ELECTRICAL PLUG CONNECTOR, CONNECTING ELEMENT, AND PRINTED CIRCUIT BOARD ARRANGEMENT

Abstract

The invention relates to an electrical plug connector having an outer conductor contact element with a plurality of elastic spring tabs and a dielectric support element. The spring tabs are arranged, with a respective rear end, annularly around the longitudinal axis (L) of the plug connector and are fastened indirectly or directly to an electrical device. It is provided that the spring tabs are supported with a respective front, free end section laterally on the dielectric support element, wherein the dielectric support element is displaceable laterally relative to the electrical device.

Claims

1. An electrical plug connector for an electrical device, the electrical plug connector comprising: an outer conductor contact element that defines a longitudinal axis and has a plurality of spacedly arrayed elastic spring tabs; and wherein each of the plurality of spacedly arrayed elastic spring tabs has a rear end, and front free end section; and a dielectric support element; and wherein each of the spacedly arrayed elastic spring tabs is supported with the respective front, free end section laterally on the dielectric support element, and the respective rear end is fastened to the electrical device and is arranged annularly about the longitudinal axis; and wherein the dielectric support element is displaceable laterally relative to the electrical device.

2. The electrical plug connector as claimed in claim 1 and wherein the plurality of spacedly arrayed elastic spring tabs are each supported with the respective front, free end section laterally on an outer shell of the dielectric support element.

3. The electrical plug connector as claimed in claim 1 and further comprising: an insulating body accommodated in the outer conductor contact element; and the plurality of spacedly arrayed elastic spring tabs are each fastened with their respective rear end on the insulating body and, the insulating body has latching elements which can be inserted into corresponding latching recesses defined in the outer conductor contact element to enable fixing of the outer conductor contact element on the insulating body.

4. The electrical plug connector as claimed in claim 1 and wherein the respective front free end sections of each of the plurality of spacedly arrayed elastic spring tabs are bent in a direction toward the rear end, and wherein the respective front free end sections are bent so that the respective front free end sections face away from the longitudinal axis (L) of the electrical plug connector.

5. The electrical plug connector as claimed in claim 1 and wherein the dielectric support element has laterally arranged passages in which the respective front free end sections of the plurality of spacedly arrayed elastic spring tabs are received.

6. The electrical plug connector as claimed in claim 1 and wherein the plurality of spacedly arrayed elastic spring tabs form a twisted profile along the longitudinal axis.

7. The electrical plug connector as claimed in claim 1 and wherein the respective front free end sections of each of the plurality of spacedly arrayed elastic spring tabs define recesses, and the defined recesses hook into guide bodies that project laterally from the dielectric support element.

8. The electrical plug connector as claimed in claim 1 and wherein the plurality of spacedly arrayed elastic spring tabs form a straight profile, or a curved profile, or a stepped profile between the front free end section and the rear end.

9. The electrical plug connector as claimed in claim 1 and further comprising: an inner conductor contact element which extends through the outer conductor contact element and the dielectric support element; and wherein the inner conductor contact element forms a twisted profile along its longitudinal extent.

10. The electrical plug connector as claimed in claim 9 and wherein the plurality of spacedly arrayed elastic spring tabs and the inner conductor contact element are twisted in the same direction of rotation.

11. The electrical plug connector as claimed in claim 1 and further comprising: a stop element to predetermine a maximum deflection for the dielectric support element and the plurality of spacedly arrayed elastic spring tabs; and wherein the stop element is formed by raised portions projecting laterally from the dielectric support element.

12. A connecting element for producing an electrical and mechanical connection between two electrical devices, the connecting element comprising: a first end; and a second end; and a first electrical plug connector and a second electrical plug connector; and wherein each of the first and second electrical plug connectors comprise an outer conductor contact element that defines a longitudinal axis and has a plurality of spacedly arrayed elastic spring tabs; and wherein each of the plurality of spacedly arrayed elastic spring tabs has a rear end, and front free end section; and a dielectric support element; and wherein each of the spacedly arrayed elastic spring tabs is supported with the respective front, free end section laterally on the dielectric support element and the respective rear end is fastened to the electrical device and is arranged annularly about the longitudinal axis; and wherein the dielectric support element is displaceable laterally relative to the electrical device; and the first end has the first electrical plug connector and the second end has the second electrical plug connector is to connect the respective first and second end to an electrical mating plug connector of the electrical device associated with the respective end.

13. (canceled)

14. A printed circuit board arrangement comprising: a first electrical printed circuit board; and a second electrical printed circuit board connected electrically and mechanically to the first electrical printed circuit board; and a connecting element for producing an electrical and mechanical connection between the first and the second electrical printed circuit board, the connecting element comprising: a first end; a second end; a first electrical plug connector and a second electrical plug connector, each of the first and second plug connectors comprising: an outer conductor contact element that defines a longitudinal axis and has a plurality of spacedly arrayed elastic spring tabs; and wherein each of the plurality of spacedly arrayed elastic spring tabs has a rear end, and front free end section; and a dielectric support element; and wherein each of the spacedly arrayed elastic spring tabs is supported with the respective front, free end section laterally on the dielectric support element and the respective rear end is fastened to the respective electrical printed circuit board and is arranged annularly about the longitudinal axis; and wherein the dielectric support element is displaceable laterally relative to the respective electrical printed circuit board; and the first end of the connecting element has the first electrical plug connector and the second end of the connecting element has the second electrical plug connector; and wherein each of the first and the second electrical printed circuit boards comprises a respective electrical mating plug connector, and wherein the first and the second electrical printed circuit boards are connected together by means of the connecting element, in that the electrical mating plug connector of the first electrical circuit board is connected to the first electrical plug connector of the connecting element and the electrical mating plug connector of the second electrical circuit board is connected to the second electrical plug connector of the connecting element.

15. The printed circuit board arrangement as claimed in claim 14 and wherein the connecting element is fixed in a central section between the first and second ends relative to the first electrical printed circuit board and relative to the second electrical printed circuit board, and wherein the connecting element is guided through a through bore defined in a fixing plate that is fixed relative to the first electrical printed circuit board and relative to the second electrical printed circuit board.

16. The electrical plug connector as claimed in claim 1 and wherein each of the plurality of spacedly arrayed elastic spring tabs is directly connected to the electrical device.

17. The electrical plug connector as claimed in claim 1 and further comprising: an end stop to limit lateral displacement of the dielectric support element relative to the insulating body; and wherein the end stop is formed by limiting elements on an end side, facing the dielectric support element of the insulating body and/or which are arranged on an end side, facing the insulating body, of the dielectric support element.

18. The electrical plug connector as claimed in claim 1 and wherein each of the plurality of spacedly arrayed elastic spring tabs is indirectly connected to the electrical device.

19. The electrical plug connector as claimed in claim 1 and wherein the outer conductor contact element is radially, or rotationally, or axially fixed on the insulating body.

20. A printed circuit board arrangement comprising; a first electrical printed circuit board; and a second electrical printed circuit board connected electrically and mechanically to the first electrical printed circuit board; and wherein the first and the second electrical printed circuit boards form a common electrical plug connection, wherein one of the first or second electrical printed circuit boards has an electrical plug connector and the other of the first or second electrical printed circuit board has an electrical mating plug connector, the electrical plug connector comprising an outer conductor contact element that defines a longitudinal axis and has a plurality of spacedly arrayed elastic spring tabs; and wherein each of the plurality of spacedly arrayed elastic spring tabs has a rear end, and front free end section; the electrical plug connector further comprising a dielectric support element; and wherein each of the spacedly arrayed elastic spring tabs is supported with the respective front, free end section laterally on the dielectric support element and the respective rear end is fastened to tine respective electrical printed circuit board and is arranged annularly about the longitudinal axis; and /herein the dielectric support element is displaceable laterally relative to the respective electrical printed circuit board.

21. A printed circuit board arrangement comprising: a first electrical printed circuit board; a second electrical printed circuit board connected electrically and mechanically to the first electrical printed circuit board; and a connector module having a first end and a second end, wherein a respective electrical mating plug connector is arranged at each of the first end and the second end: and wherein the first electrical printed circuit board has a first electrical plug connector, and the second electrical printed circuit board has a second electrical plug connector, each of the first and second electrical plug connectors comprises an outer conductor contact element that defines a longitudinal axis and has a plurality of spacedly arrayed elastic spring tabs; and wherein each of the plurality of spacedly arrayed elastic spring tabs has a rear end, and front free end section; and a dielectric support element; and wherein each of the spacedly arrayed elastic spring tabs is supported with the respective front, free end section laterally on the dielectric support element and the respective rear end is fastened to the respective electrical printed circuit board and is arranged annularly about the longitudinal axis; and wherein the dielectric support element is displaceable laterally relative to the respective electrical printed circuit board, wherein the first and second electrical plug connectors are connected electrically and mechanically by the connector module, in that the electrical mating plug connector of the first end of the connector module is connected to the first electrical plug connector and the electrical mating plug connector of the second end of the connector module is connected to the second electrical plug connector.

22. The electrical plug connector as claimed in claim 1 and wherein the respective front free end sections of each of the plurality of spacedly arrayed elastic spring tabs are bent in a direction toward the rear end, and wherein the respective front free end sections are bent in a direction toward the longitudinal axis (L) of the electrical plug connector.

23. The electrical plug connector as claimed in claim 1 and wherein each of the plurality of spacedly arrayed elastic spring tabs are turned down over the dielectric support element.

24. The electrical plug connector as claimed in claim 1 and further comprising: guide bodies which project laterally from the dielectric support element and form an end stop for limiting lateral displacement of the dielectric support element inside an outer conductor of a mating plug connector.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTIONS OF THE FIGURES

[0120] Exemplary embodiments of the invention are described in detail below with the aid of the Figures.

[0121] The Figures in each case 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 readily combined by a person skilled in the art with features of other exemplary embodiments to form further expedient combinations and sub-combinations.

[0122] Functionally identical elements are provided with the same reference numerals in the drawings, in which, schematically:

[0123] FIG. 1 shows a plug connector according to a first exemplary embodiment of the invention and a printed circuit board in a perspective view.

[0124] FIG. 2 shows the dielectric support element of the plug connector of FIG. 1 in a perspective individual view.

[0125] FIG. 3 shows the inner conductor contact element of the plug connector of FIG. 1 in a perspective individual view.

[0126] FIG. 4 shows the insulating body of the plug connector of FIG. 1 in a perspective individual view.

[0127] FIG. 5 shows a plug connection consisting of a plug connector according to FIG. 1 and a corresponding mating plug connector in a perspective view in section.

[0128] FIG. 6 shows the mating plug connector of the plug connection according to FIG. 5 in a perspective individual view.

[0129] FIG. 7 shows a plug connector according to a second exemplary embodiment of the invention in the plugged state of the mating plug connector in a view in section.

[0130] FIG. 8 shows a plug connector according to a third exemplary embodiment of the invention in a perspective view.

[0131] FIG. 9 shows the plug connector of FIG. 8 with the outer conductor contact element blanked out, in a perspective individual view.

[0132] FIG. 10 shows the outer conductor contact element of the plug connector of FIG. 8 in a perspective individual view.

[0133] FIG. 11 shows a plug connection consisting of a plug connector according to FIG. 9 and a corresponding mating plug connector in a perspective view in section.

[0134] FIG. 12 shows a plug connection according to a fourth exemplary embodiment of the invention in a perspective view in section.

[0135] FIG. 13 shows a printed circuit board arrangement with two printed circuit boards connected together via a connecting element, and a fixing plate in a perspective view.

[0136] FIG. 14 shows the connecting element of the printed circuit board arrangement of FIG. 13 in a perspective individual view,

[0137] FIG. 15 shows the printed circuit board arrangement of FIG. 13 in a perspective view in section with no radial misalignment between the printed circuit boards.

[0138] FIG. 16 shows the printed circuit board arrangement of FIG. 13 in a perspective view in section with a compensated radial misalignment between the printed circuit boards.

[0139] FIG. 17 shows a plug connector according to a fifth exemplary embodiment of the invention in a perspective view in section.

DETAILED WRITTEN DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0140] This disclosure of the invention is submitted in furtherance of the Constitutional purposes of the US Patent Laws “to promote the progress of Science and the useful arts” (Article 1, Section 8).

[0141] FIG. 1 shows a plug connector 1 according to a first exemplary embodiment of the invention. The plug connector 1 is suited for connecting any electrical devices, for example for connecting cables, electrical modules, housing parts, and in particular for connecting printed circuit boards 2, 3. A printed circuit board 2, 3 is indicated by way of example in FIG. 1, to which the plug connector 1 is electrically and mechanically connected.

[0142] The plug connector 1 has an outer conductor contact element 4 with a plurality of elastic spring tabs 5. The spring tabs 5 are arranged in a circle with a respective rear end 6 annularly around the longitudinal axis L of the plug connector 1. The outer conductor contact element 4 is formed in the exemplary embodiments as a single piece as a spring cage and fastened directly on the printed circuit board 2, 3. The base of the spring cage or the outer conductor contact element 4 can be fastened, for example soldered, on a corresponding contact surface 8 (cf FIG. 1) of the printed circuit board 2, 3, In this way, direct fastening of the rear ends 6 of the spring tabs 5 on the printed circuit board 2, 3 can be provided.

[0143] It can, however, also be provided in principle that the spring tabs 5 do not merge into a common base of a spring cage, as illustrated, and instead are fastened individually on the printed circuit board 2, 3, preferably directly or also indirectly via a further component.

[0144] The plug connector 1 has a dielectric support element 9. The support element 9 is shown in FIG. 2 in a perspective individual view. The spring tabs 5 are supported with their respective front, free end sections 10 (cf, for example, FIG. 1) on an outer shell 11 (cf in particular FIG. 2) of the dielectric support element 9. The support element 9 is displaceable laterally relative to the printed circuit board 2, 3, as indicated with the aid of the arrows in FIGS. 1 and 2. Tilting of the support element 9 can also be provided here, as parallel a displacement as possible being preferred, however.

[0145] The support element 9 of the plug connector 1 according to FIG. 1 has passages 12 (cf. FIG. 2) which are arranged distributed along its outer shell 11 and in which the respective front end sections 10 of the spring tabs 5 are received. In the first exemplary embodiment, the passages 12 are formed between spoke- or web-like raised portions 13. The spoke- or web-like raised portions 13 have indentations 14 or undercuts (cf FIG. 2) in order to improve the mechanical connection to the front end section 10 of the spring tabs 5.

[0146] In the exemplary embodiment of the invention shown in FIGS. 1 to 6, the spring tabs 5 have a straight profile between the front end section 10 and the rear end 6. In this way, a particularly simple production and good customization of the electrical properties can be enabled. It should be stressed that the spring tabs 5 of the first exemplary embodiment can alternatively also have a curved or other profile.

[0147] In the exemplary embodiments, the plug connector 1 furthermore has an inner conductor contact element 15 which extends through the outer conductor contact element 4 and the support element 9. In the exemplary embodiments, the inner conductor contact element 15 is guided coaxially inside the outer conductor contact element 4. However, a plurality of inner conductor contact elements and a non-coaxial orientation inside the outer conductor contact element 4 can also in principle be provided.

[0148] The plug connector type illustrated is to be understood purely by way of example; the invention is suited for use with any plug connector types.

[0149] In the exemplary embodiments of FIGS. 1 to 11, the inner conductor contact element 15 is formed as a flat contact. However, the inner conductor contact element 15 can in principle also be formed as a pin contact or a socket contact. The inner conductor contact element 15 of the plug connector 1 according to FIG. 1 is shown in FIG. 3 in a perspective individual view. The inner conductor contact element 15 has a contact section 16 for connection to the electrical device or the printed circuit board 2, 3. A connection of the contact section 16 to a soldering surface 17 of the printed circuit board 2, 3 is shown by way of example in FIG. 1.

[0150] In the exemplary embodiments, the inner conductor contact element 15 is bent by 90° and is led out of the outer conductor contact element 4. However, the inner conductor contact element 15 can also run in a straight line and be led out of the plug connector 1 or the outer conductor contact element 4, along the longitudinal axis L of the plug connector 1.

[0151] In the exemplary embodiments, the inner conductor contact element 15 runs twisted along its longitudinal extent. Twisting by 90° is provided here. In this way, in particular when the inner conductor contact element 15 is formed as a flat contact or has flat sections (as is the case in the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 12), a defined flexibility in two spatial directions is provided. A particularly advantageous articulated connection can result in particular when the twisting, as shown in the exemplary embodiments, runs along as limited an axial section as possible in the region of that end of the inner conductor contact element 15 which faces the printed circuit board 2, 3. The twisting can in particular also be arranged adjoining the (optional) bending point of the inner conductor contact element 15.

[0152] A loop structure 18 suited for electrical adaptation to the outer conductor contact element 4 can be provided in a central section of the inner conductor contact element 15.

[0153] In the exemplary embodiments, the spring tabs 5 are in addition fastened with their respective rear end 6 on an insulating body 19 accommodated in the outer conductor contact element 4. The insulating body 19 of the first exemplary embodiment is shown by way of example in FIG. 4 in a perspective individual view.

[0154] The insulating body 19 is capable of further improving the stability of the outer conductor contact element 4 and furthermore providing a guide for the inner conductor contact element 15. The insulating body 19 can preferably have a guide duct 20 for the inner conductor contact element 15. In the exemplary embodiments, the insulating body 19 is formed as a component which is independent of the dielectric support element 9.

[0155] In the exemplary embodiments of the invention shown in FIGS. 1 to 7, the respective front end sections 10 of the spring tabs 5 are bent in the direction of the rear end 6. In the exemplary embodiment of FIGS. 1 to 6, the respective front end sections 10 are bent facing away (“outward”) from the longitudinal axis L of the plug connector 1 and, in the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 7, are bent in the direction of the longitudinal axis L of the plug connector 1 (“inward”).

[0156] In particular, when the front end sections 10 are bent in the direction of the longitudinal axis L of the plug connector 1, it can be provided that the spring tabs 5 are turned down over the support element 9, as indicated in FIG. 7. The spring tabs 5 are preferably here bent in such a way that self-contacting or a loop results at the spring tabs 5 (of FIG. 7).

[0157] A plug connection 21 consisting of the plug connector 1 of FIG. 1 and a corresponding mating plug connector 22 is shown in FIG. 5 in a perspective view in section. The mating plug connector 22 is furthermore shown in an individual view in FIG. 6.

[0158] The mating plug connector 22 has a bell-like outer conductor 23 or an outer conductor with a guide funnel for the plug connector 1. The mating plug connector 22 furthermore has an insulator 24 which electrically insulates the outer conductor 23 from an inner conductor 25 and which guides the inner conductor 25 coaxially inside the outer conductor 23. The inner conductor 25 of the mating plug connector 22 is formed by two opposite contact springs between which the inner conductor contact element 15 of the plug connector 1 can be introduced. The mating plug connector 22 can also be connected electrically and mechanically to a corresponding electrical device, in particular an electrical printed circuit board 2, 3. The inner conductor 25 of the mating plug connector 22 has for this purpose a contact section 16, by way of example.

[0159] A further exemplary embodiment of the plug connector 1 according to the invention is shown in FIGS. 8 to 11. The spring tabs 5 of the outer conductor contact element 4 have a curved profile (similar to an S curve), which further improves the customizability of the outer conductor contact element 4 (a straight or other profile can, however, alternatively also be provided). The spring tabs 5 furthermore have a twisted profile in the region of the front end section 10 along their longitudinal extent, The contact force of the spring tabs 5 can thus be generated from the torsional resistance and hence configured largely independently of the bending strength.

[0160] Guide bodies 26, into which the respective spring tabs 5 are hooked, are provided on the outer shell 11 of the support element 9 (cf in particular FIG. 8 in conjunction with FIG. 9 which shows the plug connector 1 with the outer conductor contact element 4 blanked out). Lateral displacement of the spring tabs 5 can consequently be guided even better. The spring tabs 5 can have corresponding recesses 27 for the guide bodies 26 (cf FIG. 10). The guide bodies 26 can furthermore advantageously form an end stop for the lateral displacement of the support element 9 inside the outer conductor 23 of the mating plug connector 22. Alternatively, the spoke-like or web-like raised portions 13 of the first exemplary embodiment can, for example, form a corresponding end stop.

[0161] An insulating body 19 is also provided in the exemplary embodiment of FIGS. 8 to 11 in order to support the outer conductor contact element 4 in the region of the rear ends 6 of the spring tabs 5 and in order to fix the spring tabs 5 in a twist-proof manner on the insulating body 19. The insulating body 19 has web-like latching elements 28 on its outer shell for twist-proof fixing in the region of the rear ends 6 of the spring tabs 5.

[0162] A preferred embodiment of the invention is shown in FIG. 12. The exemplary embodiment of FIG. 12 is similar in principle to the exemplary embodiment of FIGS. 8 to 11. However, the inner conductor contact element 15 is formed in the manner of a socket and has two opposite contact springs 29 in order to contact a corresponding inner conductor 25 (for example, the pin contact illustrated) of the mating plug connector 22. The inner conductor contact element 15 is protected in the outer conductor contact element 4 and does not protrude from the plug connector 1. A structure of this type, which is suited in particular (but not exclusively) for a socket-type design of the inner conductor contact element 15, is also provided for the connecting element 30 described below. It should be stressed at this point that a socket-type inner conductor contact element 15 can also protrude from the outer conductor contact element 4 and that a pin-shaped inner conductor contact element 15 can also optionally be accommodated completely in the outer conductor contact element 4.

[0163] FIG. 13 shows a printed circuit board arrangement 31 consisting of a first printed circuit board 2 and a second printed circuit board 3 electrically and mechanically connected to the first printed circuit board 2. The two printed circuit boards 2, 3 are connected together by means of a connecting element 30, wherein each of the two printed circuit boards 2, 3 has a mating plug connector 22 for connection to a plug connector 1 of the connecting element 30. The connecting element 30 is illustrated separately in FIG. 14 and is described below.

[0164] It should be mentioned at this point that the connection between the two printed circuit boards 2, 3 can also be effected directly, wherein in this case one of the two printed circuit boards 2, 3 has the plug connector 1 and the other printed circuit board 3, 2 has the mating plug connector 22. A direct connection between the two printed circuit boards 2, 3 is in principle preferred, as long as it is practically possible. An indirect connection by means of the connecting element 30 illustrated is, however, also provided.

[0165] As can be clearly seen in FIGS. 13, 15, and 16, the mating plug connector 22 (or possibly also the plug connector 1) can also be received in a passage of the printed circuit board 2, 3 or the electrical device for the purpose of being fastened to the printed circuit board 2, 3 (or to another electrical device). Hence it is not a requirement that the mating plug connector 22 or the plug connector 1 must be fitted on the printed circuit board 2, 3 or on the electrical device, as indicated in FIG. 1,

[0166] A connecting element 30 for connecting two printed circuit boards 2, 3 is also known by the term “bullet” or “adapter”. As can be seen particularly clearly in conjunction with FIG. 14, the connecting element 30 proposed in the present case can have a first end 32 and a second end 33, wherein a plug connector 1 is formed at each of the two ends 32, 33. The plug connector 1 is by way of example formed in the manner of the plug connector 1 already described in connection with FIG. 12. However, any of the plug connectors 1 described above and below can in principle be provided in order to connect the respective end 32, 33 of the connecting element 30 to a mating plug connector 22 of the electrical device or the printed circuit board 2, 3.

[0167] The connecting element 30 has a central section 34 along which the two outer conductor contact elements 4, designed as a single piece, of the plug connector 1 are connected together rigidly or in the form of a tube. The respective insulating bodies 19 and the inner conductor contact elements 15 of the plug connectors 1 are also formed as a single piece.

[0168] The printed circuit board arrangement 31 of FIG. 13 is shown in FIGS. 15 and 16 in a perspective view in section. FIG. 15 here shows a coaxial orientation in which there is no misalignment between the two printed circuit boards 2, 3, A radial misalignment between the two printed circuit boards 2, 3 or between the mating plug connectors 22 of the respective printed circuit board 2, 3 is shown in FIG. 16. It can be seen here how the misalignment can be compensated according to the invention by means of the connecting element 30.

[0169] In order to prevent tilting of the connecting element 30, a fixing plate 35 can optionally be provided which is fixed relative to the first printed circuit board 2 and/or to the second printed circuit board 3 (the fixing is not shown). The fixing plate 35 can have a through bore 36 through which the connecting element 30 passes, as a result of which the connecting element 30 is ultimately fixed in its central section 34 relative to the first printed circuit board 2 and/or to the second printed circuit board 3. A misalignment between the printed circuit boards 2, 3 can thus be compensated preferably only in the region of the two ends 32, 33 of the connecting element 30 by the dielectric support element 9 being displaced correspondingly.

[0170] FIG. 17 shows a fifth exemplary embodiment of the plug connector 1 according to the invention in a perspective view in section. The plug connector 1 illustrated corresponds essentially to the plug connector 1 of the fourth exemplary embodiment of FIG. 12 but has a further stop element in order to predetermine a maximum deflection for the support element 9 and the spring tabs 5. The additional stop element is formed as an annular circular limiting element 37 on an end face, facing the support element 9, of the insulating body 19. An end stop for the lateral displacement of the support element 9 relative to the insulating body 19 is provided by the annular limiting element 37, as a result of which a maximum deflection of the spring tabs 5 (and hence the mechanical overloading thereof) can also be limited in the unplugged state or independently of the mating plug connector 22. In the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 17, the annular limiting element 37 is arranged inside the support element 9. The limiting element 37 can alternatively or additionally also be arranged outside the support element 9 or encircle the support element 9. As an alternative to an annular limiting element 37, individual webs or pins can of course also be provided which are arranged inside and/or outside the support element 9. A limiting element 37 can in principle also be provided for all the above described exemplary embodiments.

Operation

[0171] Having described the structure of our Electrical Plug Connector, Connecting Element, and Printed Circuit Board Arrangement, its operation is briefly described.

[0172] A principal object of the present invention is to provide an electrical plug connector for an electrical device, the electrical plug connector comprising: an outer conductor contact element (4) that defines a longitudinal axis and has a plurality of spacedly arrayed elastic spring tabs (5); and wherein each of the plurality of spacedly arrayed elastic spring tabs has a rear end, and front free end section; and a dielectric support element; and wherein each of the spacedly arrayed elastic spring tabs is supported with the respective front, free end section laterally on the dielectric support element, and the respective rear end is fastened to the electrical device and is arranged annularly about the longitudinal axis: and wherein the dielectric support element is displaceable laterally relative to the electrical device.

[0173] A further object of the present invention is to provide an electrical plug connector wherein the plurality of spacedly arrayed elastic spring tabs (5) are each supported with the respective front, free end section (10) laterally on an outer shell (11) of the dielectric support element (9).

[0174] A further object of the present invention is to provide an electrical plug connector and further comprising: an insulating body accommodated in the outer conductor contact element; and the plurality of spacedly arrayed elastic spring tabs (5) are each fastened with their respective rear end (6) on the insulating body (19) and, the insulating body (19) has latching elements which can be inserted into corresponding latching recesses defined in the outer conductor contact element (4) to enable radial, rotational, and/or axial fixing of the outer conductor contact element (4) on the insulating body (19).

[0175] A further object of the present invention is to provide an electrical plug connector wherein the respective front free end sections (10) of each of the plurality of spacedly arrayed elastic spring tabs (5) are bent in a direction toward the rear end (6), and wherein the respective front free end sections (10) are bent so that the respective front free end sections face away from the longitudinal axis (L) of the electrical plug connector; (1); or the respective front free end sections are bent in [[the]] a direction [[(of]] toward the longitudinal axis (L) of the electrical plug connector.

[0176] A further object of the present invention is to provide an electrical plug connector wherein the dielectric support element (9) has laterally arranged passages (12) in which the respective front free end sections (10) of the plurality of spacedly arrayed elastic spring tabs (5) are received.

[0177] A further object of the present invention is to provide an electrical plug connector wherein the plurality of spacedly arrayed elastic spring tabs (5) form a twisted profile along the longitudinal axis.

[0178] A further object of the present invention is to provide an electrical plug connector wherein the respective front free end sections (10) of each of the plurality of spacedly arrayed elastic spring tabs (5) define recesses, and the defined recesses hook (27) into guide bodies (26) that project laterally from the dielectric support element (9).

[0179] A further object of the present invention is to provide an electrical plug connector wherein the plurality of spacedly arrayed elastic spring tabs (5) form a straight profile, or a curved profile, or a stepped profile between the front free end section (10) and the rear end (6).

[0180] A further object of the present invention is to provide an electrical plug connector and further comprising: an inner conductor contact element (15) which extends through the outer conductor contact element (4) and the dielectric support element (9); and wherein the inner conductor contact element (15) forms a twisted profile along its longitudinal extent.

[0181] A further object of the present invention is to provide an electrical plug connector wherein the plurality of spacedly arrayed elastic spring tabs (5) and the inner conductor contact element (15) are twisted in the same direction of rotation.

[0182] A further object of the present invention is to provide an electrical plug connector and further comprising a stop element to predetermine a maximum deflection for the dielectric support element (9) and the plurality of spacedly arrayed elastic spring tabs (5); and wherein the stop elements element is formed by raised portions (13) projecting laterally from the dielectric support element (9).

[0183] A further object of the present invention is to provide a connecting element (30) for producing an electrical and mechanical connection between two electrical devices (2, 3), the connecting element comprising: a first end (32); and a second end (33); and a first electrical plug connector and a second electrical plug connector; and wherein each of the first and second electrical plug connectors comprise an electrical plug connector an outer conductor contact element that defines a longitudinal axis and has a plurality of spacedly arrayed elastic spring tabs; and wherein each of the plurality of spacedly arrayed elastic spring tabs has a rear end, and front free end section; and a dielectric support element; and wherein each of the spacedly arrayed elastic spring tabs is supported with the respective front, free end section laterally on the dielectric support element and the respective rear end is fastened to the electrical device and is arranged annularly about the longitudinal axis; and wherein the dielectric support element is displaceable laterally relative to the electrical device; and the first end has the first electrical plug connector and the second end has the second electrical plug connector (1) to connect the respective first and second end (32, 33) to an electrical mating plug connector (22) of the electrical device (2, 3) associated with the respective end (32, 33).

[0184] A further object of the present invention is to provide a printed circuit board arrangement (31) comprising: a first electrical printed circuit board (2); and a second electrical printed circuit board (3) connected electrically and mechanically to the first electrical printed circuit board (2); and a connecting element for producing an electrical and mechanical connection between the first and the second electrical printed circuit board, the connecting element comprising; a first end; a second end; a first electrical plug connector and a second electrical plug connector, each of the first and second plug connectors comprising: an outer conductor contact element that defines a longitudinal axis and has a plurality of spacedly arrayed elastic spring tabs; and wherein each of the plurality of spacedly arrayed elastic spring tabs has a rear end.sub.; and front free end section; and a dielectric support element; and wherein each of the spacedly arrayed elastic spring tabs is supported with the respective front, free end section laterally on the dielectric support element and the respective rear end is fastened to the respective electrical printed circuit board and is arranged annularly about the longitudinal axis; and wherein the dielectric support element is displaceable laterally relative to the respective electrical printed circuit board; and the first end of the connecting element has the first electrical plug connector and the second end of the connecting element has the second electrical plug connector; and wherein each of the first and the second electrical printed circuit boards (2, 3) comprises a respective electrical mating plug connector, and wherein the first and the second electrical printed circuit boards are connected together by means of the connecting element, in that the electrical mating plug connector of the first electrical circuit board is connected to the first electrical plug connector of the connecting element and the electrical mating plug connector of the second electrical circuit board is connected to the second electrical plug connector of the connecting element.

[0185] A further object of the present invention is to provide a printed circuit board arrangement (31) wherein the connecting element (30) is fixed in a central section (34) between the first and second ends (32, 33) relative to the first electrical printed circuit board (2) and relative to the second electrical printed circuit board (3), and wherein the connecting element (30) is guided through a through bore (36) of defined in a fixing plate (35) that is fixed relative to the first electrical printed circuit board (2) and relative to the second electrical printed circuit board (3).

[0186] A further object of the present invention is to provide an electrical plug connector wherein each of the plurality of spacedly arrayed elastic spring tabs is directly connected to the electrical device.

[0187] A further object of the present invention is to provide an electrical plug connector and further comprising: an end stop to limit lateral displacement of the dielectric support element relative to the insulating body; and wherein the end stop is formed by limiting elements on an end side, facing the dielectric support element of the insulating body and/or which are arranged on an end side, facing the insulating body, of the dielectric support element.

[0188] A further object of the present invention is to provide an electrical plug connector wherein each of the plurality of spacedly arrayed elastic spring tabs is indirectly connected to the electrical device.

[0189] A further object of the present invention is to provide an electrical plug connector wherein the outer conductor contact element is radially, or rotationally, or axially fixed on the insulating body.

[0190] A further object of the present invention is to provide a printed circuit board arrangement comprising: a first electrical printed circuit board; and a second electrical printed circuit board connected electrically and mechanically to the first electrical printed circuit board; and wherein the first and the second electrical printed circuit boards form a common electrical plug connection, wherein one of the first or second electrical printed circuit boards has an electrical plug connector and the other of the first or second electrical printed circuit board has an electrical mating plug connector, the electrical plug connector comprising an outer conductor contact element that defines a longitudinal axis and has a plurality of spacedly arrayed elastic spring tabs; and wherein each of the plurality of spacedly arrayed elastic spring tabs has a rear end, and front free end section; the electrical plug connector further comprising a dielectric support element; and wherein each of the spacedly arrayed elastic spring tabs is supported with the respective front, free end section laterally on the dielectric support element and the respective rear end is fastened to the respective electrical printed circuit board and is arranged annularly about the longitudinal axis; and wherein the dielectric support element is displaceable laterally relative to the respective electrical printed circuit board.

[0191] A further object of the present invention is to provide a printed circuit board arrangement comprising: a first electrical printed circuit board; a second electrical printed circuit board connected electrically and mechanically to the first electrical printed circuit board; and a connector module having a first end and a second end, wherein a respective electrical mating plug connector is arranged at each of the first end and the second end; and wherein the first electrical printed circuit board has a first electrical plug connector, and the second electrical printed circuit board has a second electrical plug connector, each of the first and second electrical plug connectors comprises an outer conductor contact element that defines a longitudinal axis and has a plurality of spacedly arrayed elastic spring tabs; and wherein each of the plurality of spacedly arrayed elastic spring tabs has a rear end, and front free end section; and a dielectric support element; and wherein each of the spacedly arrayed elastic spring tabs is supported with the respective front, free end section laterally on the dielectric support element and the respective rear end is fastened to the respective electrical printed circuit board and is arranged annularly about the longitudinal axis; and wherein the dielectric support element is displaceable laterally relative to the respective electrical printed circuit board, wherein the first and second electrical plug connectors are connected electrically and mechanically by the connector module, in that the electrical mating plug connector of the first end of the connector module is connected to the first electrical plug connector and the electrical mating plug connector of the second end of the connector module is connected to the second electrical plug connector,

[0192] A still further object of the present invention is to provide an electrical plug connector wherein the respective front free end sections of each of the plurality of spacedly arrayed elastic spring tabs are bent in a direction toward the rear end, and wherein the respective front free end sections are bent in a direction toward the longitudinal axis (L) of the electrical plug connector.

[0193] An even still further object of the present invention is to provide an electrical plug connector wherein each of the plurality of spacedly arrayed elastic spring tabs are turned down over the dielectric support element.

[0194] An even still further object of the present invention is to provide an electrical plug connector and further comprising: guide bodies which project laterally from the dielectric support element and form an end stop for limiting lateral displacement of the dielectric support element inside an outer conductor of a mating plug connector.

[0195] In compliance with the statute, the present invention has been described in language more or less specific, as to structural and methodical features. It is to be understood, however, that the invention is not limited to the specific features shown and described since the means herein disclosed comprise preferred forms of putting the invention into effect. The invention is, therefore, claimed in any of its forms or modifications within the proper scope of the appended claims appropriately interpreted in accordance with the Doctrine of Equivalents.