EP4264745A1

EP4264745A1 - Electrical plug-in connection and printed circuit board arrangement

Info

Publication number: EP4264745A1
Application number: EP21743452.1A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Tobias Stadler; Bernhard Aicher
Original assignee: Rosenberger Hochfrequenztechnik GmbH and Co KG
Current assignee: Rosenberger Hochfrequenztechnik GmbH and Co KG
Priority date: 2021-01-14
Filing date: 2021-07-12
Publication date: 2023-10-25
Also published as: CN116830392A; WO2022152410A1; US20240072464A1

Abstract

The present invention relates to an electrical plug-in connection (2). The present invention also relates to a printed circuit board arrangement (1). An electrical plug-in connection (2) has a plug-in connector (8) and a mating plug-in connector (9). The plug-in connector (8) contains a contact element (10), whereas the mating plug-in connector (9) contains a contact body (11) which comprises a plurality of electrically interconnected contact regions (14) which are each deformable. The contact regions (14) are arranged with respect to one another in such a way that different insertion regions (17) for inserting the contact element (10) into the contact body (11) can be formed in the contact body (11). In each case one of the contact regions (14) is arranged between at least two of the insertion regions (17) in the contact body (11) in at least one direction which runs orthogonally to a longitudinal axis (16) of the contact element (10). The contact regions (14) each adjoining the respective insertion region (17) are deformed by the contact element (10) inserted into the respective insertion region (17) in such a way that an electrical contact and a mechanical connection can be established between the plug-in connector (8) and the mating plug-in connector (9).

Description

Electrical connector and printed circuit board arrangement

The present patent application claims priority from European Patent Application No. 21 151 507, the contents of which are incorporated herein in their entirety by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to an electrical plug connection according to patent claim 1 .

The present invention also relates to a printed circuit board arrangement according to patent claim 14.

TECHNICAL BACKGROUND

In electrical devices and systems, electronic components and electronic circuits are mechanically attached to a printed circuit board (PCB) and electrically connected to one another. Due to the complexity of the electronics, they are distributed over several printed circuit boards. Electrical connections, so-called board-to-board connections, are therefore required between the printed circuit boards for the transmission of signals and electrical potentials.

If direct current signals or direct current potentials or low-frequency signals or low-frequency electrical potentials are involved, then typically simple lines or cables, for example ribbon cables, plug connectors or printed circuit boards, are used. If, on the other hand, high-frequency components and high-frequency circuits are located on the printed circuit boards, then high-frequency connections, preferably coaxial high-frequency connections, are to be provided between the printed circuit boards.

Coaxial board-to-board connections between printed circuit boards arranged in parallel are preferably implemented as three-part high-frequency connectors. Each circuit board is electrically and mechanically connected to a coaxial connector. The electrical and mechanical connection between these two coaxial connectors takes place via an interposed coaxial adapter (English: "bullet"). By interposing the coaxial adapter, it is possible to compensate for a variable distance and an axial and rotational offset between the two printed circuit boards within a certain tolerance range.

As a rule, coaxial plug connectors and coaxial adapters each have an inner conductor, an outer conductor and an insulating element which is located between the inner conductor and the outer conductor and which electrically insulates the inner conductor from the outer conductor. With a large number of high-frequency plug-in connections between the two printed circuit boards, this structure has recently been simplified for cost reasons: In this case, the outer conductor of each high-frequency plug-in connection is replaced by a common electrically conductive plate, preferably a metal plate, which is arranged between the two printed circuit boards and can also serve as a housing for the printed circuit board arrangement. The metal plate has a through-hole for each high-frequency connector. An inner conductor connection is arranged inside the through-hole concentrically to the inner migration of the through-hole. The inner conductor connection can be spaced apart from the metal plate serving as the outer conductor connection by an insulating element surrounding the inner conductor connection. Alternatively, the electrical insulation between the inner conductor and the outer conductor can be realized by providing a suitably dimensioned air gap between the inner and the outer conductor. Instead of a metal plate with a number of through-holes corresponding to the number of high-frequency plug-in connections, a metal sleeve arranged and fastened between the printed circuit boards can be used as the outer conductor for each high-frequency plug-in connection. In this way, a coaxial structure is implemented for each high-frequency plug-in connection, which ensures the transmission of a high-frequency signal with sufficient signal quality.

In the course of ongoing cost reductions, the structure and assembly of the high-frequency connector, in particular - but not exclusively - a high-frequency connector between two printed circuit boards is simplified without deteriorating the high-frequency signal transmission quality. In particular, the structure of the inner conductor connection is to be simplified here, i. H. the number of components of the inner conductor connection is to be further reduced.

Furthermore, with such a high-frequency plug-in connection, greater demands are made in bridging geometric deviations between the assemblies to be connected, for example printed circuit boards, d. H. a higher tolerance range in the distance between the assemblies or printed circuit boards as well as in the axial and rotational offset between the assemblies or printed circuit boards.

For the technological background relating to printed circuit board connectors, reference is made to US 2018/0083379 A1, which discloses a multi-pin printed circuit board connector, and WO 2010/075246 A1, which relates to an arrangement of multiple coaxial printed circuit board connectors for multi-pin signal transmission. In addition, EP 3 550 669 A1, which relates to a coaxial high-frequency plug-in connection, should also be mentioned.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Against this background, the present invention is based on the object of simplifying the construction and assembly of an electrical plug connection, in particular between electrical assemblies such as printed circuit boards, while maintaining the signal quality required for high-frequency transmission, and at the same time increasing requirements with regard to geometric deviations, for example between the assemblies or printed circuit boards to suffice. Finally, the object of the present invention is to provide a printed circuit board arrangement that is easy to assemble and that meets the increased mechanical requirements while retaining the high-frequency transmission properties.

According to the invention, this object is achieved by an electrical plug connection having the features of patent claim 1 and by a circuit board arrangement having the features of patent claim 14 .

Accordingly, it is provided:

Having an electrical plug connection

- an electrical connector and

- an electrical mating connector,

- wherein the connector has a contact element,

- wherein the mating connector has a contact body comprising a plurality of contact areas connected to one another and each deformable, the contact areas being electrically connected to one another,

- wherein the contact areas are arranged relative to one another in such a way that different insertion areas for inserting the contact element into the contact body can be formed in the contact body,

- wherein in at least one direction, which runs orthogonally to a longitudinal axis of the contact element, in each case one of the contact areas is arranged between different insertion areas (preferably between at least two of the insertion areas) in the contact body and

- The contact areas adjoining the respective insertion area are deformed by the contact element inserted in the respective insertion area in such a way that an electrical contact and a mechanical connection can be produced between the connector and the mating connector.

The contact areas are preferably arranged in relation to one another in such a way that the insertion areas are formed in the contact body, in particular between adjacently arranged contact areas.

All contact areas of the contact body are preferably electrically connected to one another. One, several or all of the contact areas can also be mechanically connected to one another; in particular, adjacent contact areas can be directly electrically and mechanically connected to one another—for example even formed in one piece with one another. However, the contact areas can also be components that are independent of one another or can be in several parts and, for example, can be electrically connected to one another indirectly via other components and/or via the contact body.

The plug connector preferably has exactly one contact element and no further contact elements or a plurality of contact elements which are electrically (and mechanically) connected to one another. The proposed electrical plug-in connection can preferably be used to produce an electrical connection between a first electrical assembly, preferably the first electrical circuit board mentioned below, and a second electrical assembly, preferably the second electrical circuit board mentioned below. However, although the electrical plug-in connection is advantageously suitable for electrically connecting two electrical assemblies and is particularly advantageous for establishing an electrical connection between two electrical printed circuit boards, the proposed electrical plug-in connection can in principle be suitable for any electrotechnical application (e.g. also for adapter applications or even for connecting two electrical cable or an electrical cable with an electrical assembly). For easier understanding, the invention is described below essentially for use as a printed circuit board connector—this should not be understood as limiting, however.

In one configuration of the plug-in connection, it can be provided that the contact element can be electrically and mechanically connected to a first electrical assembly, preferably a first electrical printed circuit board.

In one configuration of the plug-in connection, it can be provided that the contact body can be electrically and mechanically connected to a second electrical assembly, preferably a second electrical printed circuit board.

In one configuration of the plug-in connection, it can be provided that the plug-in connection has a rigid connecting element which can be arranged between two electrical assemblies (in particular can be fastened to at least one or both assemblies), preferably can be arranged or fastened between two electrical printed circuit boards. Preferably, the rigid connecting element can have a through hole, with which the connecting element encases the contact element and the contact body.

The invention also relates to:

An assembly arrangement, in particular a printed circuit board arrangement, comprising

- at least one first assembly, preferably printed circuit board,

- At least one second assembly, preferably printed circuit board, and

- at least one electrical plug connection according to the above and following statements,

- where the assemblies or printed circuit boards are arranged in different levels to each other,

- The respective electrical plug-in connection electrically connects the assemblies or printed circuit boards to one another. In one embodiment, a rigid connecting element is arranged between the assemblies or printed circuit boards, which electrically connects the first assembly or the first printed circuit board and the second assembly or the second printed circuit board to one another. The connecting element can have a through hole in order to encase the at least one electrical plug connection.

An electrical plug connection between at least two printed circuit boards has a plug connector and a mating connector. The connector includes a contact element, while the mating connector includes a contact body. If the contact element is electrically and mechanically connected to one printed circuit board and the contact body is connected to the other printed circuit board, and if electrical contact and a mechanical connection can be made between the contact element and the contact body, then a two-part inner conductor connection between the two printed circuit boards is implemented.

If the contact body has a plurality of electrically connected and deformable contact areas, which are arranged in relation to one another in such a way that different insertion areas for inserting the contact element into the contact body can be formed in the contact body, contacting between the contact element and the contact body is possible for different lateral impact positions of the contact element possible on the contact body. Thus, an axial offset between the subassembly/printed circuit board connected to the contact element and the subassembly/printed circuit board connected to the contact body can be overcome.

If the contact body with its individual contact areas has a circular profile according to the prior art, as shown in FIG. 1A, the insertion areas of the contact element shown hatched in FIG. 1A are possible within the circular contact body. No contact area of the contact body is arranged between different insertion areas. Thus, only one maximum distance Di between different insertion areas is possible, which is smaller than the diameter of the circular contact body.

If, on the other hand, a contact area is arranged between the different insertion areas of the contact element in the contact body in at least one direction that runs orthogonally to a longitudinal axis of the contact element, an increased distance between different insertion areas of the inner conductor contact element in the contact body can advantageously be realized. If several contact areas of the contact body are preferably arranged at a distance from one another in at least one direction, the distance between different insertion areas can be additionally increased. According to FIG. 1B, insertion areas for the contact element between the individual circular and concentrically arranged contact areas of the contact body are shown by way of example. In this way a distance D2 that is larger than the distance Di can be realized between different insertion areas of the contact element in the contact body. By suitably arranging the individual contact areas in the contact body, an axial offset between the two printed circuit boards can be bridged to a greater extent.

The contact areas adjoining the respective insertion area are deformed by the contact element inserted in the respective insertion area in such a way that good electrical contacting and a good mechanical connection can be established between the connector and the mating connector.

The contact element is preferably a pin-shaped contact element, i. H. a substantially cylindrically shaped contact element. Such a cylindrically shaped contact element is the easiest to manufacture and most easily fulfills the coaxiality required for high-frequency transmission with a through hole in a metal plate or metal sleeve serving as an outer conductor. With a correspondingly shaped through hole in the metal plate or in the metal sleeve, any other technically meaningful cross-sectional profile, such as a square or an elliptical cross-sectional profile, is also conceivable for the contact element.

The contact element can be inserted in the contact body with a longitudinal end, which is referred to below as the first end of the contact element.

The contact body, which comprises a plurality of contact areas which are electrically connected to one another and can each be deformed, has a more complex structure than the contact element. In the non-contacted state, the contact body is preferably arranged axially adjacent to the contact element. The end face of the contact body at the first end of the contact body can serve as an impingement surface for the contact element. In the contacted state, the contact element is inserted axially into the contact body with an axial partial area.

The basic shape of the contact element is preferably cylindrical. However, any other suitable cross-sectional profile is also conceivable, for example a square or elliptical cross-sectional profile. In order to be able to achieve a greater axial offset between the two printed circuit boards through the contacting between the contact element and the contact body, the size of the end face of the contact body is preferably designed to be a multiple of the diameter of the region of the contact element inserted into the contact body.

In this case, a diameter ratio between the end face of the contact body and the region of the contact element inserted into the contact body of preferably at least 2.5, particularly preferably at least four and very particularly preferably at least five can be achieved. In order to form different insertion areas for the contact element in the contact body, openings, gaps, recesses and/or bores can be provided at the first end of the contact body in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the contact element between the individual contact areas. The contact element can be inserted into the contact body in the individual openings, gaps, recesses and/or bores. The individual openings, gaps, recesses and/or bores can on the one hand be shaped in such a way that they only form a single insertion area for the contact element. Alternatively, the openings, gaps, recesses and/or bores can also be designed in such a way that they each offer a plurality of adjacent insertion areas, possibly a large number of insertion areas adjacent to one another, for the contact element.

The cross section of the openings, gaps, recesses and/or bores should preferably be designed such that the contact element can be inserted into the contact body and at the same time secure contact is ensured between the contact element and at least one contact area of the contact body.

The individual openings, gaps, recesses and/or bores at the first end of the contact body can also be formed over only a partial area of the longitudinal extent of the contact body. In this case, the contact element can be inserted into the contact body and contact the contact body only in a partial area of the longitudinal extension of the contact body.

Alternatively, the individual openings, gaps, recesses and/or bores can extend over the entire length of the contact body, i. H. from a first end of the contact body to an opposite second end of the contact body, and thus in each case implement a feedthrough of the contact element through the entire contact body in the longitudinal axis direction. With such a design of the individual openings, gaps, recesses and/or bores, a greater distance between the two printed circuit boards can be bridged.

With regard to good contacting, the contact element and the contact body with its individual contact areas can be made of a metallic material with good electrical conductivity, for example brass or copper. To minimize the transfer impedance between the contact element and the individual contact areas of the contact body, the associated contact areas of the contact element and the contact body can be coated with a coating material that has a higher electrical conductivity than the base material, for example gold or silver.

In order to achieve good contact pressure between the contact element and the individual contact areas of the contact body and thus reliable contact, the individual contact areas of the contact body must be designed to be deformable. For the deformability of the contact areas, they must be designed to be sufficiently elastic. The elastic restoring force of the deformed contact area generates sufficient contact pressure between the contact element and the contact body. The elasticity of Individual contact areas is preferably realized by a suitable geometric shape of the individual contact areas themselves and / or the connection or the suspension between the individual contact areas and a contact frame. The elasticity of the individual contact areas can be realized here, for example, by shaping the contact areas as contact lamellae, ie as thin contact plates or thin contact discs, or as contact springs, in particular as contact spring arms. The elastic connection or the elastic suspension of the individual contact areas within a contact frame can each take place via thinly shaped transitions, for example in the sense of a film hinge. An exemplary, specific elastic shape of the individual contact areas of the contact body is explained in detail further below.

Advantageous refinements and developments result from the further dependent claims and from the description with reference to the figures of the drawing.

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

The contact areas of the contact body adjoining the individual insertion areas can preferably form a contact surface with the contact element. The contact area must be dimensioned in such a way that a transfer impedance sufficient for contacting is guaranteed.

Alternatively, the individual contact area of the contact body can also be configured as just a single contact line or as a plurality of individual contact lines. The course of the individual contact line can be in the circumferential direction and/or in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the contact element. The longitudinal extension of the individual contact line can be implemented partially or completely over the circumference to be contacted or over the longitudinal axis extension of the contact element to be contacted. All regular and irregular courses of a contact line are conceivable. With regard to a sufficient transfer impedance between the contact element and the contact body, the width of the contact line must be dimensioned sufficiently large.

In a preferred embodiment of the electrical plug-in connection, the individual contact areas each have an extent in a direction orthogonal to the longitudinal axis of the contact element that is smaller, preferably a multiple smaller, than an extent of the contact element in the same direction.

Such a preferred design minimizes the impact of the contact element on an end face of a contact area of the contact body and thus a more difficult insertion of the contact element into an insertion area of the contact body.

At its first end, the contact element can have a longitudinal section with a preferably constant diameter, ie a cylindrical longitudinal section, which is referred to below as the first Longitudinal section is called. The first longitudinal section of the contact element is inserted in an insertion region of the contact body when the contact element is in contact with the contact body. The first longitudinal section can be inserted either completely or only partially, ie only an axial partial section of the first longitudinal section, in the insertion area. The axial extent of the first longitudinal section, which is located in the insertion area, depends on the one hand on the distance between the two printed circuit boards and on the other hand on the geometric dimensions of the contact element and the contact body. In which insertion area within the contact body, the contact element is respectively inserted results from the respective impact position of the contact element on the end face of the contact body, ie from the relative lateral position of the longitudinal axis of the contact element to the contact body. The individual contact areas of the contact body are each arranged relative to one another such that for every possible relative lateral position of the longitudinal axis of the contact element to the contact body, an insertion area is formed in the contact body, on which at least one contact area of the contact body is adjacent. Thus, for each position of the contact element relative to the contact body, there is an electrical contact and mechanical connection between the contact element and at least one contact area of the contact body.

In a preferred embodiment of the electrical plug-in connection, a further longitudinal section, which has a tapering diameter in the direction of the end of the contact element, can be connected between the first longitudinal section and the first end of the contact element. This further longitudinal section of the contact element is referred to below as the second longitudinal section.

In addition to the first end, the contact element has a second end, which is located in the area of the connection between the connector and the printed circuit board.

The narrowing of the diameter in the second longitudinal section of the contact element further improves easy and secure insertion of the contact element into the closest insertion area of the contact body for any desired relative lateral position of the contact element to the contact body.

Preferably, the narrowing of the diameter in the second longitudinal section of the contact element can be conical. Alternatively, the taper can be spherical, i. H. rounded, concave or convex. In special fields of application, several contact tips can also be formed in the second longitudinal section of the contact element.

In order to achieve complete insertion of the first longitudinal section of the contact element into an insertion area of the contact body, the longitudinal extension of the insertion areas preferably corresponds at least to the longitudinal extension of the first longitudinal section of the contact element. In the event that a second longitudinal section adjoins the first longitudinal section in the contact element, the longitudinal extension of the insertion areas preferably corresponds at least to the longitudinal extension of the first and the second longitudinal section of the contact element. In addition to or as an alternative to a contact element that has a second longitudinal section with a tapering diameter, the contact areas of the contact body can each have a cross-sectional profile that tapers toward the first end in a first cross-sectional section at a first end of the respective contact area that faces the connector. In this way, the insertion of the contact element into the closest insertion area of the contact body can also be made simpler and safer.

A conical, spherical, concavely curved or convexly curved cross-sectional profile can be selected as the tapering cross-sectional profile in the individual contact areas, in analogy to the diameter reduction in the second longitudinal section of the contact element.

The axial distance between the connector and the mating connector can determine the extent of the electrical contact between the contact element and the contact body:

In the case of contact areas that extend over the entire length of the contact body, for example in the case of the contact lamellae to be described, a partial section of the first longitudinal section with a respective axial length contacts the contact body depending on the axial distance between the connector and the mating connector.

In the case of contact areas that only extend over a partial area of the entire length of the contact body, for example in the case of the contact wire grid to be described, a partial section of the first longitudinal section makes contact in a respective axial position within the first longitudinal section, depending on the axial distance between the connector and the mating connector contact body.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the individual contact areas can be arranged in the contact body in a regular structure relative to one another. Thus, the insertion areas for the contact element formed between the individual regularly arranged contact areas are also arranged regularly. The regular structure can be in a direction orthogonal to the longitudinal direction of the contact element or alternatively in two directions orthogonal to the longitudinal direction, i. H. in a grid. The regular structure of the individual contact areas within the contact body enables a mechanically stable construction of the contact body. This is achieved in particular in that the individual contact areas are connected in the best possible way to an outer contact frame belonging to the contact body. An additional mechanical stabilization of the individual contact areas in the contact body results from arranging the individual contact areas in a specific grid.

The individual contact areas of the contact body can each be arranged within individual contact lamellae. The contact lamellae are each thin contact disks or thin contact plates, which are preferably arranged parallel to one another at a certain grid spacing. the preferably elongate contact lamellae are each aligned in their longitudinal extent in a direction orthogonal to the longitudinal axis of the contact element. They are preferably connected with their two longitudinal ends to a contact frame of the contact body, which encloses all contact blades.

Alternatively, the preferably elongate contact lamellae can each be connected at their transverse end directed towards the printed circuit board to a contact frame or a contact plate which is formed on the underside of the contact body, or directly to a contact surface on the printed circuit board. The individual contact lamellae are connected to the contact frame, to the contact plate or to the contact surface preferably in the area of one longitudinal end or both longitudinal ends of the individual contact lamellae in order to allow deformation of the contact lamella between the two longitudinal ends when the contact element is inserted between the individual contact lamellae.

The individual contact lamellae are each preferably planar along their longitudinal extent. Alternatively, a wavy shape, an angled shape or a zigzag shape of the individual contact lamellae along their length is also possible.

If the individual contact areas are arranged in a specific grid relative to one another, then they are preferably formed within individual contact wires or contact rods. These individual contact wires or contact rods are each arranged in a cross lattice with respect to one another. The individual contact wires or contact rods are preferably connected at their two longitudinal ends to a contact frame which is part of the contact body and encloses the contact wires or contact rods. The contact wires or contact rods are preferably not fixed to one another in the individual crossing points or areas, in order to allow deformation of the individual contact wires or contact rods when the contact element is inserted into the contact body. The pattern of the cross grid can be made up of individual squares or individual rhombuses by a suitable arrangement of the contact wires or contact rods relative to one another. The contact areas of the contact wires or contact rods typically result in individual contact lines corresponding to the diameter of the contact wire or contact rod.

In a further embodiment of the invention, the contact areas of the contact body can be arranged along a bent contact lamella. This bent contact lamella can preferably be formed and arranged spirally in a plane within the contact body, which is oriented orthogonally to the longitudinal axis of the contact element. With regard to good deformability of the spiral-shaped contact lamella, it is preferably connected to a contact surface or a contact area of the printed circuit board or the contact frame only at its longitudinal end positioned radially on the outside.

Alternatively, the individual contact areas of the contact body can be arranged in a plurality of contact lamellae each having a circular shape. These circular contact lamellae each have a different diameter and are arranged concentrically to one another in a plane within the contact body, which is oriented orthogonally to the longitudinal axis of the contact element. Because of the deformability of the circular contact lamellae, the contact lamellae can each be attached to the printed circuit board directed transverse end be connected only in up to two contact areas or contact points of the circuit board or the contact frame. In addition to individual circular contact lamellae, elliptical contact lamellae are also conceivable as an alternative.

Finally, in a further embodiment of the invention, the individual contact areas of the contact body can each be arranged irregularly with respect to one another. This can in particular be an electrically conductive wire mesh that is braided in three dimensions. The three-dimensionally braided wire mesh is preferably pressed to form a compacted contact body in order to suitably define the mean distance between the individual wires in all areas of the compacted contact body. The average distance between the individual wires can be determined by the compression in such a way that, on the one hand, insertion areas for the contact element can be formed between the individual wires of the wire mesh and, on the other hand, sufficient contact areas can be realized for good electrical contact and a good mechanical connection between the wire mesh and the contact element are. The contact areas of the wire mesh typically result in individual contact lines corresponding to the wire thickness of the wire mesh.

The invention also relates to a printed circuit board arrangement comprising at least a first printed circuit board and a second printed circuit board, the printed circuit boards being arranged in different planes running parallel to one another.

The printed circuit board arrangement preferably comprises two printed circuit boards. However, a printed circuit board arrangement with more than two printed circuit boards, for example three printed circuit boards, four printed circuit boards and more printed circuit boards, is also conceivable.

Due to tolerances, the individual printed circuit boards can also show a slight deviation from the parallel arrangement. A tolerance-related deviation in parallelism of, for example, up to 10°, preferably up to 5° and particularly preferably up to 4° is therefore to be understood comprehensively by the term “parallel”.

Two oppositely arranged circuit boards can be arranged axially offset from one another. Here, axial offset is understood to mean that contacts arranged on the two printed circuit boards, which are to be electrically connected to one another via a board-to-board connection, do not lie on a common connecting line which is oriented perpendicularly to the two printed circuit board planes. Rather, with an axial offset, the two contacts lie on two connecting straight lines that are spaced apart from one another.

Two printed circuit boards arranged opposite one another can also be arranged in a rotationally offset manner with respect to one another. In this context, rotational offset is understood to mean that contacts arranged on the two printed circuit boards are to be electrically connected to one another via a board-to-board connection are, lie on two parallel connecting straight lines, which are arranged spaced apart from each other by a certain angle of rotation in relation to a parallel axis of rotation.

Finally, the two printed circuit boards can be at a distance from one another if they deviate from a target distance.

Furthermore, in the printed circuit board arrangement according to the invention, a rigid connecting element can be arranged between the printed circuit boards, which electrically connects the first printed circuit board and the second printed circuit board to one another. The rigid connecting element is preferably a plate which is arranged between the two printed circuit boards and is mechanically connected to the two printed circuit boards, preferably by means of a screw connection. The rigid connecting element can be made from an electrically conductive material, preferably a metal, and can electrically connect the two printed circuit boards. The electrically conductive rigid connecting element thus makes contact in each case with a contact surface, preferably a ground contact surface, on the two printed circuit boards. Due to the ground contact, the rigid connecting element can serve as an outer conductor or as a shield for each high-frequency connection formed between the two printed circuit boards.

The connecting element can also have a through hole between the two printed circuit boards for each electrical plug connection, in particular for each high-frequency plug connection. Each electrical connector electrically connects the two conductor tracks to one another.

Instead of a metal plate with through-holes for each electrical plug connection, several metal sleeves can alternatively be provided, which are arranged between the two printed circuit boards and electrically connect the two printed circuit boards, preferably ground contact surfaces of the two printed circuit boards. An electrical plug connection between the two circuit boards is arranged in each metal sleeve.

According to the invention, the individual electrical plug connection has an electrical plug connector and an electrical mating connector.

The plug connector of the printed circuit board arrangement contains a contact element, preferably exactly one contact element, which is electrically and mechanically connected to the first printed circuit board at one end, which is referred to below as the second end of the contact element. The electrical and mechanical connection between the second end of the contact element and the first printed circuit board is preferably effected via an integral connection, for example a soldered connection. Alternatively, a non-positive connection, for example a press fit, or a positive connection can also be implemented.

The mating connector of the printed circuit board arrangement has a contact body comprising a plurality of contact areas which are electrically connected to one another and are each deformable. The contact body is on electrically and mechanically connected at its second end to the second printed circuit board. The contact body is preferably connected to the second printed circuit board via an integral connection, ie in particular via a soldered connection.

Alternatively or additionally, the contact body can also be enclosed in a housing that is connected to the second printed circuit board. The shape and size of the housing are adapted to the shape and size of the contact body. In order to enable contacting between the contact element and the contact body within the scope of the axial offset to be realized between the two printed circuit boards, the housing has a correspondingly designed opening in the region of the first end of the contact body. The contact body makes contact with an associated contact surface of the second printed circuit board with sufficient contact pressure via the enclosing of the contact body in the housing.

With regard to the electrical contacting and the mechanical connection between the contact element of the plug connector and the contact body of the mating plug connector, reference is made to the explanations given above regarding the electrical plug connection according to the invention.

The electrical insulation between the rigid connecting element serving as the outer conductor connection and the inner conductor connection composed of the contact element and the contact body is preferably provided by a suitably dimensioned air gap between the inner wall of the through hole provided in the rigid connecting element and the outer contour of the inner conductor connection composed of the contact element and the contact body. As an alternative to the air gap, a suitably dimensioned sleeve made of a dielectric material is also conceivable, which is arranged between the inner wall of the through hole and the outer contour of the inner conductor connection.

The above configurations and developments can be combined with one another as desired, insofar as this makes sense. Further possible configurations, developments and implementations of the invention also include combinations of features of the invention described above or below with regard to the exemplary embodiments that are not explicitly mentioned. In particular, the person skilled in the art will also add individual aspects as improvements or additions to the respective basic form of the present invention.

CONTENTS OF THE DRAWING

The present invention is explained in more detail below with reference to the exemplary embodiments given in the schematic figures of the drawing. They show:

1A shows a top view of a contact between the contact element and the contact body according to the prior art, 1B shows a plan view of a contact according to the invention between the contact element and the contact body,

Fig. 2A, 2B, 2C, different representations of a first embodiment of a

2D and 2E electrical connector according to the invention and an inventive

circuit board assembly,

3A and 3B show different representations of a second exemplary embodiment of an electrical plug connection according to the invention and a printed circuit board arrangement according to the invention,

4A and 4B show different representations of a third exemplary embodiment of an electrical plug connection according to the invention and a printed circuit board arrangement according to the invention,

5A and 5B show different representations of a fourth exemplary embodiment of an electrical plug-in connection according to the invention and a circuit board arrangement according to the invention and

6A and 6B show different representations of a fifth exemplary embodiment of an electrical plug connection according to the invention and a printed circuit board arrangement according to the invention.

The accompanying figures of the drawing are intended to provide a further understanding of the exemplary embodiments of the invention. They illustrate exemplary embodiments and, in connection with the description, serve to explain the principles and concepts of the invention. Other exemplary embodiments and many of the advantages mentioned will become apparent in view of the drawings. The elements of the drawings are not necessarily shown to scale with respect to one another.

In the figures of the drawing, elements, features and components that are the same, have the same function and have the same effect--unless stated otherwise--are each provided with the same reference symbols.

The figures are described in a coherent and comprehensive manner below.

DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

A first exemplary embodiment of a printed circuit board arrangement 1 according to the invention and an electrical plug connection 2 according to the invention is explained in detail below with reference to FIGS. 2A to 2E: The circuit board arrangement 1 according to the invention has at least a first circuit board 3 and a second circuit board 4 . The at least two printed circuit boards 3, 4 are arranged parallel to one another, at least within the scope of the manufacturing and assembly tolerances, and are each fitted with electronic components, integrated circuits and other mechanical, optical and acoustic components on at least one surface. In particular, the individual printed circuit boards carry high-frequency components and high-frequency circuits.

In order to electrically connect the individual high-frequency components and high-frequency circuits on the first printed circuit board 3 and the second printed circuit board 4 to one another, at least one high-frequency connection is arranged between the first printed circuit board 3 and the second printed circuit board 4 . In this case, the high-frequency connection is realized via a rigid connecting element 5 and an electrical plug connection 2 which is arranged in a through hole 6 of the rigid connecting element 5 .

The rigid connecting element 5 is preferably made of a metal and is therefore electrically conductive. The rigid connecting element 5 is connected to a common reference potential, preferably a ground potential, of the first circuit board 3 and the second circuit board 4 via contact surfaces 7 formed on associated contact surfaces of the first circuit board 3 and the second circuit board 4 . The rigid connecting element 5 thus serves as an outer conductor or as a shield for the high-frequency connection.

The electrical plug connection 2 according to the invention, which has a plug connector 8 electrically and mechanically connected to the first printed circuit board 3 and a mating plug connector 9 electrically and mechanically connected to the second printed circuit board 4, serves as the inner conductor of the high-frequency connection. The connector 8 is designed as a pin-shaped contact element 10 and the mating connector 9 is designed as a complex structured contact body 11 .

The contact element 10 is at its second end 28, i. H. at its longitudinal end directed toward the first printed circuit board 3, it is electrically and mechanically connected to an associated contact surface 12 on the first printed circuit board 3 by means of an integral connection, preferably a soldered connection. Equivalent is the contact body 11 at its second end 13, i. H. at its longitudinal end directed toward the second printed circuit board 4, with an associated contact surface 12 on the second printed circuit board 4 in a materially bonded manner (see in particular FIG. 2D).

When the electrical plug connection 2 is plugged in, the contact element 10 makes electrical contact with the contact body 11 . At the same time, the contact element 10 is mechanically connected to the contact body 11 . For the mechanical and electrical connection between the contact element 10 and the contact body 11, the contact body 11 contains a plurality of electrically interconnected and deformable contact areas 14. The individual contact areas 14 are arranged in the contact body 11 in relation to one another such that in the contact body 11 between individual contact areas 14 individual gaps 15 in the direction of the longitudinal axis 16 of the contact element 10, as is particularly evident from FIG. 2E emerges. These spaces 15 can be designed as slots, openings, bores and the like. These intermediate spaces 15 are each open at least at the first end 29 of the contact body 11 , ie at the end of the contact body 11 directed toward the contact element 10 or toward the connector 8 . Thus, the contact element 10 can be inserted into an insertion area 17 within the intermediate space 15 of the contact body 11 .

Each insertion area 17 within an intermediate space 15 is delimited by at least two contact areas 14 of the contact body 11, so that when a contact element is inserted in the insertion area 17

10 between the contact element 10 and the contact body 11 is an electrical contact. In addition, the contact areas 14 adjoining the insertion area 17 are deformed by the inserted contact element 10 such that a contact pressure sufficient for a mechanical connection is built up between the contact element 10 and the adjoining contact areas 14 of the contact body 11 .

For contacting with the contact body 11, the contact element 10 has at its first end 18, d. H. at the longitudinal end directed towards the mating connector 9 or towards the contact body 11, a first longitudinal section 19 which has a constant diameter. This constant diameter of the first longitudinal section 19 is dimensioned such that the contact element 10 can be inserted with its first longitudinal section 19 into the individual gaps 15 of the contact body 11 and at the same time a sufficient contact pressure can be built up to the adjoining contact areas 14 of the contact body 11.

The first longitudinal section 19 is preferably followed by a second longitudinal section 20 at the first end 18 of the contact element 10, which is preferably designed as a conically shaped tip. The contact element 10 can be inserted more easily into the individual intermediate spaces 15 of the contact body 11 with this tip formed in the second longitudinal section 20 . In particular, when the contact element 10 with its second longitudinal section 20 on the end face of the individual contact areas 14 of the contact body

11 should strike, the tip of the contact element 10 enables the contact element 10 to be inserted into the next adjacent gap 15 of the contact body 11.

As an alternative or in addition to the conical second longitudinal section 20 of the contact element 10, the individual contact regions 14 of the contact body 11, as indicated in FIG. 2E, can have a conical cross-sectional profile at the first end 29 of the contact body 11.

By forming the contact body 11 from a plurality of contact areas 14 and a plurality of spaces 15 arranged between them, it is possible to implement electrical contacting between the contact element 10 and the contact body 11 even with a larger axial offset between the first printed circuit board 3 and the second printed circuit board 4. If there is no axial offset between the first printed circuit board 3 and the second printed circuit board 4, then the longitudinal axis 16 of the contact element 10 is located along the axis Ai indicated in FIG. 2B. In the case of an axial offset AAOFF comes the Longitudinal axis 16 of the contact element 10 to lie along the axis A2 indicated in FIG. 2B. The contact body 11 has a sufficient extent in a direction orthogonal to the longitudinal axis 16 of the contact element 10 in order to bridge a corresponding axial offset AAOFF between the two printed circuit boards while maintaining the contact between the contact element 10 and the contact body 11 .

In a first exemplary embodiment of an electrical plug connection 2 according to FIGS. 2A to 2E, the contact body 11 has individual contact lamellae 21 which are arranged parallel to one another. Intermediate spaces 15 for inserting the contact element 10 are formed between the individual contact lamellae 21 . The individual contact lamellae 21 each have a sufficient lateral extent to accommodate the first longitudinal section 19 and the second longitudinal section 20 of the contact element 10 in the intermediate spaces 15 . In this way, on the one hand, electrical contacting between the contact element 10 and the contact body 11 is ensured and, on the other hand, a deviation in the distance between the two printed circuit boards 3, 4 can be compensated for.

In the region of the second end 13 of the contact body 11, the individual contact lamellae 21 are connected to contact surfaces 12 on the second printed circuit board 4 at their longitudinal ends in a materially bonded manner. The longitudinal ends of the individual contact blades 21 are enclosed in a housing 22 which is connected to the second printed circuit board 4 . In order to enable contacting between the contact element 10 and the contact body 11, the housing 22 has a sufficiently dimensioned opening at the first end 29 of the contact body 11.

In the explanation of the further exemplary embodiments of an electrical plug connection 2 which now follow, identical features to the first exemplary embodiment are no longer described again.

In a second exemplary embodiment of an electrical plug connection 2 according to FIGS. 3A and 3B, the individual contact lamellae 21 arranged parallel to one another are connected at their longitudinal ends to a contact frame 23 belonging to the contact body 11 . The individual contact lamellae 21 are preferably connected via so-called “film hinges”, i. H. narrow transitions, connected to the contact frame 23 to preferably allow easy deformability of the individual contact blades 21 when inserting the contact element 10. The contact frame 23 is also enclosed in a housing 22 which is connected to the second printed circuit board 4 .

The contact frame 23 can be pressed onto the contact surfaces 12 of the second printed circuit board 4 via the housing 22 and thus establish electrical contact between the contact body 11 and the contact surfaces 12 . Alternatively, the contact frame 23 of the contact body 11 can be cohesively connected to the contact surfaces 12 of the second printed circuit board 4 . As indicated in FIGS. 3A and 3B, the contact frame 23 can preferably have a circular cross-sectional profile. However, other cross-sectional profiles are also conceivable, such as a square cross-sectional profile.

The width of the individual contact lamellae 21 is reduced in the second exemplary embodiment according to FIGS. 3A and 3B compared to the width of the individual contact lamellae 21 in the first exemplary embodiment. In the second exemplary embodiment, the individual contact lamellae 21 are connected to the contact frame 23 at a higher position than the base of the contact frame 23, on which the contact frame 23 makes contact with the contact surfaces 12 of the second printed circuit board 4. There is thus sufficient free space below the individual contact lamellae 21 up to the second printed circuit board 4 for inserting the contact element 10 into the contact body 11. In this way, a sufficiently large deviation in the distance between the two printed circuit boards 3, 4 can be bridged.

In a third exemplary embodiment of the electrical plug-in connection 2 according to FIGS. 4A and 4B, the contact body 11 is composed of individual contact wires 24 which are arranged in a grid-like manner in relation to one another. Instead of contact wires 24, contact rods arranged in the form of a grid are also possible. The grid-like arrangement of the contact wires 24 results in square or rhombus-shaped spaces in which insertion areas 17 for the contact element 10 are possible.

The individual contact wires 24 are also fixed in a housing 22 . In analogy to the second exemplary embodiment, the individual contact wires 24 are positioned higher than the contact surfaces 12 of the second printed circuit board 4 in order to allow sufficient free space between the individual contact wires 24 and the second printed circuit board 4 for the insertion of the contact element 10 . In this way, a certain deviation of the two printed circuit boards 3, 4 from a target deviation can also be bridged.

In order to realize the raised arrangement of the individual contact wires 24 in relation to the second printed circuit board 4, the individual contact wires 24 arranged in the form of a grid are connected to a contact frame 23 at a specific height. This contact frame 23 can also be enclosed in a housing 22 in order to exert sufficient contact pressure on contact surfaces 12 of the second printed circuit board 4 via the housing 22 . Alternatively, the contact frame 23 can also be connected to the contact surfaces 12 of the second printed circuit board 4 in a materially bonded manner.

Finally, it is also possible to bend the individual contact wires 24 by 90° at a certain distance from the two longitudinal ends in order to realize contact feet of the same length with the bent ends. These contact feet 25 of the individual contact wires 24 are preferably fixed within a housing 22 and can be cohesively connected to contact surfaces 12 of the second printed circuit board 4 . In a fourth exemplary embodiment of the electrical plug connection 2 according to FIGS. 5A and 5B, a spirally shaped contact lamella 26 is used as the contact body 11 and is arranged in a plane orthogonal to the longitudinal axis 16 of the contact element 10 . The spiral-shaped contact lamella 26 offers contact areas 14 along its length for contacting with the contact element 10 . Between the individual contact areas 14 of the spiral-shaped contact lamella 26 there is an intermediate space 15 which offers a plurality of insertion areas 17 for the contact element 10 . The spiral of the contact lamellae 26 is shaped in such a way that there is a sufficient gap 15 between the individual contact areas 14 of the spiral-shaped contact lamella 26 for inserting the contact element 10 and for the non-positive connection between the contact element 10 and the adjacent contact areas 14 .

The spiral-shaped contact lamella 26 is also enclosed in a housing 22 . In order to achieve deformability of the spiral contact lamella 26 over its entire length, only the longitudinal end of the spiral contact lamella 26 is materially connected to a contact surface 12 of the second printed circuit board 4, which is at the outermost end of the spiral, d. H. at the longitudinal end of the scroll located within the housing 22. The width of the spiral-shaped contact lamella 26 is dimensioned such that an insertion and thus contacting of the contact element 10 in the spiral-shaped contact body 11 is possible for certain deviations in the distance between the two printed circuit boards.

In a fifth exemplary embodiment of the electrical plug connection 2 according to FIGS. 6A and 6B, the contact body 11 is implemented as a three-dimensionally braided wire mesh 27 . In this case, the wire mesh 27 is preferably braided completely irregularly. However, a regular three-dimensional braided structure for the wire mesh 27 is also conceivable. The three-dimensional wire mesh 27 can preferably be pressed into a specific shape and a specific size. The shape into which the three-dimensional wire mesh 27 is preferably pressed can preferably be cylindrical. However, a cuboid shape or any other meaningful shape is also conceivable.

Due to the “comparatively loose structure” of the three-dimensional wire mesh 27, insertion areas 17 can be formed between the wires of the wire mesh 27 serving as contact areas 14 for the contact element 10, even in the pressed state. By inserting the contact element 10 into an insertion area 17 of the wire mesh 27, wires of the wire mesh 27 are typically displaced. The displacement and the associated deformation of these wires of the wire mesh 27 leads to sufficient contact pressure of the wires of the wire mesh 27 on the contact element 10 and thus to a secure electrical and mechanical connection between the contact element 10 and the contact body 11 . A secure electrical and mechanical connection between the contact element 10 and the three-dimensional wire mesh 27 serving as the contact body 11 can be realized by suitably designing the wire diameter. The preferably pressed three-dimensional wire mesh 27 is also enclosed in a housing 22 . Sufficient contact pressure is exerted between the wire mesh 27 and the contact surfaces 12 of the second printed circuit board 4 via the housing 22, so that reliable electrical contact is achieved between the three-dimensional wire mesh 27 serving as the contact body 11 and the contact surfaces 12 of the second printed circuit board 4.

Although the present invention has been fully described above on the basis of preferred exemplary embodiments, it is not restricted to them, but rather can be modified in a variety of ways.

Claims

22 CLAIMS

1 . Electrical plug connection (2) having a plug connector (8) and a mating connector (9), the plug connector (8) having a contact element (10), the mating connector (9) having a contact body (11) comprising a plurality of electrically interconnected and deformable ones Has contact areas (14), the contact areas (14) being arranged relative to one another in such a way that different insertion areas (17) for inserting the contact element (10) into the contact body (11) can be formed in the contact body (11), wherein in at least one direction, which runs orthogonally to a longitudinal axis (16) of the contact element (10), in each case one of the contact areas (14) is arranged between at least two of the insertion areas (17) in the contact body (11) and the contact areas adjoining the respective insertion area (17). (14) by the insertion area (17) inserted contact element (10) are deformed such that an electrical contact tion and a mechanical connection between the connector (8) and the mating connector (9) can be produced.

2. Electrical plug connection (2) according to claim 1, characterized in that the respective insertion area (17) adjoining contact areas (14) each form a contact surface and/or a contact line with the contact element (10).

3. Electrical plug connection (2) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the contact area (14) is deformed such that in the contact area (14) self-adjusting elastic restoring force exerts a contact pressure on the contact element (10).

4. Electrical plug connection (1) according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the individual contact areas (14) each have an extension in a direction orthogonal to the longitudinal axis (16) of the contact element (10) which is smaller, preferably a multiple is smaller than an extension of the contact element (10) in the same direction.

5. Electrical plug connection (2) according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the contact element (10) has a first longitudinal section (19) with a constant diameter at a mating connector (9) directed first end (18), the contacts the contact areas (14) adjoining the respective insertion area (17).

6. Electrical plug connection (2) according to claim 5, characterized in that that the contact element (10) has a second longitudinal section (20) which is located between the first longitudinal section (19) and the first end (18), the second longitudinal section (20) having a diameter which tapers towards the first end (18). .

7. Electrical plug connection (2) according to claim 5 or 6, characterized in that the longitudinal extension of each insertion area (17) forming in the contact body (11) is at least the longitudinal extension of the first longitudinal section (19) or of the first longitudinal section (19) and of the second longitudinal section (20) of the contact element (10).

8. Electrical plug connection (2) according to one of Claims 5 to 7, characterized in that depending on an axial distance between the plug connector (8) and the mating plug connector (9), a partial section of the first longitudinal section (19) has a respective axial length or contacts the contact body (11) in a respective axial position within the first longitudinal section (19).

9. Electrical plug-in connection (2) according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the contact areas (14) each in a first cross-sectional section at a first end (29) of the contact body (11) directed towards the plug-in connector (8) to the first End (29) of the contact body (11) have a tapering cross-sectional profile.

10. Electrical plug connection (2) according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the individual contact areas (14) within the contact body (11) are arranged in a regular structure to one another.

11 . Electrical plug-in connection (2) according to Claim 10, characterized in that the contact areas (14) along a plurality of contact lamellae (21) arranged in parallel, which are preferably equidistantly spaced from one another by an intermediate space (15) in between, or along a plurality of contact wires arranged crossed over one another (24) are arranged, which are preferably spaced apart from one another in an equidistant grid by an intermediate space (15) located in between.

12. Electrical plug connection (1) according to one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the contact areas (14) are arranged along a curved contact lamella, preferably along a spiral-shaped contact lamella (26), or along several curved contact lamellae.

13. Electrical plug connection (1) according to one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the individual contact areas (14) within the contact body (11) in an irregular structure, preferably as a wire mesh (27), particularly preferably as a three-dimensional braided wire mesh ( 27) are arranged to each other.

14. Circuit board assembly (1) comprising at least one first circuit board (3), at least one second circuit board (4), and at least one electrical connector (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the circuit boards (3, 4) in different levels are arranged to run towards one another, and wherein the respective electrical plug-in connection (2) electrically connects the circuit boards (3, 4) to one another, the contact element (10) being electrically and mechanically connected to the first circuit board (3), and the contact body ( 11) is electrically and mechanically connected to the second circuit board (4).

15. Circuit board arrangement (1) according to claim 14, characterized by a between the circuit boards (3, 4) arranged rigid connecting element (5) which electrically connects the first circuit board (3) and the second circuit board (4) to each other, wherein the rigid connecting element (5) the at least one electrical plug connection (2) is encased in an associated through-bore (6).

16. Circuit board arrangement (1) according to claim 14 or 15, characterized in that the contact body (11) is enclosed in a housing (22) connected to the second circuit board (4), which has an opening for contacting the contact element (10) with the Contact body (11).