Printed circuit board plug connector, printed circuit board assembly and method for assembling printed circuit board plug connector

Abstract

To provide a printed circuit board plug connector, a printed circuit board assembly and a method for assembling the printed circuit board plug connector.SOLUTION: A printed circuit board plug connector with a first interface (2) for electrical and mechanical connection to an electrical printed circuit board (3) includes: an electrically conductive outer housing (10); an electrically insulating contact carrier (8) for at least one electrical contact element (5), the contact carrier being accommodated at least partially in the outer housing (10); and at least one outer conductor connection element (7) fastened to the contact carrier (8). For electrical and mechanical connection to the electrical printed circuit board (3), the outer conductor connection element (7) includes: at least one first contacting portion (6) arranged in the first interface (2); and at least one second contacting portion (14) which is elastic in a lateral direction (y), for electrical and mechanical contacting of an inner lateral surface (15) of the outer housing (10).SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] The present invention also relates to a printed circuit board assembly including an electrical printed circuit board and a printed circuit board plug connector electrically and mechanically connected to the printed circuit board.

[0003] The present invention further relates to a method for assembling a printed circuit board plug connector designed for electrical and mechanical connection to an electrical printed circuit board. [Background technology]

[0004] A printed circuit board plug connector is used to establish an electrical connection with at least one electrical printed circuit board (PCB) to enable the exchange of data and energy between the printed circuit board and one or more other electrical assemblies. The printed circuit board plug connector can be used, for example, to connect an electrical cable to an electrical printed circuit board, or to directly connect another electrical printed circuit board or another electrical assembly to an electrical printed circuit board.

[0005] Especially in high-frequency technology, ensuring electromagnetically shielded signal transmission can be crucial. This requires a reliable earth or shield transmission between the electrical printed circuit board and the printed circuit board plug connector. The printed circuit board plug connector often has a metallic outer housing for shielding and can be connected to an earth connection on the electrical printed circuit board. A dielectric contact carrier is usually located inside the outer housing and houses at least one electrical contact element.

[0006] As an example of a shield mounting for a printed circuit board plug connector, reference is made for example to US Patent No. 10,439,335 B2, which proposes an axially resilient end face shield mounting, for which purpose a resilient connecting element separate from the outer housing is provided, which connecting a separate pin-type earth terminal to the outer housing.

[0007] Known outer conductor attachments are generally complex to manufacture and assemble, and therefore pose problems with regard to the economical manufacturability of printed circuit board plug connectors, especially in mass production. Therefore, there is a need for alternative methods of attaching the outer conductor or shield of a printed circuit board plug connector. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0008] In view of the known prior art, it is an object of the present invention to provide a printed circuit board plug connector for attaching an outer conductor to an electrical printed circuit board that is reliable and preferably easy to manufacture and install.

[0009] An additional object of the present invention is to provide a printed circuit board assembly formed from an electrical printed circuit board and a printed circuit board plug connector that provides reliable outer conductor attachment to the electrical printed circuit board, preferably in an easy to manufacture and assemble manner.

[0010] An additional object of the present invention is to provide a method of assembling a printed circuit board plug connector, preferably in a simple and economical manner, to produce a printed circuit board plug connector having a reliable outer conductor attachment. [Means for solving the problem]

[0011] The above object is achieved by a printed circuit board plug connector having the features of claim 1. With respect to the printed circuit board assembly the object is achieved by the features of claim 14 and with respect to the method for assembling the printed circuit board plug connector by claim 15.

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

[0013] In accordance with the present invention, a printed circuit board plug connector has a first interface for electrically and mechanically connecting to an electrical printed circuit board.

[0014] The present invention is particularly advantageous for use with, but not limited to, circular plug connectors such as M8, M12, M23 or other circular plug connectors, although in principle the printed circuit board plug connector and its plug connector components can be of any shape or cross section.

[0015] The printed circuit board plug connector can be designed as any type of plug connector. For example, the present invention can be provided in a single-pole or multi-pole printed circuit board plug connector. Although the printed circuit board plug connector is described below as essentially a multi-pole plug connector, this is not to be understood as limiting, and the printed circuit board plug connector can also be, for example, a single-pole coaxial plug connector.

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

[0017] The "first interface" is preferably designed for direct connection to an electrical printed circuit board.

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

[0019] The first interface may comprise latching elements for latching with mating latching elements on the electrical printed circuit board, mechanical coding means for ensuring a defined alignment or orientation of the printed circuit board plug connector relative to the electrical printed circuit board, locking elements for preventing movement of the printed circuit board plug connector connected to the printed circuit board in at least one degree of freedom (e.g., a centering pin insertable into a receptacle on the printed circuit board), insertion and positioning means and / or any mechanical connection means such as spacers or legs, etc. The present invention can be used with any type of interface.

[0020] In accordance with the present invention, a printed circuit board plug connector has a conductive outer housing.

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

[0022] The outer housing can include one or more mechanical connection interfaces for connecting the printed circuit board plug connector to an electrical printed circuit board, an assembly housing surrounding the electrical printed circuit board, an electrical cable, or another electrical device. The mechanical connection interface can be, for example, a threaded connection (e.g., an external thread on the outer housing for connection to a threaded nut or another sleeve-like threaded element with an internal thread). It should be understood that in principle the present invention can be used with any outer housing and is not limited to a particular design.

[0023] Preferably, the outer housing is at least substantially sleeve-like or cylindrical and provides electromagnetic shielding for the printed circuit board plug connector.

[0024] It should be noted that the term "outer housing" is not intended to exclude the possibility that one or more further housing elements of the printed circuit board plug connector may also be provided around the "outer housing", whether these are electrically conductive or electrically insulating. For example, an insulating housing may be provided surrounding the outer housing to ensure protection for the terminals.

[0025] The outer housing may be made of multiple parts (for example, two joinable housing shells), however, preferably a single-piece or one-piece outer housing is provided.

[0026] In accordance with the present invention, the printed circuit board plug connector also includes an electrically insulating contact carrier for at least one electrical contact element, the contact carrier being at least partially housed within the outer housing.

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

[0028] The contact carrier may be restrainably held within the outer housing, preferably fixed therein by form-fitting, frictional engagement (press fit) and / or integrally glued. In particular, the outer housing may be provided with one or more axial stops to limit the axial movement of the contact carrier. For example, the contact carrier may be provided with one or more raised surfaces, such as annular fastening flanges, annular steps or other protrusions, on its outer lateral surfaces.

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

[0030] The contact carrier is preferably used to secure the electrical contact elements of the printed circuit board plug connector and may, for example, be provided with one or more contact chambers for holding one or more contact elements (possibly precisely one contact chamber per contact element), preferably the contact chambers extending completely through the contact carrier so as to allow contact on both sides of the contact elements held in the contact carrier.

[0031] If necessary, the contact carrier can be provided with shielding plates (for example shielding stars) to shield the individual contact elements.

[0032] At least one electrical contact element can be fixed in the contact carrier, in particular in said contact chamber, preferably locked at least in the axial direction of the contact element, for example by a step or latch hook in the corresponding contact chamber, by a press connection between the contact chamber and the contact element, or by other fastening techniques.

[0033] In principle, the electrical contact element can have any design and can also be called an "inner conductor contact element." The electrical contact element can be designed, for example, as part of a pressed and bent body or a turned body.

[0034] In particular, electrical contact elements may extend into the first interface of the printed circuit board plug connector and be designed in the region of the first interface for electrical and mechanical connection with the electrical printed circuit board. For this purpose, the electrical contact elements may be designed, for example, at least in the region of the first interface, as contact pins for press-connection and / or solder-connection with the electrical printed circuit board, and in principle any connection technology may be provided for connection with the electrical printed circuit board in the region of the first interface.

[0035] According to the present invention, a printed circuit board plug connector has at least one outer conductor connecting element fixed to a contact carrier.

[0036] The outer conductor connecting element is preferably a separate element from the contact carrier and the outer housing.

[0037] According to the invention, the outer conductor connecting element has at least one first contact portion arranged at the first interface for electrical and mechanical connection with the electrical printed circuit board.

[0038] The "first contact portion" of the outer conductor connecting element can be designed, for example, as a contact terminal for a press connection (e.g., "press-fit") and / or a solder connection to an electric printed circuit board. In principle, however, any connection technology can be provided for connection to an electric printed circuit board. For example, the first contact portion of the outer conductor connecting element can also be designed as an SMD solder contact (this also applies, as an alternative or complement, to the electric contact element).

[0039] Preferably, the first contact portion is configured to make direct electrical and mechanical connection with an electrical printed circuit board.

[0040] According to the invention, the outer conductor connecting element has at least one second contact portion that is laterally elastic for electrical and mechanical contact with the inner lateral surface of the outer housing.

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

[0042] Preferably, the first contact portion and the second contact portion are arranged at a distance from each other, particularly preferably in the region of different (particularly opposite) tip portions of the outer conductor connecting element.

[0043] The outer conductor connecting element is preferably a single part, in particular a part of a pressed and bent body, but in principle the outer conductor connecting element can also be made of several parts, and any manufacturing process is suitable for forming the outer conductor connecting element.

[0044] The fact that the outer conductor connecting element is a single part, forming on the one hand the connection (usually the front) to the electrical printed circuit board, and on the other hand the lateral or radial connection to the outer housing of the printed circuit board plug connector, means that the outer conductor connecting element, and therefore also the printed circuit board plug connector itself, can be easily manufactured and assembled. The resiliency of the second contact portion also allows for vibration-stable and tolerance-compensating contact.

[0045] In an advantageous development (variant) of the invention, it is possible for the at least one outer conductor connecting element to be at least partially accommodated in a recess of the contact carrier.

[0046] The recess is preferably a laterally accessible recess in an outer lateral surface of the contact carrier, for example an axially running elongated recess (for example a fastening groove).

[0047] In this way, the outer conductor connecting element can be particularly easily connected to or attached to the contact carrier, for example directly laterally or radially attached (although axial attachment starting from the first interface is generally preferred).

[0048] The second contact portion of the outer conductor connecting element is optimally accessible for contact with the inner lateral surface of the outer housing via a laterally accessible recess.

[0049] It should be mentioned here that recesses in the contact carrier for accommodating the outer conductor connecting elements are not absolutely necessary: ​​in principle, the outer conductor connecting elements can also be fixed to the outer lateral surfaces of the contact carrier or directly, for example by using latching elements arranged on the outer lateral surfaces.

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

[0051] According to a further development (variant) of the invention, at least one outer conductor connecting element has at least one fastening clamp, by means of which the outer conductor connecting element can be fastened to the contact carrier in a frictional engagement manner, which fastening clamp is preferably arranged at a distance from the first and second contact parts, but can also be formed on one or both of the contact parts.

[0052] At least one fastening clamp is preferably arranged between the first contact portion and the second contact portion, in particular in the axially central portion of the outer conductor connecting element.

[0053] The fastening clamp may have one or more resilient fastening fingers for fastening directly to the contact carrier. The fastening fingers and / or fastening clamp may preferably have a U-shaped cross-sectional shape.

[0054] According to a development (variant) of the invention, at least one fastening clamp can clamp around the periphery of a lateral elevation of the contact carrier in a lateral frictional engagement manner.

[0055] The side elevations of the contact carrier may be, for example, mounting flanges, mounting webs or mounting ribs on the outer side surfaces of the contact carrier.

[0056] In this way, the at least one fastening clamp can be opened in the assembled state from a mechanically relaxed state against an elastic restoring force, thereby frictionally fastening to the contact carrier. It should be noted here that the described expansion of the fastening clamp preferably does not cause any plastic deformation, but in special cases additional or even complete plastic deformation of the fastening clamp may be applied for attachment to the contact carrier.

[0057] Alternatively, or in addition to a friction-engagement fastening, at least one degree of freedom between the fastening clamp and the contact carrier may be provided with a form-fit connection or at least one travel limit, for example the side elevations may have a notched recess to accommodate the fastening clamp.

[0058] According to a further development (variant) of the invention, at least one fastening clamp may be inserted in a frictionally engaging manner into a recess in the contact carrier, preferably into a laterally accessible fastening groove in the outer lateral surface of the contact carrier.

[0059] Thus, when mounted in the recess, the fastening clamp can be compressed or "squeezed" from a mechanically relaxed state against an elastic restoring force, thereby causing a friction-engagement fastening to or within the contact carrier. For this purpose, the fastening clamp is supported in particular in a friction-engagement manner on the opposing walls of the recess. Any travel limits or form-fitting can also be provided in this variant.

[0060] In a further development (variant) of the invention, at least one outer conductor connecting element and the contact carrier may form one or more latching connections for latching together.

[0061] For example, the outer conductor connection element may be provided with latching elements such as protrusions and / or recesses, particularly in the axially central portion between the first contact portion and the second contact portion (and possibly also in at least one of the contact portions), that can be latched with corresponding mating latching elements of the contact carrier.

[0062] In particular, the latching connection can be set up so that the outer conductor connecting element is securely fixed in the axial direction, since the lateral fixation is usually already ensured by the attached outer housing, but optionally the latching connection is also provided for the lateral fixation (e.g. to ensure sufficient security against loss if the outer conductor connecting element is already pre-assembled in the delivery state of the printed circuit board plug connector).

[0063] In an advantageous development (variant) of the invention, the second contact part of the outer conductor connecting element may comprise at least one spring tab which is laterally elastic.

[0064] The second contact portion, in particular the spring tab, can be designed to make a point contact (preferably) or a line contact with the inner lateral surface of the outer housing. The spring tab can be bent for this purpose. For example, the spring tab can be provided with a bend to form a convex curvature providing a line or point contact.

[0065] It is important to mention here that in principle it is also possible (but less preferred) to provide planar or flat contacts for contacting the inner lateral surfaces of the outer housing.

[0066] In a particularly advantageous development (variant) of the invention, the free ends of the spring tabs can be bent away from the inner lateral surfaces of the outer housing.

[0067] In this way, the spring tabs can contact the inner side surfaces of the outer housing in the assembled state not at their free ends, but at contact areas spaced from the free ends.

[0068] The bent free end of the spring tab simplifies the assembly of the outer housing and prevents the spring tab from accidentally catching on the outer housing at its free end and then being bent, thereby damaging the outer conductor connecting element during assembly.

[0069] In an advantageous development (variant) of the invention, a plurality of outer conductor connecting elements can be distributed around the circumference of the contact carrier.

[0070] Any number of outer conductor connection elements may be provided as part of the printed circuit board plug connector according to the present invention. However, a single outer conductor connection element may be sufficient for the printed circuit board plug connector. Preferably, at least two spaced-apart outer conductor connection elements are distributed around the circumference of the contact carrier, but for example, three, four, five, six, or more spaced-apart outer conductor connection elements may be provided. The corresponding redundancy in the outer conductor connections may result in improved electrical outer conductor terminal or shield transmission and may be designed to be more error-tolerant and fault-safe.

[0071] To the extent that the outer conductor connecting elements are distributed around the circumference of the contact carrier, they are preferably (but not necessarily) equidistantly distributed.

[0072] In a further development (variant) of the invention, it is also preferred if the outer conductor connecting elements are arranged at least partially circumferentially along the circumference of the contact carrier.

[0073] The outer conductor connecting element can be arranged around 180° or more, for example, 220° or more, 260° or more, 300° or more, or 340° or more, of the circumference of the contact carrier. The outer conductor connecting element can also almost completely close the circumference of the contact carrier, in which case it is slotted (like a sleeve with a longitudinal slot). As long as the outer conductor connecting element is arranged around 180° or more along the circumference of the contact carrier, it is preferably laterally and reversibly or elastically expandable for assembly. However, the outer conductor connecting element can also be attached to the contact carrier axially.

[0074] In particular, the fastening clamp can be designed to surround the contact carrier.

[0075] In a further development (variant) of the invention, the printed circuit board plug connector may be provided with a second interface different from the first interface.

[0076] The second interface may be designed to electrically and mechanically connect with a corresponding mating plug connector, or other electrical printed circuit board or other electrical assembly, or electrical cable.

[0077] The "second interface" is preferably designed for direct connection with a mating plug connector, additionally a printed circuit board, an electrical assembly or an electrical cable.

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

[0079] It should be noted that the printed circuit board plug connector can be straight or angled (bent plug connector), where the central axis of the angled printed circuit board plug connector is bent (e.g., 90°) between the first end or first interface and the second end or second interface.

[0080] The second interface may comprise any mechanical connection means as already described for the first interface, and the present invention is suitable for use with all types of interfaces.

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

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

[0083] Advantageously, earth or shield attachment is possible in the proposed printed circuit board assembly with technically simple means for tolerance compensation and vibration protection by using the proposed outer conductor connection element. The proposed second contact, in particular the corresponding spring-loaded contact tab or spring tab as described above, can be used to optimize shield or earth transmission between the electrical printed circuit board and the outer housing. In particular, expensive wave springs or similar complex parts or assemblies are not required.

[0084] The present invention also relates to a method for assembling a printed circuit board plug connector designed for electrical and mechanical connection to an electrical printed circuit board, the method 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, the outer conductor connecting element having at least one first contact portion for electrical and mechanical connection to the electrical printed circuit board, and fixing the outer conductor connecting element to the contact carrier; - An outer housing is provided and attached to the contact carrier so that the second contact portion of the outer conductor connecting element, which is elastic at least in the lateral direction, is in electrical and mechanical contact with the inner lateral surface of the outer housing.

[0085] It is important to emphasize here that the described method steps do not necessarily have to be performed in the order originally described or mentioned in the description or claims. For example, individual method steps or groups of method steps are interchangeable with one another, unless this is technically impossible. Method steps can also be combined with one another, divided into separate intermediate steps, or supplemented with intermediate steps. Furthermore, the method is not necessarily exhaustively described with the described method steps, but can also be supplemented with further method steps, including those not described.

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

[0087] The features described in relation to one of the subjects of the present invention, i.e. the features provided by the printed circuit board plug 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 realized for the other subjects of the present invention, and likewise the advantages stated in relation to one of the subjects of the present invention can also be realized in relation to the other subjects of the present invention.

[0088] In addition, it should be noted that the terms "comprise", "have" or "with" do not exclude other features or steps. Furthermore, terms indicating a singular step or feature, such as "a" or "the", do not exclude a plurality of features or steps, and vice versa.

[0089] However, in a basic embodiment of the present invention, the features introduced into the present invention are exhaustively recited by the terms "comprises," "has," or "with." Therefore, one or more recitations of features can be considered exhaustive in the context of the present invention, e.g., to be considered in each case in each claim. For example, the present invention may consist only of the features recited in claim 1.

[0090] It should be noted that designations such as "first" or "second" are primarily used to distinguish features of each apparatus or method and do not necessarily imply that the features are interdependent or interrelated.

[0091] It should further be emphasized that the values ​​and parameters stated herein include deviations or variations of not more than ±10%, preferably not more than ±5%, more preferably not more than ±1%, and very particularly preferably not more than ±0.1% of the respective stated value or parameter, provided that these deviations are not excluded when the invention is actually carried out. The specification of ranges by initial and final values ​​also includes all values ​​and fractions included within the respective specified ranges, in particular the initial value, the final value and the respective mean values.

[0092] The present invention also relates to an outer conductor connecting element for a printed circuit board plug connector, the outer conductor connecting element having at least one first contact portion for electrical and mechanical connection to an electrical printed circuit board, which is positionable in a first interface of the printed circuit board plug connector for connection to the electrical printed circuit board, and at least one laterally resilient second contact portion for electrical and mechanical connection to an inner lateral surface of a conductive outer housing of the printed circuit board plug connector. The outer conductor connecting element can establish an outer conductor attachment between the electrical printed circuit board and the outer housing of the printed circuit board plug connector. The outer conductor connecting element can also be attached to an electrically insulating contact carrier of the printed circuit board plug connector, which is preferably at least partially housed in the outer housing, or can be supported at least laterally on said contact carrier. Preferably, the outer conductor connecting element is a single component independent of the outer housing. Further features of the dependent claims and features described in the present specification relate to advantageous embodiments and variants of this outer conductor connecting element, preferably the outer conductor connecting element already described above. The applicant expressly reserves the right to claim the outer conductor connecting element described in this paragraph separately from the printed circuit board plug connector or separately from claim 1. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0093] In the following, exemplary embodiments of the invention will be explained in more detail with reference to the drawings.

[0094] Each figure shows preferred exemplary embodiments in which individual features of the invention are shown in combination with one another. Features of an exemplary embodiment may also be implemented separately from other features of the same exemplary embodiment and, accordingly, may be readily combined by those skilled in the art to form further useful combinations and subcombinations with features of other exemplary embodiments.

[0095] In the figures, elements having the same function are designated by the same reference numerals.

[0096] The figure shows a schematic diagram.

[0097] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a printed circuit board plug connector according to a first exemplary embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is another perspective view of the printed circuit board plug connector shown in FIG. 1 without the outer housing. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the printed circuit board plug connector according to FIG. [Figure 4] 4 is an enlarged perspective view of one of the outer conductor connecting elements of the printed circuit board plug connector according to FIG. 1. FIG. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a printed circuit board assembly formed with an electrical printed circuit board and a printed circuit board plug connector according to a second exemplary embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] 6 is a further perspective view of the printed circuit board plug connector of the printed circuit board assembly of FIG. 5, without the outer housing, with the outer conductor connecting element unattached. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is an enlarged perspective view of an outer conductor connecting element according to a further exemplary embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0098] 1 to 4 show a first exemplary embodiment of the present invention. The illustrated printed circuit board plug connector 1 has a first interface 2 for electrical and mechanical connection to an electrical printed circuit board 3 (see dashed line in FIG. 3). For electrical and mechanical connection to the electrical printed circuit board 3, contact portions 4 of various electrical contact elements 5 and first contact portions 6 of an outer conductor connection element 7 (described below) are arranged at the first interface 2. Various mechanical connection means, such as spacer elements, legs, mechanical coding means, etc., are also provided at the first interface 2 (partially visible in the figures but not described in more detail).

[0099] The printed circuit board plug connector 1 shown in the exemplary embodiment is an example of a circular plug connector, which should not be understood as limiting.

[0100] The printed circuit board plug connector 1 may comprise any number of electrical contact elements 5, for example one electrical contact element 5. A basic multi-pole printed circuit board plug connector 1 is illustrated in the figures.

[0101] The electrical contact elements 5 are fixed in a dielectric (electrically insulating) contact carrier 8 and are interlocked or fixed in the axial direction x (see in particular FIG. 3 ). The contact carrier 8 comprises respective contact chambers 9 for the individual contact elements 5 to accommodate the contact elements 5. In this way, the contact elements 5 are electrically insulated from each other as they are spaced apart from each other and from the outer conductor connecting element 7.

[0102] The contact carrier 8 is at least partially housed in an electrically conductive outer housing 10, which in the exemplary embodiment is sleeve-shaped or hollow cylindrical. The outer housing 10 may be provided on its outer lateral surface with a mechanical connection interface 11, in particular a metric thread connection as shown in the figures (in particular an external thread on the outer lateral surface of the outer housing and a threaded nut that can be threaded onto it).

[0103] Optionally, a sealing element may be provided between the contact carrier 8 and the outer housing 10 (see, for example, the sealing ring 12 shown in FIG. 3).

[0104] The printed circuit board plug connector 1 has a second interface 13, different from the first interface 2, for electrical and mechanical connection to a corresponding mating plug connector (not shown). As an alternative to the second interface 13 being shown in the form of a plug-in interface for connection to a mating plug connector, the second interface 13 can also be designed for connection to a further electrical printed circuit board, to another electrical assembly or for direct connection to an electric cable (in which case the contact elements 5 can be connected, for example, directly to the electric inner conductor of the electric cable, for example by crimping, soldering or welding).

[0105] It is here again emphasized that the type of actual plug connector, and therefore 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 plug connector 1, are not necessarily important in the context of the present invention, and the designs shown in the figures should therefore be understood as merely exemplary.

[0106] The printed circuit board plug connector 1 has the outer conductor connecting element 7 already mentioned above, which allows the conduction of an electrical outer conductor between the electrical printed circuit board 3 and the outer housing 10 of the printed circuit board plug connector 1. In an exemplary embodiment, the outer conductor connecting element 7 is a single part, for example part of a pressed and formed body.

[0107] The outer conductor connecting element 7 has at least one first contact portion 6 arranged at the first interface 2 of the printed circuit board plug connector 1 for electrical and mechanical connection to the electrical printed circuit board 3. Said first contact portion 6 is preferably arranged at a first tip portion of the outer conductor connecting element 7. In an exemplary embodiment, the first contact portion 6 is designed as a contact terminal, e.g. suitable for press-connection and / or solder-connection with the electrical printed circuit board 3.

[0108] The outer conductor connecting element 7 also has at least one second contact portion 14 that is elastic in the lateral direction y (see FIG. 3 ) or radial direction for electrical and mechanical contact with an inner lateral surface 15 of the outer housing 10 (see FIG. 3 ). The second contact portion 14 of the outer conductor connecting element 7 is preferably formed on a spring tab 16 that is elastic in the lateral direction y and can make point or line contact with the inner lateral surface 15 of the outer housing 10. In an advantageous embodiment, the free end 17 of the spring tab 16 can be bent away from the inner lateral surface 15 of the outer housing 10 so that, in the assembled state, the spring tab 16 does not contact the inner lateral surface 15 of the outer housing 10 at the free end 17, but rather at a contact region 18 spaced apart from the free end 17 (see in particular the combined view of FIGS. 3 and 4 ). In this way, the outer housing 10 can be mounted to the contact carrier 8 with the outer conductor connecting element 7 mounted thereon in a very low-load and simple manner.

[0109] In principle, a plurality of outer conductor connecting elements 7 can be arranged around the circumference of the contact carrier 8, preferably equidistantly distributed (evenly spaced) around the circumference. In the exemplary embodiment of Figures 1 to 4, two outer conductor connecting elements 7 are provided on opposite sides of the printed circuit board plug connector 1 by way of example, but this should be understood as merely an example. In principle, a single outer conductor connecting element 7 is sufficient, or if necessary, two or more outer conductor connecting elements 7 may be provided.

[0110] It has proven advantageous if the at least one outer conductor connecting element 7 is at least partially accommodated in a recess 19 of the contact carrier 8. In an exemplary embodiment, the outer conductor connecting element 7 is accommodated in a laterally accessible fastening groove 19 in an outer lateral surface 20 of the contact carrier 8. In this way, the outer conductor connecting element 7 is particularly easily accessible from the side for contacting the outer housing 10.

[0111] For a restrainable 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 latching connections for latching with one another. Corresponding latching elements 21 of the outer conductor connecting element 7 can be clearly seen, for example, in FIG. 4. Lateral fixation of the outer conductor connecting element 7 on the contact carrier 8 can also be provided, for example, when the recess 19 of the contact carrier 8 is T-slot shaped to accommodate the outer conductor connecting element 7, as can be clearly seen, for example, in FIG. 2. However, lateral fixation of the outer conductor connecting element 7, in particular, can also be omitted if necessary, since in principle the outer conductor connecting element 7 can already be laterally fixed by the outer housing 10 itself, at least when the outer housing 10 is in the mounted state.

[0112] Further exemplary embodiments of the present invention are shown in Figures 5 and 6. The second exemplary embodiment is essentially similar to the first exemplary embodiment, so essentially only the differences will be described below.

[0113] Figure 5 shows a printed circuit board assembly 22 consisting of an electrical printed circuit board 3 and a printed circuit board plug connector 1 with an outer conductor connecting element 7 according to a further variant of the invention. For better visualization, the printed circuit board plug connector 1 of Figure 5 is shown in Figure 6 without the outer housing 10 and without the outer conductor connecting element 7 attached.

[0114] 5 and 6 has a fastening clamp 23 spaced apart from the first contact portion 6 and the second contact portion 14, by means of which the outer conductor connecting element 7 can be fastened to the contact carrier 8 in a friction-engagement manner. The fastening clamp 23 is arranged between the first contact portion 6 and the second contact portion 14 and has a plurality of fastening fingers 24 for the friction-engagement fastening. A contact pin 25 forming the first contact portion 6 of the outer conductor connecting element 7 passes between each two of the fastening fingers 24 (which are essentially separate fastening fingers from the fastening fingers 24 whose shape has not been modified for the friction-engagement fastening).

[0115] The fastening clamps 23 can laterally clamp around the side elevations 26 (in the exemplary embodiment, the fastening flanges 26, fastening webs, fastening ribs) of the contact carrier 8 in a frictional engagement manner. The fastening flanges 26 have recesses 27 for the fastening clamps 23 to improve the fastening force (see FIG. 6 ). Optionally, when using an outer conductor connection element 7 with fastening clamps 23, an additional latch connection (not shown) can be provided for latching to the contact carrier 8.

[0116] 5 and 6 are intended to illustrate that the outer conductor connecting element 7 can also comprise a plurality of second contact portions 14 for contacting the inner lateral surface 15 of the outer housing 10. In the exemplary embodiment, two spring tabs 16 are provided, which are received in corresponding elongated recesses 19 or fastening grooves 19 in the outer lateral surface 20 of the contact carrier 8.

[0117] However, the outer conductor connecting element 7 with the fastening clamp 23 can also in principle be formed on the second contact part 14, similar to the outer conductor connecting element 7 proposed in the first exemplary embodiment described by the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG.

[0118] It should be noted here that when fastening clamps 23 are used, it is not absolutely necessary that they cover the height of the side elevations 26 of the contact carrier 8. In principle, they can also be provided in the opposite arrangement, in which case the fastening clamps 23 are introduced in a frictionally engaging manner into laterally accessible fastening grooves in the recesses of the contact carrier 8, preferably in the outer side surfaces 20 of the contact carrier 8. The fastening clamps 23 then extend into the recesses and bear against the opposite side walls (not shown) of the recesses.

Claims

1. A printed circuit board plug connector (1) having a first interface (2) for electrically and mechanically connecting to an electrical printed circuit board (3), a conductive outer housing (10); an electrically insulating contact carrier (8) for at least one electrical contact element (5), the contact carrier (8) being at least partially housed within said outer housing (10); and at least one outer conductor connecting element (7) fixed to said contact carrier (8), The outer conductor connecting element (7) has at least one first contact portion (6) arranged on the first interface (2) for electrical and mechanical connection to the electrical printed circuit board (3), and at least one second contact portion (14) elastic in the lateral direction (y) for electrical and mechanical contact with an inner lateral surface (15) of the outer housing (10). Printed circuit board plug connector (1).

2. the at least one outer conductor connecting element (7) is at least partially accommodated in a recess (19) of the contact carrier (8); A printed circuit board plug connector (1) according to claim 1.

3. the at least one outer conductor connecting element (7) is accommodated in a laterally accessible fastening groove (19) in an outer lateral surface (20) of the contact carrier (8); A printed circuit board plug connector (1) according to claim 1.

4. the at least one outer conductor connecting element (7) has at least one fastening clamp (23) spaced apart from the first contact portion (6) and the second contact portion (14), by which the outer conductor connecting element (7) is fastened to the contact carrier (8) in a frictional engagement manner; A printed circuit board plug connector (1) according to claim 1.

5. the at least one fastening clamp (23) is arranged between the first contact portion (6) and the second contact portion (14); A printed circuit board plug connector (1) according to claim 4.

6. The at least one fastening clamp (23) a) a fastening flange (26), fastening web or fastening rib, which clamps around the periphery of the lateral elevation (26) of said contact carrier (8) in a frictional engagement manner in said lateral direction; or b) recesses in the contact carrier (8) that are introduced in said frictionally engaged manner into said laterally accessible fastening grooves in the outer lateral surfaces (20) of the contact carrier (8); A printed circuit board plug connector (1) according to claim 4.

7. the at least one outer conductor connecting element (7) and the contact carrier (8) form one or more latching connections for latching together; A printed circuit board plug connector (1) according to claim 1.

8. the first contact portion (6) of the outer conductor connecting element (7) is a contact terminal (25) for press-connection and / or solder-connection to the electrical printed circuit board (3); A printed circuit board plug connector (1) according to claim 1.

9. The second contact portion (14) of the outer conductor connecting element (7) is a spring tab (16) having elasticity in the lateral direction (y). A printed circuit board plug connector (1) according to claim 1.

10. the second contact portion (14) of the outer conductor connecting element (7) makes point or line contact with the inner side surface (15) of the outer housing (10); A printed circuit board plug connector (1) according to claim 9.

11. a free end (17) of the spring tab (16) bent away from the inner lateral surface (15) of the outer housing (10) so that, in an assembled state, the spring tab (16) contacts the inner lateral surface (15) of the outer housing (10) not at the free end (17) but at a contact area (18) spaced apart from the free end (17); A printed circuit board plug connector (1) according to claim 9.

12. The outer conductor connecting element (7) is a single part, which is part of a pressed and bent body. A printed circuit board plug connector (1) according to claim 1.

13. A plurality of the outer conductor connecting elements (7) are arranged along the circumference of the contact carrier (8). A printed circuit board plug connector (1) according to claim 1.

14. The plurality of outer conductor connecting elements (7) are arranged at equal intervals along the circumference of the contact carrier (8). A printed circuit board plug connector (1) according to claim 13.

15. The outer conductor connecting element (7) is arranged at least partially along the circumference of the contact carrier (8). A printed circuit board plug connector (1) according to claim 1.

16. The outer conductor connecting element (7) is arranged around 180° or more of the circumference of the contact carrier (8). A printed circuit board plug connector (1) according to claim 15.

17. the at least one electrical contact element (5) is fixed within the contact carrier (8) and spaced apart from the at least one outer conductor connecting element (7); A printed circuit board plug connector (1) according to claim 1.

18. The at least one electrical contact element (5) is locked in an axial direction (x) of the electrical contact element (5). A printed circuit board plug connector (1) according to claim 17.

19. a second interface (13) different from the first interface (2) for electrical and mechanical connection to a corresponding mating plug connector, a further electrical printed circuit board or an electrical cable; A printed circuit board plug connector (1) according to claim 1.

20. 20. An electrical printed circuit board (3) and a printed circuit board plug connector (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 19, wherein the first interface (2) of the printed circuit board plug connector (1) is mechanically and electrically connected to the electrical printed circuit board (3). A printed circuit board assembly (22).

21. A method for assembling a printed circuit board plug connector (1) designed for electrical and mechanical connection to an electrical printed circuit board (3), said method comprising at least the following method steps: A method for assembling a printed circuit board plug connector (1). - 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) having at least one first contact (6) for electrical and mechanical connection to an electric printed circuit board (3) and fixing said outer conductor connecting element (7) to said contact carrier (8); - providing an outer housing (10) and attaching said outer housing (10) to said contact carrier (8) so that at least one second contact portion (14) of said outer conductor connecting element (7), which is elastic in the lateral direction (y), is in electrical and mechanical contact with an inner lateral surface (15) of said outer housing (10).

Images