic mounting fingers for direct attachment to the contact carrier. The mounting fingers and / or the mounting clamp may preferably have a U-shaped cross-sectional profile.

[0054] According to a further development of the invention, it can be provided that the at least one fastening clamp laterally clamps a lateral elevation of the contact carrier in a force-fitting manner.

[0055] The said lateral elevation of the contact carrier can, for example, be a fastening flange, a fastening web or a fastening rib on the outer surface of the contact carrier.

[0056] In its assembled state, the at least one fastening clamp can thus be spread apart from a mechanically relaxed state against an elastic restoring force, which can result in a force-fitting attachment to the contact carrier. It should be noted at this point that the described spreading of the fastening clamp preferably does not cause any plastic deformation; in special cases, additional or even exclusively plastic deformation of the fastening clamp may be provided for mounting on the contact carrier.

[0057] Alternatively or in addition to a force fit, a form fit or at least a limitation of movement in at least one degree of freedom between the mounting clamp and the contact carrier can also be provided. For example, the lateral elevation can have a recess to accommodate the mounting clamp.

[0058] According to a further development of the invention, it can also be provided that the at least one fastening clamp is force-fitted into a recess of the contact carrier, preferably into a laterally accessible fastening groove within an outer surface of the contact carrier.

[0059] The mounting clamp can thus be compressed or "squeezed together" from a mechanically relaxed state when mounted in the recess against an elastic restoring force, which can result in a force-fitting attachment to or in the contact carrier. For this purpose, the mounting clamp can be supported in a force-fitting manner, in particular, against opposite walls of the said recess. Optional movement limitations or a form-fitting connection can also be provided for this variant.

[0060] In a further development of the invention, it can be provided that the at least one outer conductor connecting element and the contact carrier form one or more locking connections for mutual locking.

[0061] For example, it can be provided that the outer conductor connecting element, in particular in a central axial section between the first contacting section and the second contacting section (but optionally also in at least one of the contacting sections), has a locking element, such as projections and / or recesses, which can lock into corresponding counter-locking elements of the contact carrier.

[0062] The snap-in connection can be configured, in particular, to ensure that the outer conductor connection element is secured in the axial direction, since securing in the lateral direction is generally already ensured by the assembled outer housing. Optionally, however, the snap-in connection can also be provided for securing in the lateral direction (for example, to ensure sufficient security against loss if the outer conductor connection element is already pre-assembled in the delivery state of the printed circuit board connector).

[0063] In an advantageous development of the invention, it can be provided that the second contacting section of the outer conductor connecting element has at least one spring tab that is elastic in the lateral direction.

[0064] The second contacting section, in particular said spring tab, can be configured to establish a point contact (preferably) or a linear contact with the inner surface of the outer housing. The spring tab can be curved for this purpose. For example, the spring tab can have a bend to form a linear contact or a convex curvature to provide a point contact.

[0065] It should be mentioned at this point that, in principle, a flat contact or a flat contact can also be provided for contacting the inner surface of the outer housing (less preferred).

[0066] In a particularly advantageous development of the invention, it can be provided that a free end of the spring tab is bent away from the inner surface of the outer housing.

[0067] In this way, the spring tab is able to contact the inner surface of the outer housing in the assembled state not with the free end, but with a contact area spaced from the free end.

[0068] The bent free end of the spring tab can simplify the assembly of the outer housing and also ensure that the outer conductor connection element is not damaged during assembly by the spring tab accidentally hooking with its free end onto the outer housing and then being bent.

[0069] In an advantageous development of the invention, it can be provided that several of the outer conductor connecting elements are arranged distributed along the circumference of the contact carrier.

[0070] Any number of outer conductor connecting elements can be provided within the scope of the printed circuit board connector according to the invention. However, a single outer conductor connecting element may also be sufficient. Preferably, at least two spaced-apart outer conductor connecting elements are distributed along the circumference of the contact carrier, but for example, three, four, five, six, or even more outer conductor connecting elements can also be arranged. By providing appropriate redundancy in the outer conductor connection, the outer conductor contact or the shield transfer can be electrically improved and also designed to be more tolerance- and fail-safe.

[0071] Insofar as several outer conductor connecting elements are arranged distributed along the circumference of the contact carrier, they are preferably (but not necessarily) distributed equidistantly.

[0072] In a further development of the invention, it can also be provided that the outer conductor connecting element is arranged at least partially circumferentially along the circumference of the contact carrier.

[0073] The outer conductor connection element can, for example, be arranged to extend more than 180° around the circumference of the contact carrier, for example, more than 220°, more than 260°, more than 300°, or more than 340°. The outer conductor connection element can also be closed almost completely around the circumference of the contact carrier and, in this case, be slotted (like a sleeve slotted in the longitudinal direction). If the outer conductor connection element is arranged to extend more than 180° around the circumference of the contact carrier, it can preferably be expanded laterally and reversibly or elastically for assembly. However, the outer conductor connection element can also be mounted on the contact carrier starting from an axial direction.

[0074] In particular, the fastening clamp mentioned above can be designed to run around the contact carrier.

[0075] In a further development of the invention, it can be provided that the printed circuit board connector has a second interface different from the first interface.

[0076] Said second interface can be designed for electrical and mechanical connection with a corresponding mating connector or with another electrical circuit board or other electrical assembly or with an electrical cable.

[0077] Said "second interface" is preferably designed for a direct connection to the mating connector, the further printed circuit board, the electrical assembly or the electrical cable.

[0078] Preferably, the second interface is arranged at a second end of the printed circuit board connector that is different from the first end of the printed circuit board connector.

[0079] At this point, it should be mentioned that the printed circuit board connector can be straight or angled (angled connector), whereby in the angled case of the printed circuit board connector the central axis is bent between the first end or the first interface and the second end or the second interface (for example by 90°).

[0080] The second interface may include optional mechanical connection means, as already described with respect to the first interface. The invention is suitable for use with any type of interface.

[0081] Preferably, the electrical contact elements accommodated in the contact carrier can be contacted starting from the second interface. The contact elements can be configured, for example, as socket or pin contacts in the second interface to contact corresponding mating contact elements of a mating connector. The contact elements can be detachably or permanently connected to corresponding mating contact elements or electrical conductors of the counterpart to be connected to the second interface (for example, the contact elements in the region of the second interface can be directly connected to electrical conductors of an electrical cable).

[0082] The invention also relates to a printed circuit board arrangement comprising an electrical printed circuit board and a printed circuit board connector according to the above and following embodiments, wherein the first interface of the printed circuit board connector is mechanically and electrically connected to the electrical printed circuit board, preferably directly connected.

[0083] In the proposed circuit board arrangement, a ground or shield connection can advantageously be enabled with technically simple measures that compensate for tolerances and vibrations by using the proposed outer conductor connection element. The proposed second contacting section, in particular the correspondingly spring-loaded contact tabs or spring tabs, as already described above, enables optimized shield or ground transmission between the electrical circuit board and the outer housing. In particular, the need for complex wave springs or similarly complex components or assemblies can be advantageously dispensed with.

[0084] The invention also relates to a method for assembling a printed circuit board connector designed for electrical and mechanical connection to an electrical circuit board, comprising at least the following method steps: Providing an electrically insulating contact carrier for receiving at least one electrical contact element; providing at least one outer conductor connecting element having at least one first contacting section for electrical and mechanical connection to the electrical circuit board, and fastening the outer conductor connecting element to the contact carrier; providing an outer housing and mounting the outer housing on the contact carrier such that at least one second contacting section of the outer conductor connecting element, which is elastic in the lateral direction, electrically and mechanically contacts an inner circumferential surface of the outer housing.

[0085] At this point, it should be emphasized that the mentioned process steps do not necessarily have to be performed in the order in which they are first described or mentioned in the description or patent claims. Therefore, individual process steps or groups of process steps may, for example, be interchangeable, provided this is not technically impossible. Process steps may also be combined, divided into separate intermediate steps, or supplemented with intermediate steps. The process is not necessarily exhaustively described with the described process steps and may be supplemented with further process steps, even those not mentioned.

[0086] The proposed method makes the assembly of the printed circuit board connector or the printed circuit board assembly easier and more economical overall.

[0087] Features described in connection with one of the subject matters of the invention, specifically the printed circuit board connector according to the invention, the printed circuit board assembly according to the invention, and the method according to the invention, can also be advantageously implemented for the other subject matters of the invention. Likewise, advantages mentioned in connection with one of the subject matters of the invention can also be understood to relate to the other subject matters of the invention.

[0088] It should also be noted that terms such as "comprising," "having," or "with" do not exclude other features or steps. Furthermore, terms such as "a" or "the," which indicate a singular number of steps or features, do not exclude a plurality of features or steps—and vice versa.

[0089] In a purist embodiment of the invention, however, it may also be provided that the features introduced in the invention with the terms "comprising," "having," or "with" are listed exhaustively. Accordingly, one or more lists of features may be considered complete within the scope of the invention, for example, for each claim. The invention may, for example, consist exclusively of the features mentioned in claim 1.

[0090] It should be noted that terms such as "first" or "second" etc. are used primarily for reasons of distinguishing between respective device or process features and are not necessarily intended to indicate that features are mutually dependent or related to one another.

[0091] Furthermore, it should be emphasized that the values ​​and parameters described herein include deviations or fluctuations of ±10% or less, preferably ±5% or less, more preferably ±1% or less, and most preferably ±0.1% or less of the respective specified value or parameter, provided that these deviations are not excluded in the practical implementation of the invention. The specification of ranges by initial and final values ​​also includes all those values ​​and fractions enclosed by the respective specified range, in particular the initial and final values ​​and a respective mean value.

[0092] The invention also relates to an outer conductor connection element for a printed circuit board connector, which has at least one first contacting section for electrical and mechanical connection to an electrical circuit board, which can be arranged in a first interface of the printed circuit board connector for connection to the electrical circuit board, and at least one laterally elastic, second contacting section for electrical and mechanical contact with an inner circumferential surface of an electrically conductive outer housing of the printed circuit board connector. The outer conductor contact element is capable of establishing an outer conductor connection between the electrical circuit board and the outer housing of the printed circuit board connector.The outer conductor connection element is preferably attachable to an electrically insulating contact carrier of the printed circuit board connector, which is accommodated at least partially in the outer housing, or is capable of being supported at least laterally on said contact carrier. The outer conductor contact element is preferably a one-piece component independent of the outer housing. The further features of the dependent claims as well as the features described in the present description relate to advantageous embodiments and variants of this outer conductor connection element, which is preferably the outer conductor connection element already mentioned above. The applicant explicitly reserves the right to claim the outer conductor connection element described in this paragraph separately from the printed circuit board connector or separately from claim 1.

[0093] In the following, embodiments of the invention are described in more detail with reference to the drawings.

[0094] The figures each show preferred embodiments in which individual features of the present invention are illustrated in combination with one another. Features of one embodiment can also be implemented independently of the other features of the same embodiment and can therefore be readily combined by a person skilled in the art to form further useful combinations and subcombinations with features of other embodiments.

[0095] In the figures, functionally identical elements are provided with the same reference numerals.

[0096] They show schematically: Figure 1 shows a printed circuit board connector according to a first embodiment of the invention, in a perspective view; Figure 2 shows the printed circuit board connector according to Figure 1without its outer housing, in a further perspective view; Figure 3 shows the printed circuit board connector according to Figure 1 , in a cross-sectional view; Figure 4 one of the outer conductor connecting elements of the printed circuit board connector according to Figure 1 in a perspective individual view; Figure 5 shows a printed circuit board arrangement comprising an electrical printed circuit board and a printed circuit board connector according to a second embodiment of the invention, in a perspective view; Figure 6 shows the printed circuit board connector of the printed circuit board arrangement of the Figure 5 without its outer housing in an unassembled state of the outer conductor connection element, in a further perspective view; and Figure 7 shows an outer conductor connection element according to a further embodiment of the invention, in an individual view.

[0097] The Figures 1 to 4show a first embodiment of the invention. The printed circuit board connector 1 shown as an example has a first interface 2 for electrical and mechanical connection to an electrical circuit board 3 (cf. dashed lines in Figure 3 ). For electrical and mechanical connection to the electrical circuit board 3, contact sections 4 of various electrical contact elements 5 as well as the first contacting sections 6 of the outer conductor connecting elements 7, which will be mentioned below, are arranged in the first interface 2. The first interface 2 also has various mechanical connecting means, such as spacer elements, feet, mechanical coding means, and the like (partially visible in the figures, but not designated in more detail).

[0098] The printed circuit board connector 1 shown in the exemplary embodiments is, by way of example, a circular connector, but this is not to be understood as limiting.

[0099] The printed circuit board connector 1 can have any number of electrical contact elements 5, for example only exactly one electrical contact element 5. In the figures, multi-pin printed circuit board connectors 1 are shown purely as examples.

[0100] The electrical contact elements 5 are mounted in a dielectric contact carrier 8 and are locked or secured in the axial direction x, for example (cf. in particular Figure 3 ). To accommodate the contact elements 5, the contact carrier 8 has respective contact chambers 9 for the individual contact elements 5. In this way, the contact elements 5 are spaced apart from one another and from the outer conductor connecting element 7 and are thus also electrically insulated from one another.

[0101] The contact carrier 8 is accommodated, at least in sections, in an electrically conductive outer housing 10, which in the exemplary embodiments is sleeve-shaped or hollow-cylindrical. The outer housing 10 can, in particular, have mechanical connection interfaces 11 on the outer casing side, such as the metric screw connection shown in the figures (in particular, an external thread on the outer casing surface of the outer housing and a screw nut that can be screwed onto it).

[0102] Optional sealing elements can be provided between the contact carrier 8 and the outer housing 10 (see, for example, the Figure 3 shown sealing rings 12).

[0103] The printed circuit board connector 1 has a second interface 13, different from the first interface 2, for electrical and mechanical connection to a corresponding mating connector (not shown). As an alternative to the indicated second interface 13 in the form of a plug-in interface for connection to a mating connector, the second interface 13 can also be designed for connection to another electrical printed circuit board, another electrical assembly, or for a direct connection to an electrical cable (the contact elements 5 can then, for example, be directly connected to the electrical inner conductors of the electrical cable, for example, crimped, soldered, or welded).

[0104] At this point, it should be emphasized again that the actual connector type, and thus in particular the design of the first interface 2 and the second interface 13, as well as the geometric details of the printed circuit board connector 1, are not necessarily important within the scope of the invention. Accordingly, the design illustrated in the figures is to be understood merely as an example.

[0105] The printed circuit board connector 1 has the aforementioned outer conductor connecting element 7, which enables an electrical outer conductor transfer between the electrical circuit board 3 and the outer housing 10 of the printed circuit board connector 1. In the exemplary embodiments, the outer conductor connecting element 7 is a one-piece component, for example, a stamped and bent part.

[0106] For the electrical and mechanical connection to the electrical circuit board 3, the outer conductor connecting element 7 has at least one first contacting section 6 arranged in the first interface 2 of the printed circuit board connector 1. Said first contacting section 6 is preferably arranged at a first end section of the outer conductor connecting element 7. For example, in the exemplary embodiments, the first contacting section 6 is designed as a contact pin, which can be suitable, for example, for a press and / or solder connection to the electrical circuit board 3.

[0107] The outer conductor connection element 7 also has at least one in the lateral direction y (cf. Figure 3 ) or in the radial direction elastic, second contacting section 14 for electrical and mechanical contacting of an inner surface 15 of the outer housing 10 (cf. Figure 3). The second contacting section 14 of the outer conductor connecting element 7 is preferably formed on a spring tab 16 which is elastic in the lateral direction y and which is capable of establishing a point or line contact with the inner surface 15 of the outer housing 10. In an advantageous embodiment, a free end 17 of the spring tab 16 can be bent away from the inner surface 15 of the outer housing 10, so that the spring tab 16 contacts the inner surface 15 of the outer housing 10 in the assembled state not with the free end 17, but with a contact area 18 spaced from the free end 17 (cf. in particular the overview of Figures 3 and 4 ). The assembly of the outer housing 10 on the contact carrier 8 equipped with the outer conductor connecting elements 7 can thus be carried out particularly gently and easily.

[0108] In principle, several outer conductor connecting elements 7 can be arranged distributed along the circumference of the contact carrier 8, preferably distributed equidistantly along the circumference. In the embodiment of the Figures 1 to 4 For example, two outer conductor connecting elements 7 are provided on opposite sides of the printed circuit board connector 1, although this is only intended as an example. In principle, a single outer conductor connecting element 7 may be sufficient, or more than two outer conductor connecting elements 7 may be provided if necessary.

[0109] It has proven advantageous if the at least one outer conductor connecting element 7 is accommodated, at least in sections, in a recess 19 of the contact carrier 8. In the exemplary embodiments, the outer conductor connecting element 7 is accommodated in a laterally accessible fastening groove 19 within the outer surface 20 of the contact carrier 8. In this way, the outer conductor connecting element 7 can be particularly easily accessible from the side for contacting the outer housing 10.

[0110] For a captive fastening, in particular in the axial direction x, the at least one outer conductor connecting element 7 and the contact carrier 8 can form one or more locking connections for mutual locking. Corresponding locking elements 21 of the outer conductor connecting element 7 are, for example, in Figure 4clearly visible. A lateral securing of the outer conductor connecting element 7 to the contact carrier 8 can also be provided, for example if the recess 19 in the contact carrier 8 for receiving the outer conductor connecting element 7 is T-slot-shaped, as in Figure 2 clearly visible. In particular, lateral securing of the outer conductor connection element 7 may also be omitted if necessary, since, at least in the assembled state of the outer housing 10, it can in principle already be secured laterally by the outer housing 10 itself.

[0111] A further embodiment of the invention will be explained with reference to the Figures 5 and 6 The second embodiment is fundamentally similar to the first embodiment, which is why the differences will be discussed below.

[0112] Figure 5shows a printed circuit board assembly 22 comprising an electrical circuit board 3 and a printed circuit board connector 1, which has an outer conductor connecting element 7 according to a further variant of the invention. The printed circuit board connector 1 of the Figure 5 is in Figure 6 For better illustration, it is shown without the outer housing 10 and in an unassembled state of the outer conductor connection element 7.

[0113] The Figures 5 and 6The outer conductor connecting element 7 shown has a fastening clamp 23 spaced apart from the first contacting section 6 and the second contacting section 14, with which the outer conductor connecting element 7 can be non-positively fastened to the contact carrier 8. The fastening clamp 23 is arranged between the first contacting section 6 and the second contacting section 14 and has a plurality of fastening fingers 24 for the non-positive fastening. A contact pin 25 runs between each two of the fastening fingers 24, which forms the first contacting section 6 of the outer conductor connecting element 7 (basically, this is another fastening finger that is not formed for the non-positive fastening).

[0114] The fastening clamp 23 is capable of laterally clamping a lateral elevation 26 of the contact carrier 8 (in the exemplary embodiment, a fastening flange 26) in a force-fitting manner. The fastening flange 26 has a recess 27 for the fastening clamp 23 for improved fastening (see FIG. Figure 6 ). Optionally, when using an outer conductor connection element 7 having a fastening terminal 23, an additional locking connection for locking onto the contact carrier 8 can be provided (not shown).

[0115] Based on the example of Figures 5 and 6It should also be clarified that the outer conductor connecting element 7 can optionally also have a plurality of second contacting sections 14 for contacting the inner surface 15 of the outer housing 10. In the exemplary embodiment, two spring tabs 16 are provided, which in turn are received in corresponding elongated recesses 19 or fastening grooves 19 in the outer surface 20 of the contact carrier 8.

[0116] An outer conductor connecting element 7 having a fastening terminal 23 can, in principle, also be designed in the second contacting section 14 in a similar way to the outer conductor connecting element 7 proposed in the first exemplary embodiment, which can be seen from the Figure 7 illustrated embodiment should be clarified.

[0117] At this point, it should also be mentioned that when using a fastening clamp 23, it is not absolutely necessary for it to grip a lateral elevation 26 of the contact carrier 8. In principle, an inverse arrangement can also be provided, in which the fastening clamp 23 is force-fitted into a recess of the contact carrier 8, preferably into a laterally accessible fastening groove within the outer surface 20 of the contact carrier 8. The fastening clamp 23 can then spread out within the recess and be supported on opposite side walls of the recess (not shown in the figures).

Claims

1. Printed circuit board connector (1) with a first interface (2) for electrical and mechanical connection to an electrical circuit board (3), comprising an electrically conductive outer housing (10), an electrically insulating contact carrier (8) for at least one electrical contact element (5) accommodated at least in sections in the outer housing (10), and at least one outer conductor connection element (7) fastened to the contact carrier (8), characterized in that the outer conductor connecting element (7) for electrical and mechanical connection to the electrical circuit board (3) has at least one first contacting section (6) arranged in the first interface (2), and at least one second contacting section (14) elastic in the lateral direction (y) for electrical and mechanical contacting of an inner circumferential surface (15) of the outer housing (10).

2. Printed circuit board connector (1) according to claim 1, characterized in thatthe at least one outer conductor connecting element (7) is received at least in sections in a recess (19) of the contact carrier (8), preferably in a laterally accessible fastening groove (19) within an outer casing surface (20) of the contact carrier (8).

3. Printed circuit board connector (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the at least one outer conductor connecting element (7) has at least one fastening clamp (23) spaced apart from the first contacting section (6) and the second contacting section (14), with which the outer conductor connecting element (7) is non-positively fastened to the contact carrier (8), wherein the at least one fastening clamp (23) is preferably arranged between the first contacting section (6) and the second contacting section (14).

4. Printed circuit board connector (1) according to claim 3, characterized in thatthe at least one fastening clamp (23) a) laterally clamps a lateral elevation (26) of the contact carrier (8) in a force-fitting manner, preferably a fastening flange (26), a fastening web or a fastening rib; or b) is force-fittingly inserted into a recess of the contact carrier (8), preferably into a laterally accessible fastening groove within an outer circumferential surface (20) of the contact carrier (8).

5. Printed circuit board connector (1) according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the at least one outer conductor connecting element (7) and the contact carrier (8) form one or more locking connections for mutual locking.

6. Printed circuit board connector (1) according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in thatthe first contacting section (6) of the outer conductor connecting element (7) is designed as a contact pin (25), preferably as a contact pin (25) for a press and / or solder connection to the electrical circuit board (3).

7. Printed circuit board connector (1) according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the second contacting section (14) of the outer conductor connecting element (7) is designed as a spring tab (16) which is elastic in the lateral direction (y) and which preferably establishes a point contact or a line contact with the inner circumferential surface (15) of the outer housing (10).

8. Printed circuit board connector (1) according to claim 7, characterized in thata free end (17) of the spring tab (16) is bent away from the inner surface (15) of the outer housing (10), so that the spring tab (16) contacts the inner surface (15) of the outer housing (10) in the assembled state not with the free end (17), but with a contact area (18) spaced from the free end (17).

9. Printed circuit board connector (1) according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the outer conductor connecting element (7) is a one-piece component, preferably a stamped and bent part.

10. Printed circuit board connector (1) according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that several of the outer conductor connecting elements (7) are arranged distributed along the circumference of the contact carrier (8), preferably distributed equidistantly along the circumference.

11. Printed circuit board connector (1) according to one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in thatthe outer conductor connecting element (7) is arranged at least partially circumferentially along the circumference of the contact carrier (8), preferably by more than 180° of the circumference of the contact carrier (8).

12. Printed circuit board connector (1) according to one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that at least one electrical contact element (5) is fastened in the contact carrier (8) and is spaced from the at least one outer conductor connecting element (7), wherein the at least one electrical contact element (5) is preferably locked in the contact element (5) in the axial direction (x).

13. Printed circuit board connector (1) according to one of claims 1 to 12, characterized by a second interface (13) different from the first interface (2) for electrical and mechanical connection to a corresponding mating connector, to another electrical circuit board or to an electrical cable.

14. Printed circuit board assembly (22) comprising an electrical printed circuit board (3) and a printed circuit board connector (1) according to one of claims 1 to 13, the first interface (2) of which is mechanically and electrically connected to the electrical printed circuit board (3).

15. A method for assembling a printed circuit board connector (1) designed for electrical and mechanical connection to an electrical circuit board (3), comprising at least the following method steps: - providing an electrically insulating contact carrier (8) for receiving at least one electrical contact element (5); - providing at least one outer conductor connecting element (7) which has at least one first contacting section (6) for electrical and mechanical connection to the electrical circuit board (3), and fastening the outer conductor connecting element (7) to the contact carrier (8); - providing an outer housing (10) and mounting the outer housing (10) on the contact carrier (8) such that at least one second contacting section (14) of the outer conductor connecting element (7), which is elastic in the lateral direction (y), electrically and mechanically contacts an inner circumferential surface (15) of the outer housing (10).

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