EP3930104A1 - Coaxial cable module, electrical connector and electrical connection assembly - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to an outer conductor assembly (6) for an electrical connector (2). The outer conductor assembly (6) has a first interface (9) for electrical and mechanical contacting of an outer conductor of a corresponding electrical mating connector and a second interface (10) for electrical and mechanical contacting of metalized recesses (11) of an electrical assembly (3). The second interface (10) has a plurality of contact elements (12, 13) for contacting the electrical assembly (3). It is provided that a first group of contact elements as press-in pins (12) for interference fit in the metalized recesses (11) of the electrical assembly (3), and a second group of contact elements as spring-loaded contact elements (13) for insertion into the metalized recesses ( 11) of the electrical assembly (3) is formed.

Description

The invention relates to an outer conductor assembly for an electrical connector, having a first interface for electrical and mechanical contacting of an outer conductor of a corresponding electrical mating connector and a second interface for electrical and mechanical contacting of metallized recesses of an electrical assembly, according to the preamble of claim 1.

The invention also relates to an electrical connector.

The invention also relates to an electrical connection arrangement, having an electrical connector and an electrical assembly, in particular an electrical circuit board.

Various electrical connectors are known from electrical engineering. As is known, electrical connectors are used to transmit electrical supply signals and / or data signals to corresponding electrical mating connectors. A plug connector or mating plug connector can in particular be a plug, a printed circuit board plug, a built-in plug, a socket or a coupling. The term "connector" or "mating connector" used in the context of the invention is representative of all variants.

In particular, high demands are placed on the robustness and safety of connectors for the automotive industry and for vehicles. For example, a plug connection must withstand high loads, for example mechanical loads, and remain closed in a defined manner so that the electrical connection is not unintentionally separated, for example during operation of the vehicle. Ensuring safety is a priority, especially when it comes to the autonomous operation of vehicles and driver assistance systems.

Sometimes when a vehicle is operated autonomously or when assistance systems are used, large amounts of data from several cameras, various sensors and navigation sources have to be combined and transported, usually in real time. The operation of many devices, screens and cameras therefore requires a high-performance infrastructure in the vehicle electronics. Accordingly, the requirements for the plug-in connectors and the cable connections within a vehicle with regard to the required data rate are now very high. In order to save installation space and weight, it is also important to make the connectors as compact as possible.

Another requirement for connectors for the automotive industry is that they can be produced economically in large numbers and be easy and reliable to assemble.

An electrical connector often has an outer conductor assembly, in particular for the electromagnetic shielding of the signal transmission and for the transmission of a reference voltage between the mating connector and the electrical assembly as a contribution to the signal transmission. The quality of the electromagnetic shielding and in particular the contact resistance between the outer conductor assembly and the electrical assembly define in a not inconsiderable way the electrical properties of the entire connector and its usability for the transmission of high-frequency electrical signals. Whereas a sufficient shielding effect in the area of the first interface for connection to the corresponding electrical mating connector and within the electrical connector can be ensured comparatively easily, the passing on of the electromagnetic shielding in the area of the second interface for connection to the electrical assembly, in particular an electrical circuit board, is often difficult in practice if at the same time the mass suitability of the connector is to be maintained and the effort for mounting the connector on the electrical assembly is to be kept low.

In practice, the electrical and mechanical contact between the outer conductor assembly of the electrical connector and the electrical assembly takes place in many cases by means of a so-called interference fit or "press fit". For this purpose, several press-fit pins of the outer conductor assembly are placed under a certain Press-in pressure pressed into the associated metallized recesses in the electrical assembly. In this way, a cold welding is caused and a material connection is formed between the press-fit pins and the recesses.

However, the maximum press-in pressure that can be supplied is limited in order to avoid the formation of cracks and breaks in the electrical assembly, in particular an electrical circuit board. For this reason, a defined minimum distance between two adjacent press-fit pins should not be undershot. The smallest possible distance between the press-fit pins is, however, desirable in order to provide a high shielding effect and a low contact resistance, in particular if the plug connector is to be used for the transmission of high-frequency electrical signals.

In view of the known state of the art, the object of the present invention is to provide an outer conductor assembly which offers a particularly high shielding effect, especially in the transition area to an electrical assembly, and which is preferably economical to manufacture and easy to assemble as part of mass production.

The present invention is also based on the object of providing an electrical plug connector which offers a particularly high shielding effect, in particular in the transition area to an electrical assembly, and which can preferably be manufactured economically and easily assembled in the context of mass production.

Finally, it is also the object of the invention to provide an improved electrical connection arrangement which can advantageously be suitable for use in high-frequency technology.

The object is achieved for the outer conductor assembly with the features listed in claim 1. With regard to the electrical connector, the object is achieved by the features of claim 8. With regard to the electrical connection arrangement, the object is achieved by claim 12.

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

An outer conductor assembly for an electrical connector is provided. The outer conductor assembly has a first interface for electrical and mechanical contacting of an outer conductor of a corresponding electrical mating connector and a second interface for electrical and mechanical contacting of metallized recesses of an electrical assembly. The second interface has a plurality of contact elements for contacting the electrical assembly.

The outer conductor assembly is preferably made in one piece, but can optionally also be made in several parts.

The outer conductor assembly can optionally have a spring cage adjacent to the first interface for connection to the outer conductor of a corresponding mating connector.

The outer conductor assembly is preferably formed entirely from an electrically conductive material. In principle, however, the outer conductor assembly can also have electrically insulating components, for example seals and / or latching elements made of plastic. The outer conductor assembly is preferably designed to electromagnetically shield connector components of the electrical connector. The outer conductor assembly is preferably also designed to provide an impedance-controlled electrical transition between the electrical assembly and the mating connector.

The outer conductor assembly can be formed partially, essentially or preferably completely from a metal, preferably a sheet metal.

The first interface can be formed in particular in the area of the “front” end of the outer conductor assembly or in the area of the front end of the electrical connector equipped with the outer conductor assembly. The second interface can in particular in the area of the "rear" end of the outer conductor assembly or in the area of the rear end of the equipped with the outer conductor assembly electrical connector be formed. The two interfaces can preferably be arranged at opposite ends (along the longitudinal axis or central axis) of the outer conductor assembly or of the electrical connector equipped with the outer conductor assembly.

The outer conductor assembly is preferably designed in the form of a sleeve in order to suitably encase plug connector components of the electrical plug connector that are to be shielded electromagnetically.

The outer conductor assembly can have a straight, curved or angled course, in particular also a right-angled course for use in an angled connector.

According to the invention, it is provided that a first group of the contact elements is designed as press-fit pins (also known by the term “press-fit pins”) for an interference fit in the metallized recesses of the electrical assembly.

This press-fit technique is known in particular as a connection technique in the field of electrical circuit boards and has proven itself to produce solder-free electrical connections. With this technique, the outside diameter of the press-fit pins is slightly larger than the inside diameter of the metallized recesses. The “overpressing” that occurs during the press-in process can be absorbed by the deformation in the recess and / or by the deformation of the press-fit pin. The force that has been built up creates a cohesive, cold-welded or gas-tight connection.

The use of the interference fit to connect the electrical connector to the electrical assembly can be advantageous because, for example, there is no thermal load on the components involved. The press-fit connections can also be made very quickly and easily. Furthermore, the gas-tight connection can lastingly counteract the aging and corrosion of the connector.

As already mentioned at the beginning, however, it is a disadvantage of the interference fit that relatively high press-in forces are naturally required for the press-in, which mechanically stresses the electrical assembly and the outer conductor assembly accordingly during assembly. Accordingly, a component-dependent minimum distance between adjacent contact elements and thus also a maximum number of contact elements should not be undershot.

According to the invention, it is proposed that a second group of the contact elements be designed as spring-loaded contact elements for insertion into the metallized recesses of the electrical assembly.

The spring-loaded contact elements are preferably designed in the form of angled contact feet or spring tabs. In particular, the spring-loaded contact elements can be angled and protrude laterally from the outer conductor assembly at least in sections.

The spring-loaded contact elements preferably do not run coplanar with the wall of the outer conductor assembly.

Because two different groups of contact elements are provided according to the invention, the first group having press-fit pins for the interference fit and the second group having spring-loaded contact elements, the number or density of contact elements can advantageously be increased without assembly-related damage or breakage of the electrical assembly, such as an electrical circuit board to risk. Due to the increased density of contact elements or the reduction in the minimum distance between the contact elements, the shielding effect of the outer conductor assembly can finally be increased sufficiently and the contact resistance can be reduced in order to provide an electrical connector for the transmission of high-frequency electrical signals. Furthermore, an impedance-controlled transition between the outer conductor assembly and the electrical assembly can be provided.

The outer diameter of the press-fit pins are preferably larger than the inner diameter of the metallized recesses of the electrical assembly in order to enable the interference fit.

In contrast, the outer diameter of the spring-loaded contact elements are preferably smaller than the inner diameter of the metallized recesses of the electrical assembly. Because the spring-loaded contact elements can be inserted into the metallized recesses without any significant expenditure of force, the electrical assembly is mechanically relieved. At the same time, the bias of the spring-loaded contact element creates a mechanically and electrically secure connection between the outer conductor assembly and the electrical assembly.

The press-fit pins can have an insertion section at their free ends, the outer diameter of which is smaller than the inner diameter of the metallized recesses. It can be provided that the cross section of the press-fit pin widens starting from the insertion section. This can facilitate the insertion of the press-fit pin. In addition, the press-in pressure required for pressing the press-in pin into the recess can increase steadily during the press-in process, which can further reduce the mechanical stress on the components involved.

It can be provided that the press-fit pins are made longer than the spring-loaded contact elements, are preferably made at least 10% longer, particularly preferably are made at least 20% longer, very particularly preferably are made at least 50% longer and even more preferably at least are trained 100% longer.

In an advantageous development of the invention, it can be provided that the press-fit pins have an elastic deformation zone at least along a section of their longitudinal axis. The deformation zone is preferably formed by a central material recess.

The press-fit pins can in particular have an elongated material recess or a slot oriented along the longitudinal axis of the press-fit contact, preferably in the manner of the eye of a needle.

It can be provided that the material recess does not extend completely through the material of the press-fit pin, but is designed, for example, only as a recess or groove, for example also as a recess on both sides.

A plurality of material recesses can also be provided, which are preferably arranged distributed along the longitudinal axis of the respective press-fit pin.

It can also be provided that the press-fit pins do not have any deformation zone, but instead are solid.

According to a further development of the invention, it can be provided that the second interface is formed on an end section of a sleeve-shaped circumferential wall of the outer conductor assembly facing the electrical assembly. The contact elements preferably extend, starting from the end section, in the direction of the assembly.

The contact elements preferably run in an extension of the wall of the outer conductor assembly.

The contact elements are preferably arranged in a ring shape, for example rectangular, oval or round, in the region of the second interface.

According to a development of the invention it can be provided that the contact elements are arranged distributed along the circumference of the sleeve-shaped circumferential wall. The contact elements are preferably arranged symmetrically and / or uniformly or equidistantly distributed.

The contact elements can be arranged distributed along the circumference, preferably axially symmetrically. A point-symmetrical arrangement can, however, also be provided. In addition, an equidistant distribution of the contact elements can be particularly suitable, with a non-equidistant distribution also being able to be provided in individual cases.

In a further development of the invention it can be provided that at least one of the spring-loaded contact elements is arranged along the circumference of the sleeve-shaped circumferential wall between two press-fit pins.

However, it is not absolutely necessary to arrange one or more spring-loaded contact elements between all adjacent press-fit pins, depending on the distance between the press-fit pins.

In principle, a large number of press-in pins is preferred to reduce the transition resistance between the outer conductor assembly and the electrical assembly, which is why it can be provided to use more press-in pins than spring-loaded contact elements. In general, however, any number of press-fit pins and any number of spring-loaded contact elements can be provided. The ratio between the number of press-fit pins and the number of spring-loaded contact elements can be arbitrary.

Preferably two to ten or more spring-loaded contact elements are provided, more preferably four to eight spring-loaded contact elements, in particular exactly six spring-loaded contact elements. However, only a single spring-loaded contact element can also be provided.

Preferably two to ten or more press-fit pins are provided, particularly preferably four to eight press-fit pins, for example exactly four press-fit pins. However, only a single press-fit pin can also be provided.

In a further development of the invention, it can be provided that the outer conductor assembly is formed in one piece, preferably from a stamped and bent part.

The outer conductor assembly can in particular be designed in one piece with the contact elements (press-fit pins and / or spring-loaded contact elements). However, it can also be provided that the outer conductor assembly and the contact elements are formed in several parts. A one-piece production of the outer conductor assembly from sheet metal can be particularly suitable for mass production.

In an advantageous development of the invention, it can be provided that the outer conductor assembly, in particular the contact elements (press-in pins and / or spring-loaded contact elements), are made from aluminum bronze.

In principle, the outer conductor assembly or the contact elements can be made of any metal or any metal alloy, for example made of brass, bronze and / or beryllium copper. However, the inventors have recognized that aluminum bronze can be suitable for a particularly good connection between the electrical connector and the electrical assembly.

The surface of the outer conductor assembly, in particular the contact elements (press-fit pins and / or spring-loaded contact elements) can be bare, nickel-plated, tin-plated, gold-plated and / or palladium-plated.

The invention also relates to an electrical connector having an outer conductor assembly according to the statements above and below.

By using the proposed outer conductor assembly in the connector, the setting forces for mounting the electrical connector on or on the electrical assembly can be reduced in an advantageous manner.

A connector according to the invention can advantageously be suitable for the transmission of high-frequency electrical signals. The connector and its attachment to the electrical assembly can also be robust and yet compact.

The electrical connector can preferably be designed as an angled connector. The electrical connector can, however, also be designed in a non-angled manner.

The electrical connector is preferably designed as a printed circuit board connector (plug or socket) or as a cable connector (plug or coupling).

The electrical connector can in particular be designed to provide a modular connector system, for example an H-MTD connector. The electrical connector, however, is not restricted to a specific connector type, the invention being particularly suitable for connectors for high-frequency technology. In particular, they can also be connectors of the type PL, BNC, TNC, SMBA (FAKRA), SMA, SMB, SMS, SMC, SMP, BMS, HFM (FAKRA-Mini), BMK, Mini-Coax or MATE-AX .

The connector according to the invention can be used particularly advantageously within a vehicle, in particular a motor vehicle. The term “vehicle” describes any means of transport, in particular vehicles on land, on water or in the air, including spacecraft. Possible areas of application are autonomous driving, driver assistance systems, navigation systems, "infotainment" systems, rear entertainment systems, Internet connections and wireless gigabit (IEEE 802.11ad standard). Possible applications relate to high-resolution cameras, for example 4K and 8K cameras, sensors, onboard computers, high-resolution screens, high-resolution dashboards, 3D navigation devices and mobile phones.

The connector according to the invention is suitable for any application within the entire electrical engineering sector and is not to be understood as being restricted to use in vehicle technology. However, the electrical connector is preferably a purely electrical connector and has no optical components.

In an advantageous development of the invention, it can be provided that the electrical connector has an electrically insulating housing assembly with a mechanical interface for connecting the electrical connector to the corresponding mating connector.

The mechanical interface can have means for mechanical coding, in particular to ensure correct alignment of the connector and the mating connector and / or to ensure that only approved mating connectors can be mechanically connected to the connector.

The mechanical interface can have latching means for latching between the connector and the mating connector.

The mechanical interface can have one or more seals.

The outer conductor assembly can be received in the housing assembly, preferably in a form-fitting and / or force-fitting manner. However, a reverse arrangement can also be provided, according to which the housing assembly is received in the outer conductor assembly, preferably in a form-fitting and / or force-fitting manner.

It can be provided that the outer conductor assembly protrudes from the housing assembly with an end section at a second (rear) end of the housing assembly opposite the mechanical interface. This enables a mechanical and / or electrical connection to the electrical assembly (for example a cable, a device housing or an electrical circuit board) in a particularly simple manner.

The electrically insulating housing assembly is preferably made in one piece, but can optionally also be made in several parts. The housing assembly can optionally have seals and / or fastening elements, for example.

The housing assembly is preferably formed exclusively from an electrically insulating material. In principle, however, the housing assembly can also have electrically conductive components, for example connecting elements for connecting the connector to an electrical circuit board or to a corresponding mating connector, for example spring tabs, screw elements and / or latching elements.

The housing assembly can be formed partially, essentially or preferably completely from a plastic.

The outer conductor assembly can optionally have at least one fastening strap that can be bent from a basic state into a fastening state in order to fasten the outer conductor assembly to the housing assembly within the scope of the connector assembly. The proposed fastening can provide a massive undercut between the housing assembly and the outer conductor assembly. As a result, the housing assembly can be secured to a significant extent on the outer conductor assembly (or vice versa), preferably against being pulled forwards or against the plugging direction of a corresponding mating connector. Alternatively, however, some other type of fastening between the outer conductor assembly and the housing assembly can also be provided, for example a press fit or fastening by means of fastening claws.

In an advantageous development of the invention, it can be provided that the electrical connector has at least one electrical inner conductor contact element which extends through the outer conductor assembly from a first end arranged within the first interface to a second end arranged within the second interface, the inner conductor contact element is designed at its first end for electrical and mechanical contacting of a corresponding inner conductor of the electrical mating connector and at its second end for electrical and mechanical contacting of a corresponding inner conductor of the electrical assembly.

In principle, the electrical connector can have any number of inner conductor contact elements, for example only exactly one inner conductor contact element. However, the electrical connector preferably has two to twelve inner conductor contact elements, in particular two inner conductor contact elements, four inner conductor contact elements or eight inner conductor contact elements.

The housing assembly can optionally be designed to accommodate more than one outer conductor assembly, for example two outer conductor assemblies or more outer conductor assemblies, three outer conductor assemblies or more outer conductor assemblies, four outer conductor assemblies or even more outer conductor assemblies. Alternatively or in addition, it can be provided that the at least one outer conductor assembly is designed to shield several inner conductor contact elements separately from one another. The outer conductor assembly is preferably designed to shield two inner conductor contact elements together from any further inner conductor contact elements that may be present.

The electrical connector can also have several outer conductor assemblies, for example two or even more outer conductor assemblies, four or even more outer conductor assemblies or eight or more outer conductor assemblies. Each outer conductor assembly preferably shields exactly two inner conductor contact elements electromagnetically.

In addition to the insulating housing assembly and the outer conductor assembly, the electrical connector can also have further connector components. For example, it can be provided that the electrical connector is one or has a plurality of insulating parts made of an electrically insulating material in order to electrically isolate the at least one inner conductor contact element from the outer conductor assembly and to fix it mechanically within the outer conductor assembly. In principle, the electrical connector can also have any further components, such as seals or fastening elements for fastening to an electrical assembly (e.g. a cable or a printed circuit board).

In a further development of the invention it can be provided that the maximum center-to-center distance between directly adjacent contact elements along the circumference of the sleeve-shaped wall of the second interface corresponds to a quarter of the wavelength of the signal frequency provided for signal transmission with the electrical connector.

The electromagnetic shielding can thus be optimized for the wavelength to be used. The signal frequency provided for signal transmission with the electrical connector can be, for example, 20 GHz.

It can be provided that the maximum center-to-center distance between directly adjacent contact elements is 0.5 mm to 4.0 mm, preferably 1.0 mm to 2.0 mm, particularly preferably about 1.5 mm, for example 1, 6 mm. The center-to-center distance can, however, also be less than 0.5 mm or greater than 4.0 mm.

The invention also relates to an electrical connection arrangement, comprising an electrical connector according to the preceding and following statements and an electrical assembly, in particular an electrical circuit board, with metallized recesses for electrical and mechanical contact with the second interface of the outer conductor assembly of the electrical connector.

The electrical connection arrangement according to the invention can preferably be designed as a connection arrangement comprising an electrical circuit board connector and an electrical circuit board. In principle, however, any connection arrangement composed of an electrical connector and an electrical assembly can be provided, for example also an electrical cable connector that is attached to an electrical assembly designed as a cable or a electrical device connector that is attached to a device housing of an electrical assembly.

In an advantageous manner, an electrical connection arrangement can be provided in which the electrical connector can be mounted on the electrical assembly with reduced mounting force. The known interference fit or press-fit connection can be significantly improved by the spring-loaded contact elements proposed according to the invention (which can also be referred to as “contact springs”).

The shielding effect in the transition area between the electrical connector and the electrical assembly can be improved according to the invention, while at the same time cracking or breaking in the circuit board or in the electrical assembly is avoided during assembly.

It can be provided that the spring-loaded contact elements are only inserted into the associated metallized recesses against an elastic restoring force and not pressed in Apply metal coating of the recesses.

The spring-loaded contact elements and the metallized recesses are preferably designed so that when the spring-loaded contact elements are inserted into the recesses, there is no cold welding, but instead a fastening based on elastic pretensioning.

In an advantageous development of the invention, it can be provided that the metallized recesses are designed as plated-through holes ("vias") and / or blind holes in the electrical assembly, in particular in the electrical circuit board. A recess in the electrical assembly can also be provided.

The contact between the spring-loaded contact elements and the metallized recesses of the electrical assembly is preferably formed radially. In a A preferred development of the invention can thus provide that the spring-loaded contact elements are designed to contact the metallized recesses radially on their inner surface under mechanical prestress when the sprung contact elements are inserted into the metallized recesses.

In so far as the metallized recesses are designed as blind bores or depressions, an end contact can alternatively or additionally also be provided.

In one embodiment of the invention it can be provided that the press-fit pins, the spring-loaded contact elements and / or the metallized recesses have a round or rectangular cross section. Further (in particular polygonal) cross-sections can also be provided.

In particular, a square cross-sectional profile, optionally with rounded corners, can be particularly suitable for forming the press-fit pins and / or the spring-loaded contact elements.

In an advantageous embodiment of the invention it can be provided that the diameter of all metallized recesses provided for contacting the outer conductor assembly is identical.

This can further simplify the manufacturing outlay for the electrical assembly or the printed circuit board.

Features that have been described in connection with one of the objects of the invention, namely given by the outer conductor assembly according to the invention, the electrical connector according to the invention and the electrical connection arrangement according to the invention, can also be advantageously implemented for the other objects of the invention. Likewise, advantages that were mentioned in connection with one of the subjects of the invention can also be understood in relation to the other subjects of the invention.

In addition, it should be pointed out that terms such as “comprising”, “having” or “with” do not exclude any other features or steps. Also include terms such as "a" or "that", which indicate a single number of steps or features, not a plurality of features or steps - and vice versa.

In a puristic embodiment of the invention, however, it can also be provided that the features introduced in the invention with the terms “comprising”, “having” or “with” are conclusively enumerated. Accordingly, one or more lists of features can be regarded as complete within the scope of the invention, for example, considered for each claim. The invention can consist exclusively of the features mentioned in claim 1, for example.

It should be mentioned that terms such as “first” or “second” etc. are used primarily for reasons of distinguishing the respective device or method features and are not necessarily intended to indicate that features are mutually dependent or related to one another. In addition, the term "outer conductor" of the outer conductor assembly should not be understood to mean that an inner conductor or an inner conductor contact element must be provided.

It should also be emphasized that the values and parameters described here have deviations or fluctuations of ± 10% or less, preferably ± 5% or less, more preferably ± 1% or less, and very particularly preferably ± 0.1% or less of the respectively named Include value or parameter, provided that these deviations are not excluded when implementing the invention in practice. The specification of ranges by start and end values also includes all those values and fractions that are enclosed by the respectively named range, in particular the start and end values and a respective mean value.

The invention also relates to an outer conductor assembly for an electrical connector, which is independent of claim 1, having at least one press-fit pin for interference fit in recesses of an electrical assembly and at least one spring-loaded contact element for press-fit into the recesses of the electrical assembly. The further features of claim 1 and the dependent claims as well as the features described in the present description relate to advantageous embodiments and variants of this outer conductor assembly.

Exemplary embodiments of the invention are described in more detail below with reference to the drawing.

The figures each show preferred exemplary embodiments in which individual features of the present invention are shown in combination with one another. Features of an exemplary embodiment can also be implemented separately from the other features of the same exemplary embodiment and can accordingly be easily combined by a person skilled in the art to form further meaningful combinations and sub-combinations with features of other exemplary embodiments.

In the figures, functionally identical elements are provided with the same reference symbols.

Figur 1

eine elektrische Verbindungsanordnung aus einem elektrischen Steckverbinder und einer elektrischen Baugruppe in einer perspektivischen Darstellung;

Figur 2

die Außenleiterbaugruppe des Steckverbinders der Figur 1 in einer perspektivischen Einzeldarstellung;

Figur 3

ein Isolierteil des Steckverbinders der Figur 1 in einer perspektivischen Einzeldarstellung;

Figur 4

zwei Innenleiterkontaktelemente des Steckverbinders der Figur 1 in einer perspektivischen Einzeldarstellung;

Figur 5

die Außenleiterbaugruppe der Figur 2 in einer Draufsicht auf die zweite Schnittstelle;

Figur 6

einen Querschnitt durch eine elektrische Baugruppe mit metallisierten Durchkontaktierungen zur Aufnahme von Einpressstiften und gefederten Kontaktelementen während der Montage des elektrischen Steckverbinders auf der elektrischen Baugruppe;

Figur 7

einen Querschnitt gemäß Figur 6 nach der Montage des elektrischen Steckverbinders auf der elektrischen Baugruppe;

Figur 8

eine perspektivische Ausschnittsvergrößerung zweier gefederter Kontaktelemente und eines dazwischen angeordneten Einpressstifts der Außenleiterbaugruppe des Steckverbinders der Figur 1 ;

Figur 9

einen Ausschnitt der zweiten Schnittstelle des Steckverbinders der Figur 1 in einer Seitenansicht; und

Figur 10

einen Ausschnitt der zweiten Schnittstelle des Steckverbinders der Figur 1 in einer Rückansicht.

They show schematically:

Figure 1

an electrical connection arrangement comprising an electrical connector and an electrical assembly in a perspective illustration;

Figure 2

the outer conductor assembly of the connector of the Figure 1 in a perspective individual representation;

Figure 3

an insulating part of the connector of the Figure 1 in a perspective individual representation;

Figure 4

two inner conductor contact elements of the connector of the Figure 1 in a perspective individual representation;

Figure 5

the outer conductor assembly of the Figure 2 in a plan view of the second interface;

Figure 6

a cross section through an electrical assembly with metallized vias for receiving press-fit pins and spring-loaded contact elements during assembly of the electrical connector on the electrical assembly;

Figure 7

a cross section according to Figure 6 after mounting the electrical connector on the electrical assembly;

Figure 8

a perspective enlargement of a detail of two spring-loaded contact elements and a press-fit pin of the outer conductor assembly of the connector of FIG Figure 1 ;

Figure 9

a section of the second interface of the connector of Figure 1 in a side view; and

Figure 10

a section of the second interface of the connector of Figure 1 in a rear view.

Figure 1 shows an electrical connection arrangement 1, having an electrical connector 2 and an electrical assembly 3. However, this is not to be understood as restrictive. In principle, any electrical connector and any electrical assembly can be provided within the scope of the invention. The electrical connector 2 is designed as an angled connector 2 in the exemplary embodiments, but can in principle also be designed as a non-angled or straight connector.

The electrical connector 2 has an electrically insulating housing assembly 4 with a mechanical interface 5 for connecting the electrical connector 2 to a corresponding mating connector (not shown). The housing assembly 4 is formed in one piece from a plastic.

The electrical connector 2 also has an outer conductor assembly 6 received in a form-fitting manner in the housing assembly 4. The outer conductor assembly 6 is shown in FIG Figure 2 shown in a single representation.

The fastening between the outer conductor assembly 6 and the housing assembly 4 can in principle be arbitrary. In the exemplary embodiment, the outer conductor assembly 6 has two fastening tabs 7 that can be bent over. In her (not shown) In the basic state, the fastening tabs 7 are able to release an assembly movement for assembling the housing assembly 4 on the outer conductor assembly 6 along the longitudinal axis L of the housing assembly 4. In the bent-over fastening state shown, however, the fastening tabs 7 are able to block the housing assembly 4 on the outer conductor assembly 6 in a form-fitting manner. For this purpose, the housing assembly 4 has a fastening web 8 (cf. Figure 1 ), behind the fastening edge of which the fastening tabs 7 engage.

The outer conductor assembly 6 has a first interface 9 for making electrical and mechanical contact with an outer conductor of the corresponding electrical mating connector. The outer conductor assembly 6 also has a second interface 10 for electrical and mechanical contacting of metallized recesses 11 (cf. Figures 1 , 6 and 7 ) the electrical assembly or the circuit board 3. For contacting the circuit board 3, the second interface 10 has a plurality of contact elements 12, 13.

The electrical connector 2 preferably has at least one inner conductor contact element 14. In the exemplary embodiment, the electrical connector 2 has exactly two inner conductor contact elements 14, which are shown in FIG Figure 4 are shown separately. The inner conductor contact elements 14 extend from a first end 15 arranged within the first interface 9 to a second end 16 arranged within the second interface 10 through the outer conductor assembly 6 (cf. in particular the dashed representation in FIG Figure 5 ). At its first end 15, the inner conductor contact element 14 is designed for electrical and mechanical contacting of a corresponding inner conductor of the electrical mating connector. At its second end 16, the inner conductor contact element 14 is designed for electrical and mechanical contacting of a corresponding conductor / inner conductor of the electrical assembly or the electrical circuit board 3 (for example a conductor track or a plated through hole).

The electrical connector 2 can also have further connector components. The electrical connector 2 of the exemplary embodiment has an insulating part 17 received within the outer conductor assembly 6, in which the inner conductor contact elements 14 are guided individually. The insulating part 17 is exemplified in Figure 3 shown in a single representation. Through the insulating part 17 can the inner conductor contact elements 14 be sufficiently fixed in the electrical connector 2 and electrically isolated from the outer conductor assembly 6.

The outer conductor assembly 6 can on the one hand serve to shield the inner conductor contact elements 14 electromagnetically. The outer conductor assembly 6 can also assume the function of an electrical outer conductor for transmitting an electrical reference signal in the context of signal transmission.

In order to make contact with the electrical assembly or the printed circuit board 3, it is provided that the contact elements 12, 13 are divided into two groups. A first group of the contact elements is designed as press-fit pins 12 for an interference fit in the metallized recesses 11 of the electrical assembly or printed circuit board 3. A second group of the contact elements is designed as spring-loaded contact elements 13 for pressing into the metallized recesses 11 of the electrical assembly or printed circuit board 3. The press-in pins 12 can in particular have _{an elastic deformation zone along a section of their longitudinal axis L E} , which is preferably formed by a central material recess 18 in the manner of a slot or the eye of a needle, as shown.

In the Figures 6 and 7 the different press-in processes of the press-fit pins 12 and the spring-loaded contact elements 13 in the metallized recesses 11 are visualized. Whereas the pressing in of the press-in pins 12 leads to a cold welding or a cohesive, gas-tight connection, the spring-loaded contact elements 13 are fastened in the metallized recesses 11 by elastic pretensioning of the spring-loaded contact elements 13.

Because spring-loaded contact elements 13 are now also used in addition to the press-in pins 12, a closer arrangement of contact elements 12, 13 can take place with a constant or even reduced press-in force. Damage to the electrical assembly or the electrical circuit board 3 as a result of the pressing in can thereby be avoided. It is nevertheless possible to improve the shielding in the area of the second interface 10 by arranging the contact elements 12, 13 more closely.

The inner conductor contact elements 14 can have a deformation region 19 at their second end 16, similar to the press-fit pins 12. In this way, the inner conductor contact elements 14 can also be pressed into the electrical assembly or into the electrical circuit board 3. In principle, however, any desired fastening technology can be provided between the inner conductor contact elements 14 and the electrical assembly or the printed circuit board 3, for example also a soldering technology.

Figure 5 shows an example of a view from below of the outer conductor assembly 6. It can be seen that the second interface 10 is formed on an end section of a sleeve-shaped circumferential wall 20 of the outer conductor assembly 6 facing the electrical assembly or printed circuit board 3, starting from which the contact elements 12 are located , 13 extend in the direction of the electrical assembly or printed circuit board 3. The contact elements 12, 13 are arranged distributed along the circumference of the sleeve-shaped circumferential wall 20. In the exemplary embodiment, the contact elements 12, 13 are arranged axially symmetrically and distributed equidistantly in some areas. Due to the proposed use of press-fit pins 12 and spring-loaded contact elements 13, the maximum center-to-center distance D (cf. Figure 5 ) between the contact elements 12, 13 immediately adjacent along the circumference of the sleeve-shaped circumferential wall 20 of the second interface 10 than when press-fit pins 12 are used exclusively Connector 2 correspond to the intended signal frequency.

In the exemplary embodiment, the metallized recesses are designed as plated-through holes 11 in the electrical circuit board 3 (cf. in particular the Figures 6 and 7 ). The metallized recesses can, however, also be designed as blind holes or depressions.

The inner diameter of all of the metallized recesses 11 provided for making contact with the outer conductor assembly 6 is preferably identical in order to simplify the manufacture of the electrical assembly or the electrical circuit board 3.

In Figure 8 a section of the second interface 10 of the outer conductor assembly 6 is shown enlarged. Figure 9 also shows a side view and Figure 10 one Rear view of the electrical plug connector 2 in the area of the second interface 10 of the outer conductor assembly 6. The outer conductor assembly 6 is preferably formed in one piece, particularly preferably from a stamped and bent part. Aluminum bronze has proven to be a particularly advantageous material for forming the outer conductor assembly 6.

The press-fit pins 12, spring-loaded contact elements 13 and / or metallized recesses 11 preferably have a round or - as in the exemplary embodiment - rectangular cross-section (optionally with rounded corners).

To facilitate insertion, it can be provided that the press-in pins 12 are made longer than the spring-loaded contact elements 13. The press-in pins 12 can also have an insertion section with a reduced cross-section at their free ends, which is widened in the area of the deformation zone (cf. in particular Figure 8 ).

The press-fit pins 12 are preferably designed coplanar with the circumferential wall 20 of the outer conductor assembly 6 and extend in a straight line in the direction of the electrical assembly or printed circuit board 3. The spring-loaded contact elements 13 are preferably angled and do not run coplanar with the circumferential wall 20 (cf. in particular the Figures 9 and 10 ). Alternative configurations of the spring-loaded contact elements 13 and / or press-fit pins 12 can, however, also be provided.

Claims (15)

Outer conductor assembly (6) for an electrical connector (2), having a first interface (9) for electrical and mechanical contacting of an outer conductor of a corresponding electrical mating connector and a second interface (10) for electrical and mechanical contacting of metallized recesses (11) of an electrical assembly (3), the second interface (10) having a plurality of contact elements (12, 13) for contacting the electrical assembly (3),
characterized in that
a first group of the contact elements as press-fit pins (12) for interference fit in the metallized recesses (11) of the electrical assembly (3), and a second group of the contact elements as spring-loaded contact elements (13) for insertion into the metallized recesses (11) of the electrical assembly (3) is formed. Outer conductor assembly (6) according to claim 1,
characterized in that
the press-fit pins (12) have an elastic deformation zone, at least along a section of their longitudinal axis (L _E ), which is preferably formed by a central material recess (18). Outer conductor assembly (6) according to claim 1 or 2,
characterized in that
the second interface (10) is formed on an end section of a sleeve-shaped circumferential wall (20) of the outer conductor assembly (6) facing the electrical assembly (3), starting from which the contact elements (12, 13) extend in the direction of the electrical assembly ( 3) extend. Outer conductor assembly (6) according to claim 3,
characterized in that
the contact elements (12, 13) are arranged distributed along the circumference of the sleeve-shaped circumferential wall (20), preferably arranged distributed symmetrically and / or equidistantly. Outer conductor assembly (6) according to claim 3 or 4,
characterized in that
at least one of the spring-loaded contact elements (13) is arranged along the circumference of the sleeve-shaped circumferential wall (20) between two press-fit pins (12). Outer conductor assembly (6) according to one of claims 1 to 5,
characterized in that
the outer conductor assembly (6) is formed in one piece, preferably from a stamped and bent part. Outer conductor assembly (6) according to one of claims 1 to 6,
characterized in that
the outer conductor assembly (6) is made of aluminum bronze. Electrical connector (2) having an outer conductor assembly (6) according to one of Claims 1 to 7. Electrical connector (2) according to claim 8,
marked by
an electrically insulating housing assembly (4) with a mechanical interface (5) for connecting the electrical connector (2) to the corresponding mating connector, the outer conductor assembly (6) being positively received in the housing assembly (4). Electrical connector (2) according to claim 8 or 9,
marked by
at least one inner conductor contact element (14) which extends through the outer conductor assembly (6) from a first end (15) arranged inside the first interface (9) to a second end (16) arranged inside the second interface (10), wherein the inner conductor contact element (14) its first end (15) is designed for electrical and mechanical contacting of a corresponding inner conductor of the electrical mating connector and at its second end (16) for electrical and mechanical contacting of a corresponding inner conductor of the electrical assembly (3). Electrical connector (2) according to one of Claims 8 to 10,
characterized in that
the maximum center-to-center distance (D) between directly adjacent contact elements (12, 13) along the circumference of the sleeve-shaped circumferential wall (20) of the second interface (10) a quarter of the wavelength provided for signal transmission with the electrical connector (2) Signal frequency corresponds. Electrical connection arrangement (1), comprising an electrical plug connector (2) according to one of Claims 8 to 11 and an electrical assembly, in particular an electrical circuit board (3), with metallized recesses (11) for electrical and mechanical contact with the second interface (10 ) the outer conductor assembly (6) of the electrical connector (2). Electrical connection arrangement (1) according to claim 12,
characterized in that
the metallized recesses are designed as plated-through holes (11) and / or blind holes in the electrical assembly, in particular in the electrical circuit board (3). Electrical connection arrangement (1) according to claim 12 or 13,
characterized in that
the spring-loaded contact elements (13) are designed to contact the metallized recesses (11) under mechanical prestress radially on their inner surface when the spring-loaded contact elements (13) are inserted into the metallized recesses (11). Electrical connection arrangement (1) according to one of Claims 12 to 14,
characterized in that
the outside diameter of the spring-loaded contact elements (13) is smaller than the inside diameter of the metallized recesses (11).

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