EP2481126B1 - Multifork pressing pin - Google Patents

Description

Technical area

The present invention relates to a connector device for electrically connecting a conductor to a printed circuit board by directly inserting the male connector into a contact hole of the printed circuit board. Furthermore, the present invention relates to a connection arrangement with the plug device and the circuit board. The invention further relates to a plug arrangement. In addition, the invention provides a semi-finished connector made of a foldable material, which is usable for the production of the connector device. Moreover, the present invention relates to a method for electrically connecting a conductor to a printed circuit board by means of directly inserting a plug device into a contact hole of the printed circuit board. Furthermore, the present invention relates to a vehicle with the connector device.

Background of the invention

IPC class H01R 13/53 relates to base plates or housings for high electrical requirements. IPC Class H01R 13/533 relates to base plates or housings for use in extreme conditions, e.g. high temperature, radiation, vibration, corrosive environment, pressure.

For the manufacture of electrical and / or electronic connections between different components, lines or the like plug-in connections are known which consist of a plug-in element and a female element. For example, there are normal sockets that can be plugged into the ends of leads are attached. Such connection arrangements are suitable and intended for very frequent production and release of the connection.

For relays, fuses or the like, it is also known to attach a socket to a device, in which the fuse or the relay can be inserted. Again, a replacement is to be possible, but here is the replacement less frequently than in the plug-in operations between socket and plug.

Even when it comes to plugging between circuit boards and plug-in elements, it is customary to arrange on the circuit board a socket or even a socket, or even in another place, and then connect the socket with the help of cables to the circuit board.

EP 1,069,651 A1 discloses a metal terminal that is inserted into a contact hole of an electrical circuit substrate and makes electrical contact with the contact hole. The terminal has a stopper abutting against the substrate at the rear end of the contact hole, thereby avoiding further insertion of the terminal into the contact hole. A removal prevention portion abuts the substrate at the front of the contact hole to resist unwanted retraction of the terminal. The removal preventing portion is resiliently deformable to allow it to be passed through during the insertion of the terminal through the contact hole. Contact elements between the stopper and the removal prevention portion make electrical contact in the contact hole.

However, investigations of such a described metal connection have shown that the vivid trained as a ring Removal avoidance portion is slightly plastically deformed during insertion through the contact hole and therefore often destroyed. In other words, performing this wide removal-avoidance portion by a close contact hole and the requirement of generating a sufficiently high holding force by the removal-avoidance portion make one with the system of FIG EP 1,069,651 A1 insurmountable technical contradiction dar.

In addition, the in EP 1,069,651 A1 revealed connection by a user bad manually manageable. In particular, when multiple contacts are to be made simultaneously, it requires the application of a very large manual force for passing the removal avoidance section through the contact hole, which quickly overstrains the capabilities of a human user when subsequently a sufficiently high holding force in the inserted state is to be achieved. Furthermore, the mechanical stress acting on the board is according to EP 1,069,651 A1 large. A multiple plug according to a socket-plug method is also not possible with such a system, since it comes at high holding forces to plastic deformation of the removal prevention section.

US 2,755,453 discloses an electrical plug which can be passed through a hole of an electronic terminal. At the end of the plug and on the opposite side of the plug, portions may be bent to achieve mechanical fixation in the electrical terminal.

US 4,946,408 discloses a connector device and a method for electrically connecting a conductor to a printed circuit board according to the preambles of claims 1 and 13.

Presentation of the invention

The invention has for its object to achieve an improved connector of a circuit board with a connector device.

The object is achieved by a plug device for electrically connecting a conductor to a printed circuit board by means of direct insertion of the plug device into a contact hole of the printed circuit board, by a plug arrangement, by a plug-in semi-finished product made of a foldable material, by a connection arrangement, by a method for electrically connecting a Ladder with a circuit board by means of direct insertion of a connector device in a contact hole of the circuit board and solved by a vehicle with the connector device according to the independent claims.

According to an exemplary embodiment of a first aspect of the invention, a plug device for electrically connecting a conductor to a printed circuit board by means of direct plugging of the plug device into a contact hole of the printed circuit board is described. The connector device has a mounting area for attaching the conductor to the connector device. Furthermore, the connector device has a transmission area for transmitting a current from the conductor to the circuit board. In addition, the plug device has at least three male elements, which are insertable together into the contact hole. Each of the male members extends from a common body of the male connector and is separate from the other male members. The male members are elastically deformable relative to the main body independently of each other and arranged such that when the male members are inserted in the contact hole, a plug connection of the Plug device can be provided with the circuit board. All other features are optional.

According to another embodiment, a plug arrangement is provided, comprising a plug device with the features described above and a molding tool, wherein the mold is adapted to actuate the plug-in device locked to the circuit board such that the plug device locked to the circuit board can be unlocked.

According to an embodiment of a further aspect of the invention, a connection arrangement with the above-described connector device and the circuit board is described. According to the connection arrangement, the plug device is connected by means of a plug connection with the printed circuit board.

According to another aspect of an embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a method of electrically connecting a conductor to a circuit board by directly inserting a connector device into a contact hole of the circuit board. According to the method, the conductor is attached to a mounting area of the connector device. At least three male members of the connector device are inserted together in the contact hole. When the male members are inserted into the contact hole, a plug connection of the male connector to the printed circuit board is provided due to independent elastic deformation of the male members relative to the main body. A current is transmitted from the conductor to the circuit board via a transmission region of the connector device. All other features are optional.

According to a further exemplary embodiment of the invention, a vehicle is described, which is provided with a plug device or a connection arrangement with the features described above.

In particular, a conductor can be attached to the printed circuit board by means of direct insertion into a contact hole of the printed circuit board (releasably). The contact hole of the circuit board can be through-contacted and, for example, have an electrically conductive coating, so that a current transmission in this area can be provided. With the direct insertion of the plug device in the contact hole of the circuit board, a so-called direct plug technique can be used, in which no sockets or other tools between the connector device and the circuit board must be attached. Thus, the connector device by using the Direktstecktechnik lead to a simplified assembly protection, since only a two-dimensional coating need exists.

The circuit board may be substantially flat and have only the contact holes and their contacting surface. If necessary, flat soldering components can be present on it. In other words, with direct plug-in technology it is also possible to save complete housings (and the required tools) by potting or coating the assemblies and thus completely protecting them mechanically or chemically. While traditionally a complex masking of three-dimensional components, such as the sockets, before casting or painting a 3D surface or a complex selective coating process is required, could according to the invention with a simple mask, the area of the contact hole and the holes therein contained be covered, and sprayed a complete remaining surface portion of the tracks with a paint or a potting be equipped. A corresponding method for forming a module protection is provided according to the invention.

The connector device can be inserted directly into the (plated-through) contact hole of the printed circuit board as described above. Here, the at least three male members are inserted together in the contact hole. The male elements extend from a common main body of the connector device, in particular in the direction of the contact hole. The male members consist for example of Einsteckstäben or Einsteckpins and can for example be characterized in that each male has an extremely small diameter compared to its length. Further, the male members and, for example, the entire male connector may be made of materials suitable for elastic deformation, such as certain metals or plastics, without the use of plastically deformable materials.

The plug device is connected in the direction of a plug-in direction with the circuit board, wherein in particular the male elements are inserted in the insertion direction in the contact hole. The insertion direction is defined substantially parallel to the extension direction of the contact hole. Furthermore, the insertion direction can be defined as the direction which is perpendicular to a surface normal of the inner surface of the contact hole or perpendicular to a plane of the surface of the circuit board.

The male members are inserted in the direction of insertion in the contact hole. The male elements are so elastic, or resiliently deformable relative to the base body, that the male elements can deform elastically transversely or perpendicular to the insertion direction.

The term "elastically deformable" refers in particular to a male element or a material of a male element that undergoes a functionally not insignificant change in shape when the external force is applied, which regresses upon release of the external force, so that the elastically deformable material is then returned to its original shape (FIG. Output form) goes back. An elastically deformable material can be free or largely free up to a certain force from a plastic deformation or a cutting deformation. The modulus of elasticity, which describes the relationship between stress and strain in the deformation of a solid body with linear elastic behavior, can be smaller than 1 kN / mm ² , in particular smaller than 0.5 kN / mm ² , more particularly smaller in the elastically deformable material be 0.1 kN / mm ² . For example, the modulus of elasticity of the elastically deformable material (for example, rubber, elastomers) may be between 0.01 kN / mm ² and 0.1 kN / mm ² . These values of Young's modulus can refer to a temperature of 20 ° C. A "elastically deformable material" may in particular material with a hardness according to ISO 868-2003 (DIN 53505) from 20 to 110 Shore A, in particular from 30 to 90 Shore A, more particularly from 40 to 70 Shore A, designate. For example, the elastically deformable material may have a Shore hardness in a range between 90 ± 5 Shore A to 30 ± 5 Shore A.

With the elastic deformability of the male members they can be compressed, for example during insertion into the contact hole. After insertion of the male elements in the contact hole try the elastically deformed male in their home position return and are prevented by the inner wall of the contact hole. The force which attempts to bring each elastically deformable male member to its initial position is transmitted to the printed circuit board by the male member abutting the inner surface of the contact hole. This creates a force which leads to a high friction and pressing force and provides the plug connection (eg press connection) of the plug-in elements with the contact hole or the entire plug device with the printed circuit board.

The extension direction of a male member may be understood as the direction in which the male member extends from the parent body. This means that at least two of the three plug-in elements do not extend parallel to each other, but at an angle, in particular between 0 and 90 ° to each other. The male elements can spread apart in their direction of extension or not parallel to the direction of insertion. Upon insertion of the male members into the contact hole, the male members may be compressed and inserted into the contact hole. By compressing the male members together have a smaller diameter than the contact hole, so that the male members can be inserted. By requiring the male members to elastically deform back to their original position, the pressing force is provided to provide the male connection.

The male elements can be provided elastically and reversibly pluggable in the contact hole and be inserted, for example, with forces of at most 10 Newton. In order for a reliable connector can be achieved with the inner surface of the contact hole and good handling can be realized. For example, the A connector device according to the invention or connection arrangement for automotive applications, for example in tractors or buses, according to the invention, a mechanical attachment of the plug and the circuit board is made possible. Such compounds can transmit strong currents and withstand high mechanical loads. At the same time, they can be plugged in several times by hand. Thus, high fastening forces can be achieved with low insertion and extraction forces, for example, when a tractor is to be repaired in the field by a user.

In the installed state of the connector device in the contact hole, the male elements are elastically deformed and stretched, so to speak. The term "cocked" means that the male members are deformed (elastically) by the inner surfaces of the contact hole in one direction and undergo a restoring force against this direction. From this tensioned, elastically deformed position, the male members try to spring back to their original position and generate by pressing the Einsteckelemtente on the side wall of the contact hole a compressive force, frictional force or pressing force which generates the connector. Under the cocked position, or under the elastically deformed position, it can thus be understood that the male elements are not in a natural, undeformed starting position, but in an elastic deformed position. Due to the elastically deformed, tensioned position and the consequent urge of the male member to reach its initial position, the spring or pressing force between the male and the inner surface of the contact hole, so that a holding or press connection between the connector device and printed circuit board produced becomes.

In particular, the plug device according to the invention has at least three male elements which can be inserted into the contact hole. With a number of three male members or higher, improved retention and power transfer is provided between the male connector and the printed circuit board. With at least three plug-in elements, which in particular can move independently of one another, it is ensured that at least two plug-in elements are braced in the contact hole and provide a plug connection (for example a press connection). When using only two plug-in elements, it may lead, in particular with improperly shaped (eg non-circular and angular) contact holes, that only one plug-in element bears against an inner surface of the contact hole, so that no stable plug connection of the plug device with the printed circuit board can be provided and the plug device in FIG With respect to the circuit board is movable, or wobbles. Just by vibrations, which act on the circuit board, then the male unintentionally release from the circuit board. By adding at least one further third plug-in element, the probability increases that even with uncleanly shaped contact holes, at least two plug-in elements spread in the contact hole, so that a stable and secure plug connection can be provided. This leads to a qualitative upgrading of a plug device and to a reduction in the susceptibility to errors, for example a reduction in the risk that the plug device releases itself from the printed circuit board.

The plug connection can be provided, for example, via a press connection, wherein the press connection can be made so strong by means of the plug-in elements that a vibration-resistant mechanical safeguard is provided. In addition, the connector on the degree of elastic deformation of the Insertion elements and / or provided and adjusted by the restoring forces of the male elements.

The term "vibration-resistant mechanical fuse" may in particular have the meaning that, even in the presence of vibrations acting on a plug-in device or the connection arrangement exhibiting technical system, an unintentional detachment of the connector device is avoided by the circuit board. In particular, vibrations, such as occur in a motorized, in particular combustion engine driven device (in particular vehicle), lead in a vibration robust designed mechanical connector or press connection to no adverse effect on the system function. In particular, when installing the plug-in device or the connection arrangement in the engine compartment of an off-road vehicle, the vibrations normally occurring there should not lead to an undesirable loss of the electrical contact between the plug-in device and the mating contact in the respectively assigned contact hole of the circuit board. Thus, to achieve the vibration robustness of the mechanical connector by the male elements, in particular with regard to the material, the dimensions, the fastening forces of the male elements, etc. are designed so that the corresponding vibrations do not lead to unwanted detachment of the connector device of the circuit board. The plug device and in particular its plug-in elements can be designed to realize the vibration robustness in accordance with the industry standard ISO TS 16750, in particular ISO TS 16750-3. ISO 16750 defines a standard for mechanical load requirements for off-road vehicles. To achieve the vibrational robustness, the connection arrangement can also be designed to meet the standard IEC 60512-4, in particular at least one of the sub-requirements according to IEC 68.2.6 (vibration sinusoidal), IEC 68-2-27 and IEC 68-2-29 (multiple shocking), IEC 68-2-64 (broadband noise), IEC-68-2-64 (vibration in cold atmosphere) and IEC-68 -2-50 and IEC-68-2-51 (vibration in warm atmosphere).

According to a further exemplary embodiment, each of the male elements has a male portion. The male portion is the portion which is inside the contact hole when the male members are inserted in the contact hole. The male elements extend together from a main body of the connector device separate from the other male elements, so that each of the male elements has a free end.

The end portion having each of the male members may extend beyond, for example, the male portion of the male member so that, in an inserted state of the male connector in the contact hole on the opposite side of the main body with respect to the printed circuit board, the end portion connects with the free end of the male member Contact hole protrudes. In other words, the end portion or the free end of the male member in the insertion direction may protrude from the contact hole when the connector device is inserted with the male members in the contact hole.

Further, each male between the male and the main body may have an intermediate portion. By means of the intermediate portion, in an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the base body does not rest directly on a surface of the printed circuit board, so that in the insertion direction the male members initially have the intermediate portion. Subsequent to the intermediate portion in the insertion direction extends the Insertion portion of the male members, which is completed for example by the end portion of the male member.

According to a further exemplary embodiment, the insertion section has at least partially the transmission area. This means that the power transmission between the conductor is provided via the connector device on the circuit board via a contact of the insertion portion with the inner surface of the (plated) contact hole. The insertion portion of the male member may be coated, for example, with a conductive layer. Furthermore, the male or the entire plug device may consist of a conductive material, in which case in particular areas which are not intended to transmit electricity, can be coated with an insulating layer. Since the insertion portion is already in contact with the inner surface of the contact hole due to the generation of the connector or the press connection, the transmission area can be provided simultaneously without further structural design, so that at the same time a mechanical support and a. By a simple construction by the at least three male electrical conductivity of the connector device is provided.

According to a further exemplary embodiment, the insertion portion of each male element has at least one convexly extending surface. The convexly extending surface is formed in particular on the side of the male elements, which aligns in the inserted state of the male elements in the direction of the inner surface of the contact hole. By the convex configuration of a surface of the insertion portions, the contact area between the male member and the inner surface of the contact hole can be reduced. Thus, the force (pressing force, Spring force) are concentrated to a smaller area, namely the area which is in contact with the inner surface of the contact hole by the convex curvature. The concentration of the contact area increases the surface pressure. The surface pressure is defined as the force per contact surface between two solids. By increasing the surface pressure, the press connection between the connector device and the circuit board can be improved. In other words, the convexly extending surface leads to a higher surface pressure, so that a more stable press connection can be provided and also a more stable contact and also a more stable conductivity between the plug device and the printed circuit board.

According to a further exemplary embodiment, at least two of the three plug-in elements at least partially abut each other. By the concerns of two male elements, these can mutually support and stabilize, so that a higher mechanical load capacity can be provided. Despite the concern of two male elements these can still be free to move in the other directions and spreader at different locations in the contact hole.

According to a further exemplary embodiment, at least two male members are spaced by a gap. The male elements, which are separated by a gap, can deform elastically in the direction of the gap. As a result, the insertion elements can deform elastically during insertion into the contact hole in the direction of the gap, so that the plug device can be inserted into the contact hole by means of the insertion elements.

The male elements form, so to speak, interspace-free thighs. Their opposite outer sides can optionally be formed convex curved, for example. By such a curvature, an undesirable spreading of the legs in contact with a flat surface can be avoided. When using fork contacts an elastic pluggability can be achieved.

According to a further exemplary embodiment, the base body has a stop region. The stop area is set up such that insertion of the male elements into the contact hole can be limited by the stop area. The stop area prevents, for example, further insertion of the plug device in the insertion direction. The stop region can be produced for example by a survey or a bulge on the base body, so that the main body with the stopper area, for example, has a larger diameter than the contact hole. Thus, the cross section with the stopper area can not be passed through the contact hole, so that automatically a stop is available. The stop region can also be formed on at least one male element, in particular in the intermediate region or intermediate section of the male element. Thus, it is not necessary that the base body rests against a surface of the printed circuit board, but only the stop area of one of the male elements. Such a stop area as a positioning aid can make it easier for a user to intuitively make the insertion between male and PCB in a correct manner and thus to avoid electrical malfunction. The stop area thus serves to limit the insertion of the plug device in the circuit board. The stop area or spacer may define a minimum distance between the circuit board and the connector device, thus preventing, for example, the formation of unwanted electrical contacts or the skipping of an electrical signal across a thin gap.

According to a further exemplary embodiment, the male members extend parallel to each other.

The elastic deformability of the male members can be achieved by having at least two of the three male members have a gap between each other, which can be elastically deformed in the direction of the gap, these male members. By a return force against the cleavage direction, the male members can then be pressed against an inner surface of the contact hole, so that a press connection can be provided.

According to a further exemplary embodiment, each of the male members has an extension direction, wherein the distance between at least two male members along their directions of extension is inconstant.

According to another exemplary embodiment, the end of each male member has a rounded surface. In contrast to a beveled end surface, a wedging of each male element upon insertion into the contact hole is prevented by the rounded end surface, since a rounded surface, for example, can find its way into the contact hole in a self-guiding manner.

According to a further exemplary embodiment, at least one male element has an expansion at one end section. The end portion has the free end of the male member and protrudes out of the contact hole in the insertion direction, when the male member is inserted in the contact hole. The widening is formed at the end portion such that the widening wedges or jams with a surface of the printed circuit board when the Inserting element is inserted in the contact hole. The expansion may be formed as a survey and form an undercut, which extends substantially perpendicular to the insertion direction. In other words, the widening (undercut) may extend parallel to a surface plane of the printed circuit board and thus be substantially perpendicular to the inner surface of the contact hole. This can be achieved that the expansion prevents movement of the plug device counter to the insertion by the expansion abuts a surface of the circuit board and thus prevents further movement of the male against the insertion. The male members may be compressed during insertion into the contact hole, for example, so that the cross-section of all the male members including the widening have a smaller diameter than the contact hole. If the male members are inserted into the contact hole, the male members move back to their original position due to their elastic deformability, so that the press connection between the male members and the contact hole can form. In an inserted state of the plug device in the contact hole is usually on a surface side of the circuit board of the main body or in particular the paragraph on. On the opposite surface of the circuit board, the male members may protrude with their end portions of the contact hole. In these end portions, the widening is formed, which wedges or jams with this surface of the circuit board, thus preventing a loosening of the connector device opposite to the insertion direction. The wedging or jamming can occur when a cross section of the male members including the expansion is greater than the diameter of the contact hole, thereby preventing a release of the connector is prevented. Thus, the mechanical connection between the connector device and the circuit board prevented. The wedging or jamming of the expansion with the circuit board can be solved by the elastic deformability of the male elements. For example, if the connector device is to be disconnected from the printed circuit board, the male elements may be compressed again, substantially perpendicular to the insertion direction, such that the diameter of the male elements including their widenings is smaller than the contact hole. For a release of the connector device of the circuit board is possible by the male elements are pulled out of the contact hole against the insertion.

According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the expansion has a first surface. The first surface rests on the surface of the circuit board when the male member is inserted in the contact hole. The first surface is formed such that there is a slant angle between the plane of the first surface and the plane of the surface of the circuit board when the male member is inserted in the contact hole.

"Shallow angle" means that an angle between 0 ° (degrees) and 90 °, in particular between 1 ° and 89 ° and more particularly between 20 ° and 60 ° is formed between the plane of the first surface and the plane of the surface of the circuit board , In other words, a wedge-shaped inclined plane is formed with the first surface. For example, the first surface forms an inclined wedge surface on the recess, thus forming an undercut. The first surface of the expansion extends outward along the direction of extension, for example radially outward with respect to a center of the contact hole. In other words, the widening forms a wedge, wherein the wedge may have a wedge tip and, opposite to one another, a base surface, the base surface and the wedge tip connected by the first surface. The wedge tip is directed to the contact hole and the base is directed in the insertion direction of the contact hole in the insertion direction, when the male member is inserted in the contact hole.

When the connector device is moved counter to the insertion direction, a force is transmitted from the circuit board via a contact point between the circuit board and expansion on the oblique, first surface, which leads to an elastic deformation of the male element towards the center of the contact hole. The deformation of a male element with the wedging surface depends on the one hand on the tensile force with which the plug device is pulled against the insertion direction. In addition, the elastic deformation of the male elements through the first surface depends on the material properties, for example the modulus of elasticity, the plug device or the male elements. By adjusting the angle of the first surface, a force can be defined or adjusted, which leads to the fact that the expansion (undercut) is led out of the wedge position or clamping position. A flat first surface having an angle to the plane of the surface of the circuit board of substantially 1 ° to 10 ° (degrees), such that, for example, the plane of the first surface formed almost parallel to the inner surface of the contact hole or perpendicular to a plane of the surface of the circuit board is, leads to a lower force, which is necessary to release the male member from the wedging. A steeper angle, that is, an angle at which the wedging surface is nearly perpendicular to the inner surface of the contact hole or nearly parallel to the plane of the surface of the printed circuit board, results in a higher force necessary to pull the male member out of the contact hole.

According to a further exemplary embodiment, the conductor is fastened to the fastening region by means of a clamping connection. The clamp connection can be provided, for example, by the plug device having two clamp tabs which can be bent around the conductor to transmit a clamping force to and fix the conductor. The tabs may e.g. be plastically deformable. In particular, the fastening region is designed such that the conductor can be clamped there by means of a clamping connection according to EN 60352-2, or according to DIN 41611.

According to a further exemplary embodiment, the male members are formed such that the connector device and the circuit board by means of the connector with a mechanical load capacity according to ISO 16750, in particular according to ISO 16750-3, are connectable.

According to a further exemplary embodiment, the male elements are formed (together) the connector device and the printed circuit board with a mechanical fastening force (eg producible by press connection and expansion) of at least 100 N (Newton), in particular of at least 200 N, more particularly of at least 300 N. , connect to.

According to a further exemplary embodiment, each of the male members is designed with an insertion force of at most 10 N (Newton) plugged into one of the contact holes. In particular, all male elements together with a common summed insertion force of at most 10 N in a contact hole in the insertion direction can be designed plugged.

In accordance with another exemplary embodiment, the male members are configured to provide electrical load capability in accordance with ISO 16750-2.

In order to make the applicability of the plug device according to the invention particularly useful for vibration-prone and high-current-demanding automotive applications and the like, in addition or as an alternative to the fulfillment of the abovementioned industrial standards, the plug device or the connection arrangement can also be configured such that it is compatible with IEC 60512 6 (fast temperature cycles according to Einpressnorm) is compatible, in particular also according to IEC-68-2-14 (dry heat) is compatible. It is also possible for the plug device or connection arrangement to be designed in accordance with tests with different climatic conditions in accordance with the press-in standard IEC-60512-6 and IEC-60512-11-1 (see in particular IEC 68-2-1 (cf. coldness), IEC 68-2-2 (dry heat) and IEC 68-2-30 (steam heat, cyclic)). The connector assembly may also be used in accordance with an industrial environmental test according to IEC 60512-11-7 (IEC 68-2-52 (salt spray, cyclic) or IEC 68-2-60 (corrosive gas (H ₂ S, NO ₂ , SO ₂ ) be configured.

According to a further exemplary embodiment, each of the male members and the transmission region of the connector device are designed for an electrical load capacity of at least 5 amps, in particular of at least 10 amps, more particularly of at least 20 amps. The plug device, in particular the transmission area and the plug-in elements, are therefore capable of high current.

The term "highly current-capable" may in particular have the meaning that the plug device, in particular the transmission region and the plug-in elements, in terms of dimension, material, mutual spacing, etc. are designed such that they are suitable for carrying a high electric current. In other words, when using a high-current-capable connector device, an electric current in the ampere range can be transmitted from the transmission region to the conductor tracks. A high current can be used in particular if the plug device is specially designed to be able to transport at least 5 amps in the transmission range, in particular at least 10 amps in the transmission range, without jeopardizing the intended use of the plug device. In other words, the connector device should be designed in a high-current configuration so that undesirable heating of the connector device is avoided or any other technical function of the connector device suffers damage when such high currents are conducted by means of the contact elements. In particular, the high current resistant configuration of the connector device can be designed so that the transmission range, in particular all male elements together, can carry cumulative currents of at least 50 amperes, in particular of at least 100 amperes. The high current capability of the connector device can be considered as given when the connector device is connectable to a vehicle battery and can supply power from the vehicle battery to the connected circuit board trouble-free. In particular, the high current capability can be considered as given when contact resistance according to the Einpressnorm meet the requirements of IEC 60512-2.

According to a further exemplary embodiment, the plug device has at least three further plug-in elements. The at least three male elements form a first group, which can be inserted together in the contact hole. The at least three further plug-in elements form a second group which can be inserted together into a further contact hole of the printed circuit board. The further male members may have the same physical properties as the male members described above and further extend from the same body of the male connector. This makes it possible to provide a connection with a plurality of contact holes with a connector device. In particular, there is the possibility that further conductors can be fastened to the plug device, wherein the first group of plug-in elements are electrically connected to a first conductor and the further plug-in elements of the second group are electrically connected to a second conductor. The first conductor and the second conductor can form separate circuits and, for example, transmit different signals. Thus, for example, a multi-pin plug can be provided.

According to one embodiment, plug device may be formed from a single stamped and bent electrically conductive plate. In this embodiment, the connector device can be formed with very little production effort, since no other components are required in addition to a metal plate or the like.

According to one exemplary embodiment, the plug device may have two pairs of plug-in elements, that is, at least four plug-in elements. In other words, at least four, in particular exactly four plug-in elements can be provided. Each pair of male members may be identical. Two male elements of a respective pair can be arranged directly adjacent to each other, only spaced apart by a gap, starting from the main body. Two male elements of a pair can be structurally be formed differently and interact with each other. The pairs can also be designed identically.

According to one embodiment, the male members of one of the pairs may be arranged over the entire surface touching the male members of the other of the pairs resting. In other words, one main surface of one male element may cover a whole corresponding surface area of the other male element in a touching manner, and vice versa. This creates a compact and at the same time extremely stable structure, which can also be reliably and precisely inserted into a contact hole.

According to one embodiment, at least one of the male members may include a locking mechanism configured to lock the male connector to the printed circuit board as the male connector passes through the contact hole. In other words, it may be sufficient to push through the connector device through the contact hole of the circuit board, whereby the locking mechanism on one or more of the male members automatically, i. without intervention of a user, is locked to the circuit board. This allows a high level of user comfort.

According to one embodiment, the locking mechanism may be configured to unlock the connector device from the circuit board upon compression of the male members and upon withdrawal of the male connector from the contact hole. Thus, a simple unlocking can be made possible by an inverse for locking movement, that is, compression of the male and subsequent extraction of the connector device from the circuit board. Such a locking mechanism may have a reversible characteristic, ie can be unlocked or locked essentially as often. This can be done by a Verund unlocking characteristic, which disregards a plastic deformation of the male and instead elastically deforms the male elements in the locking and unlocking.

According to one embodiment, a first of the male members may include or consist of a male portion located within the contact hole when the male members are inserted in the contact hole. A second one of the male members may have a male portion located inside the contact hole when the male members are inserted into the contact hole and having an arc portion extending from the male portion through the contact hole back to the male portion of the first one of the male members is separated from this by a gap. The size of the gap can initially be reduced during the insertion of the connector device in the circuit board and increased again after emergence of the arc section of the circuit board. The first and second male members may form a cooperating pair. Due to the bow section, hooking of the plug device when plugged into a printed circuit board can be avoided. Furthermore, the combination of the two male members ensures both reversible locking and stable anchoring of the male connector in a contact hole of a printed circuit board.

According to one embodiment, an end portion of the arcuate portion when inserted into the circuit board may be resiliently passable through the contact hole and spring back after passing through the contact hole, whereby the connector device is lockable to the circuit board by means of the end portion. During the Arc section is passed through the contact hole, it is compressed by a lateral boundary of the contact hole to the inside. After coming out of the circuit board this compressive force is eliminated, so that the arc portion can spring back to the outside, and thereby the locking is ensured.

According to one embodiment, a concave portion of the arcuate portion may abut a convex portion of the insertion portion of the first of the male members. The first male member may be configured as a convex arc. A corresponding concave portion of the arcuate portion is arranged with respect to the convex first insertion portion so as to prevent mutual entanglement and allow mutual slippage.

The terms "convex" and "concave" refer to outwardly acting surface areas of the plug device, in particular to surface regions of the plug device, which face a contact hole wall during insertion of the plug device into a contact hole of a printed circuit board.

According to one embodiment, the arcuate portion may comprise two opposing elongated portions which are interconnected by a curved arc which faces the male portions of the first and second of the male members. The two elongated areas and the connecting them arc form a substantially U-shape. As a result, on the one hand the spring action and on the other hand allows the mechanical stabilizing effect of the second male member. Further, the arcuate shape prevents hooking of the connector device when inserted into the contact hole.

According to one embodiment, in the connector device, a third and a fourth male element may be provided, one of which may be formed as the first male and another as the second male member. Therefore, the above embodiments of the first and second male members apply equally to the third and fourth male members.

According to one embodiment, the second and the fourth of the male elements may be axially symmetrical opposite each other. The axis of symmetry is a longitudinal axis of the plug device, which runs along the gap between the male elements.

The second and the fourth of the male members may be in contact with each other in a contacting manner. In other words, the second and the fourth male member may be in contact along a part of their extension, whereby a stabilizing effect is connected. At the same time this contact allows a spring-like compression of the second and fourth male member during insertion of the connector device in the circuit board. It is also possible that a portion of the first male member contacts the fourth male member and that a portion of the second male member contacts the third male member.

With the embodiments described above, a contact element with a fork press (Forkpress) and a self-locking function is provided. A corresponding connector device can be used in many technical fields, for example in the automotive sector, in the industrial sector, in the computer sector, and as a telecommunications connector.

With a connector device according to an exemplary embodiment fuses, connectors, relays, capacitors, resistors, varistors, etc. can be plugged directly into a circuit board and locked to each contact element by means of a self-locking mechanism. A release of the compound can be done by means of a simple tool or even by hand.

By folding a plate-like contact element formed, for example, as a semi-finished connector, two movable legs can be obtained, which move outwardly when plugged in. A latching hook with a resilient property engages after a correct placement.

As a result, connector interfaces can be saved, and a complex secondary lock can be omitted. Furthermore, a low-cost solution is created with a low installation cost.

In the connection arrangement, the circuit board may include the contact hole provided with an electrically conductive contacting layer. The connector device can contact the printed circuit board in the contact hole without solder by means of the electrically conductive contacting layer. Thus, only by the resilient abutment of the male portions of the plating in the contact hole, a reliable and continuous electrical coupling can be achieved without the need for a complex solder joint.

According to a further exemplary embodiment, a semi-finished connector product is provided from a bendable plate, which can be used to produce a connector device described above. For this purpose, the semi-finished connector along at least one Be bendable bending line, so that by bending the semifinished product, the connector device as described above can be produced. Thus, for example, the semi-finished connector can be provided as a thin, sheet-like (layer) material and formed in its symmetry line, the bending line. The bending line can be perforated, for example, in particular, the bending line can provide a desired bending point at which the semi-finished connector preferably can be plastically deformed in particular. The plug semi-finished product may further have an outline which has an outline of the plug device. The semi-finished connector can serve in the initial state that, for example, the conductor is designed in the mounting area and is clamped by bending the semi-finished connector along the bending line of the conductor at a defined location in the mounting area. After bending of the plug semi-finished product, all male elements can abut at their predefined location, so that in other words by folding the end product, ie the connector device described above, is available.

According to another exemplary embodiment, there is provided a plug assembly in which the mold is configured to compress the plug device latched to the circuit board, thereby unlocking the plug device latched to the circuit board. A barbed lock on the one hand ensures a firm grip, but on the other hand, it can also be released again. The solubility can be achieved with a corresponding mold, which is placed on it and the barbs deformed so far that a lock is no longer given.

The semifinished product or the finished connector device can be made in one piece from a piece of sheet metal by punching and bending. Such an integral embodiment of the plug element of a piece of sheet metal leads to especially low cost. Alternatively, a plug-in element can also be formed from a plurality of components, for example in order to integrate further functions.

With the present invention, a plug device is provided, which has at least three independently elastically deformable male elements, whereby an improved mechanical fastening in a contact hole can be achieved and also improved conductivity between the male and the printed circuit board can be provided. In particular, in the case of a hole which is not exactly circular, a large number of insertion elements, which are elastically deformable independently of one another, lead to an improved fit of the insertion elements and thus to improved mechanical and electrical fastening or conduction. An improvement in conductivity in turn leads to an increased current transfer and a lower contact resistance between the male members and the contact hole or the printed circuit board, since it can be ensured that at least more than one male member can be provided in contact with an inner surface of the contact hole. This also results in the advantage that in the manufacture of the circuit board, a lower accuracy of the shape of the contact holes is needed.

By means of the elastic deformation of the male members, it is possible for the male connector (eg the press connection) to be provided such that a larger force is required for pulling out the male connector from the contact hole than for insertion. Furthermore, a plug-in capability or removability of the plug device can thus be provided "by hand". Under a Einsteckbarkeit or removability of the plug element "by hand" may be understood in the context of this description, in particular, that the insertion and removal forces are sufficiently low, even with the provision of multiple male members, that they can be applied by the muscular strength of an average adult human user.

The connector device can be manually inserted by a human user directly into the corresponding contact holes of the circuit board, without a separate socket would be required between plug-in device and circuit board, as is the case with conventional high-current connection arrangements. At the same time, despite the simple and intuitive insertion of the plug device directly into the circuit board high vibration robustness can be ensured that a rigid mechanical fuse is provided by means of the male elements, which in the inserted state inadvertent removal of the connector device of the circuit board, caused for example by high Vibration forces, reliably prevent. Since the male members deform elastically is a male and unplugging by a user low-force and thus to allow manually and at the same time to operate the assembly of connector device and PCB even with robust external conditions without affecting the function. Compared with conventional high-current-capable connection arrangements, separate plug-in sockets can be saved in a direct plug arrangement according to the invention, which leads to space-saving and cost advantages and reduces or eliminates electrical losses or signal distortions due to a shortened transmission path or the discontinued contact point. Compared to conventional low current systems like the EP 1,069,651 A1 The invention represents a paradigm change, since the simultaneous fulfillment of high-current strength and vibration resistance requirements with the local architecture is impossible and also at the same time Contacting the connector device does not allow manual usability. In contrast, according to the invention, a high-current direct plug-in technology for the direct attachment of plug devices of a circuit board without the provision of sockets or the like can be achieved, so that except for any optional solder components and possible purely mechanical fasteners only the circuit board itself is required.

In the transfer region, the connector device may include high-current material to have sufficient electronic conductivity. The transmission region, or even the entire connector device, can be made in particular of copper, aluminum, silver, gold or alloys such as brass or bronze. The ohmic resistance can lie in the transmission range between 10 μΩ and 10 mΩ, preferably between 100 μΩ and 1 mΩ. A length of the transmission region through which the electric current passes can be in a range between 1 mm and 100 mm, preferably between 2 mm and 50 mm. A thickness of the transfer region through which the electric current flows may be in a range between 0.1 mm and 6 mm, preferably between 0.5 mm and 3 mm. A cross-sectional area of the transfer region may be in a range between 0.01 mm ² and 30 mm ² , preferably between 0.2 mm ² and 25 mm ² .

According to one exemplary embodiment of the invention, the vehicle is, for example, a motor vehicle, a passenger vehicle, a truck, a bus, an agricultural vehicle, a baler, a combine harvester, a self-propelled sprayer, a road construction machine, a tractor, an aircraft, an aircraft, a helicopter, a spaceship, a zeppelin, a watercraft, a ship, a rail vehicle or a train, the vehicle carrying the Connector device or the connection arrangement having the features described above.

It should be noted that embodiments of the invention have been described with reference to different subject matters. In particular, some embodiments of the invention are described with apparatus claims and other embodiments of the invention with method claims. However, it will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art upon reading this application that, unless explicitly stated otherwise, in addition to a combination of features belonging to a type of subject matter, any combination of features that may result in different types of features is also possible Subject matters belong.

Brief description of the drawings

• Fig. 1 eine schematische Darstellung einer Steckervorrichtung zum elektrischen Verbinden eines Leiters mit einer Leiterplatte gemäß einer beispielhaften Ausführungsform der vorliegenden Erfindung;
• Fig. 2 eine schematische Schnittdarstellung von vier Einsteckelementen gemäß einer beispielhaften Ausführungsform der vorliegenden Erfindung;
• Fig. 3 eine schematische Schnittdarstellung eines Befestigungsbereichs der Steckervorrichtung gemäß einer beispielhaften Ausführungsform der vorliegenden Erfindung;
• Fig. 4 eine schematische Darstellung eines Steckerhalbzeugs aus einem faltbaren Material gemäß einer beispielhaften Ausführungsform der vorliegenden Erfindung;
• Fig. 5 eine schematische Darstellung eines Steckerhalbzeugs aus einem faltbaren Material gemäß einer anderen beispielhaften Ausführungsform der vorliegenden Erfindung;
• Fig. 6 eine schematische Darstellung einer Steckervorrichtung zum elektrischen Verbinden eines Leiters mit einer Leiterplatte gemäß einer beispielhaften Ausführungsform der vorliegenden Erfindung, wobei die Steckervorrichtung mittels Faltens eines Steckerhalbzeugs gebildet ist;
• Fig. 7 eine Querschnittsansicht der Steckervorrichtung gemäß Fig. 6 entlang einer Schnittlinie A-A;
• Fig. 8 eine Seitenansicht der Steckervorrichtung gemäß Fig. 6;
• Fig. 9 eine andere Querschnittsansicht der Steckervorrichtung gemäß Fig. 6 entlang einer Schnittlinie B-B; und

In the following, for further explanation and for better understanding of the present invention, embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Show it:

• Fig. 1 a schematic representation of a connector device for electrically connecting a conductor to a printed circuit board according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;
• Fig. 2 a schematic sectional view of four male members according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;
• Fig. 3 a schematic sectional view of a mounting portion of the connector device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;
• Fig. 4 a schematic representation of a plug blank of a foldable material according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;
• Fig. 5 a schematic representation of a plug blank of a foldable material according to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention;
• Fig. 6 a schematic representation of a connector device for electrically connecting a conductor to a printed circuit board according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, wherein the connector device is formed by folding a semi-finished connector;
• Fig. 7 a cross-sectional view of the connector device according to Fig. 6 along a section line AA;
• Fig. 8 a side view of the connector device according to Fig. 6 ;
• Fig. 9 another cross-sectional view of the connector device according to Fig. 6 along a section line BB; and

Fig. 10 an enlarged view of a portion of a connector assembly, similar to Fig. 6 is formed and has a mold and a plug device with a predetermined breaking point.

Detailed description of exemplary embodiments

The same or similar components in different figures are provided with the same reference numerals. The illustrations in the figures are schematic and not to scale.

Fig. 1 shows an exemplary embodiment of the connector device 100 for electrically connecting a conductor 300 (see Fig. 3 ) With a circuit board by means of direct insertion of the connector device 100 in a contact hole of the circuit board. The connector device 100 has a fixing portion 101 for fixing the conductor 300 to the connector device 100. Further, the connector device 100 has a transmission area for transmitting a current from the conductor 300 to the circuit board. Furthermore, the plug device 100 has at least three plug-in elements 102, which can be inserted together into the contact hole. Each of the male elements 102 extends from a common main body 103 of the male connector 100. Further, each of the male members 102 is separated from the other male members 102. The male members 102 are elastically deformable with respect to the main body 103 independently of each other and arranged such that, when the male members 102 are inserted in the contact hole, a plug connection of the connector device 100 is provided with the circuit board.

The connector device 100 is in Fig. 1 shown in a side view, with two male elements 102 are visible. In the meantime, for example, a third or a fourth insertion element 102 can be arranged. Each of the male members 102 extends from a main body 103 of the connector device 100. Each of the male members 102 may be elastically deformed in the contact hole when installed. As a result, each of the male elements tries 102 to deform back to its original position (undeformed position). This urge to return to the home position creates a force that can be transmitted to the inner surface of the contact hole, thereby creating a pressing force that results in the male connection between the male connector 100 and the printed circuit board.

Each of the male members 102 may be at a certain angle from each other, i. not parallel to each other, extend. This means that a distance of the male elements 102, starting from the main body 103 in the insertion direction 111 increases. If the plug device 100 is plugged into the contact hole in the plug-in direction 111, the plug-in elements 102 are initially bent together and released after reaching a final plug-in position of the plug device 100, so that the plug-in elements 102 attempt to return to their original position. This creates the required pressing force to provide a press connection between the connector device 100 and the printed circuit board.

Another way to achieve a plug-in connection may be that a central gap 106 is provided between the male members 102. In this case, the male members 102 may, for example, extend parallel to the main body 103, wherein at least two of the at least three male members 102 are spaced apart by the gap 106. During the insertion of the male members 102 in the contact hole they are pressed together in the direction of the gap, so that the male members 102 are inserted into the contact hole due to the reduced diameter. After the connector device 100 is applied to the desired position, the male members 102 are released so that they try in their Turn back starting position. This creates the force which leads to a compression of the connector device 100 with the circuit board.

The position of the connector device 100 relative to the printed circuit board can be defined, for example, via a stop region 107. The stop area may be, for example, a survey which extends transversely to the insertion direction 111 or parallel to a surface of the printed circuit board. This increases the diameter of the region of the plug device 100 on which the stop region 107 is defined, so that this region with the stop region 107 no longer passes through the contact hole and thus further movement in the insertion direction 111 can be prevented.

The stop region 107 can be defined, for example, on the main body 103 or else on all or even only on one of the male elements 102 Fig. 1 As shown, a stopper portion 107 may be defined on the two male members 102. This means that the connector device 100 can finally be inserted into the contact hole in the insertion direction 111 until the abutment region 107 abuts the surface of the printed circuit board.

The portion of the male members 102 located in the contact hole when the male members 102 are inserted in the contact hole is defined as the male portion 105. The plug-in section 105 may, for example, be coated with a conductive layer or consist entirely of a conductive material, so that, in addition to a mechanical press connection, electrical conductivity can likewise be provided via the contact hole to the printed circuit board. The transmission area can thus be defined on the one hand in the plug-in section 105. On the other hand, the transmission range can also at other contact areas of the connector device 100 with the Printed circuit board can be provided. For example, at the stop regions 107, a transmission region for transmitting a current to the printed circuit board may be provided.

As in Fig. 1 further illustrated, the male portion 105 may have, for example, a convex surface shape. Specifically, the convex surface shape is provided on the side of a male member 102, which side in the inserted state is oriented toward an inner surface of the contact hole. By the convex surface of the insertion portion 105, the surface pressure, ie, the force per unit area, between a male member 102 and the inner surface of the contact hole is increased. Thus, a higher pressing force can be achieved, so that the press connection and thus also the friction of the male members 102 are increased with the inner surface of the contact hole.

The region of the connector device 100, which in the inserted state of the connector device 100 in the contact hole in the insertion direction 111 protrudes from the contact hole, may be referred to as the end section 112 of the male elements 102. In this end portion 112 are also the respective free ends 104 of the male members 102. The free ends 104 may be rounded so that there is a reduced risk of wedging when inserting the male members 102 into the contact hole. In the end portion 112 are located on at least one of the male members 102, a widening 108, which can act as an undercut when the male member 102 is sufficiently inserted in the contact hole. The expansion 108 may provide a snap fit of the male members 102 to a surface of the printed circuit board. In an inserted state of the male in the contact hole of the circuit board, the Snap male members 102 outward to a degree. Thus, a movement against the insertion direction 111 is blocked by the widenings 108, since the widenings 108 become wedged or jammed with the surface of the contact hole.

A solution of the wedging can be provided, for example, by compressing the male members 102 in the end portion 112 and simultaneously making a movement of the male connector 100 against the insertion direction 111.

Furthermore, the widening 108 may have a first surface 109 with an oblique or oblique plane, so that merely a movement of the plug device 100 counter to the insertion direction 111 is necessary to release the wedging. In other words, the inclined plane 109 of the first surface 109 forms a wedge shape of the widening 108, wherein the wedge tip is oriented in the direction of the contact hole in the inserted state and, starting from the wedge tip, the first surface or the inclined plane in the insertion direction 111 to the outside extends, so that in the insertion direction 111, the thickness of the male member 102 increases with the first surface 108. In other words, the inclined plane, i. the plane of the first surface 109, an angle with the plane of the surface of the circuit board, which may have a value between 0 to 90 °, where 0 ° means that the wedging surface 109 is formed perpendicular to the insertion direction 111 and the angle means 90 ° in that the first surface 109 can be formed parallel to the insertion direction 111.

By the inclined plane of the wedging surface 109 is caused when pulling out the male members 102 against the insertion 111, a force from the abutment of the first surface 109 on the surface of the printed circuit board is generated and transmitted inwardly, that is to the center of the contact hole or in the direction of the gap 106, so that the male elements 102 are pulled out in the direction of the gap 106 automatically deform elastically. Thereby, the cross-section of all the male members 102 is reduced so that the male members including their undercuts 108 fit through the contact hole, so that the male connector 100 can be pulled out. By means of the wedge-shaped first surface can be ensured that for pulling the plug device out of the contact hole opposite to the insertion direction, a greater force is required than for insertion.

The attachment portion 101 where the conductor 300 (see FIG Fig. 3 ) can be fastened, for example by means of clamping or soldering, can be arranged on the opposite side of the connector device 100 with respect to the male elements 102. As in Fig. 1 1, the attachment region 101 can have two tabs 110 which, for example, can be plastically deformed and placed around the conductor 300 so that a clamping force can be transmitted to the conductor 300 and thus can be held by means of a clamping connection. The tabs 110 or other elements of the attachment region 101 can have electrically conductive properties, so that a current can be conducted from the conductor 300 via the attachment region 101 to the transfer region.

For example, the length of a male member 102 may be 8 to 12 mm (millimeters). The diameter of a male member 102 may be 0.5 to 1 mm. The gap 106 between two male members 102 may be designed between 0.5 mm and 0.8 mm. The insertion portion 105 may have a length of 2.5 mm to 3 mm, or the insertion portion 105 may be adapted to a thickness of the circuit board.

Fig. 2 shows the section AA Fig. 1 , In the sectional view AA in Fig. 2 is a plan view of a connector device 100 with four male elements 102 shown. The four male elements 102 each form two pairs, wherein two male elements 102 are in contact with each other. The arrows in Fig. 2 represent the directions of movement in which each of the male members 102 can be deformed and moved individually and independently of the other elastically. By this elastic deformation, each of the male members 102 can "spread" to a certain position of the inner surface of the contact hole. Even with non-round, improperly shaped contact holes, a mechanical connection and an electrical contact can be reliably produced by means of the insertion elements 102. The contact of the male members 102 with the inner surface of the contact hole is necessary to provide the one hand, the mechanical connection (press connection) and beyond, for example, an electrical connection.

Further, in Fig. 2 the gap 106 is shown, which separates a first and a second groups of male members 102. The male members 102 may be compressed in pairs in the direction of the gap 106 and elastically deformed to be inserted into the contact hole.

Fig. 3 shows the section BB Fig. 1 , wherein a plan view of the mounting portion 100 of the connector device 100 is shown. In the attachment region 101, for example, the two tabs 110 are shown, which nestle around the conductor 300. The tabs 110 may be formed plastically deformable, and the conductor be bent around so that a clamping force can be generated and the conductor 300 is fastened via a clamping connection to the connector device 100.

Fig. 4 shows an exemplary embodiment of a semi-finished connector 400 of the connector device 100. The semi-finished connector 400 may for example consist of two halves, which are separated by the bending line 401. Bend line 401 may represent a desired bend line, which may be a preferred bending edge, for example, by perforation or material weakening. In practice, for example, the conductor can first be inserted in the fastening region 101. Subsequently, each half of the semi-finished connector 400 along the bending line can be bent to each other, so that both halves of the semi-finished connector 400 abut each other. Subsequently, to fix the conductor 300, the tabs 110 of the semi-finished connector 400 can be plastically deformed so that the conductor 300 is clamped by means of the tabs 110. In a folded or folded state of both halves of the plug semi-finished product 400, the four plug-in elements 102 shown can abut in pairs, for example, so that a cross-section, as in FIG Fig. 2 represented, is produced. The semi-finished connector 400 may already have all other configurations and features of the connector device 100. Thus, the semi-finished connector 400 may already have the main body 103 and the stop region 107. Furthermore, the semi-finished connector 400 already has the four male elements 102, including their insertion portions 105 and end portions 112. Also, the semi-finished connector 400 may already have the widening 108 including the first surface 109 thereof. Furthermore, the semi-finished connector 400 already defines the gap 106 between the later grouped male members 102, as well as the rounded free ends 104.

Fig. 5 shows a plug blank 500 made of a foldable sheet material according to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

By folding the semi-finished connector 500 along an axis of symmetry 510, a connector device similar to that shown in FIG Fig. 6 is shown. With regard to the description of further components of the semi-finished connector 500 is therefore on the description of Fig. 6 directed.

Fig. 6 FIG. 10 shows a connector device 600 for electrically connecting a conductor that is engageable by tabs 110 with a printed circuit board 602 shown in cross-section.

The connector device 600 has two pairs of male members 502, 504 (see Fig. 5 ). The total of four plug-in elements 502, 502, 504, 504 are introduced together into a single contact hole of the printed circuit board 602 and thereby spring-compressed in the direction of a central axis 620. When the male portions 105 abut an electrically conductive contact 604 at the contact hole in the circuit board 602, the male portions 105 push outwardly, thus establishing an electrically conductive connection between the male portions 105 and the electrically conductive contact 604. When one end of the male members 504 comes out of the contact hole and thus out of the printed circuit board 602, the male members 504 are no longer compressed and relax by moving outward. This leads to a locking effect.

More specifically, one of the male members 504 itself has the underlying locking mechanism. This is based on in passing the connector device 600 through the contact hole for attaching the connector device 600 to the circuit board 602, the connector device 600 is locked to the circuit board 602 by means of a resilient barb. The locking mechanism is unlocked by again squeezing the male members 504 and then pulling the male connector 600 out of the contact hole of the PCB 602. Thus, a reversible and therefore any number of times usable locking logic is created.

A first of the male members 502 consists of a convex male portion 105 located inside the contact hole and in direct contact with the electrically conductive contact 604 when the male members 502, 504 are inserted into the contact hole. A second of the male members 504 has a male portion 105 extending from the main body 103 as well as the male portion 105 of the first male member 502. Also, the male portion 105 of the second male member 504 is located inside the contact hole when the male members 502, 504 are in the Contact hole are introduced. The second male member 504 further includes an arc portion 506 extending from the male portion 105 through the contact hole back to the male portion 105 of the first one of the male members 502 and separated therefrom by a narrow gap 1000 (see FIG Fig. 10 ) variable size is separated. If the male members 504 laterally compressed by insertion into the contact hole, so also reduces the size of the gap 1000 springs after inserting the connector device 600 in the circuit board 602 the male members 504 back, so the size of the gap 1000 increases again until the resilient system is again in a power-free state. Thus, the size of the gap 1000 decreases during the insertion process the connector device 600 in the circuit board 602 first and increases after emergence of the arc portion 506 from the circuit board 602 again. This causes the reversible locking. Clearly, the locking mechanism is formed by a barb, which is formed at a position of the substantially pear-shaped structure of the male members 502, 504, at which point the contiguous structure of the male members 502, 504 is interrupted by means of the gap 1000.

A freely movable and rounded end portion 506d of the arcuate portion 506 is resiliently compressible upon insertion of the connector device into the circuit board 602 and passable through the contact hole and springs back outwardly through the contact hole, thus automatically engaging the connector device 600 with the end portion 506d on the circuit board 602 is locked. The rounded end portion 506d of the arch portion 506 forms a concave portion adjacent to the convex insertion portion 105 of the first one of the male members 502.

The arcuate portion 506 includes two opposing elongated portions 506a, 506c, which are interconnected by a bend 506b spaced from the male portions 105a of the first and second male members 502, 504 by the elongate portions 506a, 506c.

As in Fig. 5 and Fig. 6 shown, a total of two pairs of male members 502, 504 are provided. These are in the folded state of the semi-finished connector 500, the in Fig. 6 is shown, arranged relative to one another such that the locking mechanism after insertion of the connector device 600 in the circuit board 602 at two form opposing areas of the contact hole two barbs, which prevent removal of the connector device 600 of the circuit board 602 in a symmetrical manner. A third male element 502 structurally corresponds to the first male element 502. On the other hand, a fourth male element 504 corresponds to the second male element 504.

The second and the fourth of the male members 504, 504 are axially symmetrical to each other. The corresponding symmetry axis is according to Fig. 9 oriented perpendicular to the paper plane and arranged in a center of gravity of the gap 106. This symmetry axis corresponds to that in Fig. 6 Correspondingly, the first and third of the male members 502, 502 are axially symmetrical with each other.

The second and the fourth of the male members 504, 504 are touching each other and thus contact each other. The second and the fourth of the male members 504, 504 are in a according Fig. 6 upper area touching each other. The first and the fourth of the male members 502, 504 lie in one according to Fig. 6 lower area touching each other. The second and the third of the male members 502, 504 are in accordance with Fig. 6 lower area touching each other.

As in Fig. 6 can be seen, two movable legs can be obtained by a folding of the semi-finished connector 500, which can move during insertion of the connector device 600 in a contact hole of the circuit board 602 to the outside (see position 1). The latching hook of the arcuate portion 504 has resilient properties and snaps to the correct placement on the circuit board 602 (see Position 2). The bore edge of the printed circuit board 602 can be seen as position 3.

Fig. 7 shows a cross-sectional view of the connector device 600 along a section line AA. Fig. 7 shows that in a rear portion of the connector device 600, in which a cylindrical conductor or the like can be accommodated, the two fold halves remain at a certain distance from each other.

Fig. 8 shows a side view of the connector device 600. All male elements 502, 504 are worked out of a flat plate, in particular punched out. As in Fig. 8 Therefore, the male members 502, 504 of the connector device 600 have a constant thickness in a direction oriented perpendicular to the spring direction of the arch portion 506. Fig. 8 Thus, in the rear conductor receiving area of the connector device 600, the two half-folds form a substantially cylindrical conductor receiving opening. In contrast, in the front plug-in region of the plug device 600, the folded-together plate sections lie planar against one another with physical contact.

Fig. 9 shows another cross-sectional view of the connector device 600 along a section line BB. Out Fig. 9 is the relative position of the male members 502, 502, 504, 505 recognizable at the point BB.

Fig. 10 an enlarged view of a portion of a connector device, similar to that according to Fig. 6 is formed and has some additional features.

In Fig. 10 schematically shown a mold 1004 (with two movable jaws), which is adapted to actuate the locked to the circuit board 602 plug device such that the locked on the circuit board 602 plug device is unlocked. More specifically, the mold is configured to compress the connector device latched to the circuit board 602, thereby unlocking the connector device latched to the circuit board 602. The mold 1004 is in Fig. 10 shown schematically in the form of two jaws which can be moved towards each other along arrows shown. As a result, the male members 504 are compressed so that unlocking takes place. Of course, the forming tool 104 may be provided in many alternative embodiments as long as it acts on the arch member 506 such that the latch is selectively deactivatable.

Between the arcuate portion 506 and the insertion portion 105 of the male member 504 a predetermined breaking point 1002 is formed, which leads to a break between the arc portion 506 and the insertion portion 105 when a predetermined predetermined breaking load is exceeded. The predetermined breaking point 1002 is formed in the embodiment shown as material weakening, ie as a thin spot, but can also assume many other configurations or can be arranged elsewhere. In particular, a predetermined breaking point 1002 may be included in a transition from the electrical contact zone (insertion section 105) to the locking hook (arc section 506). Thus, the contact can be solved, for example, in an emergency, so to speak, by force. The locking hook releases from the connector, and a further locking, possibly even a renewed connection, is then no longer possible.

In addition, it should be noted that "encompassing" does not exclude other elements or steps, and "a" or "an" does not exclude a multitude. It should also be appreciated that features or steps described with reference to one of the above embodiments may also be used in combination with other features or steps of other embodiments described above. Reference signs in the claims are not to be considered as limiting.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

100

plug device

101

fastening area

102

male

103

body

104

free end

105

insertion section

106

gap

107

stop area

108

widening

109

first surface

110

flap

111

insertion

112

end

300

ladder

400

Plug semis

401

elastic line

500

Plug semis

502

first and third male element

504

second and fourth male element

506

arc section

506a

elongated section

506b

Semicircle

506c

elongated section

506d

concave section

510

axis of symmetry

600

plug device

602

circuit board

604

electrically conductive contact

620

central axis

1000

column

1002

Breaking point

1004

mold

Claims (15)

1. Connector device for electrically connecting a conductor (300) with a printed circuit board by directly plugging the connector device (100) into a contact hole of the printed circuit board, wherein the connector device (100) comprises:

   a fixing area (101) for fixing the conductor (300) to the connector device (100),

   a transmission area for transmitting a current from the conductor (300) to the printed circuit board,

   characterized in that the connecting device comprises

   at least three plugging elements (102) which are together insertable into the contact hole,

   wherein each of the plugging elements (102) extends from a common base body (103) of the connector device (100) and runs separately from the other plugging elements (102),

   wherein the plugging elements (102) are elastically deformable independent from each other against the base body (103) and are configured in such a way that, when the plugging elements (102) are inserted into the contact hole, a connection assembly of the connector device (100) with the printed circuit board is providable,

   wherein each of the plugging elements (102) comprises a plugging section (105),

   wherein the plugging section (105) is the one section of the plugging elements (102) which is situated inside the contact hole, when the plugging elements (102) are inserted into the contact hole,

   wherein the plugging section (105) comprises at least a convex trending surface.
2. Connector device according to claim 1,
   wherein the connection assembly of the connector device (100) is providable by a crimp connection, a restoring force of the plugging elements (102) and/or by a degree of the elastic deformation of the plugging elements (102).
3. Connector device according to claim 1 or 2,
   wherein the plugging section (105) comprises at least partially the transmission area,
   wherein in particular at least two of the plugging elements (102) are at least partially abutting against each other,
   wherein in particular at least two plugging elements (102) are spaced by a gap (106),
   wherein in particular the base body (103) comprises an abutting area (107),
   wherein in particular the abutting area (107) is configured in such a way that an inserting of the plugging elements (102) into the contact hole is limitable by the abutting area (107),
   wherein in particular at least two plugging elements (102) extend parallel to each other,
   wherein in particular each of the plugging elements (102) comprises a plugging direction, in which plugging direction each of the plugging elements (102) extends from the base body (103),
   wherein in particular a distance between at least two plugging elements (102) along their extension direction is inconstant, and
   wherein in particular the free end (104) of each plugging element (102) comprises a rounded surface.
4. Connector device according to one of the claims 1 to 3,
   wherein at least one plugging element (102) comprises an enlargement (108) at an end section (112),
   wherein the end section (112) comprises the free end (104) of the plugging element (102) and protrudes from the contact hole when the plugging element (102) is inserted into the contact hole,
   wherein the enlargement (108) is configured on the end section in such a way that the enlargement (108) rests on a surface of the printed circuit board in such a way that an extracting of the plugging element out of the contact hole in opposition to a plugging direction is preventable, and
   wherein in particular the enlargement (108) comprises a first surface (109),
   wherein in particular the first surface (109) rests on the surface of the printed circuit board when the plugging element (102) is inserted into the contact hole,
   wherein in particular the first surface (109) is formed in such a way that an oblique angle exists between the plane of the first surface (109) and the plane of the surface of the printed circuit board when the plugging element (102) is inserted into the contact hole, and
   wherein in particular the conductor (300) is fixed on the fixing area (101) by a clamping connection.
5. Connector device according to one of the claims 1 to 4, further comprising
   at least three further plugging elements (102),
   wherein the at least three plugging elements (102) form a first group which are insertable together into the contact hole,
   wherein the at least three plugging elements (102) form a second group which are insertable together in a further contact hole of the printed circuit board, and
   wherein in particular the plugging elements (102) are formed in such a way that the connector device (100) and the printed circuit board are connectable by the connection assembly with a mechanical load capacity according to ISO 16750, in particular according to ISO 16750-3, and
   wherein in particular the plugging elements (102) are formed to connect the connector device (100) and the printed circuit board with a mechanical fixing force of at least 100 N, in particularly of at least 200 N, further in particular of at least 300 N,
   wherein in particular at least the plugging elements (102) are formed to provide an electrical load capacity according to ISO 16750-2,
   wherein in particular each of the plugging elements (102) is designed for an electrical load capacity of at least 5 Ampere, in particular of at least 10 Ampere, further in particular of at least 20 Ampere,
   wherein in particular each of the plugging elements (102) is designed to be insertable into a contact hole with a plugging force of at most 10 N, and
   wherein the connector device is formed in particular from a single stamped and bended electrical circuit board.
6. Connector device according to one of the claims 1 to 5 comprising two pairs, in particular two identical formed pairs, of plugging elements (102;502, 504),
   wherein in particular the plugging elements (102) of one of the pairs are arranged resting full-faced touching on the plugging elements (102) of one of the other pairs,
   wherein in particular at least one of the plugging elements (504) comprises a locking mechanism (506), in particular a barbed hook locking mechanism (506), which is arranged to lock the connector device on the printed circuit board (602) during through-passing of the connector device through the contact hole, and
   wherein in particular the locking mechanism (506) is configured to unlock again the connector device from the printed circuit board (602) during compressing of the plugging elements (502, 504) and during extracting of the connector device from the contact hole.
7. Connector device of one of the claims 1 to 6,
   wherein a first of the plugging elements (502) consists of the plugging section (105) which is situated inside the contact hole when the plugging elements (502, 504) are inserted into the contact hole;
   wherein a second of the plugging elements (504) comprises the plugging section (105) which is situated inside the contact hole, when the plugging elements (502, 504) are inserted into the contact hole, and comprises an arc section (506) which extends from the plugging section (105) though the contact hole back up to the plugging section (105) of the first of the plugging elements (502) and is separated from that by a gap (1000),
   wherein in particular between the arc section (506) and the plugging section (105) of the second of the plugging elements (504) a predetermined breaking point (1002) is formed which leads to a break between the arc section (506) and the plugging section (105) of the second of the plugging elements (504) by exceeding a givable predetermined breaking load,
   wherein in particular the dimension of the gap (1000) is at first decreased during the plugging procedure of the connector device into the printed circuit board (602) and is increased again after protruding of the arc section (506) out of the printed circuit board,
   wherein in particular a free end section (506d) of the arc section (506) is spring-loaded passable through the contact hole during plugging of the connector device into the printed circuit board (602) and springs back after passing through the contact hole, whereby the connector device is lockable to the printed circuit board (602) by the end sections (506d)
   wherein in particular the concave area (506d) of the arc section (506) adjoins the convex area of the plugging section (105) of the first of the plugging elements (502),
   wherein in particular the arc section (506) comprises two elongated sections (506a, 506c) opposing each other which are connected together by an arc (506b), in particular by a semi-circular arc,
   wherein in particular the arc (506b) spaced apart by the elongated sections (506a, 506c) opposes the plugging sections (105) of the first and the second of the plugging elements (502, 504),
   wherein in particular a third of the plugging elements (502) consists of the plugging section (105) which is situated inside the contact hole when the plugging elements (502, 504) are inserted into the contact hole;
   wherein in particular a fourth of the plugging elements (504) comprises the plugging section (105) which is situated inside the contact hole when the plugging elements (102) are inserted into the contact hole and comprises a further arc section (506) which extends from the plugging section (105) though the contact hole back up to the plugging section (105) of the third of the plugging elements (502) and is separated from that by a gap (1000),
   wherein in particular the second and the fourth of the plugging elements (504, 504) oppose each other axially symmetrical, and
   wherein in particular the second and the fourth of the plugging elements (504, 504) abut against each other touching each other.
8. Connector arrangement comprising a connector device according to claim 6 or 7 and a forming tool (1004), wherein the forming tool (1004) is configured to actuate the connector device locked to the printed circuit board (602) in such a way that the connector device locked to the printed circuit board (602) is unlockable by the forming tool (1004).
9. Connector arrangement according to claim 8, wherein the forming tool (1004) is configured to press together the connector device locked to the printed circuit board (602), whereby the connector device locked to the printed circuit board (602) is unlocked.
10. Connector semi-finished from a bendable plate for manufacturing a connector device (100) according to one of the claims 1 to 7,
    wherein the connector semi-finished (400) is bendable along at least a bending line (401) such that the connector device (100) according to one of the claims 1 to 7 is manufacturable by bending the semi-finished.
11. Connecting arrangement comprising
    a connector device (100) according to one of the claims 1 to 7, and
    a printed circuit board (602),
    wherein the connector device (100) is connected with the printed circuit board (602) by a connection assembly, in particular exclusively by a connection assembly.
12. Connecting arrangement according to claim 11, wherein the printed circuit board (602) includes the contact hole which is provided with an electroconductive contacting layer (604), and
    wherein in particular the connector device (100) connects solder-free the printed circuit board (602) into the contact hole by the electroconductive contacting layer (604).
13. Method for electrically connecting a conductor (300) with a printed circuit board (602) by directly plugging a connector device (100) into a contact hole of the printed circuit board (602), wherein the method comprises
    fastening the conductor (300) on a fixing area (101) of the connector device (100) characterized in that the method comprises
    mutual inserting of at least three plugging elements (102) of the connector device (100) into the contact hole,
    providing a connection assembly of the connector device (100) with the printed circuit board (602) based on independent elastic deformation of the plugging elements (102) compared to the base body (103) when the plugging elements (102) are inserted into the contact hole, and
    transmitting of a current from the conductor (300) to the printed circuit board (602) over a transmitting area of the connector device (100),
    wherein each of the plugging elements (102) comprises a plugging section (105),
    wherein the plugging section (105) is the section of the plugging elements (102) which is situated inside the contact hole when the plugging elements (102) are inserted into the contact hole,
    wherein the plugging section (105) comprises at least a convex trending surface.
14. Vehicle with a connector device (100) according to one of the claims 1 to 7 or a connecting arrangement according to claim 11 or 12,
    wherein the vehicle is configured in particular as one of the group consisting of a motor vehicle, a passenger car, a motor truck, a bus, an agrarian motor vehicle, a baling press, a harvester, a self-propelled sprayer, a road-building machine, a tractor, an aircraft, an aeroplane, a helicopter, a spacecraft, an airship, a watercraft, a ship, a rail vehicle and a train.
15. Application of the connector device (100) according to one of the claims 1 to 7 for transmitting an electric current of at least 5 Ampere, in particular of at least 10 Ampere, further in particular of at least 20 Ampere, between the plugging elements (102) of the connector device (100) and the printed circuit board fixed at it.

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