DE202016008404U1 - Connector module with printed circuit board - Google Patents

Abstract

Connector module (1) with an insulating body (13), characterized in that the connector module (1) for integrating electronic components has a printed circuit board (12) which is arranged in the insulating body (13).

Description

The invention is based on a connector module according to the preamble of the independent claim 1.

Connector modules are an essential part of connector modular systems, within which they can be combined with other connector modules to enable a modular connector in which they are integrated together, to solve a variety of different tasks. Some connector modules are needed to provide a modular connector with additional electronics, e.g. to enable measurement, control and / or data processing functions.

State of the art

In the prior art modular connectors with connector modular systems and associated connector modules are known.

Connector modular systems using a module frame, also known as support frame or modular frame have been disclosed in numerous publications and publications, shown at fairs and are in particular in the industrial environment in the form of heavy duty connectors in use. For example, they are in the publications DE 10 2013 106 279 A1 . DE 10 2012 110 907 A1 . DE 10 2012 107 270 A1 . DE 20 2013 103 611 U1 . EP 2 510 590 A1 . EP 2 510 589 A1 . DE 20 2011 050 643 U1 . EP 860 906 A2 . DE 296 01 998 U1 . EP 1 353 412 A2 . DE 10 2015 104 562 A1 . EP 3 067 993 A1 . EP 1 026 788 A1 . EP 2 979 326 A1 . EP 2 917 974 A1 described.

In particular, the document proposes EP 1 353 412 A2 for the electrical connection of an at least partially decentralized system or machine control a modular connector before. This has a hinged modular frame consisting of two halves, in which different and interchangeable modules can be inserted. At least one module designed as an enclosed housing is used in the module frame, in which corresponding switching means are provided which can generate a signal change for further control tasks.

The publication DE 198 51 473 A1 discloses, for example, a method for the electronic coding of mechanically connectable parts. For this purpose, it is proposed to provide a coding device in a connector and to connect a mating connector with an electronic circuit, wherein when joining the two connectors transmit a signal of the electronic circuit via the one connector to the other connector and the encoder is supplied. Depending on this, a signal is generated by means of the encoder, which is forwarded to the electronic circuit, wherein an output signal is generated by the signal in the electronic circuit, and wherein the output signal for detecting the attached part is used.

In practice, it has been shown that increasingly sophisticated applications are integrated into such connector modules and thus the corresponding electronic circuits are becoming more demanding and complex.

A disadvantage of this prior art is that the space available to this electronics space in the connector and in particular in the respective connector module is naturally limited. There is therefore a need to improve the utilization of this space.

task

The object of the invention is to provide a device which optimizes the utilization of the space available for the electronics in a connector module.

This object is solved by the subject matter of independent claim 1.

The invention relates to a connector module with an insulating body, wherein the connector module for integrating electronic components has a printed circuit board, which is arranged in the insulating body.

On the printed circuit board, electronic components, e.g. Sensors and / or microprocessors and / or data storage and / or A / D converter, etc. arranged and optionally interconnected with each other electronically.

Electronic components may each be one or more of the following in any combination with each other, but are not limited to: capacitors and / or coils and / or resistors and / or diodes and / or transistors and / or thyristors and / or integrated circuits and / or RFID chips and / or analog / digital converters and / or microprocessors and / or memory modules, in particular RAM and / or ROM and / or EPROM and / or EEPROM and / or flash data memory and / or the like and / or antennas and / or radio receiver and / or sensors for measuring eg humidity and / or air pressure and / or temperature electric current and / or electrical voltage and / or ohmic resistance and / or mechanical Voltage and / or force, eg on the basis of piezoelectric effects and / or capacitances and / or in particular for measuring the status of electrical pin and / or socket contacts of the connector and / or brightness and / or optoelectronic components and / or network interfaces and / or in particular WLAN and / or USB and / or I ² C interfaces and / or the like.

Advantageous embodiments of the invention are specified in the subclaims.

An advantage of the invention is that in the connector module of the space, which is the electronics, in particular some electronic components is available, better used.

A particular advantage of the invention is that the production of such a connector module is considerably simplified.

Another advantage of the invention is that in this way the electronics in the connector module can be much more complex than is the case in the prior art.

According to the invention, at least a part of the electronic components of the connector module is arranged on a printed circuit board. Individual of these components can be electrically conductively connected to each other as needed according to the respective circuit via conductor tracks of the printed circuit board. The printed circuit board may advantageously be a so-called "folded printed circuit board", that is to say the printed circuit board is bent at least at one edge, preferably at two edges, in particular at right angles. This is of particular advantage if the geometric size of the electronic circuit on the printed circuit board exceeds the corresponding dimensions of the module. Preferably, the folded, arranged in the connector module printed circuit board has a U-shaped cross-section.

For this purpose, the folded printed circuit board can have a plurality of rigid segments, in particular individual rigid printed circuit boards, of which two are mechanically and electrically connected to one another via a common, flexible bending region connecting them. For this purpose, this flexible bending region has electrically conductive connecting lines / connecting conductor tracks via which individual conductor tracks of the respective rigid printed circuit boards which are adjacent to it are electrically connected to one another. The flexible bending region may in particular be a flexible printed circuit board.

In other words, the folded printed circuit board can have a plurality of, in particular three individual, rigidly interconnected, mechanically flexible and electrically conductive rigid printed circuit boards. In each case two individual rigid printed circuit boards can be mechanically and electrically interconnected via a respective flexible printed circuit board.

For example, the folded printed circuit board may be a so-called "Star Flex printed circuit board".

First, the printed circuit board can be equipped with electronic components on its component side. In particular, the said individual rigid printed circuit boards are equipped on their component sides with the electronic components. This assembly of the printed circuit board can be done in the unfolded state of the printed circuit board. In particular, the said individual rigid printed circuit boards can be aligned parallel to one another. Then the circuit board can be folded, i. the individual rigid printed circuit boards can be suitably, e.g. perpendicular and / or parallel, aligned with each other.

In a preferred embodiment, the connector module has a platinum carrier.

In particular, the board carrier has a U-shaped cross-section, i. he has a particular rectangular front and two perpendicularly connected side parts, which are parallel to each other.

Thus, the folded, in particular U-shaped folded printed circuit board can be introduced into the particular U-shaped board carrier, with their component side is directed inward. In particular, the placement sides of the individual rigid printed circuit boards are thus each directed inwards.

In an advantageous embodiment, the preferably U-shaped platinum carrier has on at least one, advantageously each, its inner sides a preferably rectangular recess for the particular positive and / or non-positive insertion of a single rigid printed circuit board and thus for fixing the entire particular U-shaped folded card in the platinum carrier.

Alternatively or additionally, the individual rigid circuit boards may be glued or otherwise secured to the board carrier.

In an advantageous development of the board carrier can then be inserted laterally into the insulating body. Advantageously, the board carrier, when it is inserted into the insulating body, at least part of one or more outer walls, in particular three of the outer walls of the insulating body of the connector module form. In particular, the platinum support for its fixation in or on the insulating one or more fasteners, in particular a pin and / or a spring, which can cooperate with fastening means of the insulating body. For example, the said pin and / or the said spring can be inserted into a recess in the insulating body and fix the board carrier so on the insulating body.

The board carrier can therefore be inserted laterally into the insulator housing of the connector module with the populated printed circuit board and fastened thereto in the inserted state.

The Isolierköper may have a plurality of guide elements with guide grooves and the platinum carrier may each have a collar on two opposite edges of two opposite side parts, which engages when inserted into the insulating in each case one of these grooves, so when inserted for a guide and in the inserted Condition to stabilize the Platinenträgers to provide.

In this way, the printed circuit board in the manufacture of the connector module is particularly advantageous introduced into the connector module, namely laterally inserted into the insulator, the Bestückungsseiten the folded printed circuit board facing the interior of the connector module and wherein the outer surface of the platinum support at least a portion of the outer wall of the insulating and thus forms the outer wall of the connector module.

In an alternative embodiment, the board carrier can also be a three-dimensional circuit carrier, on the inside of which conductor tracks are directly applied, whereby the circuit board, in particular the folded circuit board, is formed by the board carrier. For example, the board carrier, or at least a part thereof, may be a so-called "MID" (Molded Interconnect Device) component, in particular a so-called "LDS" (Laser Direct Structuring) component. This has the advantage that a largely automated production of the connector modules is possible even in small quantities in special versions.

embodiment

An embodiment of the invention is illustrated in the drawings and will be explained in more detail below. Show it:

1 an exploded view of a connector module with a platinum carrier, a U-shaped folded circuit board and an insulating body;

2 the platinum carrier and the U-shaped folded printed circuit board;

3 the board carrier with the inserted U-shaped folded circuit board;

4 the assembled connector module;

5a a module frame with a connector module;

5b a connector housing with the built-in module frame.

The figures contain partially simplified, schematic representations. In part, identical reference numerals are used for the same but possibly not identical elements. Different views of the same elements could be scaled differently.

The 1 shows a connector module 1 with a U-shaped plate carrier 11 , a U-shaped folded printed circuit board 12 and an insulating body 13 in an exploded view.

The platinum carrier 11 is integral and U-shaped in cross-section and has a substantially rectangular front 113 as well as two on their short sides respectively at right angles arranged side parts 111 . 112 which have a rectangular shape and each of which has a collar K at its two long edges. At her from the front 113 directed away short edge each side part has a mounting pin 115 , At the front 113 of the platinum carrier 11 are two outwardly directed first locking pin 114 formed. These serve to fix the connector module 1 in a module frame.

The insulator 13 has a hollow cylindrical contact chamber 132 through which a cylindrical passage opening extending in the direction of insertion 131 for receiving an electrical plug contact, for example, a pin or socket contact runs. Furthermore, the insulating body has a parallel to the direction of insertion extending, rectangular rear wall 130 , This rectangular back wall 130 has two opposite short edges, which extend in the insertion direction, and at right angles to two opposing long edges which are perpendicular to the insertion direction and connect the short edges together. At her the contact chamber 132 the outside facing away has the back wall 130 two from the insulator 13 directed away second locking pin 134 for fixation of the connector module 1 in the module frame. The first 114 and second 134 Locking pins may be different, for example, different sizes, in particular different widths, designed to the polarization, ie the orientation of the connector module 1 in the module frame.

Furthermore, the insulating body has 13 two substantially planar, perpendicular to the direction of insertion guide elements 133 . 133' through which the passage opening 131 runs. The guide elements 133 . 133' are at the two long, perpendicular to the direction of insertion extending edges of the rectangular rear wall 130 formed.

The guide elements 133 . 133' have a substantially rectangular outline and a central circular recess in the form of the passage opening 131 and continue to have their two from the back wall 130 wegführenden, opposite edges each two guide means in the form of a respective linear groove N for inserting a respective collar K of the platinum carrier 11 ,

Furthermore, the Isolierköper has 13 on the short edges of its back wall 130 fixing recesses 135 , in which the mounting pins 115 of the platinum carrier 11 engage in his final insertion.

The 2 shows the board carrier 11 and a U-shaped folded card to be inserted therein 12 in an enlarged view.

The U-shaped printed circuit board 12 has three individual rigid conductor types 121 . 122 and 123 , One of the rigid circuit boards 123 is at its short edges with the other two rigid circuit boards 121 . 122 over each bending area 120 . 120' , which is in each case designed as a flexible printed circuit board, electrically and mechanically connected.

The platinum carrier 11 is integral and U-shaped in cross-section and has a substantially rectangular front 113 as well as two on their short sides each right-angled outgoing side parts 111 . 112 , which in turn have a rectangular shape. On the inside of the front 113 as well as every side part 111 . 112 is a rectangular depression 118 provided, in the drawing due to the angle only the recess 118 of the opposite side from view 112 you can see.

Each of these wells 118 shows the dimensions of each one of the rigid printed circuit boards 121 . 122 . 123 on and is intended that the respective single rigid circuit board 121 . 122 . 123 is inserted therein. It may be a positive and / or non-positive connection.

Alternatively or additionally, the individual rigid circuit boards 121 . 122 . 123 also in or on the board carrier or glued and / or otherwise on the board carrier 11 be attached. At the two long edges of each side panel 111 . 112 each said collar K is formed, in the drawing, only the two upper collar K can be seen, because the lower, mirror-symmetrically arranged collar in the drawing by the side parts in the drawing 111 . 112 are visually obscured. These collars K are intended for insertion of the platinum carrier 11 in the groove N of the insulator 13 to be pushed in, and so for the leadership of the insulator 13 to be inserted Platinenträgers 11 to care.

The 3 shows the board carrier 11 with the folded printed circuit board inserted therein 12 whose component side is directed inwards. The individual rigid circuit boards 121 . 122 . 123 of which in this view only two 122 . 123 are visible in the respective recess 118 used form and non-positively and / or glued therein.

The 4 shows the insulating body 1 with the inserted board carrier 11 , The passage opening is ready for insertion of a contact, such as a pin or socket contact. The locking pin 114 the front are from the connector module 1 directed away and are opposite to those locking pin 134 , on the hidden from this point of view back 130 are arranged. The platinum carrier 11 forms a part of the outer wall of the insulating body 13 and thus the connector module 1 , The electronic components, which are not shown in the drawing for reasons of clarity, are well protected inside the connector module 1 and thus, for example, can measure the flow of current through the contact chamber, for example through the contact pin passing through it, or its dissipation or the like. It is easily recognizable that in this way the electronics is available over the prior art greatly enlarged space available.

In the 5a and 5b For the sake of completeness, a prior art modular system is shown, exemplifying a module frame 22 comprises, which is designed as a joint frame, as it is, inter alia, from the above-mentioned generic patent application EP 860 906 A2 is known from the prior art.

The connector 2 includes a connector housing 21 and a module frame 22 ,

The module frame 22 is after inserting connector modules 1 . 23 for installation in the connector housing 2 or eg also suitable for fastening over a breakthrough of a mounting surface / mounting wall.

It is in the drawing a conventional connector module 23 shown, which is provided solely for the transmission of electrical current through one or more contact pins or contact sockets to be inserted therein. For the above connector module 1 with the folded circuit board 12 applies with regard to its mechanical installation in the joint frame 22 and the hinge frame 22 in the connector housing 21 of course the same.

The module frame 22 consists of two over joints 223 connected frame halves 221 . 222 with fasteners 225 , with fixing screws 226 are provided. The joints are at the attachment ends 225 of the module frame 22 provided, wherein the possibility of pivoting the frame halves transverse to the side parts 8th of the module frame 22 is provided.

To form the joints 223 are at the attachment ends 225 of the module frame 22 or the side parts respectively provided puzzle-like projections, which engage in corresponding recesses. In this case, these projections are inserted by lateral displacement of the side parts in the recesses, wherein then the side parts about the longitudinal axis A are pivotable (rotatable).

In the side panels 221 . 222 the frame halves are windows 224 provided, in which the locking pin 114 . 134 . 234 the respective modules 1 . 23 when inserted in the module frame 22 plunge.

To insert the connector modules, the module frame 1 unfolded, ie opened, with the frame halves 221 . 222 around the joints 223 be opened so far that the modules 1 . 23 can be used.

To fix the frame halves 221 . 222 zusammengekappt, ie the module frame is closed, with the respective locking pin 234 in the windows 224 arrive and a secure, positive fit of the modules 1 . 23 in the module frame 22 is effected.

Finally, in the 5b such a module frame 22 , rotated 180 ° about its longitudinal axis in relation to the previous illustration, in a connector housing 21 used and exemplified with two screws 226 screwed into it.

By screwing the module frame onto the fixing eyes located in a mounting plane 221 in the housing corners becomes the closed position of the module frame 22 finally fixed.

In the meantime, in the prior art, a multiplicity of module frames which have the same effect from the perspective of the invention are known, in which the side parts. For example, let it merge in the form of a translational movement, or where resilient side panels fix the modules in the frame. The variant of a module frame specified here is therefore not binding, but mentioned by way of example for the application of a connector module.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1

connector module

11

board support

111, 112

side panels

113

front part

114

first locking pin

115

fastening pins

118

wells

K

collar

12

folded circuit board

120, 120'

Bending area / flexible printed circuit boards

121, 122, 123

rigid circuit boards

13

insulator

130

rear wall

131

Through opening

132

contact chamber

133, 133'

guide elements

134

second locking pin

N

groove

2, 2', 2''

Connector with modular system

21

connector housing

211

fastening eyes

212

mounting flange

22

module frame

221, 222

frame halves

223

joint

224

window

225

fixing ends

226

mounting screws

23

connector module

234

Locking pin of the connector module

A

longitudinal axis

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 102013106279 A1 [0004]
• DE 102012110907 A1 [0004]
• DE 102012107270 A1 [0004]
• DE 202013103611 U1 [0004]
• EP 2510590 A1 [0004]
• EP 2510589 A1 [0004]
• DE 202011050643 U1 [0004]
• EP 860906 A2 [0004, 0054]
• DE 29601998 U1 [0004]
• EP 1353412 A2 [0004, 0005]
• DE 102015104562 A1 [0004]
• EP 3067993 A1 [0004]
• EP 1026788 A1 [0004]
• EP 2979326 A1 [0004]
• EP 2917974 A1 [0004]
• DE 19851473 A1 [0006]

Claims (10)

Connector module ( 1 ) with an insulating body ( 13 ), characterized in that the connector module ( 1 ) for the integration of electronic components a printed circuit board ( 12 ), which in the insulating body ( 13 ) is arranged. Connector module ( 1 ) according to claim 1, characterized in that it is in the circuit board ( 1 ) is a folded printed circuit board containing several individual rigid printed circuit boards ( 121 . 122 . 123 ) owns. Connector module ( 1 ) according to claim 2, characterized in that the connector module ( 1 ) at least one bending area ( 120 . 120' ) for the electrical and mechanical connection of two rigid printed circuit boards ( 121 . 122 . 123 ) having. Connector module ( 1 ) according to claim 3, characterized in that the bending area ( 120 . 120' ) is executed in each case in the form of a flexible printed circuit board. Connector module according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the printed circuit board ( 1 ) Is folded U-shaped. Connector module according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the connector module ( 1 ) a platinum carrier ( 11 ) for inserting the printed circuit board ( 11 ) in the insulating body ( 13 ) owns. Connector module ( 1 ) according to claim 6, characterized in that the platinum carrier ( 11 ) has a U-shaped cross-section. Connector module ( 1 ) according to one of claims 6 to 7, characterized in that the platinum carrier ( 11 ) has at least one recess into which at least a part of the printed circuit board ( 12 ) is positively and non-positively inserted. Connector module ( 1 ) according to one of claims 6 to 8, characterized in that the insulating body ( 13 ) has a plurality of guide means in the form of a groove (N), and that the platinum carrier ( 11 ) has a plurality of collars (K) which cooperate with the guide means of the insulating body. Connector module ( 1 ) according to one of claims 6 to 9, characterized in that the platinum carrier ( 11 ) in the inserted state at least partially the outer wall of the connector module ( 1 ).

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