DE102008046567B3 - Connector for connecting an electrical conductor to a printed circuit board - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention describes a connector for connecting an electrical conductor to a printed circuit board (25). The connector has a carrier body (2) and at least one contact element (3), which is arranged on the carrier body (2). The contact element (3) has a first and a second part. The first part (4) extends strip-shaped in a longitudinal direction (6) and has at least one free end (8) and a free underside (16). The second part (5) has a contact region (9) for contacting the electrical conductor, wherein the contact region (9) is arranged transversely to the longitudinal direction (6) and away from the underside (16) of the first part (4). The first part (4) is further configured such that it can optionally be inserted with the free end (8) through the circuit board (25) or with the bottom (16) on the circuit board (25) can be placed flat.

Description

The The present invention relates to a connector for connecting a electrical conductor to a circuit board.

More accurate said, the present invention relates to a connector, as a mechanical and electrical connection between assemblies and Components, especially in safety switching devices used becomes. Such a connector serves as a coupling element for Connection of different circuit boards or modules with each other. In the assembly of printed circuit boards with electrical or electronic components be connectors of this kind with the tracks of the circuit board, in particular by soldering, connected.

From the DE 10 2006 027 014 A1 a connector well for mounting on an electronic circuit board is known, which has a non-solderable, substantially trough-shaped housing, in which at least one connector pin protrudes perpendicularly from the inner tank bottom in the direction of the trough opening. On the housing extending in the direction of the circuit board solderable contact element for contacting the circuit board is led out. The contact element is formed substantially U-shaped with parallel to each other extending contact legs and a perpendicular thereto connecting web. The first contact leg forms the connector pin. The second contact leg or alternatively the connecting web can be brought into solderable contact to the circuit board.

From the DE 10 2004 009 071 A1 an electrical connector for surface mounting on printed circuit boards is known, which has a housing and at least one contact element, wherein the contact element has a contact leg and a perpendicularly arranged Lötschenschenschen and wherein the contact leg protrudes into a receiving space in the housing and the Lötanschlussschenkel along a first outer side of the Housing runs.

From the DE 42 38 319 C1 a connector is known, which can be soldered by means of the SMD soldering on its underside with the tracks of a circuit board. A strip-shaped metallization on the underside of the connector housing enables an electrically conductive solder connection to the printed circuit board in SMD technology. This type of attachment of the connector to the circuit board is technically fast, inexpensive and automated feasible. A disadvantage of solder joints in SMD technology is their limited mechanical stability. In SMD technology soldered connectors can be more easily torn or damaged in external mechanical stresses than solder joints in the so-called through-hole mounting (also known as THT Through Hole Technology).

From the DE 299 20 228 U1 Another connector is known, which can electrically connect the contact elements arranged in a housing via contact pins with the conductor tracks of a printed circuit board. Said connector is suitable for mounting on a printed circuit board by means of various soldering techniques. The type of solder joint is varied over the type, shape and location of bolt-like fasteners. Depending on the soldering and mounting method of the connector to the circuit board here is the disadvantage that in each case other fasteners or pins must be used. This requires contact pins in several production variants and an associated storage and administrative costs.

In front In this background, the invention is based on the object to realize improved or simpler designed connector, which with variable assembly technology can be flexibly mounted on a printed circuit board without the need for respective fasteners are varied or replaced have to.

These Task is solved by an aforementioned connector, which a carrier body and has at least one contact element which is arranged on the carrier body is, wherein the contact element has a first and a second part wherein the first part is strip-shaped in a longitudinal direction extends and at least one free end and a free bottom wherein the second part has a contact area for contacting of the electrical conductor, wherein the contact region is transverse to the longitudinal direction and disposed away from the bottom of the first part, and wherein the first part is configured to be either can be inserted with the free end through the circuit board or with the underside on the circuit board plan to be placed can.

The new connector thus has a contact element with at least two parts. The second part is adapted to contact the electrical conductor to be electrically connected to the circuit board. The first part serves to establish an electrical contact between the printed circuit board and the connector. Due to its geometry, this first part can be used in at least two different ways. The new geometry makes it possible to replace the connector without replacement of parts either by the THT / THR soldering method or by the SMD soldering method on a circuit board to install. When using the THT / THR soldering technique, the first part of the connector can be inserted with its free end through the circuit board and soldered from the opposite side of the circuit board. In contrast, if the connector is to be soldered by means of SMD soldering, the connector with the bottom of the first part can be placed flat on the circuit board. In both cases, the electrical contact to the printed circuit board is made via the first part of the contact element. This makes it possible to uniformly use contact names regardless of the selected soldering technique. In addition, the flexible assembly of the new connector allows a reduced storage, as the new connector can be soldered without additional parts either in SMD or THT technology.

The The above task is therefore completely solved.

In In a preferred embodiment, the first part has two free ones Ends up. Preferably, the two free ends are opposite each other.

These Design makes it possible that the connector when loading the circuit board by means of THT / THR technique either with one of its free ends in the PCB can be inserted. In addition to the possibility already mentioned, the connector by means of SMD technology plan to install the Connector thus, depending on space requirements and desired Orientation of the contact area, in three different positions be mounted on the circuit board. Is it desirable to contact the area the connector up, away from the PCB, align, so the connector is as described with the bottom of the first part plan on the printed circuit board. Is it against desired the contact area of the connector laterally, ie parallel to Circuit board, so the connector, as described, with one of its two free ends inserted into the circuit board.

In In a further embodiment, the first part is symmetrical to one Level formed, which is normal relative to the longitudinal direction. Preferably the entire connector symmetrical to said plane.

By the symmetrical design of the first part is a larger footprint and thus a better or safer stand with flat laying of the connector reached on the circuit board. When soldering using the SMD technology the connector can stand by itself and must during the soldering not be kept in an unstable position. Furthermore is due to the symmetrical design of the first part a Assembly error prevented, as the insertion of the connector in principle possible at both free ends is and thus no "wrong" insertion is possible.

In In another embodiment, the free end is tapered.

With this embodiment leaves the free end at the assembly using the THT / THR technique better insert in the PCB. For a thin, flexible Printed circuit board is even conceivable that in this embodiment for insertion the Steckverbder a positioning hole is sufficient and no through hole through the circuit board is necessary. An accidental slipping on the circuit board is through the free, tapered end and one for that provided positioning hole on the circuit board during assembly also prevented.

In In a further embodiment, the connector has a plurality of contact elements arranged parallel to each other on the carrier body are. Preferably, the parallel contact elements are along one second longitudinal direction next to each other arranged orthogonal to the (first) longitudinal direction.

The flexible equipment The new connector is not just a connector to connect a single conductor to a circuit board possible. In the present Embodiment, the new connector is a multi-connector, the allows the connection of a plurality of conductors to a circuit board. Depending on the number of printed conductors to be contacted on the printed circuit board can thus also the number of contact elements of the connector can be easily varied. Theoretically, despite the flexible placement possibility any number of parallel arranged contact elements conceivable.

In In a further embodiment, the contact element is inserted into the carrier body.

The Inserting the contact element in the carrier body allows for easy production and relieved an alternative possible welding or Screwing in the assembly effort considerably. In addition, there are no for mounting special tools necessary, which is why the production and assembly costs additionally can be reduced. By a precise fit of the contact element is a good fit ensured within the carrier body.

In In another embodiment, the contact element is removable from the carrier body.

In This configuration is the replacement of contact elements, especially in case of a defect or faulty installation, very easy. If one other than the initially specified during assembly plug-in configuration required This can be done by turning, omitting or adding a contact element later slightly altered become. This can be done both manually and automatically.

In In another embodiment, the contact region is two opposing Contact tongues for clamping a conductor.

These Type of contact tongues allow the Contacting of conductors with different conductor cross sections. Especially in safety switching devices, where a lot of modules next to each other on a top hat rail are coupled together This type of mechanical and electrical coupling is very simple and fast.

In In another embodiment, the contact tongues against each other biased.

The Preload the contact tongues against each other on the one hand allows a solid and fixed clamping seat on the support body and on the other hand ensures for one Fixed clamping of the conductor in the contact tongues. The bias Needless when clamping the counterpart Furthermore, that a spring or clamping element for the application the contact force needed becomes. It is understood that, depending on the shape of the counterpart, too the contact tongue can be arbitrarily shaped.

In In a further embodiment of the invention, the carrier body has two mutually parallel side walls and a web arranged transversely thereto, which interconnects the two side walls combines.

By the carrier body designed in this way the contact tongue laterally against contamination or contact with protected other components. The arrangement with two parallel side walls and a transverse connecting Footbridge proves it In addition, as mechanically stable, is compared to a closed housing space saving and allows a slight insertion of the contact element between the parallel Sidewalls.

If At least two parallel contact elements are present, is the Bridge preferably arranged between them.

In This configuration, the adjacent contact elements by separated the bridge so that there is no electrical contact between them can arise and thereby a short circuit would be generated. Of the Bridge ensured as a mechanical spacer the desired distance between two Contact elements. Longitudinal the web, as already described, the two side walls spaced from each other, being his length depending on the size of the used Contact elements may vary.

In In a further embodiment, the carrier body has at least one guide pin on, which is parallel to the longitudinal direction is arranged. The guide pin elevated when loading the connector by means of THT / THR technology, the mechanical support on the circuit board and takes over forces acting parallel to the circuit board so that they do not fully open the exposed free ends of the first part act. In addition, can the guide pin help make the contact element with its contact area enough of the circuit board is widely spaced and does not contact this. Of the spigot is used in the manufacture directly and from a part with the side wall of the Carrier body made.

In In another embodiment, the contact element is a stamped Sheet metal part.

The Production of the contact element of a stamped sheet metal part is easy and inexpensive to realize and brings the advantage of a well malleable and electric conductive Material with it.

In In another embodiment, the contact element is designed in one piece.

These Design ensured a good and safe electrical connection between the first and the second part. Contact errors between the parts are excluded. In addition, a rapid production of the contact element in only two Work steps possible. After Austanzen the second part of the contact element together with the Contact area bent and biased transversely to the first part.

According to one In another embodiment, the contact element has at least one Groove shaped captive.

Since during assembly and during the subsequent use of the connector mechanical forces are exerted specifically on the contact element, said captive prevents unwanted detachment of the contact elements from the carrier body. The design of the captive in the form of a groove can be easily changed during the manufacture of the contact elements, in particular during the punching process. For the captive are thus no additional Parts needed, which in turn is noticeable as a cost advantage.

In In a further embodiment, the carrier body has at least one feather key on, which engages in the groove.

The to the groove already described corresponding key amplifies the mechanical support of the contact element on the support body in addition. Furthermore, the Position of the contact element on the support body thus easily fixed and fixed, which in turn allows rapid insertion of the contact element also possible in an automated process. It is understood that the seat of the contact element within the Trägerköpers by attachment of several Feather springs in different places is additionally reinforced.

In In a further embodiment, the carrier body consists of an electrically non-conductive Material, in particular plastic, and the contact element consists of an electrically conductive material, in particular metal.

Of the Carrier body serves so that not only as a holder of the contact element, but at the same time as electrical insulation and allows in-contact kicking the contact element with the circuit board only at the desired Job. At the same time, the electrically non-conductive carrier body ensures that several parallel contact elements are isolated from each other.

It it is understood that the above and the following yet to be explained features not only in the specified combination, but also in other combinations or alone, without to leave the scope of the present invention.

embodiments The invention are illustrated in the drawings and in the following description explained. Show it:

1 a perspective schematic view of an embodiment of the connector according to the invention;

2 a schematic side view of the connector, as a plan view in the longitudinal direction of the first part, with a further embodiment of the contact element;

3 a plan view of the underside of the contact elements, in an embodiment with symmetrically ausgestaltetem first part;

4 a schematic side view of in 3 shown embodiment, as a plan view orthogonal to the longitudinal direction;

5 a perspective schematic view of the connector according to the invention, inserted from the top into the circuit board;

6 a perspective schematic view of the connector according to the invention, inserted from the bottom in the circuit board; and

7 a perspective schematic view of the connector according to the invention, with the underside mounted flat on the circuit board.

In 1 is an embodiment of the connector in its entirety by the reference numeral 1 designated. The connector shown 1 has a carrier body 2 and two parallel to each other on the carrier body 2 arranged contact elements 3 on. The two contact elements 3 can be divided into a first part 4 and a second part 5 which is orthogonal to the first part 4 is. The first part 4 extends in a longitudinal direction 6 which is orthogonal to a sidewall 7 of the carrier body 2 pointing to the outside. The first part 4 is, as shown, strip-shaped with a free end 8th equipped, the first part 4 towards the free end 8th is tapered in this embodiment. The second part 5 has in its the carrier body 2 side facing away from a contact area 9 on, which in this embodiment by two opposing, biased contact tongues 10 and 11 is formed.

At the in 1 illustrated embodiment, the carrier body 2 largely H-shaped and is made of two parallel side walls 7 and 12 and one transverse to it in the longitudinal direction 6 running bridge 13 limited, which the side walls 7 and 12 connects with each other. The side wall 7 further comprises two longitudinally in this embodiment 6 aligned guide pins 14 on, which provide when mounting on a circuit board for a secure stand and the carrier body 2 spaced from the circuit board.

In the 2 embodiment shown largely corresponds to that of 1 , wherein only the shape of the two contact elements 3 differs in the contact area shown here above. The two contact tongues 10 and 11 are not symmetrical to one another here compared to a line 15 prestressed. As shown here, in this embodiment, the contact tongue 10 parallel to the line 15 and the contact tongue 11 is up towards the contact tongue 10 tapered tapered. It is understood that the shapes of the contact elements can vary as desired depending on the counterpart. Furthermore, in 2 one opposite 1 differently designed guide pin 14 ge shows which is stepped shaped. Due to this stepped shape, the desired distance to the printed circuit board is realized structurally simple.

3 shows a plan view of the connector 1 from the bottom 16 the contact elements 3 , The H-shaped configuration of the carrier body 2 is easy to see from this side. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the lower part 4 of the contact element 3 symmetrical with two free ends 8th educated. By this configuration, an insertion of the connector 1 in a printed circuit board optionally at opposite free ends 8th allows. Accordingly, on both side walls 7 and 12 of the carrier body 2 two guide pins each 14 appropriate. As you can see, the free ends protrude 8th here on the carrier body 2 and in the preferred case also over the pins 14 addition, to the insertion of the free ends 8th to simplify further in a printed circuit board. The connector 1 is thus completely symmetrical to a plane in this embodiment 17 which is orthogonal to the strip-shaped first part 4 of the contact element 3 is.

4 shows the in 3 illustrated embodiment as a plan view from the side. In the illustration shown, it can be seen that the contact element 3 is formed in one piece and the first part 4 and the second part 5 pass directly into each other. The contact element 3 has, as shown in this illustration, several grooves 18 . 19 and 20 on which in feather keys 21 . 22 and 23 intervene on the carrier body 2 are attached. The feather keys 21 . 22 and 23 are on both inner surfaces of the side walls 7 and 12 distributed and offset in height, so that the best possible fixation and mechanical locking of the contact element 3 on the carrier body 2 is guaranteed. Further, in this embodiment, a folded fold 24 at the top of the contact element 3 shown, which when connecting the contact element 3 with the counterpart scratching or snagging prevented by a thus curved edge.

5 shows the connector 1 from the top into a printed circuit board 25 used. The connector 1 can, as already described, at the free ends 8th the contact elements 3 through holes in the circuit board 25 be used. The connector 1 is then using THT / THR technique from the bottom of the PCB 25 at the free ends 8th soldered. The circuit board 25 and the connector 1 are here at the electrically conductive free ends 8th the contact elements 3 and on the electrically non-conductive guide pin 14 mechanically interconnected. Since the guide pin shown here 14 has no gradation, lies the lower side wall 12 of the carrier body 2 in this embodiment also on the circuit board 25 on. Furthermore, in this embodiment, instead of a one-piece web as previously shown 13 , the side walls 7 and 12 with two parallel bars 26 and 27 connected with each other. This ensures more stability of the carrier body 2 ,

In the 6 embodiment shown corresponds to that in FIG 5 but the connector is 1 here from the bottom into the circuit board 25 plugged in. This again illustrates that the connector 1 is symmetrical and insertion into the circuit board from both sides is possible. In principle, it is also possible to use the connector 1 to be placed between two parallel PCBs and to be attached to both parallel PCBs at the same time. Will the connector 1 , as in 6 , Inserted from below into the PCB, the soldering is done using THT / THR technology on the top of the PCB.

7 shows the same embodiment of the in 5 illustrated connector 1 , wherein this in the illustration shown with the bottom 16 of the contact element 3 on the circuit board 25 plan is attached and soldered by means of SMD technology with this.

Claims (17)

Connector ( 1 ) for connecting an electrical conductor to a printed circuit board ( 25 ), with a carrier body ( 2 ) and with at least one contact element ( 3 ), which on the carrier body ( 2 ) is arranged, wherein the contact element ( 3 ) has a first and a second part, wherein the first part ( 4 ) strip-shaped in a longitudinal direction ( 6 ) and at least one free end ( 8th ) as well as a free underside ( 16 ), the second part ( 5 ) a contact area ( 9 ) for contacting the electrical conductor, wherein the contact region ( 9 ) transverse to the longitudinal direction ( 6 ) and facing away from the bottom ( 16 ) of the first part ( 4 ), and wherein the first part ( 4 ) is configured such that it is optionally connected to the free end ( 8th ) through the printed circuit board ( 25 ) or with the underside ( 16 ) on the printed circuit board ( 25 ) plan can be set up. Connector according to claim 1, characterized in that the first part ( 4 ) two free ends ( 8th ) having. Connector according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first part ( 4 ) symmetrical to a plane ( 17 ), which relative to the longitudinal direction ( 6 ) is normal. Connector according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the free end ( 8th ) is tapered. Connector according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by a plurality of contact elements ( 3 ) parallel to each other on the carrier body ( 2 ) are arranged. Connector according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the contact element ( 3 ) in the carrier body ( 2 ) is inserted. Connector according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the contact element ( 3 ) of the carrier body ( 2 ) is removable. Connector according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the contact area ( 9 ) two opposing contact tongues ( 10 . 11 ) for clamping a conductor. Connector according to claim 8, characterized in that that the contact tongues are biased against each other. Connector according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the carrier body ( 2 ) two mutually parallel side walls ( 7 . 12 ) and a web ( 13 ), which connects the two side walls together. Connector according to claim 10, characterized by at least two parallel contact elements ( 3 ) between which the bridge ( 13 ) is arranged. Connector according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the carrier body ( 2 ) at least one guide pin ( 14 ) parallel to the longitudinal direction ( 6 ) is arranged. Connector according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the contact element ( 3 ) is as a stamped sheet metal part. Connector according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the contact element ( 3 ) is designed in one piece. Connector according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the contact element ( 3 ) at least one groove ( 18 . 19 . 20 ) formed captive. Connector according to claim 15, characterized in that the carrier body ( 2 ) at least one key ( 21 . 22 . 23 ), which in the groove ( 18 . 19 . 20 ) intervenes. Connector according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the carrier body ( 2 ) consists of an electrically non-conductive material, in particular plastic, and that the contact element ( 3 ) consists of an electrically conductive material, in particular metal.