DE102017207677A1 - Board connector, board assembly, and method of making a board connector - Google Patents

Abstract

Shown is a board connector (1) comprising a first board receptacle (10, 11) with at least one contact element (20, 21) for contacting a contact surface (30, 31) on a first board (40, 41) a second board receptacle (10, 12) with at least one contact element (20, 22) for contacting a contact surface (30, 32) on a second circuit board (40, 42). Further, the application shows a circuit board assembly (100) comprising a plurality of circuit boards (40), the circuit boards (40) being connected by board connector plugs (1). Furthermore, a method of manufacturing a board connector plug (1) is shown.

Description

The invention relates to a board connector, a circuit board assembly and a method for producing a board connector plug.

The object of the invention is to provide a solution which makes it possible to connect multiple boards easily and cost-effectively to a board assembly.

This is achieved by a board connector, comprising a first board receptacle with at least one contact element for contacting a contact surface on a first board and a second board receptacle with at least one contact element for contacting a contact surface on a second board.

Such a board connector can be plugged between two boards to connect them. Unlike a solution in which a board connector is soldered firmly to a board and allows connection to a second board, this solution is simpler. Furthermore, in the case of a circuit board which is located at one edge of the board network, a board connection plug can be dispensed with, thereby also saving costs.

In a circuit board assembly according to the invention, the boards are connected by at least one circuit board connector according to the invention.

In a method according to the invention for producing a printed circuit board connector according to the invention, a conductor element is punched out, bent and then embedded in a first section in the injection molding compound, wherein the conductor element remains exposed on the outside at a second section and cuts through the conductor element in the second section in a following step becomes.

The solution according to the invention can be further improved by means of the following embodiments, which are each advantageous and which can be combined with one another as desired.

Each of the board receptacles may have more than one contact element, in particular a plurality of contact elements arranged one behind the other in order to be able to contact a plurality of contact surfaces on a circuit board. The contact elements can be arranged at a regular distance one behind the other. The designation in succession refers to the direction of an elongate board receptacle or edge of the board. With respect to a contact direction in which the board is inserted into the board connector, such contact elements are adjacent to each other, that is, they are spaced apart perpendicular to the contact direction.

In order to enable the simplest possible connection, at least one contact element of the first board receptacle can be connected to at least one contact element of the second board receptacle. On intermediate elements which are each individually with the contact elements, can then be dispensed with. In such an embodiment, the two contact elements are thus connected directly without intermediate elements and may in particular be monolithic or integral with each other, for example by being formed by a single continuous conductive element.

In order to allow movement of an inserted board, without this leading to a scuffing / fretting of the contact surface, at least one contact element may be resiliently mounted. This allows the contact element to move with the inserted board, e.g. when this vibration is exposed. On the base body corresponding recesses may be present, which allow movement of the contact element in at least one direction.

The contact element may be C-shaped in order to be able to contact the circuit board at the two opposite sides at least mechanically. The board can then be clamped in the inserted state between two legs of the Cs, whereby an electrical contact is ensured on at least one side. Advantageously, this is combined with the resilient mounting of the contact element, so that an electrical contact is maintained when the board and the contact element move about due to external influences.

In an advantageous embodiment of the circuit board connector for receiving two boards is designed, which lie in a plane. As a result, a particularly space-saving design of a circuit board assembly can be realized. To achieve this, a board receiving plane of the first board receptacle may lie in a plane with a board receiving plane of the second board receptacle.

In an alternative embodiment, the board receptacles may be only parallel to each other, but not in a plane, but for example in two mutually offset planes. This also a space-saving design is achieved. Furthermore, the board recordings can form an angle to each other, for example around the boards in to arrange at an angle to each other, approximately at a right angle.

In a particularly simple embodiment, the board receptacle is a continuous slot. In such a slot, the contact elements can protrude to allow easy contact. At the same time, the contact elements can be supported by the elements forming the slot. As a result, an inserted board can be stably recorded. The slot may for example have a channel-shaped cross-section or a U-shaped cross section with two legs and one of the two legs connecting base. The walls of the channel or the legs can then exert a spring force on the board.

A printed circuit board connector produced by the method has a conductor element which is at least partially embedded in an injection molding compound. Such a board connector can be made very efficient.

In an advantageous embodiment, a main body of the board connector plug can have an externally accessible recess through which a conductor element extends. This allows the production of different variants of a board connector plug with a single body. Depending on requirements, the conductor element is cut through in the recess or not, to leave different contact elements connected to each other or separate. Such a conductor element can thus be separated or continuous in the recess. If different contact elements are left connected to each other, for example, a higher current can be transmitted at the same potential.

In a finished board connector, the recess may be filled with a potting compound. In an alternative embodiment, the recess can also be covered only, for example with a lid, a film or a housing. Such a cover may, for example, allow the recess to be accessible later and changes to be made when the cover is removed.

To keep the construction simple and stable, a main body of the board connector plug can be monolithic. It may consist of an injection molding compound in which a conductor element is embedded. In such a one-piece production, furthermore, the contact forces on the contact elements can be higher.

According to an advantageous embodiment of the board connector plug is composed of a plurality of identical, interconnected subunits. Such a board connection plug is thus designed translationally symmetrical. This allows in a simple way the production of different variants of board connector plugs. Depending on what length is needed and / or what number of contact elements to be present on the finished board connector, a corresponding length can be separated from a blank. In order to allow a particularly simple separation, weakening areas and / or predetermined breaking points can be present between the subunits. The predetermined breaking point may extend through the main body and the conductor element and in particular also pass through a conductor element. The predetermined breaking point may comprise a recess or a notch. Such a recess or notch may later be used as a positioning element and then has a double function.

To make the installation as simple as possible, the board connector can be configured rotationally symmetrical. As a result, it is no longer necessary to pay attention to the orientation when mounting the board connector plug. Rather, the board connector can be plugged in a variety of orientations.

In an advantageous embodiment, a contact point of the contact element lies completely in a space defined by the base body. In particular, all contact elements can be in this room. This has the advantage that the risk of unintentional contact is reduced. Further, the contact elements may be supported thereby and the connection between the board connector and the board to be particularly stable. A contact force that exerts a contact element on the board can be high.

In order to minimize the risk of twisting the board network, the board connector plug can be rigid and / or torsionally stiff. This creates stability. In particular, a circuit board connector can then be used as a carrier which not only connects but also holds the boards and / or can be used to attach the board to another element.

In a printed circuit board assembly, a board can be connected to other boards via at least two board connection plugs. Thus, for example, a board on two sides contact surfaces, where it is connectable to other boards.

In order to enable a two-dimensional configuration of a printed circuit board assembly, a board over at least two Board connector along at least two non-parallel directions to be connected to other boards. These two directions are oblique or perpendicular to each other. In particular, a board can be connected or connected, for example, on four sides by board connector with other boards. With such a configuration can be created modular different sized circuit boards.

At least one circuit board may have a slot for a plug-in perpendicular to a plane of the board connector. Such a connector can be located on a module. This makes it possible, for example, to create a modular motherboard or a modular backplane for a control cabinet.

The contact elements or the conductor element may be coated in order to ensure, for example, desired contact resistance or corrosion protection.

In the following, the invention will be explained in more detail by way of example with reference to advantageous embodiments with reference to the drawings. The illustrated advantageous developments and refinements are each independent of each other and can be combined with each other, depending on how this is necessary in the application.

• 1 eine schematische Topansicht eines Platinenverbundes mit Platinenverbindungssteckern;
• 2 eine schematische Perspektivansicht des Platinenverbundes;
• 3 eine schematische, halbtransparente Perspektivansicht eines Platinenverbindungssteckers;
• 4 eine schematische Perspektivansicht eines ersten Schritts eines Fertigungsverfahrens eines Platinenverbindungssteckers;
• 5 eine schematische Perspektivansicht eines zweiten Schritts eines Fertigungsverfahrens eines Platinenverbindungssteckers;
• 6 eine schematische Perspektivansicht eines dritten Schritts eines Fertigungsverfahrens eines Platinenverbindungssteckers;
• 7 eine schematische Perspektivansicht eines vierten Schritts eines Fertigungsverfahrens eines Platinenverbindungssteckers;
• 8 eine schematische Perspektivansicht eines fünften Schritts eines Fertigungsverfahrens eines Platinenverbindungssteckers; und
• 9 eine schematische seitliche Ansicht eines Platinenverbindungssteckers 1.

Show it:

• 1 a schematic top view of a circuit board assembly with board connector plugs;
• 2 a schematic perspective view of the board assembly;
• 3 a schematic, semi-transparent perspective view of a board connector plug;
• 4 a schematic perspective view of a first step of a manufacturing method of a board connector plug;
• 5 a schematic perspective view of a second step of a manufacturing method of a board connector plug;
• 6 a schematic perspective view of a third step of a manufacturing method of a board connector plug;
• 7 a schematic perspective view of a fourth step of a manufacturing method of a board connector plug;
• 8th a schematic perspective view of a fifth step of a manufacturing method of a board connector plug; and
• 9 a schematic side view of a board connector plug 1 ,

In 1 is a circuit board composite 100 shown several boards 40 includes, with board connector plugs 1 are connected. Because of the board connector 1 are separate items that are not with the boards 40 can be soldered at the edge of the board assembly 100 arranged boards 40 without superfluous, outwardly projecting board connector 1 get along.

The board connector 1 connect the contact surfaces 30 the boards 40 with each other, so that, for example, transmission of power or signals is possible.

Through such a board composite 100 is a modular design, for example, a motherboard or a backplane for a cabinet possible. In particular, the size can be adjusted as needed and new boards 40 just be added.

Each of the boards 40 is along two contact directions K . K1 . K2 with further boards 40 connected, wherein a first contact direction K1 perpendicular to a second contact direction K2 runs. This is the board composite 100 expandable in two spatial directions.

To enable the insertion of modules, the boards have 40 each slots 90 for such modules or their plug on. The plug becomes perpendicular to a plane 101 of the board network 100 plugged in.

The board connectors shown 1 ensure a stable connection of the boards 40 and serve as a carrier 88 that absorb a mechanical load. The carriers 88 For example, they can be used for attachment to another element.

In 2 is a detail of the board network 100 to see. In particular, there are several board connector plugs 1 each showing a first board receptacle 10 . 11 for receiving a first board 40 . 41 and a second board recording 10 . 12 for receiving a second board 40 . 42 exhibit.

A first board receiving plane 50 . 51 lies in the same plane 55 like a second board receiving plane 50 . 52 so that a flat configuration along a height direction H possible is. Furthermore, they act when inserting the boards 40 occurring forces then exactly parallel to the other board recording 50 so that any board already existing in it 40 just with one along the plane 55 occurring force is loaded and, for example, a breaking of the board 40 is avoided. The boards 40 are each along a contact direction K in the PCB connector 1 pushed in, with the contact direction K1 and K3 the first board 41 or the second board 42 anti-parallel to each other.

3 shows a semi-transparent representation of a board connector plug 1 , The board connector 1 includes a main body 5 , which is an injection molding compound 4 includes. In the main body 5 embedded is a conductor element 3 , in the example shown here, all contact elements 20 formed. In particular, a contact element 20 . 21 the first board recording 10 . 11 and a second contact element 20 . 22 the second board recording 10 . 12 in one piece with each other.

The board shots 20 . 21 . 22 are each as a slot 2 formed along a slot longitudinal direction S runs. The slot 2 has a U-shaped cross section with two legs 28 and a base 29 holding the two thighs 28 combines. A first slot longitudinal direction S . S1 is parallel to a second slot longitudinal direction S . S2 , The slot longitudinal directions S are each perpendicular to the corresponding contact directions K and parallel to a longitudinal direction L of the board connection plug 1 ,

The board shots 10 each have several, in the slot longitudinal direction S successively arranged contact elements 20 on to the individual contact surfaces 30 the boards 40 to contact. The contact elements 20 each have a constant distance 81 to each other. The distance 81 also corresponds to the lengths of individual subsections 8th which make up the board connector 1 is constructed.

The main body 5 is monolithic, ie it consists of a single piece.

In the 4 to 8th are various manufacturing steps for producing a board connector plug 1 shown.

In 4 is just an unfinished conductor element 3 shown. This was punched out of a metal sheet. The individual contact elements 20 are over a jetty 38 connected with each other.

After the unfinished conductor element 3 in the area of the contact elements 20 bent over, it shows the in 5 illustrated form. Subsequently, the conductor element 3 at least partially encapsulated in an injection molding step. The resulting board connector 1 has a ladder element 3 that in a first section 110 in the injection molding compound 4 is embedded and in a second section 120 exposed. The exposed section 120 is located in a recess 6 of the basic body 5 that is accessible from the outside. In a following step, then the exposed sections 120 be severed so that the individual contact elements 20 only in pairs are connected to each other, namely the contact elements 20 that relate to the contact direction K are opposite.

In 7 an embodiment is shown in which all exposed portions in the recesses 6 were severed. In order to avoid an unintentional contact in this area, the recesses can 6 with potting compound 7 be filled.

The 6 to 8th also each show the translation symmetric structure of the board connector plug 1 , the repetitive pattern, especially the outer shape.

The board connector shown 1 can also be used as a blank 300 be understood from the sub-units as needed 8th be separated, depending on how many contact elements 20 for contacting a circuit board 40 are necessary. For separation, the blank indicates 300 Predetermined breaking points 80 with notches 82 on.

In the finished board connector plugs 1 are the contact points 39 the contact elements 20 each in one of the main body 5 defined space 85 so that inadvertent contact with a finger can be prevented, for example.

As in particular in the 3 and 5 is shown are the contact elements 20 . 21 . 22 each designed C-shaped. Two thighs 35 are about a base 37 connected together and form a receptacle for the board 40 , The contact elements 20 . 21 . 22 are each over a spacing section 61 and a bending section 62 with a 90 ° curve at the rest of the conductor element 3 appropriate. This has the advantage that the board 40 firmly between the thighs 35 is trapped and remains, even if mechanical effects such as vibration on the board 40 act as the contact elements 20 . 21 . 22 due to the resilient mounting in corresponding recesses 63 of the basic body 5 can move with you.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1

Platinum connector

2

slot

3

conductor element

4

injection molding compound

5

body

6

recess

7

potting compound

8th

subunit

10

platinum recording

11

first board recording

12

second board recording

20

contact element

21

first contact element

22

second contact element

28

leg

29

Base

30

contact area

31

first contact surface

32

second contact surface

35

leg

37

Base

38

web

39

contact point

40

circuit board

41

first board

42

second boards

50

Platinum recording plane

51

first board receiving plane

52

second board receiving plane

55

level

61

spacing portion

62

bending section

63

recess

80

Breaking point

81

distance

82

score

85

room

88

carrier

90

slot

91

plug

100

platinum composite

101

level

110

first section

120

second part

300

blank

H

height direction

K

contact direction

K1

first contact direction

K2

second contact direction

K3

third contact direction

L

longitudinal direction

S

Slit longitudinally

S1

Slit longitudinally

S2

Slit longitudinally

S3

Slit longitudinally

Claims (15)

Board connector (1), comprising a first board receptacle (10, 11) with at least one contact element (20, 21) for contacting a contact surface (30, 31) on a first board (40, 41) and a second board receptacle (10, 12) with at least one contact element (20, 22) for contacting a contact surface (30, 32) on a second circuit board (40, 42). PCB connector (1) to Claim 1 , wherein at least one contact element (20, 21) of the first board receptacle (10, 11) is connected to at least one contact element (20, 22) of the second board receptacle (10, 12). PCB connector (1) to Claim 1 or 2 , wherein at least one contact element (20, 21, 22) is spring-mounted. Board connector (1) according to one of Claims 1 to 3 , wherein a sinker receiving plane (50, 51) of the first sinker receptacle (11) lies in a plane (55) with a sinker receiving plane (50, 52) of the second sinker receptacle (12). Board connector (1) according to one of Claims 1 to 4 wherein the board connector (1) comprises at least one sheet-shaped conductor element (3) which is embedded in an injection molding compound (4). Board connector (1) according to one of Claims 1 to 5 in which a main body (5) of the board connection plug (1) is from the outside accessible recess (6) through which a conductor element (3) extends. PCB connector (1) to Claim 6 , wherein the recess (6) is filled with a potting compound (7). Board connector (1) according to one of Claims 1 to 7 wherein a base body (5) of the board connector plug (1) is monolithic. Board connector (1) according to one of Claims 1 to 8th wherein the board connector (1) is made up of a plurality of identical, interconnected subunits (8). Circuit board assembly (100), comprising a plurality of circuit boards (40), wherein the boards (40) by at least one board connector (1) according to one of Claims 1 to 9 are connected. Board assembly (100) according to Claim 10 , wherein a board (40) via at least two board connector (1) according to one of Claims 1 to 9 connected to other boards (40). Board assembly (100) according to one of Claims 10 or 11 , wherein a board (40) via at least two board connector (1) according to one of Claims 1 to 9 along at least two non-parallel directions (K, K1, K2) with other boards (40) is connected. Board assembly (100) according to one of Claims 10 to 12 , wherein at least one board (40) has a slot (90) for a perpendicular to a plane (101) of the board (40) insertable plug. A method for producing a board connector plug (1), according to one of Claims 1 - 9 in which a conductor element (3) is punched out, bent and then embedded in the injection molding compound (4) in a first section (110) and remains exposed on the outside at a second section (120), wherein in a following step the conductor element (3 ) is severed in the second gate (120). Method according to Claim 14 wherein a blank (300) having a shape repetitive along a longitudinal direction (L) is formed and a desired length is separated from the blank (300).

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