DE102014224475A1 - Circuit carrier and method for producing and for electrically connecting a circuit carrier - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention proposes a circuit carrier (1) and a method for producing as well as a method for electrically connecting such a circuit carrier. The circuit carrier (1) comprises a receiving portion (24) for receiving an electrical conductor (3), wherein the receiving portion (24) has a connection point (4; 26) for electrical connection of the electrical conductor (3), and a spring arm (4) with a movable abutment portion (44) for spring pressure applying an electrically conductive free end (34) of the electrical conductor (3) in the direction of the receiving portion (24). The circuit carrier (1) is characterized in that at least the contact section (44) or the connection point (26) has a penetration element (28; 48) for penetrating into the electrically conductive free end (34) of the electrical conductor (3), wherein the Spring arm (4) provides a spring pressure required for penetration.

Description

The present invention relates to a circuit carrier and a method for producing such a circuit carrier and to a method for electrically connecting such a circuit carrier.

Circuit carriers are used, for example, in motor vehicles in electronic modules such as control devices and in mechatronic modules such as actuators, sensors and the like, the modules being connected to one another or to one another in an electrically conductive manner. The electrically conductive connection is usually carried out by means of bonding, soldering, gluing, a plug connection or by means of further conventional connection techniques.

The publication DE 10 2010 039 185 discloses a connection arrangement for electrically contacting an electronic module, which has a embedded in a plastic housing circuit carrier, wherein the circuit carrier is electrically conductively contacted via an outstanding from the plastic housing electrically conductive contact spring with an electrical conductor. The contact spring has a U-shaped, exposed end portion with a projection for clamping and electrical contacting of the electrical conductor.

The publication JP 2014-075 245 discloses a clamping detent device for electrically connecting a free end of an electrical conductor to an electrical connection point of a circuit carrier. The free end of the electrical conductor is formed such that it has a plurality of recesses or recesses into which barbs engage similar engaging elements of the electrical connection point. The electrical connection point in this case has a spring element, which is provided on one surface side of the circuit carrier opposite resiliently movable, wherein the spring element with the circuit carrier in the intermediate region forms a receptacle for the free end of the electrical conductor. The surface side of the circuit substrate is formed with the barb-like elements. After insertion of the free end of the electrical conductor into the receptacle, the spring element presses against the free end of the electrical conductor, wherein the barb engage similar engaging elements in each case in an associated recess or recess of the free end of the electrical conductor.

The publication US 2010/041 273 discloses an electrical connection between a circuit carrier and a free end of an electrical conductor, wherein the free end of the electrical conductor has a plate-shaped engaging element, which comprises a locking edge for engaging behind. The circuit carrier has a spring element with a latching nose, wherein the spring element with a surface side of the circuit carrier forms a receiving channel for the engaging element of the electrical conductor. The locking lug is provided for engaging behind the locking edge after insertion of the engaging element in the receiving channel.

Against this background, the present invention provides an improved circuit carrier, a method for producing such a circuit carrier and a method for electrically connecting such a circuit carrier.

According to embodiments of the present invention, in particular, a circuit carrier for electronic modules and mechatronic modules, for example, a motor vehicle can be provided, wherein the circuit carrier has at least one electrical connection point for electrically connecting a free end of an electrical conductor. The electrical connection point is designed such that an electrical conductor end such as a cable strand or a wire end without further processing such as the provision of a recess, a cable lug or the like with the electrical connection point is electrically conductive contacted.

The proposed circuit carrier comprises a receiving portion for receiving an electrical conductor, wherein the receiving portion has a connection point for electrical connection of the electrical conductor. The electrical conductor may preferably be a conductor wire or a strand which has a plurality of conductor wire strands combined into a bundle, wherein the electrical conductor is formed from an electrically conductive material, such as copper. More preferably, the electrical conductor comprises an insulating jacket made of an electrically insulating material, which surrounds the electrically conductive material of the electrical conductor circumferentially. The circuit carrier may be a circuit board, a printed circuit board or a substrate. The circuit carrier may have two main surfaces. On a main surface or on both main surfaces, at least one electrical component can be arranged on the circuit carrier. In particular, the circuit carrier can have a plurality of electrical components which can be arranged on at least one main surface of the circuit carrier. An electrical component may be, for example, a passive electrical component or an active electrical component, such as an integrated circuit, a chip or a power supply unit. Preferably, the Circuit board a circuit board. More preferably, the printed circuit board is a multilayer printed circuit board with at least two electrically insulating layers, which surround an electrically conductive trace, via which the at least one electrical component is electrically conductively connectable. The connection of the at least one electrical component can be carried out in a conventional manner, for example by means of an insertable into the circuit carrier electrical connection element which extends at least to the conductor to contact them electrically conductive. The connection point is a location on the circuit carrier, via which the electrical conductor can be electrically connected. Preferably, the connection point is arranged in an end section of the circuit carrier, more preferably on one of the main surfaces. Further preferably, the connection point is arranged at a distance from an arrangement location of the at least one electrical component.

The circuit carrier further comprises a spring arm with a movable contact portion for spring pressure applying an electrically conductive free end of the electrical conductor in the direction of the receiving portion. The electrically conductive free end of the electrical conductor may be a conductor wire end of an electrically conductive material. The electrical conductor can thus be contacted without further electrical conduction. Alternatively, the electrically conductive free end may be enclosed by an insulating jacket.

Thus, the electrical conductor in the region of the electrically conductive free end can be reliably protected from external influences.

The spring arm may preferably be an element protruding from the circuit carrier, which is elastically movable with at least one spring arm section along a transverse, more preferably orthogonal, direction to a main surface of the circuit carrier, the abutment section being in a region of the spring-elastic movable spring arm section is provided. The spring arm is preferably formed from a spring plate material or a resilient plastic-containing material. Further preferably, the abutment section is provided in a region of the spring arm section which ends in a receiving state free of the free end of the electrical conductor in or adjacent to a region of the connection point. The adjacent region may be a surface portion of the circuit carrier adjacent to the junction. In the receptacle-free state, the contact section can preferably contact the connection point or the region adjacent thereto in a spring-biased or spring-biased manner, wherein the contact section is resiliently movable in a direction away from the connection point or from the adjacent region. Alternatively preferably, in the receptacle-free state, the contact section to the connection point can have a straight-line spacing which is smaller than a cross-sectional thickness of the associated free end of the electrical conductor which is provided along an axis of the straight-line spacing. Thus, it can be ensured that the free end of the electrical conductor is acted upon in a system state with the contact portion with a spring pressure force.

The spring arm may have a base from which protrudes the resiliently movable spring arm, wherein the base is fastened or fixed on the circuit carrier. The attachment may preferably be made by means of an adhesive, solder, plug, screw or the like. More preferably, the attachment by means of a plug connection, in which the circuit carrier has a plug-in receptacle, in which the base of the spring arm can be plugged. In this case, according to a preferred embodiment, the plug-in receptacle and the base can be designed such that the plug-in receptacle forms a passage through the circuit carrier, wherein the base has a pin-like element which can be received by the passage, wherein in the receiving state of the pin-like element from the Passage outstanding free end of the base or the pin-like element on the corresponding surface side of the circuit carrier by means of a deformation process such as a cold or hot caulking or galvanization can be fastened.

The proposed circuit carrier is characterized in that at least the contact portion or the connection point has a penetrating element for penetration into the electrically conductive free end of the electrical conductor, wherein the spring arm provides a pressure force required for penetration. Penetration is understood to mean a plastic deformation of a surface side of the electrically conductive free end of the electrical conductor to which the penetrating element can be acted upon by the spring pressure force. For example, the penetration may be an indentation or incision in the surface side of the electrically conductive free end of the electrical conductor. The spring arm or the Federdruckkraftbeaufschlagung outgoing therefrom and the penetrating element are preferably matched to one another, taking into account the material of the free end of the electrical conductor, that the penetration element has a depression in the formed of the electrically conductive material free End forms, which is sufficient in connection with the penetrated penetrating element for holding the electrical conductor along at least one orthogonal to the penetrating direction of the penetrator extending direction. Preferably, the spring arm or the Federdruckkraftbeaufschlagung and the penetration element are designed such that the penetration depth is at least 10% of the cross-sectional thickness of the formed of the electrically conductive material free end of the electrical conductor at the location of penetration. More preferably, the penetration depth is at least 25% of the cross-sectional thickness and not more than 70% of the cross-sectional thickness. With such a penetration depth, a secure hold of the free end of the electrical conductor along at least one direction perpendicular to the penetration direction can be ensured. Furthermore, the risk of cracking and thus detachment of the electrical conductor at the point of penetration can be minimized.

Further preferably, the spring arm or the spring pressure exerted therefrom and the penetrating element can be configured to effect a preferred penetration as described above, with prior passage through an insulating jacket surrounding the electrically conductive free end.

Preferably, the penetrating member forms a penetrating edge which is adapted to depress or cut the surface layer of the free end of the electrical conductor depending on the spring pressure provided by the spring arm. In other words, the penetrating edge may be a pressing edge or a cutting edge, with a cutting edge being particularly preferred, since a more reliable hold between the cutting edge and the free end of the electrical conductor can be ensured. Further preferably, the abutment section or the connection point can have more than one penetration element, in particular more than one penetration edge or one pressure edge and / or one cutting edge.

By means of the least one penetrating element, a reliably electrically conductive contacting of the free end of the electrical conductor can be achieved. Furthermore, a retaining edge is formed by the penetration into the free end of the electrical conductor, which prevents in contact with the penetrating element, a displacement of the free end of the electrical conductor in a direction orthogonal to the direction of penetration. Thus, a reliable holding electrically conductive connection between the circuit carrier and the electrical conductor can be provided without the need for an electrically conductive free end of the electrical conductor in advance of a pre-treatment or preparation for electrical connection.

According to a preferred embodiment, the spring arm is formed from an electrically conductive material and forms a connection point for electrical connection of the free end of the electrical conductor. The electrically conductive material may further preferably be a metal or an electrically conductive plastic or a mixed component thereof. This makes it possible to dispense with a connection point for electrical connection of the electrical conductor on a surface side of the circuit carrier opposite to the spring arm. The circuit carrier can be assembled in a simplified manner. Alternatively, the circuit carrier next to the spring arm as a connection point have a further connection point for electrical connection of the electrical conductor, wherein the further connection point on a surface side of the circuit substrate is opposite to the spring arm. This can be created and maintained a reliable electrical connection of the electrical conductor to the circuit board.

According to a preferred embodiment, the spring arm is formed of an electrically insulating material, wherein the abutment portion is arranged in a region which adjoins the connection point, wherein the connection point is formed on a surface side of the receiving portion. The electrically insulating material may be a plastic-containing material. More preferably, the spring arm is formed by means of an injection molding process. The spring arm can be produced at low cost and provided with the circuit carrier. Furthermore, a shape of the spring arm can be provided as needed, with which the circuit carrier has a greater degree of freedom in its design.

Further preferably, at least the abutment portion or the receiving portion has a frictional surface for abutment with the electrical conductor. The system may be provided at the free end of the electrical conductor or at another portion of the electrical conductor, which is suitable for installation on a surface side of the circuit substrate. Accordingly, the frictional surface is to be arranged at least in the receiving portion. At the contact portion, the frictional surface may further preferably be arranged adjacent to the penetrating element, provided that the spring arm has the penetrating element. More preferably, the penetrating element can be arranged in the friction-prone surface portion. The friction surface, in addition to a strain relief for the electrical conductor allows a reliable holding of the electrical conductor transverse to a direction of the Federdruckbeaufschlagung.

According to a preferred embodiment, the circuit carrier is formed from a multilayer printed circuit board, wherein the multilayer printed circuit board has a plurality of electrically insulating layers, which at least one electrical conductor track, for example in the form of a conductor layer, border, wherein the connection point either has a arranged on the circuit board connecting element, which is coupled to the conductor track, or is formed by an exposed portion of the conductor track. The interconnect layer may be, for example, a stamped grid element enclosed by the insulating layers. The connection element may for example be a pad-like element on which the free end of the electrical conductor can be arranged. A cross-sectional shape of the connection element can be selected as needed. Incidentally, this also applies to the exposed section of the conductor track. The latter allows an embodiment of the circuit carrier with a smaller number of elements. For example, the exposed portion may be provided with an electrically conductive protective layer which inhibits exposure to external influences such as moisture, dust and the like on the exposed portion of the wiring. In contrast, a connecting element favors the use of a conventionally designed printed circuit board, since the connecting element can be arranged and fastened in a simple manner on a surface side of the printed circuit board. The attachment can be done by means of conventional types of connection such as gluing, soldering, latching, screwing or the like. In any case, the connection element is to be electrically conductively coupled to the conductor track in order to enable a forwarding of an electrical signal between the circuit carrier and the electrical conductor via the connection element or the connection point.

According to a preferred embodiment, the penetrating element has at least one indenting edge which is set obliquely to a penetrating surface of the free end of the electrical conductor. As a result, an improved hold of the electrical conductor is made possible by the spring arm by means of the penetration edge. The penetration element can have further penetration edges which run transversely to one another and / or parallel to one another. An increase in the number of indentation edges also improves at least the holding and possibly also the electrically conductive contacting of the electrical conductor on the circuit carrier. More preferably, a penetration edge extends transversely to a longitudinal axis of the electrical conductor. As a result, furthermore, a relative movement of the electrical conductor along a direction extending parallel to the longitudinal extension axis can be largely avoided. Furthermore, a guide for the electrical conductor can be provided in the receiving portion of the circuit carrier, in which the free end of the electrical conductor or an adjacent portion of the electrical conductor is used to a lateral, in particular transversely to the longitudinal axis extending movement of the inserted portion of the electrical conductor in the receiving state. Such a guide can likewise be fastened on the circuit carrier or in the receiving section of the circuit carrier via one of the types of connection described above.

The spring arm further preferably has an engagement for engagement with a mounting tool. The engagement may be formed, for example, as an overhang or projection projecting from the spring arm, which can be engaged by the assembly tool for moving the spring arm in a direction away from the circuit carrier. This allows easier insertion of the free end of the electrical conductor in the receiving portion between the contact portion and the receiving portion.

According to a preferred embodiment, the circuit carrier has a housing for receiving the spring arm and the connection point, wherein the housing is fastened or fastened to the circuit carrier and has a passage in the direction of the contact portion and the connection point for the free end of the electrical conductor. As a result, the components of the circuit carrier necessary for holding and electrical connection of the electrical conductor and the electrically conductive connection between the electrical conductor and the circuit carrier can be protected from external influences.

More preferably, the housing is fluid-tight connectable or connected to a surface side of the circuit substrate. For this purpose, the circuit carrier preferably has a first sealing element, which is arranged between the housing and the circuit carrier, and a second sealing element which in or on the passage for sealing the passage at least during a passage of the free end of the electrical conductor into a housing interior of the housing is arranged. The first sealing element may be, for example, a rubber ring. The second sealing element may be a membrane-like element having an expandable, preferably centrally arranged passage for the passage of the free end of the electrical conductor, wherein a membrane edge delimiting the passage for circulating fluid-tight contact with a passing through the passage portion of the electrical conductor is. Under fluid-tight in this context is a avoidance of an outside of usual Tolerance permutant lying to understand a gaseous or liquid medium through or along the respective component such as the housing or the sealing element. Alternatively, the second sealing element may be a potting compound that seals the passage in a fluid-tight manner.

The housing interior forms the receiving space for the spring arm, the connection point and for the free end of the electrical conductor. A filling of the housing with a potting compound can be done for example via the passage or a, in particular closable, supply line, which is further preferably provided with the housing and connects the housing interior with a housing outside. In addition to protecting the components accommodated in the housing, the potting compound can furthermore act as a strain relief for the electrical conductor. As a further Zugentlastungsmöglichkeit a provided with the housing clamping device may be provided which clamps or clamps the electrical conductor to the housing during the passage in the housing interior.

According to a procedural aspect of the present invention, a method for producing a circuit carrier is proposed, wherein the method comprises a step of providing a circuit carrier having a receiving portion for receiving an electrical conductor, wherein the receiving portion comprises a connection point for electrical connection of the electrical conductor. The method further includes a step of providing a spring arm having a abutting portion for spring urging an electrically conductive free end of the electrical conductor toward the receiving portion. Furthermore, the method comprises a step of attaching the spring arm to the circuit carrier, wherein at least the abutment portion or the connection point has a penetration element for penetrating into the free end of the electrical conductor, wherein the spring element provides a spring pressure force required for penetration. By means of this method, a circuit carrier as described above can be provided with identical advantageous effects.

According to a further procedural aspect, there is provided a method for electrically connecting a circuit carrier as described above to an electrical conductor, the method comprising a step of providing a circuit carrier as described above, a step of providing an electrical conductor with a free end, and a step of Having introduced the free end of the electrical conductor in a range of movement of the penetrating element. By means of the proposed method, a circuit carrier as described above can be reliably electrically connected to an electrical conductor in a few method steps.

Further features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following description of preferred embodiments, with reference to the figures and drawings showing essential to the invention details, and from the claims. The individual features may be implemented individually for themselves or for several in any combination in a preferred embodiment of the invention.

Preferred embodiments of the invention are explained below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Show it:

1 a schematic cross-sectional view of a circuit substrate according to a preferred embodiment;

2 a schematic cross-sectional view of an electrical connection of an electrical conductor in a receiving portion of a circuit substrate according to a preferred embodiment;

3 - 5 schematic cross-sectional views of a circuit carrier according to preferred embodiments;

6 a flowchart of a method for manufacturing a circuit carrier according to a preferred embodiment; and

7 a flowchart of a method for electrically connecting a circuit carrier according to a preferred embodiment.

In the following description of preferred embodiments of the present invention, the same or similar reference numerals are used for the elements shown in the various figures and similarly acting, wherein a repeated description of these elements is omitted.

1 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of a circuit carrier 1 according to a preferred embodiment. The circuit carrier 1 includes a multilayer printed circuit board 2 , which a plurality of mutually parallel electrically insulating layers 20 includes, which a plurality of mutually parallel electrical conductor layers 21 mounting. The circuit board 2 includes a first receiving portion 22 for receiving at least one electrical component 10 and a second receiving section 24 for receiving an electrical conductor 3 , The electrical components 10 in the first receiving section 22 are from a potting compound 12 enclosed, causing the electrical components 10 to be protected against external influences. The electrical conductor 3 includes a conductor cover 30 of an electrically insulating material, which is a conductor wire 32 encloses, wherein the conductor wire 32 is formed of an electrically conductive material such as copper. A free end 34 of the electrical conductor 3 is through the conductor wire 32 formed and protrudes from an end portion of the conductor shell 30 from. The free end 34 of the electrical conductor 3 is in an area of the second accommodating section 24 from a spring arm 4 acted upon by a spring pressure force. The spring arm 4 includes a movable abutment section 44 , which because of the elastic design of the spring arm 4 elastic on the free end 34 suppressed. The spring arm 4 is about a base 40 on the circuit board 2 arranged and connected to this. The connection of the base 40 with the circuit board 2 takes place according to this preferred embodiment by means of adhesion. An attachment of the base 40 on the circuit board 2 can be done according to an embodiment not shown by means of other conventional types of connection, which are based on a cohesive, non-positive and / or positive-locking principle. From the base 40 protrudes an angled Federarmabschnitt 42 from, which is parallel to a Federarmabschnitt 42 extends opposite circuit board surface side. In an end region of the spring arm section 42 this has the investment section 44 for conditioning or for spring pressure of the free end 34 of the electrical conductor 3 on. From the end of the spring arm section 42 or from the investment section 44 protrudes an intervention 46 in one of the circuit board 2 away leading direction. The engagement 46 is formed, the investment section 44 by actuating the intervention 46 for example, by a user to move. This allows the contact section 44 from the opposite surface side of the circuit board 2 be moved away to one for insertion of the free end 34 suitable space between the contact section 44 and the circuit board 2 to accomplish.

The circuit board 2 points to the spring arm section 42 opposite surface side a connection element 26 on which the investment section 44 is arranged opposite. The connection element 26 is formed of an electrically conductive material and with at least one of the electrical conductor track layers 21 coupled electrically conductive. This allows an electrically conductive connection between the electrical conductor 3 and at least one of the first receiving portion 22 arranged electrical components 10 will be realized.

2 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of an electrical connection between the circuit carrier 1 and the electrical conductor 3 , In detail, the shows 2 a sectional view in a region of the contact section 44 and the connection element 26 with the interposition of the electrically conductive free end 34 of the electrical conductor 3 , The investment section 44 of the spring arm 4 includes a penetration element 48 which is in the free end 34 of the electrical conductor due to the spring arm 4 provided spring pressure force has penetrated. It has the penetrating element 48 a the penetration element 48 facing surface side of the free end 34 deformed. The penetration element 48 is formed according to this preferred embodiment by a cutting edge which tapers cross-sectionally, with less effort, the surface of the free end 34 plastically deform and in the conductor wire 32 penetrate. The spring arm 4 is designed here to provide a spring pressure required for penetration. Further, the conductor wire 32 preferably formed from a material which is deformable by means of low compressive force. For this purpose, for example, a copper material from which electrical conductor wires are usually made is suitable. A penetration depth of the penetration element 48 is in this preferred embodiment, 20% of a cross-sectional thickness of the electrically conductive free end 34 of the electrical conductor 3 at the place of penetration. The penetration of the penetrating element 48 in the electrically conductive free end 34 of the electrical conductor 3 thus allows a secure hold of the electrical conductor 3 in the second receiving section 24 of the circuit board 1 , Further, due to the on the free end 34 acting spring pressure force of the spring arm 4 a reliable electrical contact between the conductor wire 32 and the connection element 26 respectively. The connection element 26 forms a connection point for electrical connection of the electrical conductor 3 out. According to a preferred embodiment, the spring arm 4 be formed of an electrically conductive material, wherein the spring arm 4 over the base 40 with at least one of the electrical conductor layers 21 is electrically connected. According to this preferred embodiment, the spring arm 4 Form the connection point to the electrical connection of the electrical conductor. In this case, according to an alternative preferred embodiment of the illustrated connection element 26 be waived. The connection element 26 may alternatively be provided to a reliable electrical contacting of the electrical conductor 3 in the second receiving section 24 to ensure.

3 - 5 each show a circuit carrier 1 according to a preferred embodiment. This in 3 shown preferred embodiment of a circuit substrate 1 is different from the one in 1 shown preferred embodiment by the configuration of the engagement 46 , According to this preferred embodiment, the intervention 46 designed for engagement with a mounting tool. The intervention stands out 46 in the manner of an angled overhang or projection from the abutment section 44 or from the end region of the spring arm section 42 from. The angulation allows for a greater distance to the opposite surface side of the circuit board 2 and a slight grip behind the spring arm 4 through the assembly tool 50 ,

The circuit carrier 1 after the in 4 shown preferred embodiment differs from that in 1 shown preferred embodiment by the arrangement of a housing 6 in a region of the second receiving portion 24 , The housing 6 is on the spring arm 4 comprehensive surface side of the circuit board 2 arranged and with the circuit board 2 connected. The connection between housing 6 and the circuit board 2 can be done in a conventional manner, for example as described above, by means of gluing, latching, screwing or the like. The housing 6 has a housing interior 62 on which the spring arm 4 and the free end 34 of the electrical conductor 3 and the connection element 26 houses. The housing 6 further includes a passage 64 through which the electrical conductor 3 with his free end 34 in the housing interior 62 protrudes. The passage 64 is by means of a continuous sealing membrane 66 locked. The sealing membrane 66 has a passage through which the free end 34 of the electrical conductor 3 can be pushed through, with a passage limiting edge of the sealing membrane 46 to an outside of the electrical conductor, more specifically in the in 4 shown receiving state, the conductor cover 30 fluid-tight. The sealing membrane 66 seals the housing interior 62 against the housing outside fluid-tight. In addition, the passage is 64 in the receiving state shown with a potting compound 12 Media-tightly closed. At the potting compound 12 it may be the same potting compound, which is the electrical components 10 surrounds. In general, the potting compound 12 consist of a material which is suitable to form a seal and also to be resistant to gases or liquids, which the circuit carrier 1 depending on a field of application can be suspended. Such a liquid may, for example, be a transmission oil in which transmission control units having circuit carriers are used. The combination of housing 6 and potting compound 12 on the one hand causes a fluid-tight closure of the housing interior 62 as well as a strain relief for the electrical conductor 3 in the recording state shown. When using the potting compound 12 is the sealing membrane 66 not necessarily necessary. However, the sealing membrane favors 66 a sealing of the housing interior 62 already before installation of the electrical conductor 3 or before sealing the passage 64 by means of the potting compound 12 ,

5 shows a circuit carrier 1 according to a further preferred embodiment, wherein the circuit carrier 1 according to this preferred embodiment of the in 1 shown preferred embodiment by the embodiment of the spring arm 4 and the connection point 26 different. The spring arm 4 is made according to this preferred embodiment of an electrically insulating, plastic-containing material, for example by means of an injection molding process. To attach the spring arm 4 on the circuit board 2 this one has a passage 27 through which one end of the spring arm 4 put through and on one of the connection point 26 remote surface side of the circuit board 2 by means of a deformation process, for example by means of cold or hot caulking or galvanization is attached. The spring arm 4 indicates, in addition to the preferred embodiments described above on one of the circuit board 2 facing side a holding element 70 on, which on the Federarmabschnitt 42 adjacent to the abutment section 44 is arranged. The holding element 70 may be on the Federarmabschnitt 42 be glued, screwed, riveted or tethered in any other attachment element or with the Federarmabschnitt 42 be educated. The holding element 70 is formed at the free end 34 of the electrical conductor 3 to abide and to hold this. One is the free end for this 34 of the electrical conductor 3 facing surface side of the retaining element 70 formed such that a frictional force required for holding on the free end 34 of the electrical conductor 3 in a direction transverse to the applied compressive force on the free end 34 acts. According to another preferred embodiment, that is at the free end 34 fitting surface of the holding element 70 uneven, for example scaly or barbed, formed. According to a further preferred embodiment, the retaining element 70 formed from a rubber-containing material, for example in the form of a rubber mat or anti-slip mat and the Federarmabschnitt 42 attached as described above by way of example.

The connection point 26 is formed by a connecting element, which on one of the free end 34 facing surface side of the circuit board 2 a plurality of barb-like elements having a longitudinal extension direction oblique to a direction of insertion of the free end 34 of the electrical conductor 3 having. The introduction direction is defined by the direction in which the free end 34 in the area between the plant section 44 and the connection point 26 is to bring. The free end 34 of the electrical conductor 3 This makes it more reliable in the area of the connection point 26 being held. A risk of shifting the free end 34 of the electrical conductor 3 in a direction opposite to the insertion direction can thus be reliably countered.

The connection element 26 is formed according to this preferred embodiment by an electrically conductive material. The barb-like elements, each one a penetration element 28 for penetrating into a surface side of the free end 34 of the electrical conductor 3 molding, for example, can be generated by means of ultrasonic etching. In this case, the electrically conductive connection element 26 drizzled with an acid or an etchant. Depending on the frequency, ultrasonic waves generate a desired concentration of the acid or of the acid-free regions on the treated surface side of the connection element 26 , The acid-free areas form the penetrating elements 28 out. Alternatively, the penetration elements 28 be made by micro-milling.

The free end 34 of the electrical conductor 3 is in this preferred embodiment via a between the holding element 70 and the free end 34 acting stiction and the investment section 44 and the penetrating elements 28 based on the acting spring pressure force of the spring arm 4 held. The electrical contacting takes place according to this preferred embodiment via the connection element 26 , Alternatively, according to a further preferred embodiment, the electrical contact via the spring arm 4 and more preferably via the retaining element 70 provided the spring arm 4 and the holding element 70 formed of an electrically conductive material and having at least one of the electrical conductor layers 21 is electrically connected.

6 FIG. 12 shows a flowchart of a method of manufacturing a circuit carrier according to an embodiment of the present invention. By performing the method, a circuit carrier according to one of the preferred embodiments described above can be produced. The method has a step to do so 1100 the provision of a circuit carrier having a receiving portion for receiving an electrical conductor, wherein the receiving portion comprises a connection point for electrical connection of the electrical conductor. The method further includes a step 1200 the provision of a spring arm with a contact portion for spring pressure of an electrically conductive free end of the electrical conductor in the direction of the receiving portion. In addition, the method has a step 1300 attaching the spring arm to the circuit carrier. In this case, at least the abutment portion or the connection point on a penetrating element for penetrating into the electrically conductive free end of the electrical conductor, wherein the spring arm provides a spring pressure required for penetration. The steps 1100 . 1200 the provision of a circuit carrier and a spring arm can be carried out successively, simultaneously or in an order reversed to the order described above. The method may comprise further method steps with which the features or components listed in the preferred embodiments described above, such as arranging at least one electrical component, housing the at least one electrical component by means of a potting compound, attaching a housing to the printed circuit board or similar include.

7 FIG. 12 shows a flow chart of a method for electrically connecting a circuit carrier according to one of the preferred embodiments described above, wherein the method comprises a step 2100 the provision of a circuit carrier according to one of the above preferred embodiments and a step 2200 providing an electrical conductor having a free end. After providing these components is with a further process step 2300 introduced the free end of the electrical conductor in a range of movement of the penetrating element. By means of the method, an electrical conductor can be connected to the provided circuit carrier with little effort and electrically conductively coupled. The free end of the electrical conductor may be a customarily configured conductor wire end, a cable strand, a cable lug or a free end formed in a different manner, which no longer requires any further treatment for the electrically conductive connection to the circuit carrier. A disclosed in the prior art further adaptation of the free end of the electrical conductor is therefore not required for connecting and electrically conductive coupling of the free end to the circuit carrier, since the spring arm with the contact portion and the contact portion opposite surface side of the circuit board, which for example a Having connection element, the holding of the free end of the electrical conductor causes. Furthermore, an electrically conductive contacting of the free end of the electrical conductor for transmitting an electrical signal between the circuit carrier and the electrical conductor can be realized in a simple manner by means of the spring arm or the connection point or the connection element.

The embodiments described and shown in the figures are chosen only by way of example. Different embodiments may be combined together or in relation to individual features. Also, an embodiment can be supplemented by features of another embodiment.

If an exemplary embodiment comprises a "and / or" link between a first feature and a second feature, this can be read so that the embodiment according to one embodiment, both the first feature and the second feature and according to another embodiment either only first feature or only the second feature.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1

 circuit support

2

 circuit board

3

 electrical conductor

4

 spring arm

6

 casing

10

electrical component

12

potting compound

20

electrically insulating layer

21

electrical conductor layer position

22

first receiving section

24

second receiving section

26

connecting element

27

passage

28, 48

penetrating

30

Head Case

32

conductor wire

40

Base

42

spring arm

44

contact section

46

intervention

50

assembly tool

60

casing

62

Housing interior

64

passage

66

sealing membrane

70

retaining element

1100, 1200, 2100, 2200

Step of providing

1300

Step of fixing

2300

Step of bringing in

QUOTES INCLUDE IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of the documents listed by the applicant has been generated automatically and is included solely for the better information of the reader. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions.

Cited patent literature

• DE 102010039185 [0003]
• JP 2014-075245 [0004]
• US 2010/041273 [0005]

Claims (11)

Circuit carrier ( 1 ) comprising a receiving section ( 24 ) for receiving an electrical conductor ( 3 ), wherein the receiving section ( 24 ) a connection point ( 4 ; 26 ) for electrical connection of the electrical conductor ( 3 ), and a spring arm ( 4 ) with a movable contact section ( 44 ) for spring pressure applying an electrically conductive free end ( 34 ) of the electrical conductor ( 3 ) in the direction of the receiving section ( 24 ); characterized in that at least the abutment section ( 44 ) or the connection point ( 26 ) a penetration element ( 28 ; 48 ) for penetrating into the electrically conductive free end ( 34 ) of the electrical conductor ( 3 ), wherein the spring arm ( 4 ) provides a spring pressure force required for penetration. Circuit carrier ( 1 ) according to claim 1, characterized in that the spring arm ( 4 ) is formed of an electrically conductive material and a connection point for electrical connection of the free end ( 34 ) of the electrical conductor ( 3 ) trains. Circuit carrier ( 1 ) according to claim 1, characterized in that the spring arm ( 4 ) is formed of an electrically insulating material, wherein the abutment portion ( 44 ) is arranged in an area which at the junction ( 26 ), whereby the connection point ( 26 ) on a surface side of the receiving portion (FIG. 24 ) is trained. Circuit carrier ( 1 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least the contact section ( 44 ) or the receiving section ( 24 ) a frictional surface for engagement with the electrical conductor ( 3 ) having. Circuit carrier ( 1 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the circuit carrier ( 1 ) a multilayer printed circuit board ( 2 ) having a plurality of electrically insulating layers ( 20 ), which at least one electrical conductor track ( 21 ), the connection point ( 26 ) either by a on the circuit board ( 2 ) arranged connecting element, which with the at least one conductor track ( 21 ) is electrically conductively coupled, or by an exposed portion of the at least one conductor track ( 21 ) is trained. Circuit carrier ( 1 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the penetration element ( 28 ; 48 ) has at least one indenting edge, which is inclined to a penetration surface of the free end ( 34 ) of the electrical conductor ( 3 ) is employed. Circuit carrier ( 1 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the spring arm ( 4 ) an intervention ( 50 ) for engagement with a mounting tool ( 50 ) having. Circuit carrier ( 1 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by a housing ( 6 ) for receiving the spring arm ( 4 ) and the connection point ( 26 ), the housing ( 6 ) on the circuit carrier ( 1 ) is fastened or fixed and has a passage ( 64 ) in the direction of the plant section ( 44 ) and the connection point ( 26 ) for the free end ( 34 ) of the electrical conductor ( 3 ) having. Circuit carrier ( 1 ) according to claim 8, characterized by a sealing element ( 12 ; 66 ), which at least in or on the passage ( 64 ) for sealing the passage ( 64 ) at least during a passage of the free end ( 34 ) of the electrical conductor ( 3 ) in a housing interior ( 62 ) of the housing ( 6 ) is arranged. Method for producing a circuit carrier, the method comprising a step ( 1100 ) of providing a circuit carrier having a receiving portion for receiving an electrical conductor, wherein the receiving portion has a connection point for electrical connection of the electrical conductor; one step ( 1200 ) providing a spring arm having a abutting portion for urging an electrically conductive free end of the electrical conductor toward the receiving portion; and a step ( 1300 ) of attaching the spring arm to the circuit carrier, characterized in that at least the abutment portion or the connection point has a penetrating element for penetrating into the free end of the electrical conductor, wherein the spring arm provides a spring pressure force required for penetration. Method for electrically connecting a circuit carrier according to one of the preceding claims to an electrical conductor, the method comprising a step ( 2100 ) of providing a circuit carrier according to one of the preceding claims, a step ( 2200 ) providing an electrical conductor having a free end; and a step ( 2300 ) of introducing the free end of the electrical conductor into a range of movement of the penetrating element.

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