EP2277238A1

EP2277238A1 - Tolerance compensating, electric connector, in particular for motor vehicle control devices

Info

Publication number: EP2277238A1
Application number: EP09745747A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Andreas Heise; Wolfgang Käfer; Jörn SCHRIEFER; Jürgen SCHERSCHMIDT
Original assignee: Continental Teves AG and Co OHG
Current assignee: Continental Teves AG and Co OHG
Priority date: 2008-05-13
Filing date: 2009-05-13
Publication date: 2011-01-26
Also published as: CN102027644A; DE102009020984A1; US20110183529A1; WO2009138415A1

Abstract

The invention relates to an electric connector with a tolerance compensator, comprising a plug-in part and a counter part. An electric connection is established when the plug-in part comprising at least one electrically conductive pin (1) is plugged into the counter part in the z-direction of a Cartesian coordinate system with the vectors x, y and z. According to the invention, the counter part (3, 3') has volume elastic properties, is electrically conductive and forms a predetermined volume. The counter part (3, 3') is limited in the z-direction by, respectively, one contact surface (11a, 11b). In order to establish an electric connection, the at least one electrically conductive pin (1) is aligned essentially in the counterpart (3, 3') in the z-direction and traverses a contact surface (IIa, IIb) in an essentially perpendicular manner. The volume area of the counter part (3, 3') is calculated such that the pin (1) reaches the volume allowing a reliable electric connected to be established, in the framework of a permitted path tolerance in the x- and/or y-direction when plugging together. The invention also relates to the use of the claimed electric connector.

Description

Tolerance compensating electrical connector, in particular for motor vehicle control devices

The invention relates to an electrical connector with tolerance compensation according to the preamble of claim 1.

In electrical engineering / electronics, in particular in automotive electronics, and everywhere where electronic assemblies are mounted on mechanical or hydraulic assemblies to electrically connect electric motors, coils, sensors or actuators, the problem often arises that tolerances between individual electrical contact points or plugs must be bridged. If a plurality of electrical connection points (contact points) distributed over an assembly are arranged in a planar manner and / or other components are relevant for the positioning of the assemblies, the electrical connectors must be able to accommodate these tolerances.

Also, with the use of conventional connectors there is a risk that mechanical stresses reach the contact points, since they are firmly mounted and have a preferred insertion channel.

Especially with soldered contacts, this could lead to fatigue fractures in the solder, which should be avoided under all circumstances.

Known tolerance compensating connectors used in automotive ABS brake control devices consist of e.g. made of spring elements or over strands or sheets resiliently slidable suspended plugs / sockets.

Such solutions are technically complex and thus lead to high production costs. DE 10 2005 041 892 A1 discloses a generic electrical connector having a pin carrier having projecting electrically conductive pins which make electrical contact with receivers of a pickup carrier associated with the pins, the pickups being formed by hoses or sheaths carried in a cable which regularly enclose strands extending along the cable. Thus, the pins are not inserted into empty sleeve-shaped receptacle, but in already filled with the electrical leads of the cable sensor, for example. A strand formed by a bundle of very fine wires is used and pointed pins in the form of a lance the penetration of the same in facilitates the strand of the cable. The advantage of this known electrical connector is that it can be dispensed with saving on installation space on a plug attached to a cable, in which, for example, the strands of the cable are individually connected to the transducers.

Also, this known electrical connector does not solve the above-mentioned problem, electrically compensating tolerance compensating electrical assemblies with sensor or actuator assemblies, so that a total of a compact assembly is formed, in particular a cable connection according to this DE 10 2005 041 892 Al is not suitable.

The object of the invention is to provide an electrical connector, can be electrically connected to the tolerance-compensating modules and is inexpensive to implement.

This object is achieved by an electrical connector having the features of patent claim 1. Thereafter, in an electrical connector with tolerance compensation, consisting of a male part and a counterpart, in the mating of at least one electrically conductive pin comprehensive male part and counterpart in the z direction, an electrical connection is formed according to the invention the counterpart volume elastic and forms a predetermined Volume range, wherein the counterpart in the z-direction is limited by a respective frontal contact surface; Furthermore, to form the electrical connection, the at least one electrically conductive pin, which is designed in particular as a contact lance, is aligned substantially in the counterpart in the z-direction and penetrates a contact surface substantially perpendicularly, wherein the volume region formed by the counterpart is dimensioned such that in the context of an authorized displacement tolerance in the x and / or y direction, the pin encounters the volume range during the mating process in order to establish a secure electrical connection.

With this counterpart or connecting element according to the invention, it is possible via its dimensioning in the x and y direction, d. H. by appropriate choice of the frontal contact surfaces to bridge any tolerance.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the volume range formed by the counterpart in the z-direction has such a large extent that an approved path tolerance is also given in the z-direction. Thus, any tolerance can be bridged in the z-direction by appropriate choice of the overlap length between the pin and the counterpart or the connecting element.

The volume elasticity of the counterpart or the connecting element guarantees that preferably as a contact lance trained pin can be inserted elastically into the counterpart, thus ensuring a permanent electrical connection.

Ideally, the counterpart forms a volume region with a multiplicity of electrically conductive elements, which are preferably designed as thin and substantially in the z-direction extending, electrically conductive elements, in particular as wires.

It is equally advantageous to use instead of thin wires for the electrically conductive elements of the counterpart metal felt, metal wool, metal mesh or metallized plastic fabric.

With such electrically conductive elements, a pin or several pins can be easily pressed into a counterpart or connecting element constructed therewith, thereby avoiding the wires or the other conductive elements used and simultaneously touching them over a large area and thus ensuring a permanent electrical connection ,

In a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the counterpart or the connecting element is not only designed volume-elastic, but is also also form-elastic. This makes it possible in addition to permanently and safely electrically and permanently connected by means of such a counterpart or connecting element against each other during operation modules or printed circuit boards. This also makes it possible, for example, to connect two contact points, which are difficult to access, in a housing, which can not be connected in a straight line, to one another via such a bent counterpart or connecting element. It is particularly advantageous to hold the conductive elements together with a holding means, wherein preferably the electrically conductive elements of the counterpart are combined by means of the holding means as at least one bundle, preferably to a bundle of electrically conductive wires, in particular to at least one strand or to a bundled metal Felt, metalized plastic mesh, metal mesh or bundled metal wool.

Preferably, the wires or the other said electrically conductive elements consist of copper as a base material or a copper alloy, which may also be gold-plated or silver-plated and lie parallel to each other in the z-direction or in a stranded manner. It is also possible to use other metals such as aluminum or stainless steel, even non-conductors coated with metal, for example plastic threads, which may likewise be gold-plated or silver-plated.

According to a development of the invention, the holding means is designed as a jacket, for example as a sleeve, preferably as a formally elastic jacket, for example as a plastic jacket or as a silicone tube, furthermore as a ring, as a braid, as a twist or as an adhesive material. With this development of the invention, the counterpart or the connecting element is a versatile electrical component.

It is particularly advantageous to design the holding means in such a way that the volume area formed by the counterpart is at least partially annular or cylindrical with the conductive elements, wherein the holding means preferably has an interruption which acts elastically upon insertion of the pin into the volume area. preferential example are clamping rings or chip sleeves.

In a particularly advantageous development, the holding part is designed as a jacket such that it is constructed to receive one, two, three or four bundles of conductive elements one, two, three or vieradrig or for receiving more than four bundles of conductive elements more has four wires. Thus, a plurality of contacts provided for different functions (ground connection, power supply, signal connections, etc.) can simultaneously be realized with a single counterpart or connection element as a component.

The self-developed component, consisting of a counterpart or connecting element with jacket, can also be advantageously integrated into a housing by the jacket is held by the housing, which comprises the shell annular and preferably has an annular elevation, the bead-like coat compresses.

It is particularly advantageous and inexpensive to produce, if the holding means is formed as an integrated part of a housing, in particular a housing wall of a plastic housing.

If the counterpart or connecting element according to the invention is integrated into a housing in this manner, a space-saving electrical connection results from an assembly arranged in the housing, preferably a printed circuit board, in the outer space of the housing.

It is particularly advantageous if at least one contact surface of the counterpart or of the connecting element is designed to be solderable, so that such a component is made of a counterpart and a semiconductor. can easily be soldered, for example, in a printed circuit board.

Preferably, such a component can be improved in such a way that the holding means surrounds the electrically conductive elements in the manner of a jacket and encloses the edge region of a contact surface like a frame. Thus, this frame-like bordered contact surface can be formed as a solder joint, so as to be able to solder this component in a circuit board or can.

Furthermore, such a component can also be formed in such a way that a contact surface of the counterpart is completely covered by an electrically conductive cover, wherein preferably a metallic shell as a holding means and this electrically conductive cover are integrally formed.

In a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, it is possible to protect the counterpart or the connecting element according to the invention against the ingress of moisture, liquids, in particular water and gases by the conductive elements are wetted with an adhesively acting adhesive.

Furthermore, it is also possible to crosslink the conductive elements with an elastic plastic, preferably with an elastomer.

In another development of the invention, electrically conductive metal particles or metallized particles, preferably silver-plated or gold-plated, which are used in a volume-elastic plastic, preferably an elastomer, may preferably also be used as conductive elements. are bedded.

A particularly preferred embodiment of the invention results from the fact that the counterpart or the connecting element for forming the volume range of electrically conductive plastic, preferably formed from a conductive polymer, in particular, such a counterpart of conductive rubber. Preferably, such a counterpart or connecting element can be formed cylindrical, wherein the longitudinal axis is aligned approximately in the z-direction.

Ideally, a counterpart or connecting element can be formed such that its peripheral surface in the z direction in addition to the frontal contact surfaces (IIa, IIb) forms a further contact surface, resulting in extended applications. Preferably, this further contact surface is formed by an electrically conductive jacket.

It is particularly advantageous to design the counterpart or the connecting element as an SMD component by providing a spider-shaped SMD adapter which encloses an end-face contact surface and the adjacent peripheral surface of the counterpart. This allows, for example, the machine assembly of a printed circuit board.

The electrical connector of counterpart and pin according to the invention can advantageously be used such that the pin and / or the counterpart is electrically connected to a printed circuit board.

It is also possible that both frontal contact surfaces of the counterpart or of the connecting element in each case via a pin are connected to a printed circuit board or to an electrical component.

Furthermore, in an advantageous embodiment of the invention, a first and a second counterpart are connected to each other via a double pin, wherein the double pin is arranged in a printed circuit board.

In particular, the opposing end of the pin may be a pin, in particular a plug. This can be flexibly connected to a housing plug with a printed circuit board arranged in the housing.

A particularly advantageous use of the connector according to the invention is that the counterpart or the connecting element or the pin is used for cooling of electronic components by the heat is dissipated via these components.

Preferably, this is done either by the fact that the pin is arranged directly for heat dissipation to a cooling point of a circuit board and the pin in addition to the heat dissipation also for electrical connection with the counterpart or in that the counterpart directly to the heat dissipation to a point to be cooled Printed circuit board is arranged and at least one pin makes an electrical connection.

A further advantageous use of the connector according to the invention results with a connection of a sensor, in particular pressure sensor to an electronic unit, wherein preferably the sensor when connecting a hydraulic unit ECU is contacted with an electronic control unit HCU, so that the connector according to the invention The reason of its construction compensates for manufacturing tolerances with regard to the position of the electrical connection (s) produced during assembly.

In a further advantageous use of the connector according to the invention, a plurality of electrical components, preferably valve coils, e.g. an ABS control unit with a common potential and a control electronics connected to each other.

A particularly advantageous use of the connector according to the invention with a counterpart or connecting element which has a further contact surface in addition to the frontal contact surfaces represents an electrical connection of a printed circuit board over the further contact surface of the counterpart with a pin which forms a connector pin, in particular a plug , This can advantageously be made a geometrically perpendicular connection.

In particular, for contacting the further contact surface of the counterpart with a printed circuit board, the counterpart can be introduced into a through-connection of the printed circuit board, wherein preferably the through-connection is arranged semicircularly on a front side of the printed circuit board and the counterpart is clamped between a housing wall and the semicircular through-connection.

Finally, in a further advantageous use of the connecting element according to the invention the same within an electrical assembly, for example. An ABS control unit from a contact terminal arcuately guided to another contact terminal, wherein at least one contact terminal by means of a pin counterpart on its contacted tere contact surface.

Further preferred embodiments will become apparent from the subclaims and the following description of embodiments with reference to the accompanying figures. Show it:

1 shows an embodiment of an electrical connector according to the invention for connection to two printed circuit boards,

FIG. 2 shows further exemplary embodiments of an electrical connector according to the invention for connection to two or three printed circuit boards,

FIG. 3 shows exemplary embodiments of the embodiment of a counterpart or connecting element according to the invention,

FIG. 4 shows further exemplary embodiments for connecting a counterpart or connecting element as an SMD component according to the invention to a printed circuit board,

FIG. 5 design possibilities and arrangement possibilities of pins on a printed circuit board according to the invention,

6 shows cross-sectional representations of counterparts or

Connecting elements as embodiments according to the invention,

Figure 7 embodiments of counterparts or connecting elements with different holding means according to the invention,

8 shows exemplary embodiments of counterparts or connecting elements with crimped electrically conductive elements according to the invention, FIG.

FIG. 9 shows an exemplary embodiment of the use of the electrical connector according to the invention for cooling,

FIG. 10 shows a further exemplary embodiment for using the electrical connector according to the invention for connecting a printed circuit board to a housing plug,

11 shows an exemplary embodiment for connecting two counterparts or connecting elements with a double lance as a pin,

FIG. 12 shows a further embodiment of an electrical connector according to the invention for use as cooling,

FIG. 13 shows an exemplary embodiment of a pin as a plug-in lance according to the invention,

FIG. 14 shows an exemplary embodiment of a counterpart for connecting a printed circuit board to an electrical component according to the invention,

FIG. 15 shows an exemplary embodiment of an electrical connection of a printed circuit board with an electrical component by means of a counterpart or connecting element according to the invention, FIG. 16 shows an exemplary embodiment of an electrical connection of a printed circuit board arranged in a housing to a housing plug by means of a counterpart or connecting element according to the invention,

FIG. 17 shows an exemplary embodiment of an electrical connection between a printed circuit board arranged in a housing and a housing plug by means of a counterpart or a connecting element with an additional contact surface,

FIG. 18 shows the exemplary embodiment according to FIG. 17 with a plug connector of a housing plug arranged perpendicular to the z-direction of the counterpart or connecting element,

FIG. 19 shows the exemplary embodiment according to FIG. 17 with a plug connector of a housing plug arranged in the z-direction of the counterpart or connecting element,

FIG. 20 shows an exemplary embodiment of an electrical connection between a printed circuit board and a plurality of electrical components by means of a counterpart or connecting element according to the invention,

Figure 21 shows an embodiment of an electrical connection within an electrical assembly by means of a connecting element according to the invention, and

FIG. 22 shows an exemplary embodiment of an electrical connection between a printed circuit board and an electrical Rischen component with a connecting element according to the invention.

FIGS. 1 to 22 show how the tolerance compensating electrical connector according to the invention can be constructed, manufactured and, for example, fastened to housings and / or printed circuit boards.

The tolerance-compensating connection technology according to the invention consists of a plug-in part of a counterpart, hereinafter also called connecting element, which consists of an accumulation of preferably fine wires, in particular copper wires as conductive elements, which are substantially parallel or stranded side by side and, for example, form a strand , is constructed. Instead of fine wires as conductive elements and metal felt, metal wool, metal mesh or metallized plastic fabric, preferably metallized Velcro can be used.

As conductive elements and metal particles are suitable, which are cast to form a predetermined volume range with an elastic plastic, for example. An elastomer.

Finally, it is also possible to produce the counterpart or the connecting element to form a predetermined volume range with an electrically conductive plastic, for example. PBT (polybutylene terephthalate), preferably for the formation of conductive rubber.

The following embodiments describe counterparts or connecting elements according to the invention, with bundled wires, so-called wire bundles or wire bundles are constructed. Without express mention, the counterparts or connecting elements mentioned above can also be used for the above-mentioned alternative embodiments.

Fig. 1 shows an example of the simplest form for an electrical connector according to the invention consisting of a conductive pin 1 as a plug-in part, which is mounted on a first circuit board 2, and a frontally one contact surface IIa and IIb having counterpart 3, in the pin first is introduced conductively via the contact surface IIa when plugging in the z direction. The counterpart 3 consists of a tubular jacket 4 as a holding means and a plurality of electrically conductive thin wires 5 as conductive elements, which are conductively connected to a conductor track of the second circuit board 6 via the other contact surface IIb by means of a solder connection, said contact surface IIb formed solderable is. The circuit board 6 holds the counterpart 3 fixed to a surface. The jacket 4 has a cylindrical extension and thus comprises a volume region which is substantially completely and uniformly, preferably homogeneously, filled with the plurality of wires 5. These wires 5 as conductive individual elements are small in relation to the volume at least in the x and y direction, so that a large number of the electrically conductive individual elements is required in order to fill the volume homogeneously.

As can be seen from FIG. 1, the position at which pin 1 makes a secure contact connection with counterpart 3 can vary within a range which substantially corresponds to the extent of the above-mentioned volume range. Thus, a tolerance compensation in all three spatial directions x, y and z can be achieved in a very simple way. Fig. 2 shows embodiments of connectors according to the invention with two pins 1 and 1 '.

Fig. 2a shows an embodiment of the invention of the tolerance compensating connector integrated into an intermediate bottom 7 of a housing, e.g. Plastic housing which in a similar manner a populated circuit board 6 (electrical components are not shown) and another circuit board 2, which contacts, for example, sensors or actuators. In this case, the pin 1 penetrates into a connecting element 3 via its contact surface IIa, while the pin 1 'penetrates into the connecting element 3 via the opposite contact surface IIb. The two pins 1 and 1 'are connected via solder contacts with on the circuit boards 2 and 6 extending interconnects.

As shown in FIG. 5a), the plug-in parts designed as pins 1 can be mounted in a simple manner on a printed circuit board 6, for example as an SMD pin 1 ', as a press-fit contact pin 1' ', as a double or multiple pin \' '' or as soldered pin 1 '' ''. As shown in partial image b) of FIG. 5, these pins can also be used in an angled form, as shown with pin 1 '.

Figures 3a) to 3c) show longitudinal sections and Figure 3d) is a perspective view of connecting elements 3 according to the invention with different structure. In partial image a), the individual wires 5 are held by a jacket 4. The wires 5 are arranged substantially parallel to each other. In part of image b) the wires 5 are stranded together. In panel c), the jacket 4 is also guided over an edge region of the contacting surface IIb, which lies in the x, y plane, so that the copper wires 5 are not so can easily fall out of the jacket 4. Figure 3d) shows a cylindrical SMD component 28, which consists of two connecting elements 3, each with frontal contact surfaces IIa and IIb. In cross section, the two connecting elements are each formed as a circular section with insulating material 23 therebetween, so that this SMD component 28 can be used as a two-pole connecting element. The two connecting elements 3 each consist of cast-in metal particles or electrically conductive plastic. Also, this can be used with an elastic plastic offset metal mesh or stranded wire.

As the illustrations in FIGS. 4a) and 4b) show, for certain applications the conductive elements 5 captured by a jacket 4, here embodied as a wire harness, can also be used as a component with a plastic jacket 4 or a metal jacket 4 (metal ring) to form an SMD -Building element 28 can be used. In partial image a), the wires 5 are soldered directly to the printed circuit board 6 via a contact surface of the connecting element 3. In part of image b) attachment via the jacket 4, which preferably has a connection cover 8, wherein this jacket 4 and the lid 8 may be integrally formed. Such an SMD component 28 can also be constructed without a jacket 4, in particular when using cast metal particles or an electrically conductive plastic to form a connecting element 3 with a given volume range.

An SMD component 28 of the latter type according to FIG. 3d) is shown in FIG. 4c) in electrical connection with a printed circuit board 2. On this printed circuit board 2, two pins 1 are arranged adjacent to each other at such a distance that in each case such a pin 1 has exactly one contact surface IIb a Final element 3 hits.

FIGS. 4d) and 4e) show a further exemplary embodiment of a connecting element 3 according to the invention designed as an SMD component 28. This cylindrical connecting element 3 can correspond to the embodiments according to FIGS. 3, 4a) to 4c), 6a, 7 or 8a ) and 8b). Also, this connecting element 3 may be made of metal particles or metal mesh offset with elastic plastic, suitable for this purpose is of course also an electrically conductive plastic formed with the corresponding volume range, preferably conductive rubber.

According to FIGS. 4 d) and 4 e), such a connecting element 3 is inserted into an electrically conductive SMD adapter 14 which is soldered onto a printed circuit board 2 and has a base surface corresponding to the contact surface IIa of the connecting element 3, of which several arms form the adjacent lateral surface in the shape of a spider embrace the connecting element 3.

In the case of a counterpart or connecting element 3 produced from fine individual wires 5, copper is preferably used as the base material or a copper alloy, depending on the application, e.g. (Power demand, contact resistance) but also other metals such. Stainless steel etc. can be used, as well as silver plated, gold plated, tinned or nickel plated.

Furthermore, such individual wires 5 are described as bundles, as explained below in connection with FIGS. 6a) to 6d), or also arranged like brushes, although non-conductors coated with metal (eg plastic filaments) are also used. can be used. The arrangement of brushes or fixed by means of holding means, for example. Bundled by means of a shell 4 or wire bundles is so volume elastic that one or more trained as pointed contact lances pins 1 of an electrical plug-in part in the brush or wire in the longitudinal direction, ie in the z-direction can or can be plugged. In this case, the preferably gold-plated, silver-plated or, for example made of stainless steel wires 5 to the pin 1 and the contact lance 1 as a plug-in part and then touch it over a large area. This also applies if the conductive elements held by means of an elastic holding means form a form-elastic connecting element 3.

The holding means 4, which acts as an elastic or rigid covering, of a wire thread or the elastic property of the wires themselves ensure a permanent (large-area, multi-pole) electrical connection to the connecting element.

The summarizing of the wires can be achieved by an elastic sheath made of plastic z. B. a silicone tube, as in connection with the figures 6a) to 6d) is explained. In the alternative use of metal felt, metal wool, metal or wire mesh or metal particles instead of wires as conductive elements, the non-conductive material used for the sheath but also directly the metal felt, the metal wool, the metal or wire mesh surrounded and keep them in contact with adjacent metal particles, wires or metal felt or metal wool particles.

A holding means may also be by a crimped sleeve, a clamping ring or by a rigid sleeve z. B. off PBT, as shown in Figures 8a), 8b) and Figures 7a) to 7d) is shown. Finally, the holding means may also be part of a housing, for example of a control device or sensor, as shown in FIGS. 8c) and 8d).

The cross-sectional representations of FIGS. 6 a) to 6 d) show cross-sections perpendicular to the z-direction of exemplary connecting elements 3 according to the invention, which consist of wires 5 as electrically conductive elements and are combined to form wires, wherein they are in the embodiment of the designed as a holding means Mantels 4 differ from each other. These are a) a cylindrical shell 4, which comprises only one pair of wires, b) a four-stranded jacket 4 with four wires, c) a three-core jacket 4 with three pairs of wires and d) a two-core jacket 4 two pairs of wires. So if several different contacts, e.g. for the electrical supply and one or more signals or signals needed, e.g. with two, three or four contacts, it is possible to use preferably a counterpart 3 or connecting sections 3 (as shown in FIG. 6) provided with two, three or four fine-wire strands, which are constructed in the illustrated cross-section corresponding to a multicore electrical line.

The circumference of the holding means 4 is usually carried out in the manner of a fully closed cylinder jacket, as shown in Fig. 7c). FIGS. 7 a), b) and d) show exemplary embodiments of shells 4 with an open sheath. In this case, the jacket is interrupted in Fig. 7a) and thus at the puncture of a pin 1 elastic, as the closed (solid) sheath in Fig. 7c). In Fig. 7b), the jacket 4 consists of two or more clamping rings. FIG. 8 a) shows a connecting element 3 with a crimped wire thread of thin wires 5 caused by a sheath 4 in which a peripheral bead 17 is introduced into the sheath 4. In Fig. 8c), a jacket 4 is held in a correspondingly shaped portion of a housing 9. The housing 9 may expediently have an annular elevation 10 in the inner region, whereby the wires 5 and the jacket 4 are compressed and held in a partial region to form a bead 17. Fig. 8b) shows the possibility of a jacket 4 as a clamping ring as shown in Fig. 7b), wherein the clamping ring has an interruption, which contributes to the elasticity when inserting a pin 1 in the existing of wires 5 Dräheschar.

FIG. 8d) shows how a connecting element 3 according to the invention can be integrated into a housing without a jacket. For this purpose, consisting of wires 5 wire bundle so as to form a tubular nozzle bspw. Pressed in the housing bottom 9 of a plastic housing that a circumferential projection in the neck 10 like this wire bundle of wires 5 firmly connects with this housing bottom 9, so that it does not come from the Housing falls out.

Often it is necessary to prevent the penetration of liquids, moisture or gases into a plug connection, in particular in vehicle construction. This can be solved in an inventive, consisting of a connecting element and at least one pin electrical connector in that, for example, consisting of wires wire harness is wetted or filled with a liquid preferably liquid at the time of processing sealing compound such as 2-component silicone gel, and this conductive elements, so for example. the wire string absorb the silicone due to the capillary action and thereby sealing the connecting element against other (later occurring) liquids, especially water, but also noxious gases at the subsequent contact point and themselves.

The electrical connector according to the invention consisting of a connecting element and at least one pin can advantageously be used such that unwanted thermal heating, which frequently occurs in prior art tolerance-compensating electrical connectors, is avoided because of the relatively large effective contact area of the connecting element, as will be explained below with reference to FIGS. 9 and 12.

According to FIG. 9, a printed circuit board 2 is equipped with electronic components 18, which may also be SMD components. At the points at which high thermal heating takes place in the area of the components 18, through contacts 19 are provided, which are filled with material of high thermal conductivity. In these areas, SMD pins l ^s and a Einpresskontaktstift l ^ss are arranged, which plug in connecting elements 3 according to the invention, which are constructed of conductive elements 5, preferably thin wires or strands with a corresponding jacket 4. The heat is first conducted via the plated-through holes 19 on the pins l ^s and l ^ss and discharged from these to the connecting elements 3. In addition, electrical contact can be made by one or more such pins.

As shown in FIG. 12, in a suitable embodiment, a connecting element 3 according to the invention can also be used as a heat sink for power components 18 by making them thin Metal wires, which may possibly also be combined to form wire bundles or bundles, existing connecting element 3 via its contact surface IIb and metallized Durchkon- taktierungen 19 with the power devices 18 are both in electrical and in thermal connection. For this purpose, some vias 19 may only be in thermal contact with the power devices 18. The electrical connection is made with two metallic lances l ^s , which are designed as SMD pins and are soldered to vias 19 of a printed circuit board 2. In the special case, an electrical connection to other components can also be dispensed with here.

Thus, cooling can be effected not only via pins 1 but also directly over the mass of the metal of the wire bundle, in particular via a direct contact with the component to be cooled (for example power semiconductors). The pins or lance contacts can be used in addition to the use as a cooling element in addition also as electrical contacts.

FIG. 10 shows an exemplary embodiment of a connection of a connecting element 3 with the plug pin 1 of a plug 15, which, for example, is injected into a housing. The connecting element 3, consisting, for example, of a stranded wire 5 sheathed by means of a jacket 4, is electrically connected with its contact surface IIb to a printed circuit board 2. The plug pin 1 of the plug 15 is inserted over the other contact surface IIa.

In Fig. 11, two connecting element 3 and 3 ^{S are shown} with a two pins 1 having double lance Ia for two opposing connections. For this purpose, the double lance Ia is arranged in a printed circuit board 2, so that in each case a pin 1 is perpendicular to both sides of the printed circuit board 2 and in each case in a connecting element 3 or 3 ^S via a contact surface IIa inserted. The connecting elements 3 are in each case constructed in each case with thin wires 5 enclosed by a jacket 4, wherein the respective jacket 4 also comprises a cover 8 covering the contact surface IIb. The connecting element 3 is connected via the cover 8 with a printed circuit board 6.

It is also possible in this embodiment according to Figure 11, that the connecting elements 3 and 3 ^S depending on the application, a plurality of contacts such as a solder contact on a circuit board and one or more lance contacts of one or more components electrically connected to each other.

As an alternative to the lance contacts on a printed circuit board, these can also be part of a housing and / or part of a stamped grid.

As shown in Fig. 13a, in the event that the mechanical bias for pressing the wire bundles of thin wires 5 to the formed as a lance contact pin 1 is permanently insufficient, the lance contact 1 as a spring element, e.g. comparable to a needle eye o- the handle portion of a pair of tweezers executed. Thus, as shown in FIG. 13b), when inserting this lance contact 1 into, for example, the connecting element 3 encased in thin wires 5 and a jacket 4, these wires are forced apart more than with conventional pins, so that a higher contact force is achieved on the wires 5 and at the same time these wires 5 are compressed more.

It is particularly useful in the connector according to the invention to use additional auxiliary lances, which consist in particular of plastic. Their job is to do that To compress the wire harder stronger and thus to ensure a better pressing against the contact lance (s).

In the case of electrical contacts, coating the lances and the wiresheet with gold or silver is advantageous. Especially with small streams and increased environmental conditions.

According to the cross-sectional illustration according to FIG. 14, an electrical component 16, for example an electric motor, a sensor or a coil with a printed circuit board 2, which can also be a circuit carrier or a stamped grid, can be electrically connected by means of a connecting element 3 according to the invention. This printed circuit board 2 carries on both sides electronic components 18 and has in the edge region designed as a pin or terminal pin pin 1, which is inserted into a contact surface IIa of the connecting element 3 according to the invention. This connection element 3 consists either of thin wires 5, preferably of stranded wire, of metal particles embedded in plastic or of conductive rubber. Furthermore, the connection element is cuboid-shaped by means of a jacket 4 coated such that, for example, the thin wires 5 or the conductive rubber in the longitudinal direction of the cuboid in a channel 20 extends or runs, so that the contact surface IIa in a plane with an end face of the cuboid shell and adjacent to the pin 1 bearing circuit board surface. Perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the channel 20, an opening 21 is provided, contacted by the connection contacts 22 of the electrical component 16, the example in the channel 20 extending strand 5 or the conductive rubber. It is particularly advantageous if the cuboid shell 4 forms part of a housing wall of a plastic housing. FIG. 15 shows a further application of a connecting element 3 integrated in a housing wall 9 of a housing, which is constructed in accordance with FIG. 8d). A printed circuit board 2 equipped with electronic components 18 is located inside the housing and is electrically connected to, for example, an SMD pin 1 ^s with a contact surface 11 a of the connecting element 3. The lying outside the housing second contact surface IIb of the connecting element 3 is connected to a terminal contact 22 of a coil 16, in particular a valve coil.

FIGS. 16a and 16b show a multipart housing 9 with a printed circuit board 2 equipped with electronic components 18, which is connected by a housing wall by means of two connecting elements 3 according to the invention to contact pins 1 of a plug 15 which is connected to the housing 9 via latching means 24 and 26 two snap hooks 24 on the housing 9 engage in a circumferential groove 15 on the plug groove 26. The two connecting elements 3, which may be constructed according to the described embodiments, are electrically connected to the back of the guide plate 2, for example. Passed through a solder connection and through housing openings 25, so that upon engagement of the plug 15, the connector pins 1 penetrate into the connecting elements 3 can.

FIGS. 17 to 19 show a further particularly advantageous use of connecting elements 3 according to the invention. The connecting element 3 used has, in addition to the two end-side contact surfaces IIa and IIb, a further contact surface 11c which is formed by the lateral surface of the connecting element 3. Depending on the application, the connecting element 3 may have a jacket which is electrically conductive or insulating. If the connection ment 3 contacted with an electrically conductive surface, the lateral surface, at least in the contact region must also be electrically conductive. If, however, the electrical contact via a pin, for example. A piercing lance or a cutting clamp, a connecting element 3 can be used with insulating sheath, since then the electrical connection is made by piercing the jacket.

According to FIG. 17 a), a printed circuit board 2 is equipped with electronic components 18, so that interconnects 29 running on the printed circuit board 2 are contacted. Two interconnects 29 are led to an end face of the printed circuit board 2, where they terminate in a semicircular through-hole 19 to form a frontal contact surface. The shape of the semicircle corresponds to the dimensions of the connecting element 3, so that this can be inserted there form-fitting manner.

FIG. 17b) shows the printed circuit board 2 from FIG. 17a in a plastic housing 9, wherein the connecting elements 3 are pressed in between the contact surfaces in the plated-through holes 19 and the opposite housing wall.

Contacting outside the housing 9 can now take place via the further contact surface 11c or the frontal contact surfaces IIa or IIb. Thus, according to FIG. 18, via plug pins 1 of a socket 15, the further contact surface 11c of the connecting element 3 is contacted, while according to FIG. 19 plug pins 1 of a socket 15 contact the connecting elements 3 via their frontal contact surface IIa.

Furthermore, it is also possible to add only the further contact surface 11c of a connecting element 3 according to the invention use. Thus, according to FIG. 20, an electronic component 18 equipped with a printed circuit board 2 with two electrical components 16, eg. Valve coils electrically connected via an elongated, cylindrical connecting element 3, wherein the two components 16 and the circuit board 2 are arranged opposite one another. The printed circuit board 2 is connected via a pin 1 to the connecting element 3, while the two components 16 are contacted in each case via a connection contact 22 with the connecting element 3. The contacting of the printed circuit board 2 and the two components 16 can, for example, be realized by means of a plug-in lance as a pin 1 or by means of insulation displacement connectors.

In a further exemplary embodiment according to FIG. 21, only the further contact surface 11c of a connecting element 3 according to the invention is contacted with pins 1. In this schematic figure 21, nine valve coils 31 are arranged in a valve block 33, wherein in one edge region a plug connector 32 with plug pins 1 is located. In the middle region of the valve block 31 there are further plug pins 1, which constitute a pump connection 33 for the hydraulic system. The connecting element 3 is now guided at right angles between a plug pin 1 of the plug connector 32 and a pin 1 of the pump connection 33 around a valve spool 31, wherein the two pins 1 each make an electrical contact via the further contact surface llc of the connecting element 3. The connecting element 3 may, for example, be constructed as an elastically sheathed stranded wire. For contacting or for further contacting, instead of the further contact surface 11c, the frontal contact surfaces IIa and IIb may also be used.

Finally, FIG. 22 also shows an advantageous use of connecting elements 3 according to the invention. According to a populated with electronic components 18 circuit board 2 is electrically connected to another electronic component 18 by the connection contacts 27 are directly, for example, each with a contact surface IIa of the two connecting elements 3 are soldered. The two other frontal contact surfaces IIb of the two connecting elements 3 are contacted via pins 1 connected to the printed circuit board 2, which, for example, are designed as press-fit contact pins. It is also possible to solder the Kotaktflächen IIb directly to the circuit board 2.

The connecting elements according to the invention, in particular if this thin wires, bordered as a bundle or wire, preferably strands are used, can be easily and easily produced. The wire harness may preferably be made by cutting fine wire ends. In this case, if present, the insulation of the lines can be used as an elastic envelope of the line group.

In such a mounting method, it is advantageous to hold against the wire bundle of the connector from the other side when establishing the electrical connection from the first contact surface ago.

With a suitable structure and connection of the connector, for example by soldering, crimping, clamping or shedding with an elastic adhesive, the connector may also be suitable for multiple insertion. Reference sign

1, 1 'electrically conductive pin 1' ', 1' '' electrically conductive pin

\ '' '' electrically conductive pin

Ia double pen

2 first circuit board

3 counterpart or connection element 3 ^S counterpart or connecting element

4 holding means of the electrically conductive elements 5

5 electrically conductive elements, wires

6 second circuit board

7 intermediate floor

8 connection cover

9 housing

10 annular elevation

IIa contact surface on the counterpart 3

IIb contact surface on the counterpart 3 llc further contact surface on the counterpart 3

12 third circuit board

13 interruption to holding means 4

14 SMD adapter for the counterpart 3

15 plugs

16 electrical component

17 beading

18 electronic components

19 vias in PCB 2

20 channel in a holding means 4

21 openings in retaining means 4

22 connection contacts of an electrical component 16

23 insulating material

24 ratchets

25 housing openings

26 locking groove

27 connection contacts of an electronic component 18 SMD component Conductor tracks on PCB 2 Valve block Valve coils in valve block 30 Connector strip Connection contacts

Claims

claims

1. Electrical connector with tolerance compensation of a male part and a counterpart, wherein the mating of at least one electrically conductive pin (1, 1 ', 1' ', 1' '', 1 '' '') comprising male part and counterpart (3, 3 ") in the z-direction of a Cartesian coordinate system with the vectors x, y and z an electrical connection is formed, characterized in that

- The counterpart (3, 3 ') is volume elastic and forms a predetermined volume range, wherein the counterpart in the z direction of each of an end face contact surface (IIa, IIb) is limited,

- To form the electrical connection of the at least one electrically conductive pin (1, 1 ', 1' ', 1' '', 1 '' '') substantially in the counterpart (3, 3 ') is aligned in the z-direction and penetrates a contact surface (IIa, IIb) substantially perpendicularly, and

the volume area formed by the counterpart (3, 3 ') is dimensioned such that the pin (1, 1',

1 '', 1 '' ', 1' '' ') meets the volume range for the production of a secure electrical connection in the x- and / or y-direction in the context of an authorized displacement tolerance when mating.

2. An electrical connector according to claim 1, characterized in that the of the counterpart (3, 3 ') formed volume range in the z-direction has such a large extent that in the z-direction, an approved path tolerance is given.

3. Electrical connector according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the counterpart (3, 3 ') forms a volume region with a plurality of electrically conductive elements (5).

4. Electrical connector according to claim 3, characterized in that the electrically conductive elements of the counterpart (3, 3 ') as a thin and substantially in the z-direction extending electrically conductive elements (5), in particular as wires are formed.

5. Electrical connector according to claim 3, characterized in that to form the electrically conductive elements (5) of the counterpart (3, 3 ') metal felt, metal wool, metal mesh or metallized plastic fabric is used.

6. Electrical connector according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the counterpart (3, 3 ') is formed form-elastic.

7. Electrical connector according to one of claims 4 to 6, characterized in that the conductive elements

(5) by a holding means (4) are held together.

8. Electrical connector according to claim 7, characterized in that the electrically conductive elements of the counterpart (3, 3 ') by means of the holding means (4) are summarized as at least one bundle, preferably to a bundle of electrically conductive wires (5), in particular to at least one strand or to a bundled metal felt, metal wool, metal mesh or metallized plastic fabric.

9. Electrical connector according to one of the claim 7 or 8, characterized in that the holding means (4) a sheath, preferably a form-elastic sheath, a ring, a braid, a twist or an adhesive ves material is.

10. Electrical connector according to one of claims 7 to 9, characterized in that the holding means (4) of the counterpart (3, 3 ') formed volume region with the conductive elements (5) at least partially annular or cylindrical surrounds, wherein the retaining means (4) preferably has an interruption (13) which acts elastically upon insertion of the pin (1) into the volume region.

11. Electrical connector according to one of claims 8 to

10, characterized in that the holding means comprises a sheath (4), which is constructed to receive one, two, three or four bundles of conductive elements (5) one, two, three or four-core or for receiving more than four bundles of conductive elements

(5) has more than four wires.

12. Electrical connector according to one of claims 7 to

11, characterized in that the jacket (4) by a housing (9) is held, which comprises the jacket (4) annular and preferably has an annular projection (10) which compresses the jacket (4).

13. Electrical connector according to one of claims 7 to 12, characterized in that the holding means (4) is formed as an integrated part of a housing (9), in particular a housing wall of a plastic housing.

14. Electrical connector according to one of claims 7 to 13, characterized in that the holding means (4) surrounds the electrically conductive elements (5) like a jacket and the edge region of a contact surface (IIa, IIb) frame-like.

15. Electrical connector according to one of claims 7 to

14, characterized in that a contact surface (IIa, IIb) of the counterpart (3, 3 ') is formed solderable.

16. Electrical connector according to one of claims 7 to

15, characterized in that a contact surface (IIa, IIb) of the counterpart (3, 3 ') is provided with an electrically conductive cover (8).

17. An electrical connector according to claim 16, characterized in that a metallic shell as a holding means (4) and the electrically conductive cover (8) are integrally formed.

18. Electrical connector according to one of claims 6 to

17, characterized in that are arranged as electrically conductive elements (5) thin wires, preferably made of copper or aluminum substantially parallel to the z-direction or stranded in the volume of the counterpart (3, 3 ').

19. Electrical connector according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the conductive elements (5) are wetted with an adhesively acting adhesive.

20. Electrical connector according to one of claims 1 to

18, characterized in that the conductive elements (5) are crosslinked with a volume-elastic plastic, preferably with an elastomer.

21. Electrical connector according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the conductive elements

(5) are formed as electrically conductive metal particles or metallized particles, preferably silver-plated or gold-plated, which are embedded in a volume-elastic plastic, preferably an elastomer.

22. Electrical connector according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the counterpart (3, 3 ') for forming the volume region of electrically conductive plastic, preferably formed of a conductive polymer.

23. Electrical connector according to claim 22, characterized in that the counterpart (3, 3 ') consists of conductive rubber.

24. An electrical connector according to claim 22 or 23, characterized in that the counterpart (3, 3 ') is cylindrical, wherein the longitudinal axis is aligned approximately in the z-direction.

25. Electrical connector according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the peripheral surface of the counterpart (3, 3 ') in the z-direction in addition to the frontal contact surfaces (IIa, IIb) forms a further contact surface (Hc).

26. Electrical connector according to claim 25, characterized in that the further contact surface (Hc) of the counterpart (3, 3 ') by an electrically conductive jacket (4) is formed.

27. Electrical connector according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that for forming the counterpart (3, 3 ') as a SMD component (28), a spider-shaped SMD adapter (14) is provided, which has an end face ( IIa, IIb) and the adjacent peripheral surface of the counterpart (3, 3 ') encloses.

28. Electrical connector according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the pin (1) and / or the counterpart (3, 3 ') with a printed circuit board

(2, 6, 12) is electrically connected.

29. Electrical connector according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that both end-side contact surfaces (IIa, IIb) of the counterpart (3, 3 ') each have a pin (1, l ^λ ) with a printed circuit board (2, 6) or are connected to an electrical component (16).

30. Electrical connector according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a first and a second counterpart (3, 3 ^λ ) via a double pin (Ia) are interconnected, wherein the double pin (Ia) in a circuit board (2) is arranged ,

31. Electrical connector according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the counterpart (3, 3 ') opposite end of the pin (1) forms a plug pin, in particular a plug (15).

32. Electrical connector according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the counterpart (3, 3 ') from a contact terminal (32) is arcuately guided to a further contact terminal (33), wherein at least one contact terminal (32, 33) by means of a pin (1) the counterpart (3, 3') on the further contact surface (llc) contacted.

33. Use of the connector according to at least one of the preceding claims for cooling electronic components (18).

34. Use according to claim 33, characterized in that the pin (1) is arranged directly for heat dissipation to a point to be cooled a circuit board (2, 6) and the pin (1) in addition to heat dissipation for electrical connection with the counterpart ( 3, 3 ') is used.

35. Use according to claim 33, characterized in that the counterpart (3, 3 ') is arranged directly for heat dissipation to a point to be cooled a printed circuit board (2, 6) and at least one pin (1) produces an electrical lektrische connection.

36. Use of the connector according to any one of claims 1 to 32 for connecting a sensor (16), in particular pressure sensor to an electronic unit.

37. Use according to claim 36, characterized in that the sensor (16) is contacted when connecting a hydraulic unit ECU with an electronic control unit HCU, the electrical connector due to its construction compensates for manufacturing tolerances in the position of the electrical connection / s produced during assembly ,

38. Use of the connector according to one of claims 1 to 32 for the electrical connection of a plurality of electrical components (16), preferably of valve coils (31), for example an ABS control unit with a common potential and a control electronics.

39. Use of the connector according to one of claims 1 to 32 for electrically connecting a printed circuit board Ü over the further contact surface of the counterpart (3, 3 ') with a pin (1) which forms a connector pin, in particular a plug.

40. Use according to claim 39, characterized in that for contacting the further contact surface (Hc) of the counterpart (3, 3 ') with a printed circuit board (2, 6), the counterpart (3, 3') in a feedthrough (19) of Printed circuit board (2, 6) is introduced.

41. Use according to claim 40, characterized in that the through-connection (19) is arranged semicircular on one end side of the printed circuit board (2, 6) and the counterpart (3, 3 ') is clamped between a housing wall and the semicircular through-hole (19) ,