Plug connector component with electrically connectable shield

The plug connector component design addresses the variability in shielding configurations by allowing users to define electrical connections or isolations, simplifying manufacturing and reducing costs through flexible shielding options.

JP2026516836APending Publication Date: 2026-05-26PHOENIX CONTACT GMBH & CO KG
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Patent Information

Authority / Receiving Office
JP · JP
Patent Type
Applications
Current Assignee / Owner
PHOENIX CONTACT GMBH & CO KG
Filing Date
2024-04-17
Publication Date
2026-05-26

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

The increasing variety of plug connector components and complex manufacturing processes due to varying requirements for electrical connection or galvanic separation of inner and outer shields in hybrid plug connectors, as specified by standards like IEC 63171-6, IEC 63171-7, IEC 61076-2-113, and IEC 61076-2-117, lead to product variability and manufacturing challenges.

Method used

A plug connector component design that allows users to decide on the electrical connection or galvanic isolation of inner and outer shields through terminal contact portions, enabling flexible shielding concepts and reducing product variability by allowing users to define the shielding configuration on the printed circuit board layout.

Benefits of technology

This design simplifies manufacturing, reduces product variability, lowers costs, and enhances user flexibility by allowing users to customize shielding configurations, thereby reducing sourcing, assembly, quality assurance, and inventory management complexities.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Abstract

A plug connector component (1) for connection to a mating plug connector component (2) includes a data line (10), an inner shield (12) surrounding the data line (10), a line (11) positioned outside the inner shield (12), and an outer shield (13) surrounding the data line (10), the inner shield (12), and the line (11), wherein the inner shield (12) and the outer shield (13) each have terminal contact portions (120, 130) for electrical contact with their respective mating contacts (300A, 300B), and the inner shield (12) and the outer shield (13) are electrically isolated from each other and electrically connectable to each other by the terminal contact portions (120, 130).
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Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a plug connector component for connection to a mating plug connector component, a terminal device including such a plug connector component, and a method of manufacturing the terminal device.

Background Art

[0002] A plug connector component that supports both a data line and a load line is sometimes referred to as a hybrid plug connector component. Such a plug connector component enables a single cable solution and thus a small device by integration of the functions of electrical / optical output, signal transmission, and data transmission contacts within the plug connection.

[0003] In an exemplary embodiment of a circular plug connector component, a hybrid device plug connector component has a housing screw connection for connection to a corresponding mating plug connector component. In a practical design, the housing screw connection is made of a conductive material and thus an outer EMC shield can be provided. As usual, the abbreviation EMC represents "electromagnetic compatibility" and refers to the ability of a technical device not to interfere with other devices by unwanted electrical or electromagnetic effects, or vice versa, not to be interfered with by other devices.

[0004] The outer EMC shield thus protects the plug connector component from external electromagnetic coupling or radiation and, conversely, protects the external system from interference from the plug connector component. Since perceptible data signals are usually transmitted within the hybrid plug connector component, an additional "inner" EMC shield is periodically provided. The inner EMC shield protects each data line from electromagnetic interference from the load line within the plug connector component, which may also be called a "power contact". The inner EMC shield and the outer EMC shield can be electrically connected to each other or, alternatively, galvanically separated from each other.

[0005] For example, the IEC63171-7 ("SPE M12 Hybrid") standard and the IEC61076-2-117 ("M12-M4 Hybrid") standard describe hybrid plug connector components.

[0006] In general, there is growing interest in hybrid interfaces. However, one problem arises from the increasing variety of plug connector components and the resulting relatively complex manufacturing processes. [Overview of the Initiative] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0007] The objective of this invention is to simplify the manufacturing process of plug connector components. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] This objective is achieved by a subject having the features of claim 1.

[0009] Therefore, a plug connector component for connection to a suitable mating plug connector component includes a plurality of data lines, an inner shield surrounding the data lines on the outside, a plurality of lines positioned outside the inner shield, and an outer shield surrounding the data lines, the inner shield, and the lines on the outside. The inner shield and the outer shield are each defined to have terminal contact portions for electrical contact with their respective mating contacts, and the inner shield and the outer shield are electrically isolated from each other and electrically connectable to each other by the terminal contact portions.

[0010] This is based on the knowledge that some users of this type of plug connector component require an electrical connection between the outer and inner shields, while others want to maintain two shields that are galvanically separated from each other. This is because the relevant standards (IEC 63171-6, IEC 63171-7, IEC 61076-2-113, and IEC 61076-2-117) do not specify whether the inner and outer shields should be electrically connected or galvanically separated from each other. This leads to the emergence of plug connector component manufacturers who have decided to offer hybrid plug connector components with separated or connected shields, or who have decided to offer various variations of the product. The proposed plug connector component solves this problem because the decision regarding the electrical connection of the two shields can be made by the user themselves, i.e., whether or not to electrically connect the terminal contact portions of the two shields to each other. For example, the terminal contact elements can be connected to the corresponding terminals on a printed circuit board using, for example, THR, SMD, or wave soldering methods, or press-fit techniques. Using printed circuit board layout design, users can define the wiring of printed circuit board terminals and, consequently, the shielding concept for hybrid plug connector components. As previously mentioned, inner shielding and outer shielding each refer specifically to EMC shielding.

[0011] In this way, the variable shielding concept can be derived with respect to hybrid plug connector components, particularly device plug connector components, which, depending on the structure, allow for either electrical connection or galvanic isolation of the potentials of the inner and outer shields. Thus, this concept enables a reduction in product variability. This reduction in product variability allows manufacturers of plug connector components to benefit from cost and time advantages in the development process. Furthermore, the costs of sourcing, assembling, quality assurance, warehousing, and mapping of products in IT systems can be reduced. At the same time, the flexibility of the variable solution increases user benefits. Moreover, the risk of confusion between products with connected shield potentials and products with separated shield potentials can be reduced.

[0012] Plug connector components are designed according to standards such as IEC 63171-6, IEC 63171-7, IEC 61076-2-113, or IEC 61076-2-117. Wires located outside the inner shield are particularly transmission lines, such as signal lines and / or power lines, especially load lines for carrying load current.

[0013] The inner shield can be electrically insulated from the outer shield by an outer insulator within the outer shield. This allows for both reliable insulation and stable support.

[0014] The terminal contacts on the inner shield and / or the outer shield are (in either case) in the form of pins, for example. This allows for particularly simple electrical contact, for example, on a printed circuit board.

[0015] The terminal contact portions of the inner shield and the outer shield can be aligned parallel to each other. This allows, for example, two terminal contact portions to be electrically connected to the printed circuit board in a single step.

[0016] The terminal contacts of the inner shield and / or the outer shield and / or the data line and / or the (outer) line can be inserted into holes in the printed circuit board. This allows the plug connector components to be easily inserted onto the printed circuit board in one step.

[0017] The outer shield can form a housing screw connection. The outer shield may have at least one screw thread. This allows for secure fastening to the housing and / or using mating plug connector components.

[0018] The terminal contact portion of the outer shield may be formed on a contact spring. This contact spring is optionally in contact with the base of the outer shield and pre-loaded spring-elastically. This facilitates the manufacturing of the base and simultaneously ensures reliable electrical contact with the terminal contact portion.

[0019] In one embodiment, a terminal device is provided which includes a plug connector component and a printed circuit board in any structure described herein. For advantages, refer to the above description of the plug connector component.

[0020] The mating contacts for the terminal contact portions of the inner shield and the mating contacts for the terminal contact portions of the outer shield can be electrically isolated from each other. The inner shield is galvanically isolated from the outer shield, and the plug connector components are suitable for applications where such isolation is required.

[0021] The mating contacts for the terminal contacts of the inner shield and the mating contacts for the terminal contacts of the outer shield can be electrically connected, or they can be connected to different grounds or reference potentials. This ensures effective EMC shielding.

[0022] Alternatively, the mating contacts for the terminal contact portions of the inner shield and the mating contacts for the terminal contact portions of the outer shield can be electrically connected to each other. The plug connector component is then suitable for applications where the electrical connection of two potentials is predetermined.

[0023] Optionally, the mating contacts for the terminal contact portions of the inner shield and the mating contacts for the terminal contact portions of the outer shield are electrically connected to each other and / or operably connected via at least one electrical or electronic component. This opens up entirely new application possibilities, such as shield monitoring and / or selective electrical connection of two shields.

[0024] At least one component may include a resistor, inductor, capacitor, diode, and / or varistor. A network of such and / or other components may be provided as desired. This allows for a complex analysis of the shielding potential and enables the desired effects of the shielding system's characteristics.

[0025] The mating contacts for the terminal contact portions of the inner shield and the mating contacts for the terminal contact portions of the outer shield may be formed on different printed circuit board layers. This allows the shield potentials to be transmitted separately from each other.

[0026] In one embodiment, a method for manufacturing a terminal device, particularly in any structure described herein, is provided. The method includes the steps of: manufacturing or selecting a printed circuit board having mating contacts; and electrically contacting the terminal contact portion of a plug connector component in any structure described herein with the mating contact of the printed circuit board. The printed circuit board is manufactured or selected such that the mating contact for the terminal contact portion of the inner shield and the mating contact for the terminal contact portion of the outer shield are either electrically isolated from each other or electrically connected to each other. For advantages, refer to the above description of the plug connector component.

[0027] The concept underlying the present invention will be described in more detail below based on the exemplary embodiments shown in the figures.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0028] [Figure 1] It is a diagram of a plug connector component for connection to a mating plug connector component with a printed circuit board. [Figure 2] It is a diagram of the plug connector component according to FIG. 1 and a suitable mating plug connector component. [Figure 3] It is a top view of the plug surface of the plug connector component according to FIG. 1. [Figure 4] It is a partial cutaway view of the plug connector component according to FIG. 1 together with a printed circuit board. [Figure 5] It is an exploded view of the plug connector component according to FIG. 1 together with a printed circuit board. [Figure 6A] It is a diagram of a certain stage in the manufacture of a terminal device with a plug connector component and a printed circuit board according to FIG. 1. [Figure 6B] It is a diagram of a certain stage in the manufacture of a terminal device with a plug connector component and a printed circuit board according to FIG. 1. [Figure 6C] It is a diagram of a certain stage in the manufacture of a terminal device with a plug connector component and a printed circuit board according to FIG. 1. [Figure 7A] It is a diagram of a certain stage in the manufacture of a terminal device with a plug connector component and a printed circuit board according to FIG. 1. [Figure 7B] It is a diagram of a certain stage in the manufacture of a terminal device with a plug connector component and a printed circuit board according to FIG. 1. [Figure 7C] It is a diagram of a certain stage in the manufacture of a terminal device with a plug connector component and a printed circuit board according to FIG. 1. [Figure 8A] It is a diagram of a certain stage in the manufacture of a terminal device with a plug connector component and a printed circuit board according to FIG. 1. [Figure 8B]Figure 1 shows a stage in the manufacturing process of a terminal device with plug connector components and a printed circuit board. [Figure 8C] Figure 1 shows a stage in the manufacturing process of a terminal device with plug connector components and a printed circuit board. [Figure 9A] Figure 1 shows a stage in the manufacturing process of a terminal device with plug connector components and a printed circuit board. [Figure 9B] Figure 1 shows a stage in the manufacturing process of a terminal device with plug connector components and a printed circuit board. [Figure 9C] Figure 1 shows a stage in the manufacturing process of a terminal device with plug connector components and a printed circuit board. [Figure 10A] Figure 1 shows a stage in the manufacturing process of a terminal device with plug connector components and a printed circuit board. [Figure 10B] Figure 1 shows a stage in the manufacturing process of a terminal device with plug connector components and a printed circuit board. [Figure 10C] Figure 1 shows a stage in the manufacturing process of a terminal device with plug connector components and a printed circuit board. [Figure 11A] Figure 1 shows a stage in the manufacturing process of a terminal device with plug connector components and a printed circuit board. [Figure 11B] Figure 1 shows a stage in the manufacturing process of a terminal device with plug connector components and a printed circuit board. [Figure 12A] Figure 1 shows a stage in the manufacturing process of a terminal device with plug connector components and a printed circuit board. [Figure 12B] Figure 1 shows a stage in the manufacturing process of a terminal device with plug connector components and a printed circuit board. [Figure 12C] Figure 1 shows a stage in the manufacturing process of a terminal device with plug connector components and a printed circuit board. [Figure 13A] This is a diagram of a printed circuit board structure. [Figure 13B] This is a diagram of a printed circuit board structure. [Figure 14] This is a diagram of a printed circuit board structure. [Figure 15] This is a diagram of a printed circuit board structure. [Figure 16] This is a diagram of a printed circuit board structure. [Figure 17] This is a diagram of a printed circuit board structure. [Figure 18] This is a diagram of a printed circuit board structure. [Figure 19A] This is a circuit diagram for a structure with a printed circuit board. [Figure 19B] This is a circuit diagram for a structure with a printed circuit board. [Figure 19C] This is a circuit diagram for a structure with a printed circuit board. [Figure 19D] This is a circuit diagram for a structure with a printed circuit board. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0029] Figures 1 through 5, which are referenced together, show a plug connector component 1 for connection to the mating plug connector component 2. In this case, the plug connector component 1 is designed, for example, as a circular plug connector component, specifically as a hybrid device plug connector component. Furthermore, an exemplary printed circuit board 30 that forms the terminal device 3 together with the plug connector component 1 is shown. In the assembled state, the plug connector component 1 is mounted on the printed circuit board 30 and electrically connected to the printed circuit board 30.

[0030] The plug connector component 1 includes a plurality of (electrical) data lines 10, in this case two, and an inner shield 12 surrounding the data lines 10. The data lines 10 may also be called data contacts. The inner shield 12 has a substrate 123 on which the data lines 10 are arranged. The substrate 123 is sleeve-shaped. The inner shield 12 is manufactured from a conductive material, in this case a metal such as aluminum or brass. The inner shield 12 provides EMC shielding for the data lines 10. The inner shield 12 is in the form of a shield plate.

[0031] Furthermore, the plug connector component 1 includes an outer shield 13 and a line located outside the inner shield 12 and represented herein as a load line 11 (the line 11 may or may further include additional data lines, signal lines, or generally power lines). In the illustrated example, the load line 11 has a larger cross-section than the data line 10. The load line 11 is used to transmit load current, for example, to supply power to a device comprising the plug connector component 1 or to supply power through a device comprising the plug connector component 1. The outer shield 13 surrounds the data line 10, the inner shield 12, and the load line 11. The outer shield 13 has an interior, inside which the inner shield 12 is located together with the data line 10, and next to it, the load line 11 is located. The outer shield 13 provides EMC shielding for the data line 10 and the load line 11.

[0032] The outer shield 13 is manufactured from a conductive material, in this case a metal such as aluminum or brass. The outer shield 13 has threads 131 for a nut 16. In this case, the outer shield 13 forms a housing screw connection. The plug connector component 1 is screwed into the wall within its opening by the nut 16 which is screwed onto the threads 131. The outer shield 13 also has a base 133 on which threads 134 are formed (together with the threads 131 for the nut 16) for the appropriate mating threads of the mating plug connector component 2. The base 133 thus functions as an outer EMC shield and also serves for the housing screw connection and the screw connection to the mating plug connector component 2.

[0033] Additionally, contacts for protective earthing (PE), functional earthing (FE), shielding contacts, and additional signaling contacts may be integrated.

[0034] Furthermore, the plug connector component 1 includes an inner insulator 14. As shown in the figure, particularly based on Figure 5, the data line 10 is held by the inner insulator 14. The inner insulator 14 surrounds the data line 10. Here, the plug contact end of the data line 10 protrudes from the inner insulator 14 on one side for plug-in connection with the corresponding mating plug contact of the mating plug connector 2. On the opposite side of the inner insulator 14, the terminal contact portion 100 of the data line 10 protrudes from the inner insulator 14. The terminal contact portion 100 of the data line 10 is used for insertion into a hole 303 in the printed circuit board 30. Furthermore, the inner insulator 14 has a latch element 140, which, in the assembled state, is latched by the corresponding latch element 152 of the outer insulator 15. A tight fit connection secures the position. For this purpose, the inner insulator 14 specifically has at least one latch hook that locks into a notch in the outer insulator 15 during assembly. The inner insulator 14 electrically isolates the data line 10 from the inner shield 12.

[0035] The plug connector component 1 also includes an outer insulator 15. The outer insulator 15 supports the load line 11, the inner shield 12 together with the inner insulator 14, and the data line 10. The outer insulator 15 has a cylindrical portion 151, and the load line 11, the inner shield 12 together with the inner insulator 14 and the data line 10 extend within and along the cylindrical portion 151. The outer insulator 15 and the base 133 are not locked together in the illustrated example. These components are not fixed to each other by the plug connector design. The outer insulator 15 is firmly connected to the printed circuit board 30 by terminal contact portions 100. The printed circuit board 30 is secured within the device, for example, using screws or clamps. This fixes the position of the outer insulator 15 relative to the base 133, which is also secured to the device. This means that no force is required to bend the printed circuit board during assembly, and the housing can be easily opened without loosening the latch. The outer insulator 15, in its assembled state, has legs 150 through which the plug connector 1 makes contact with the printed circuit board. Positioning pins 153 are designed to be inserted into holes 303 in the printed circuit board 30 to ensure accurate positioning. The outer insulator 15 electrically insulates the inner shield 12 from the outer shield 13 inside the outer shield 13. On one side, the plug contact end of the load wire 11 is accessible for plugging in connection with the corresponding mating plug contact of the mating plug connector 2 within the outer insulator 15. On the opposite side of the outer insulator 15, the terminal contact portion 110 of the load wire 11 protrudes from the outer insulator 15. The terminal contact portion 110 of the load wire 11 is used for insertion into the corresponding hole 303 in the printed circuit board 30.

[0036] The data lines 10, inner insulator 14, and inner shield 12 form an assembled subassembly. During assembly, the subassembly is inserted into the outer insulator 15, which contains the load lines 11.

[0037] The plug connector component 1 may be designed in accordance with one of the following standards: IEC 63171-6, IEC 63171-7, IEC 61076-2-113, or IEC 61076-2-117.

[0038] The inner shield 12 and the outer shield 13 each have terminal contact portions 120 and 130 for electrical contact with their respective mating contacts 300A and 300B, which are described in more detail below. The inner shield 12 and the outer shield 13 are electrically isolated from each other. The inner shield 12 and the outer shield 13 are electrically connectable to each other by the terminal contact portions 120 and 130. The terminal contact portions 120 and 130 are spaced apart from each other.

[0039] In the illustrated example, the terminal contact portion 120 of the inner shield 12 is formed by a shield wire 121 running within the receptacle 122 of the inner shield 12. The shield wire 121 can be electrically contacted by the shield wire of the mating plug connector 2.

[0040] The terminal contact portion 130 of the outer shield 13 is formed on a contact spring 132. The contact spring 132 is in contact with the base 133 of the outer shield 13 and is preloaded spring-elastically. The contact spring 132 has a plurality of spring arms 136. The contact spring 132 is in contact with the base 133 of the outer shield 13 and is preloaded. In this case, the contact spring 132 is supported on the shoulder portion 154 of the outer insulator 15. In the illustrated example, the shoulder portion 154 is adjacent to one end of the cylindrical portion 151 of the outer insulator 15.

[0041] The contact spring 132 is pushed laterally onto the outer insulator 15. The contact spring 132 also has an opening 137. In the assembled state, the opening 137 is inserted onto a positioning pin 155 of the outer insulator 15. The positioning pin 155 is aligned perpendicular to the direction in which the spring arm 136 compresses the base 133 of the outer insulator 15.

[0042] The terminal contact portion 120 of the inner shield 12 and the terminal contact portion 130 of the outer shield 13 are each in the shape of a pin. The terminal contact portion 120 of the inner shield 12 and the terminal contact portion 130 of the outer shield 13 are aligned parallel to each other. The terminal contact portion 120 of the inner shield 12 and the terminal contact portion 130 of the outer shield 13 can each be inserted into the hole 303 of the printed circuit board 30.

[0043] This means that potential electrical connection points between the inner shield 12 and the outer shield 13 are not implemented within the plug connector component 1, but rather outside the plug connector component 1 and are moved to the printed circuit board layout for their respective applications. For this purpose, the inner shield 12 and the outer shield 13 are galvanically isolated from each other, as described. The potentials of both shields are separately led out from the plug connector component 1 using at least one terminal contact portion 120, 130 each. The plug connector component 1 may also be called the "printed circuit board plug connector component". The user defines whether the inner shields 12, 13 are electrically connected to the outer shields 12, 13 by the respective wiring of the printed circuit board terminals.

[0044] Referring to Figures 6A to 12C, the steps for the exemplary manufacture of the terminal device 3 are described here. In each case, a side view is shown at the top (e.g., Figures 6A and 7A), a top view is shown in the center when the inner shield 12 and outer shield 13 in the terminal device are electrically insulated from each other (e.g., Figures 7B and 8B), and a top view is shown at the bottom when the inner shield 12 and outer shield 13 in the terminal device are electrically connected to each other (e.g., Figures 7C and 8C).

[0045] First, a printed circuit board layout is developed for a particular application, usually using printed circuit board design software. This also specifies the details of the printed circuit board and, therefore, the routing of the printed circuit board terminals. Thus, this step determines whether the inner shield 12 and the outer shield 13 are connected. The printed circuit board design file is transferred to the printed circuit board manufacturer, particularly in a common format (e.g., as a Gerber file or as a Zuken archive). The printed circuit board material is then selected. This is, for example, an insulating printed circuit board substrate (e.g., FR4) with a conductive layer (e.g., copper foil) already applied (to one side or both sides). This is shown in Figures 6A to 6C.

[0046] The next step is to create the conductor pattern. The shapes of the conductors and pads are removed from the conductive layer using a removal process (e.g., etching, milling, or laser cutting). This creates mating contacts 300A, 300B, and 300C for the data lines, load lines, and terminal contact portions 100, 110, 120, and 130 of the inner shield 12 and outer shield 13. Furthermore, if an electrical connection line 301 is required in the design file, this creates the electrical connection line 301 between the mating contacts 300A and 300B of the inner shield 12 and outer shield 13. From a cost perspective, the connections thus made are standard, as there is no additional cost burden from removing or not removing connections on the printed circuit board 30. In a printed circuit board with a conductive inner layer, these work steps are performed for each inner layer. The individual printed circuit board layers are then stacked and pressed together to form the printed circuit board. Figures 7A to 7C show the printed circuit board 30 after the manufacturing of the conductive pattern.

[0047] The next steps include drilling holes and optionally galvanizing. Here, holes 303 are created, for example, for terminal contact portions 100, 110, 120, 130 and positioning pins 153 of plug connector component 1. Conductive connections between conductors in different printed circuit board layers, known as through-hole plating, are created optionally by downstream galvanic deposition or chemical deposition. Solder resist masks and / or prints are then optionally applied. Further method steps may follow to create the outline of the printed circuit board. These are typically separation processes such as milling, sawing, or notching. Figures 8A–8C show the printed circuit board 30 after the holes have been created.

[0048] In the next step, the printed circuit board is assembled. The plug connector component 1 is mounted manually or automatically (optionally, as shown, except for the housing screw connections from the base 133 and nut 16 of the outer shield 13). In automatic assembly, a suction cap is provided on the plug connector component 1 to position the product together with a vacuum gripper. The connection between the terminal contact portions 120, 130 of the inner shield 12 and outer shield 13 of the plug connector component 1 and the mating contacts 300A, 300B may be carried out using a press-fit technique. In this case, the printed circuit board 30 is then fully assembled. If the connection is made using, for example, an SMD or THR reflow soldering method, solder paste is applied to the printed circuit board terminals before the printed circuit board is assembled. Figures 9A to 9C show the printed circuit board 30 with the above-described components of the plug connector component 1 mounted.

[0049] In a further step, the terminal contact portions 100, 110, 120, and 130 of the plug connector component 1 are soldered using, for example, SMD, THR, wave soldering, or manual soldering. After this work step (or after the previous step in the case of press-fitting), the terminal contact portions 120 and 130 of the inner shield 12 and outer shield 13 are connected to the mating contacts 300A and 300B of the printed circuit board 30 in a material-bonding manner (or by pressure-fitting in the case of press-fitting). Figures 10A to 10C show the plug connector component 1 soldered at the soldering point 304 (except for the housing screw connection, which in the illustrated example consists of the base 133, outer shield 13, and nut 16). The contact spring 132 of the outer shield 13 is already mounted on the outer insulator 15.

[0050] The base 133 of the outer shield 13 is then (or already at an earlier stage) attached to a panel or switch cabinet wall or another housing wall 4, and screwed therein by nuts 16 (see Figures 11A and 11B).

[0051] Finally, the assembled and soldered printed circuit board 30 is placed inside the device (see Figures 12A to 12C). In this step, the inner components of the hybrid plug connector part 1 are joined to the housing screw connection. The contact spring electrically connects the housing screw connection to the corresponding terminal contact portion 130. Depending on the structure of the printed circuit board layout, there may be an electrical connection between the inner shield 12 and the outer shield 13, or the shield potentials may be separated or connected differently (see below).

[0052] According to Figure 12B, the mating contact 300A for the terminal contact portion 120 of the inner shield 12 and the mating contact 300B for the terminal contact portion 130 of the outer shield 13 are electrically isolated from each other.

[0053] According to Figure 12C, the mating contact 300A for the terminal contact portion 120 of the inner shield 12 and the mating contact 300B for the terminal contact portion 130 of the outer shield 13 are electrically connected to each other by the connecting wire 301 of the printed circuit board 30.

[0054] Generally, the following steps may be defined in a method for manufacturing a terminal device 3: (a) manufacturing or selecting a printed circuit board 30 having mating contacts 300A to 300C; and (b) electrically contacting terminal contact portions 100, 110, 120, 130 of a plug connector component 1 with the mating contacts 300A to 300C of the printed circuit board 30, wherein the printed circuit board 30 is manufactured or selected such that the mating contacts 300A, 300B for the terminal contact portion 120 of the inner shield 12 and the terminal contact portion 130 of the outer shield 13 are optionally electrically isolated from each other or electrically connected to each other.

[0055] Various possibilities can be considered regarding the specific structure of the printed circuit board 30, and several examples are described below.

[0056] In the alternative shown in Figure 12B, the terminal contact portions 120 and 130 of the inner shield 12 and outer shield 13 of the plug connector component 1 are connected to the printed circuit board terminals solely for mechanical reasons and are electrically isolated from each other. Figure 19B shows the corresponding circuit diagram.

[0057] In the alternatives shown in Figures 13A and 13B, the printed circuit board 30 has an upper surface with a conductive printed circuit board layer 302A (Figure 13A) and a lower surface with a conductive printed circuit board layer 302B (Figure 13B). The mating contacts 300A and 300B (in the form of printed circuit board terminals) of the inner shield 12 and outer shield 13 are electrically connected to the different outer printed circuit board layers 302A and 302B. In the example depicted, the central printed circuit board terminal, the mating contact 300A of the inner shield 12, is electrically connected on the lower surface by contact 305 to the so-called bottom layer, which is the outer conductive printed circuit board layer 302B of the printed circuit board 30. The mating contact 300B of the outer shield 13 is electrically insulated from this printed circuit board layer 302B by an insulator 306. The printed circuit board terminal with the mating contact 300A of the inner shield 12 is electrically connected by contact 305 to the top layer, which is a further outer printed circuit board layer 302A. The mating contact 300A of the inner shield 12 is electrically isolated from this printed circuit board layer 302A by the insulator 306. The top layer and the bottom layer are galvanically isolated from each other. For example, different grounding or reference potentials may be implemented with respect to the inner shield 12 and the outer shield 13.

[0058] Figure 14 shows a further example with electrically connected mating contacts 300A and 300B of the inner shield 12 and outer shield 13, according to the circuit diagram of Figure 19A. These mating contacts 300A and 300B are electrically connected to the same ground or reference potential. For this purpose, both mating contacts 300A and 300B are connected by contacts 305 located on the same conductive printed circuit board layer. Alternative embodiments are shown in Figures 13A, 13B and 15, where the ground or reference potentials are electrically connected to each other within the printed circuit board 30.

[0059] According to Figure 15, the terminal contact portions 120 and 130 of the inner shield 12 and outer shield 13 are connected to different inner printed circuit board layers 302C and 302D. In the example depicted, the central mating contact 300A of the inner shield 12 is connected to the first inner conductive printed circuit board layer 302D, and the mating contact 300B of the outer shield 13 is connected to the second inner conductive printed circuit board layer 302C. The printed circuit board layers 302C and 302D are galvanically isolated from each other. Embodiments according to Figures 13A, 13B, and 15 can be realized as desired. For example, another embodiment could be realized by connecting the inner shield 12 and the outer shield 13 in the outer and inner printed circuit board layers.

[0060] According to Figure 16, the mating contacts 300A and 300B are connected to different fields 309 and therefore to ground or a reference potential on the same printed circuit board layer, respectively, by connecting wires 308A and 308B.

[0061] According to Figure 17, the mating contacts 300A and 300B are connected by connecting wires 308A and 308B to different ground or reference terminals that lead to other printed circuit board levels or other system components, respectively.

[0062] As shown in Figure 18, the mating contact 300A for the terminal contact portion 120 of the inner shield 12 and the mating contact 300B for the terminal contact portion 130 of the outer shield 13 are electrically connected to each other via (at least) one electrical or electronic component 31. Here, the use of at least one electrical or electronic component 31 between the shield potentials is anticipated. For this purpose, a disconnection point is provided in the connecting line 301 between the mating contacts 300A and 300B of the inner shield 12 and the outer shield 13. The disconnection point is fitted with at least one or more (series and / or parallel, SMD and / or THR) components 31. Alternatively, the connection may be made between the mating contacts 300A and 300B and the ground or reference level of the printed circuit board. This device allows, for example, the installation of a defined resistor, inductor, or capacitor, and a network of these components. If the inner shield abuts against the outer shield or ground plane and is stopped by the common-mode impedance of the data line 10, this type of device can be used, for example, to optimize unstable attenuation. Furthermore, the data line 10 can abut against the inner shield 12 and outer shield 13 and be stopped by their push-pull impedance, for example, to stop the transmission line. This use case is particularly interesting in relation to multidrop applications.

[0063] Furthermore, low-pass filters, band-pass filters, or high-pass filters, and resonant circuits may be provided between the shield potentials. These can couple and separate the shield potentials under certain operating conditions. Further embodiments involve the use of one or more diodes or one or more varistors, which enable coupling in only one direction or only in the event of a failure. From this perspective, it is conceivable that interference can be diverted from the inner shield 12 to the outer shield 13, and that external interference cannot reach the inner shield 12 of the data line 10.

[0064] If necessary, measurement techniques, optical components, or acoustic components may be attached to the connection point. These components may specifically be used for fault indication to warn of hazardous conditions or to switch off the power supply in a hybrid connection. One or more fuses or one or more switches may be provided as components. In this regard, the combination of hybrid plug connector component 1 and terminals for a residual current circuit breaker (as a component) is considered to have a particularly interesting potential for switching off the system in the event of a hazardous current at a touchable shield potential. The use of switches may specifically be used to interrupt the potential in certain operating conditions (e.g., system startup, motor starting, welding process, etc.).

[0065] Figures 19C and 19D show possible circuit diagrams relating to the use of one or more components 31 depicted. The at least one component 31 can be connected between the inner shield 12 and the outer shield 13, or the inner shield 12 and the outer shield 13 can each be connected to further components via at least one component 31.

[0066] The underlying concept of the present invention is not limited to the exemplary embodiments described above, but can be carried out in entirely different ways in principle. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0067] 1. Plug connector component 2. Mating plug connector components 3 Terminal device 4 panels, switch housing wall, another housing wall 10 data lines 11 Load line 12 Inner Shield 13. Outer Shield 14. Inner insulator 15 Outer insulator 16 nuts 30 Printed circuit boards 31 Electrical components, electronic components 100, 110, 120, 130 terminal contact part 121 Shielded wire 122 Receptacles 123, 133 base 131, 134 screw threads 132 Contact spring 136 Spring Arm 137 Opening 140, 152 latch elements 150 Legs 151 Cylindrical section 153, 155 Positioning pins 154 Shoulder section 300A~300C mating contact 301 Electrical connection wire 302A, 302B Printed Circuit Board Layer 302C printed circuit board layer, second inner conductive printed circuit board layer 302D Printed Circuit Board Layer, First Inner Conductive Printed Circuit Board Layer 303 holes 304 soldering points 305 contacts 306 Insulator 308A, 308B connecting wires 309 place

Claims

1. A plug connector component (1) for connecting to the mating plug connector component (2), - Data line (10), - An inner shield (12) surrounding the data line (10), - The line (11) located on the outside of the inner shield (12), - The data line (10), the inner shield (12), and the outer shield (13) surrounding the line (11), Includes, The inner shield (12) and the outer shield (13) each have terminal contact portions (120, 130) for electrical contact with their respective mating contacts (300A, 300B), and the inner shield (12) and the outer shield (13) are electrically isolated from each other, and are electrically connectable to each other by the terminal contact portions (120, 130). Plug connector component (1).

2. The plug connector component (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the inner shield (12) is electrically insulated from the outer shield (13) by an outer insulator (15) located inside the outer shield (13).

3. The plug connector component (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the terminal contact portion (120) of the inner shield (12) and / or the terminal contact portion (130) of the outer shield (13) are in the shape of pins.

4. The plug connector component (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the terminal contact portion (120) of the inner shield (12) and the terminal contact portion (130) of the outer shield (13) are aligned parallel to each other.

5. The plug connector component (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the terminal contact portion (120) of the inner shield (12), the terminal contact portion (130) of the outer shield (13), the terminal contact portion (100) of the data line, and the terminal contact portion (110) of the line (11) can be inserted into a hole (303) of the printed circuit board (30).

6. The plug connector component (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the outer shield (13) forms a housing screw connection portion and has at least one screw thread (131).

7. The plug connector component (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the terminal contact portion (130) of the outer shield (13) is formed on a contact spring (132), and the contact spring (132) is in contact with the base body (133) of the outer shield (13) and is preloaded in a spring-elastic manner.

8. A terminal device (3) comprising a plug connector component (1) and a printed circuit board (30) according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

9. The terminal device (3) according to claim 8, characterized in that the mating contact (300A) for the terminal contact portion (120) of the inner shield (12) and the mating contact (300B) for the terminal contact portion (130) of the outer shield (13) are electrically isolated from each other.

10. The terminal device (3) according to claim 9, characterized in that the mating contact (300A) for the terminal contact portion (120) of the inner shield (12) and the mating contact (300B) for the terminal contact portion (130) of the outer shield (13) are electrically connected to different grounds or reference potentials.

11. The terminal device (3) according to claim 8, characterized in that the mating contact (300A) for the terminal contact portion (120) of the inner shield (12) and the mating contact (300B) for the terminal contact portion (130) of the outer shield (13) are electrically connected to each other.

12. The terminal device (3) according to claim 11, characterized in that the mating contact (300A) for the terminal contact portion (120) of the inner shield (12) and the mating contact (300B) for the terminal contact portion (130) of the outer shield (13) are electrically connected to each other via at least one electrical or electronic component (31).

13. The terminal device (3) according to claim 12, characterized in that the at least one component (31) includes a resistor, an inductor, a capacitor, a diode, or a varistor.

14. The terminal device (3) according to any one of claims 8 to 13, characterized in that the mating contact (300A) for the terminal contact portion (120) of the inner shield (12) and the mating contact (300B) for the terminal contact portion (130) of the outer shield (13) are formed on mutually different printed circuit board layers (302A to 302D) of the printed circuit board (30).

15. In particular, a method for manufacturing a terminal device (3) according to any one of claims 8 to 14, - A step of manufacturing or selecting a printed circuit board (30) equipped with mating contacts (300A to 300C), - The step of electrically contacting the terminal contact portions (100, 110, 120, 130) of the plug connector component (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 7 with the mating contacts (300A to 300C) of the printed circuit board (30), Includes, The printed circuit board (30) is manufactured or selected such that the mating contacts (300A, 300B) for the terminal contact portion (120) of the inner shield (12) and the terminal contact portion (130) of the outer shield (13) are, at their discretion, electrically isolated from each other or electrically connected to each other. method.