Outer conductor element, plug connector arrangement and assembly method for a plug connector arrangement

Abstract

An outer conductor contact element for a plug connector arrangement, having a fixing stop which engages behind a cable-side end face of a support sleeve and along a longitudinal axis (L) of the plug connector arrangement, and the cable-side end face is remote from a front, free end of the outer conductor contact element, and the fixing stop is formed in the outer conductor contact element by a male connector-side edge of a material cut-out in the outer conductor contact element that is proximate to a front, free end of the outer conductor contact element. Alternatively, or in addition, the fixing stop is formed by a separate stop element that is fastened to an inner wall of the outer conductor contact element. Alternatively, or in addition, the fixing stop is formed by a stamped shaping in the outer conductor contact element.

Claims

1. An outer conductor contact element (8) for a plug connector arrangement (1), comprising: at least one fixing stop (15) which, when the outer conductor contact element (8) is in an assembled state on a support sleeve (11), is able to engage behind a cable-side end face (12) of the support sleeve (11) and along a longitudinal axis (L) of the plug connector arrangement (1), said cable-side end face being remote from a front, free end of the outer conductor contact element (8); and the at least one fixing stop (15) is formed in the outer conductor contact element (8) by a male connector-side edge of a material cut-out (17) provided in the outer conductor contact element (8); and the male connector-side edge is proximate to the front, free end of the outer conductor contact element (8); and wherein the material cut-out (17) defined in the outer conductor contact element (8), and forming the at least one fixing stop (15) is a through cut-out extending from an exterior surface of the outer conductor contact element (8) entirely through to an interior surface of the outer conductor contact element (8).

2. The outer conductor contact element (8) as claimed in claim 1 and wherein the material cut-out (17) is formed in the outer conductor contact element (8) as an in-part annular circumferential slit.

3. The outer conductor contact element (8) as claimed in claim 1 and wherein the material cut-out (17) is provided in the outer conductor contact element (8) in such a manner that the outer conductor contact element (8) forms a tab (18) and the tab is connected on one side, and wherein a free, male connector-side edge of the tab (18) forms the at least one fixing stop (15).

4. The outer conductor contact element (8) as claimed in claim 1 and wherein the outer conductor contact element (8) is reshaped adjacent to the male connector-side edge of the material cut-out (17) and in the direction of the longitudinal axis (L).

5. A plug connector arrangement (1), comprising: an electrical cable (2) having an outer conductor; a support sleeve (11) that is fastened to the outer conductor (5) of the electrical cable (2) and the support sleeve (11) has a cable-side end face (12); and an outer conductor contact element (8) comprising at least one fixing stop (15) which, when the outer conductor contact element (8) is in an assembled state on the support sleeve (11), is able to engage behind the cable-side end face (12) of the support sleeve (11) and along a longitudinal axis (L) of the plug connector arrangement (1), the cable-side end face being remote from a front, free end of the outer conductor contact element (8); and the at least one fixing stop (15) is formed in the outer conductor contact element (8) by a male connector-side edge of a material cut-out (17), and the material cut-out (17) is a through cut-out extending from an exterior surface of the outer conductor contact element (8) to an interior surface of the outer conductor contact element (8), and the said male connector-side edge is proximate to the front, free end of the outer conductor contact element (8); and the outer conductor contact element is assembled on the support sleeve (11).

6. The plug connector arrangement (1) as claimed in claim 5, and wherein the outer conductor (5) of the electrical cable (2) is folded back, at least in sections, over the support sleeve (11).

7. The plug connector arrangement (1) as claimed in claim 6, and wherein the outer conductor (5) of the electrical cable (2) is folded back over the support sleeve (11) in such a manner that the front, free end of the outer conductor (5) protrudes beyond a cable-side edge of the support sleeve (11).

8. The plug connector arrangement (1) as claimed in claim 5, and wherein the outer conductor contact element (8) is pressed, preferably crimped, onto the support sleeve (11).

9. The plug connector arrangement (1) as claimed in claim 5, and further comprising: an inner conductor contact element (14) that is fastened to an inner conductor (7) of the electrical cable (2); and wherein the inner conductor contact element (14) extends at least in sections along the longitudinal axis (L) through the outer conductor contact element (8).

10. An assembly method for a plug connector arrangement (1), comprising the steps: providing an electrical cable (2); providing a support sleeve (11) that has a cable-side end face (12); fastening the support sleeve (11) on the electrical cable (2); providing an outer conductor contact element (8) that has a longitudinal axis (L), a front, free end, and a fixing stop (15), and wherein the fixing stop (15) is formed in the outer conductor contact element (8) by a material cut-out (17) provided in the outer conductor contact element (8), and the material cut-out (17) is a through cut-out extending from an exterior surface of the outer conductor contact element (8) to an interior surface of the outer conductor contact element (8), and a male connector-side edge of the material cut-out (17) is reshaped in the direction of the longitudinal axis (L) of the plug connector arrangement (1), and the male connector-side edge is proximate to the front, free end of the outer conductor contact element (8); assembling the outer conductor contact element (8) on the support sleeve (11) that is fastened on the electrical cable (2) so that the fixing stop (15) engages behind the cable-side end face of the support sleeve (11) and is remote from the front, free end of the outer conductor contact element (8) and along the longitudinal axis (L).

11. The assembly method as claimed in claim 10 and wherein the outer conductor contact element (8) is produced by a stamping-bending process.

12. The assembly method as claimed in claim 10 and wherein the material cut-out (17) is provided in the outer conductor contact element (8) prior to the outer conductor contact element (8) being assembled on the support sleeve (11); and the material cut-out is provided in the outer conductor contact element (8) during a stamping-bending process.

13. The assembly method for a plug connector arrangement (1) as claimed in claim 10 and wherein the fixing stop (15) is formed in the outer conductor contact element (8) by fastening a separate stop element (20) to an inner wall (19) of the outer conductor contact element (8).

14. The assembly method as claimed in claim 13 and wherein the separate stop element (20) is fastened to the inner wall (19) of the outer conductor contact element (8) by means of a clinching process.

15. The assembly method for a plug connector arrangement (1) as claimed in claim 10 and wherein the fixing stop (15) is formed in the outer conductor contact element (8) by a stamped shaping (21) that is provided in the outer conductor contact element (8) when the outer conductor contact element (8) is in the unassembled state.

16. An outer conductor contact element (8) for a plug connector arrangement (1), comprising: at least one fixing stop (15) which, when the outer conductor contact element (8) is in an assembled state on a support sleeve (11), is able to engage behind a cable-side end face (12) of the support sleeve (11) and along a longitudinal axis (L) of the plug connector arrangement (1), said cable-side end face being remote from a front, free end of the outer conductor contact element (8); and the at least one fixing stop (15) is formed in the outer conductor contact element (8) from a separate stop element (20) fastened to an inner wall (19) of the outer conductor contact element (8).

17. The outer conductor contact element (8) as claimed in claim 16 and wherein the separate stop element (20) is a sheet metal element or a wire part.

18. An outer conductor contact element (8) for a plug connector arrangement (1), comprising: at least one fixing stop (15) which, when the outer conductor contact element (8) is in an assembled state on a support sleeve (11), is able to engage behind a cable-side end face (12) of the support sleeve (11) and along a longitudinal axis (L) of the plug connector arrangement (1), said cable-side end face being remote from a front, free end of the outer conductor contact element (8); and the at least one fixing stop (15) is formed in the outer conductor contact element (8) from a stamped shaping (21) provided in the outer conductor contact element (8) when the outer conductor contact element (8) is in the unassembled state; and wherein the stamped shaping (21) forming the at least one fixing stop (15) extends radially inwardly from an interior surface of the outer conductor contact element (8) and toward the longitudinal axis (L) of the plug connector arrangement (1).

19. The outer conductor contact element (8) as claimed in claim 18 and wherein the stamped shaping (21) that is provided in the outer conductor contact element (8) is formed as an in-part annular connecting piece that extends, starting from an inner wall (19) of the outer conductor contact element (8), in the direction of the longitudinal axis (L).

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTIONS OF THE DRAWINGS

(1) FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of a prior art plug connector arrangement having an outer conductor contact element.

(2) FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective exploded side and end view of advantageous components of a plug connector arrangement in accordance with the invention.

(3) FIG. 3 illustrates a side view of a first exemplary embodiment of an outer conductor contact element in accordance with the invention having an in part annular circumferential slit so as to form a fixing stop.

(4) FIG. 4 illustrates a side view of the outer conductor contact element shown in FIG. 3 rotated axially 90 degrees to show the in part annular circumferential slit.

(5) FIG. 5 illustrates a perspective side and end view of the outer conductor contact element shown in FIG. 3 in an assembled state.

(6) FIG. 6 illustrates a partial section side view of the outer conductor contact element shown in FIG. 3 in a partly assembled state.

(7) FIG. 7 illustrates a partial sectional side view of the outer conductor contact element shown in FIG. 3 in an assembled state.

(8) FIG. 8 illustrates a side view of a second exemplary embodiment of an outer conductor contact element in accordance with the invention having a tab so as to form a fixing stop.

(9) FIG. 9 illustrates a side view of the outer conductor contact element shown in FIG. 8 rotated axially 90 degrees.

(10) FIG. 10 illustrates a partial sectional side view of the outer conductor contact element shown in FIG. 8 in a partly assembled state.

(11) FIG. 11 illustrates a partial sectional side view of the outer conductor contact element shown in FIG. 8 in an assembled state.

(12) FIG. 12 illustrates a further side view of the outer conductor contact element shown in FIG. 8 in an assembled state.

(13) FIG. 13 illustrates a side view of a third exemplary embodiment of an outer conductor contact element in accordance with the invention having a stop element so as to form a fixing stop.

(14) FIG. 14 illustrates a partial sectional side view of the outer conductor contact element shown in FIG. 13 in a first partly assembled state.

(15) FIG. 15 illustrates a partial sectional side view of the outer conductor contact element shown in FIG. 13 in a second partly assembled state.

(16) FIG. 16 illustrates a partial sectional side view of the outer conductor contact element shown in FIG. 13 in an assembled state.

(17) FIG. 17 illustrates a side view of a fourth exemplary embodiment of an outer conductor contact element in accordance with the invention having a stamped shaping so as to form a fixing stop.

(18) FIG. 18 illustrates a sectional side view of the outer conductor contact element shown in FIG. 17 rotated axially 90 degrees.

(19) FIG. 19 illustrates a partial sectional side view of the outer conductor contact element shown in FIG. 17 in a partly assembled state.

(20) FIG. 20 illustrates a partial sectional side view of the outer conductor contact element shown in FIG. 17 in an assembled state.

DETAILED WRITTEN DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

(21) This disclosure of the invention is submitted in furtherance of the Constitutional purposes of the U.S. Patent Laws “to promote the progress of science and the useful arts.” (Article 1, Section 8).

(22) FIG. 1 illustrates a plug connector arrangement 100 in accordance with the prior art. The plug connector arrangement 100 comprises an electrical cable 2 and an electrical plug connector 3 that is assembled on the cable 2.

(23) The electrical cable 2 is embodied as a coaxial cable and comprises a cable sheath 4, an outer conductor that runs underneath the cable sheath 4 and is embodied as a cable shielding braid 5, optionally a cable film (not illustrated in the figures) that runs underneath the cable shielding braid 5, an insulation or a dielectric 6 and an inner conductor 7 that extends through the dielectric 6. The invention is described below with reference to the same cable type. Fundamentally, however, the invention is suitable for use with any desired cables, for example also for use with cables that are not embodied as coaxial cables, and/or comprise multiple inner conductors 7.

(24) The electrical plug connector 3 comprises multiple plug connector components of which only the outer conductor contact element 8 is illustrated in FIG. 1. Further plug connector components that can be provided optionally within the scope of the plug connector arrangement 1 in accordance with the invention are further explained below.

(25) The outer conductor contact element 8 is assembled on the cable 2 and preferably fixed in the circumferential direction or radial direction (around the longitudinal axis L of the plug connector arrangement 100) and in the axial direction (along the longitudinal axis L of the plug connector arrangement 100). Since the outer conductor contact element 8 is generally connected to the further plug connector components, a high holding force of the outer conductor contact element 8 on the cable 2 can define the mechanical stability of the entire plug connector 3.

(26) In the region of the front, free end of the outer conductor contact element 8, the outer conductor contact element 8 comprises an interface 9 so as to contact a corresponding outer conductor contact element of a mating plug connector (not illustrated). In the case of the outer conductor contact element 8 shown in FIG. 1 and in the case of the outer conductor contact elements 8 illustrated in the exemplary embodiments respectively, the interface 9 is embodied as a resilient basket but fundamentally it can be embodied as desired.

(27) The outer conductor contact element 8 is connected in the region of its cable-side end to the cable 2. It is provided in the prior art for this purpose that the cable 2 is held on the one hand in the region of a tapering 10. Furthermore, a support sleeve 11 (not visible in FIG. 1) is provided in a connecting region and said support sleeve 11 is pressed onto the outer conductor or onto the cable shielding braid 5 of the cable 2. Starting from a rear cable-side end face 12, the support sleeve 11 together with the cable sheath 4 forms an indentation 13 on the cable 2 into which the outer conductor contact element 8 is able to penetrate due to a reshaping process during the assembly procedure. This renders it possible to provide in addition to a non-positive locking arrangement also a positive-locking arrangement along the longitudinal axis L of the plug connector arrangement 100. In this case, the holding force that is provided as a result of the positive-locking arrangement is greater the deeper the indentation 13. It is also possible in particular for indentations 13 that are only slightly deep to provide only a small holding force. This is an aspect that is improved in accordance with the invention.

(28) FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective exploded side and end view of advantageous components of a plug connector arrangement 1 in accordance with the invention.

(29) It is possible within the scope of an assembly method for the plug connector arrangement 1 for the electrical cable 2 to be initially pre-assembled. It is possible for this purpose for example for the cable 2 to be initially cut to a defined length. Subsequently, the cable sheath 4 of the cable 2 can be stripped of insulation up to a defined stripped length and consequently the outer conductor or the cable shielding braid 5 of the cable 2 are exposed. Moreover, the inner conductor 7 of the cable 2 is stripped of its insulation or released from the dielectric 6. A correspondingly pre-processed cable section is illustrated in FIG. 2.

(30) An inner conductor contact element 14 can be fastened, preferably pressed or crimped, onto the inner conductor 7 of the cable 2.

(31) Furthermore, it is possible within the scope of the pre-assembly procedure to fasten the support sleeve 11 onto the outer conductor or onto the cable shielding braid 5 of the cable 2. In this case, it is preferred that the cable-side end face 12 of the support sleeve 11 can be spaced apart from the cable sheath 4 of the cable 2 in order to form the indentation 13 (cf. for example FIG. 5 and FIG. 6). Optionally, the outer conductor of the cable 2 or the cable shielding braid 5 can be folded back toward the rear at least in sections, preferably completely, over the support sleeve 11. However, this is not illustrated in the figures for reasons of better presentability.

(32) The outer conductor contact element 8 can be subsequently assembled on the cable 2 that has been pre-assembled in this manner. In this case, the outer conductor contact element 8 can be assembled on the support sleeve 11 in such a manner that a fixing stop 15 of the outer conductor contact element 8 is able to engage behind the cable-side end face 12 of the support sleeve 11 along the longitudinal axis L of the plug connector arrangement 1 (as is yet to be described below).

(33) The outer conductor contact element 8 is preferably pressed, preferably crimped, onto the support sleeve 11.

(34) It is preferred that the outer conductor contact element 8 can be produced by means of a stamping-bending process prior to being pushed onto or prior to being assembled on the pre-assembled cable 2.

(35) It is possible after the outer conductor contact element 8 has been assembled on the pre-assembled cable 2 for the outer conductor contact element 8 to be pushed optionally into a receiving device of a housing assembly 16 and fixed in the receiving device, preferably latched.

(36) Four advantageous exemplary embodiments of the invention are described. It is to be emphasized that the different variants can be combined fundamentally as desired so as to form a fixing stop 15, in particular if more than one fixing stop 15 is provided in the outer conductor contact element 8.

(37) FIGS. 3 to 7 illustrate a first exemplary embodiment of an outer conductor contact element 8 in accordance with the invention. FIGS. 3 and 4 illustrate a section of the outer conductor contact element 8 in an individual view. FIGS. 5 to 7 illustrate the outer conductor contact element 8 in a partly assembled or assembled state on the cable 2.

(38) The fixing stop 15 of the outer conductor contact element 8 is formed in the first exemplary embodiment by means of a male connector-side edge of a material cut-out 17 that is provided in the outer conductor contact element 8, said male-connector side edge facing the front, free end of the outer conductor contact element 8. The material cut-out 17 is formed as an in part annular circumferential slit in the exemplary embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 3 to 7. The material cut-out 17 or the slit have already been provided in the outer conductor contact element 8 prior to the outer conductor contact element 8 being assembled, preferably during the stamping-bending process.

(39) The fixing stop 15 can be formed in a reliable manner by means of the male connector-side edge of the material cut-out 17 and can itself then provide a high holding force if the wall thickness of the support sleeve 11 is only thin.

(40) It is possible to provide that the male connector-side edge of the material cut-out 17 or of the slit is reshaped in the direction of the longitudinal axis L of the plug connector arrangement 1 in order to form the fixing stop 15 (cf. FIGS. 6 and 7). In this case, the reshaping occurs advantageously as the outer conductor contact element 8 is pressed onto the support sleeve 11.

(41) FIGS. 8 to 12 illustrate a second exemplary embodiment of the outer conductor contact element 8 in accordance with the invention, wherein FIGS. 8 and 9 each illustrate a section of the outer conductor contact element 8 in an individual view and FIGS. 10 to 12 illustrate the outer conductor contact element 8 in a partly assembled state (FIG. 10) and in an assembled state (FIGS. 11 and 12) on the pre-assembled cable 2.

(42) In the second exemplary embodiment, the fixing stop 15 is also formed by means of a material cut-out 17 that is provided in the outer conductor contact element 8. However, the material cut-out 17 is provided in the outer conductor contact element 8 in such a manner that the outer conductor contact element 8 forms a tab 18 that is connected on one side, wherein the free, male connector-side edge of the tab 18 forms the fixing stop 15.

(43) Finally, for example, it is possible by virtue of reshaping the outer conductor contact element 8 within the scope of the assembly procedure to form the fixing stop 15 that is able to secure the outer conductor contact element 8 in a positive-locking manner along the longitudinal axis L of the outer conductor contact element 8 or of the plug connector arrangement 1.

(44) FIGS. 13 to 16 illustrate a third exemplary embodiment of an outer conductor contact element 8 in accordance with the invention. FIG. 13 illustrates a section of the outer conductor contact element 8 in an individual view. FIGS. 14 and 15 illustrate the third exemplary embodiment of the outer conductor contact element 8 during the continuing assembly procedure or during the procedure of pressing it onto the support sleeve 11. FIG. 16 illustrates the outer conductor contact element 8 in its assembled state.

(45) In contrast to the first two exemplary embodiments, the fixing stop 15 in the third exemplary embodiment is not formed by means of a material cut-out 17 but rather is formed by means of a separate stop element 20 that is fastened to the inner wall 19 of the outer conductor contact element 8. The stop element 20 can be fastened to the inner wall 19 of the outer conductor contact element 8, for example by means of a clinching procedure or by means of any other method, preferably in a positive-locking manner. This is preferably performed when the outer conductor contact element 8 is still in the unassembled state or prior to said outer conductor contact element 8 being assembled.

(46) In the exemplary embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 13 to 16, the separate stop element 20 is formed as a sheet metal element. Fundamentally, the stop element 20 can however also be formed as a wire part or as any other stop element 20.

(47) Finally, FIGS. 17 to 20 illustrate a fourth exemplary embodiment of the outer conductor contact element 8 in accordance with the invention. FIGS. 17 and 18 illustrate a section of the outer conductor contact element 8 in an individual view. FIG. 19 illustrates an outer conductor contact element 8 in a partly assembled state on the pre-assembled cable 2; FIG. 20 illustrates the outer conductor contact element 8 in an assembled state.

(48) It is provided in the fourth exemplary embodiment that two fixing stops 15 are formed in the outer conductor contact element 8 by means of stamped shapings 21 that are provided in the outer conductor contact element 8 when the outer conductor contact element 8 is in the unassembled state. It is preferred that stamped shaping 21 are provided in the outer conductor contact element 8 within the scope of the stamping-bending process. The stamped shapings 21 are formed in the outer conductor contact element 8 as in part annular connecting pieces. Fundamentally, it is possible to provide any number of stamped shapings 21, but for example it is also possible to provide only one single stamped shaping 21. It is also possible to provide a stamped shaping that forms a completely annular circumferential connecting pike.

(49) As mentioned herein, it is fundamentally possible to provide any number of fixing stops 15 in the outer conductor contact element 8. For example, in the fourth exemplary embodiment two in part annular connecting pieces are described in order to form two fixing stops 15. Fundamentally, each of the illustrated fixing stops 15 can be provided a number of times in each exemplary embodiment, wherein also combinations of different types of fixing stops 15 are possible within the scope of the invention.

OPERATION

(50) Having described the structure of our outer conductor element, plug connector arrangement and assembly method for a plug connector arrangement, its operation is briefly described.

(51) An electrical cable (2) is provided and a portion of the cable sheath (4) is removed from the electrical cable (2) so as to expose the outer conductor (5) which may be a cable shielding braid, a cable film or other conductor. Similarly, the dielectric (6) is removed to expose the inner conductor (7). The inner conductor contact element (14) is fastened onto the inner conductor (7). The outer conductor (5) is folded back (opposite terminal end of the electrical cable (2)) and over the cable sheath (4). The support sleeve (11) is provided, and the support sleeve (11) has a cable-side end face (12). The support sleeve (11) is fastened onto the electrical cable (2) and in contact with the exposed and folded back outer conductor (5). The outer conductor contact element (8) is provided and the outer conductor contact element (8) has a longitudinal axis (L), a front, free end, and a fixing stop (15). The fixing stop (15) is formed in the outer conductor contact element (8) by a material cut-out (17) provided in the outer conductor contact element (8), and a male connector-side edge of the material cut-out (17) is reshaped in the direction of the longitudinal axis (L) of the plug connector arrangement (1), and the male connector-side edge is proximate to the front, free end of the outer conductor contact element (8). Alternatively, or in addition thereto, the fixing stop (15) is formed in the outer conductor contact element (8) by a separate stop element (20) that is fastened to the inner wall (19) of the outer conductor contact element (8). Alternatively, or in addition thereto, the fixing stop (15) is formed in the outer conductor contact element (8) by means of a stamped shaping (21) that is provided in the outer conductor contact element (8) when the outer conductor contact element (8) is in the unassembled state. The outer conductor contact element (8) is assembled on the support sleeve (11) that is fastened on the electrical cable (2) so that the fixing stop (15) engages behind the cable-side end face of the support sleeve (11) and is remote from the front, free end of the outer conductor contact element (8) and along the longitudinal axis (L).

(52) It is a principal object of the present invention to provide an outer conductor contact element (8) for a plug connector arrangement (1), comprising at least one fixing stop (15) which, when the outer conductor contact element (8) is in an assembled state on a support sleeve (11), is able to engage behind a cable-side end face (12) of the support sleeve (11) and along a longitudinal axis (L) of the plug connector arrangement (1), said cable-side end face being remote from a front, free end of the outer conductor contact element (8); and the at least one fixing stop (15) is formed in the outer conductor contact element (8) by a male connector-side edge of a material cut-out (17) provided in the outer conductor contact element (8); and the male connector-side edge is proximate to the front, free end of the outer conductor contact element (8).

(53) It is a further object of the present invention to provide an outer conductor contact element (8) wherein the material cut-out (17) is formed in the outer conductor contact element (8) as an in-part annular circumferential slit.

(54) It is a further object of the present invention to provide an outer conductor contact element (8) wherein the material cut-out (17) is provided in the outer conductor contact element (8) in such a manner that the outer conductor contact element (8) forms a tab (18) and the tab is connected on one side, and wherein a free, male connector-side edge of the tab (18) forms the at least one fixing stop (15).

(55) It is a further object of the present invention to provide an outer conductor contact element (8) wherein the outer conductor contact element (8) is reshaped adjacent to the male connector-side edge of the material cut-out (17) and in the direction of the longitudinal axis (L).

(56) It is a further object of the present invention to provide a plug connector arrangement (1), comprising: an electrical cable (2) having an outer conductor; a support sleeve (11) that is fastened to the outer conductor (5) of the electrical cable (2) and the support sleeve (11) has a cable-side end face (12); and an outer conductor contact element (8) comprising at least one fixing stop (15) which, when the outer conductor contact element (8) is in an assembled state on the support sleeve (11), is able to engage behind the cable-side end face (12) of the support sleeve (11) and along a longitudinal axis (L) of the plug connector arrangement (1), the cable-side end face being remote from a front, free end of the outer conductor contact element (8); and the at least one fixing stop (15) is formed in the outer conductor contact element (8) by a male connector-side edge of a material cut-out (17) provided in the outer conductor contact element (8), and the said male connector-side edge is proximate to the front, free end of the outer conductor contact element (8); and the outer conductor contact element is assembled on the support sleeve (11).

(57) It is a further object of the present invention to provide a plug connector arrangement (1) wherein the outer conductor (5) of the electrical cable (2) is folded back, at least in sections, over the support sleeve (11).

(58) It is a further object of the present invention to provide a plug connector arrangement (1) wherein the outer conductor (5) of the electrical cable (2) is folded back over the support sleeve (11) in such a manner that the front, free end of the outer conductor (5) protrudes beyond a cable-side edge of the support sleeve (11).

(59) It is a further object of the present invention to provide a plug connector arrangement (1) wherein the outer conductor contact element (8) is pressed, preferably crimped, onto the support sleeve (11).

(60) It is a further object of the present invention to provide a plug connector arrangement (1) and further comprising an inner conductor contact element (14) that is fastened to an inner conductor (7) of the electrical cable (2); and wherein the inner conductor contact element (14) extends at least in sections along the longitudinal axis (L) through the outer conductor contact element (8).

(61) It is a further object of the present invention to provide an assembly method for a plug connector arrangement (1), comprising the steps; providing an electrical cable (2); providing a support sleeve (11) that has a cable-side end face (12); providing an outer conductor contact element (8) that has a longitudinal axis (L), a front, free end, and a fixing stop (15), and wherein the fixing stop (15) is formed in the outer conductor contact element (8) by a material cut-out (17) provided in the outer conductor contact element (8), and a male connector-side edge of the material cut-out (17) is reshaped in the direction of the longitudinal axis (L) of the plug connector arrangement (1), and the male connector-side edge is proximate to the front, free end of the outer conductor contact element (8); fastening the support sleeve (11) on the electrical cable (2); and assembling the outer conductor contact element (8) on the support sleeve (11) that is fastened on the electrical cable (2) so that the fixing stop (15) engages behind the cable-side end face of the support sleeve (11) and is remote from the front, free end of the outer conductor contact element (8) and along the longitudinal axis (L).

(62) It is a further object of the present invention to provide an assembly method wherein the outer conductor contact element (8) is produced by a stamping-bending process.

(63) It is a further object of the present invention to provide an assembly method wherein the material cut-out (17) is provided in the outer conductor contact element (8) prior to the outer conductor contact element (8) being assembled on the support sleeve (11); and the material cut-out is provided in the outer conductor contact element (8) during the stamping-bending process.

(64) It is a further object of the present invention to provide an outer conductor contact element (8) for a plug connector arrangement (1) wherein the fixing stop is formed from a separate stop element (20) fastened to an inner wall (19) of the outer conductor contact element (8).

(65) It is a further object of the present invention to provide an outer conductor contact element (8) for a plug connector arrangement (1) wherein the fixing stop is formed from a stamped shaping (21) provided in the outer conductor contact element (8) when the outer conductor contact element (8) is in the unassembled state.

(66) It is a further object of the present invention to provide an outer conductor contact element (8) wherein the separate stop element (20) is a sheet metal element or a wire part.

(67) It is a further object of the present invention to provide an outer conductor contact element (8) wherein the stamped shaping (21) that is provided in the outer conductor contact element (8) is formed as an in-part annular connecting piece that extends, starting from an inner wall (19) of the outer conductor contact element (8), in the direction of the longitudinal axis (L).

(68) It is a further object of the present invention to provide an assembly method for a plug connector arrangement (1) wherein the fixing stop (15) is formed in the outer conductor contact element (8) by fastening a separate stop element (20) to an inner wall (19) of the outer conductor contact element (8).

(69) It is a still further object of the present invention to provide an assembly method for a plug connector arrangement (1) wherein the fixing stop (15) is formed in the outer conductor contact element (8) by a stamped shaping (21) that is provided in the outer conductor contact element (8) when the outer conductor contact element (8) is in the unassembled state.

(70) It is an even still further object of the present invention to provide an assembly method wherein the separate stop element (20) is fastened to the inner wall (19) of the outer conductor contact element (8) by means of a clinching process.

(71) 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 Equivalence.