EP2870662B1 - Method for connecting an electrical component to a component support, and a device - Google Patents

Description

The invention relates to a method for connecting an electrical component to an electrical component carrier and to an electrical component for an electrical component carrier, in particular for a motor vehicle.

An electrical component carrier is a self-supporting component having a housing and electrical conductor tracks inserted into the housing, which have basically been punched out of a metal sheet. The material of the conductor tracks is so thick and therefore stable that conductor ends can serve as contact pins. In addition, the material is basically flexible, so that conductor ends can be bent in order to make contact in a desired direction. Basically, the interconnects are made of metal such as copper, a copper alloy or steel and are in particular 0.1 mm to 1 mm thick.

To the electrical connections of such traces electrical components such as switches, detectors or electric motors are connected. Such electrical components can be found for example in a lock, in particular door lock of a motor vehicle.

A lock for a motor vehicle in the sense of the present invention basically comprises a rotary latch and at least one pawl with which a rotation of the rotary latch in the opening direction can be blocked.

For the production of an electrical component carrier, for example, conductor tracks are first punched out of a metal sheet and, if necessary, additionally prepared by bending, for example, for providing with insulating material of contact lugs and / or drilling. The thus prepared conductor tracks, which may still have connecting webs, are inserted into a housing of the electrical component carrier. Subsequently, insulating material is injected in a first step in order to fix the conductor tracks in a mold to form a housing. This step is called pre-spattering; The result is a preform. Then connecting webs - if present - are separated between the tracks. Finally, the preform is inserted into a further mold and molded, so that a finished housing part is formed. This finished housing part together with strip conductors then forms the electrical component carrier.

Tabs regularly protrude from the insulating material to contact electrical components such as e.g. to be connected to a switch. The protruding tabs form the electrical connections of the electrical component carrier.

If now the electrical component carrier to be connected to an electrical component, the component, which is also referred to as a component, used at the designated location and soldered its electrical contacts with the associated electrical contact lugs. For example, a switch is used so that its contacts can be soldered to the above contacts or tabs of the conductor tracks.

Since the conductor tracks are first punched out to subsequently bend conductor ends, inter alia, upwards for the provision of contact lugs, sheet metal material is needed, which only serves to punch out highly bent ends of this material can. The protruding part of contact lugs is not protected by insulating material from environmental influences.

From the publication DE 10 2005 049 975 A1 For example, an electrical component carrier is known which comprises stamped printed circuit boards which are connected to a base element. Conductor ends represent externally accessible electrical contacts. With these contacts of electrical components can be connected.

As the publication DE 10 2005 049 975 A1 it can be seen, the requirements for an electrical component carrier when used in a motor vehicle are very high. In the case of a motor vehicle, such electronic component carriers are exposed to problematic environmental conditions, in particular with regard to temperature, humidity, soiling and mechanical shocks and vibrations.

From the not pre-published German patent application 10 2011 082 140.6 It is known to embed printed conductors in an electrically insulating material. The printed conductors are completely surrounded by electrically insulating material with the exception of electrical connections. The electrical connections are accessible from the outside, so that they can be electrically connected to electrical contacts of electrical components or components such as switches, detector, electronic radio, integrated circuit, electronic chip, electronic control device or motor, for example by soldering. The tracks and electrical connections are different components, which are therefore initially independent of each other and can be made independently.

From the publication DE 10 204 355 A1 goes out a control device for a motor vehicle. The electrical connections between components are provided by a single-layer stamped grid. In the stamped grid receptacles for contact pins of components are formed. Components are held by their contact pins frictionally, ie non-positively in the recordings and electrically contacted.

US2009 / 201680 A1 shows an electrical component carrier according to the preamble of claim 7.

It is an object of the invention to further develop the contact between the electrical component and the electrical component carrier.

The object of the invention is solved by the features of claim 7. A corresponding method for connecting an electrical component to an electronic component carrier is defined in claim 1.

Advantageous embodiments emerge from the subclaims.

According to the claimed method, an electrical component is connected to an electrical component carrier, wherein the electronic component carrier comprises a base part and therein electrical conductor tracks. At least one electrical contact connected to the electrical component is moved into the base part in such a way that thereby the electrical contact with a conductor track is electrically connected. In general, there are two electrical contacts, which are connected to the electrical component, and which are connected to two different tracks in the base part in a claim-appropriate manner. The electrical component can also have more than two electrical contacts have, which are connected in accordance with the claimed method with tracks of the base part.

The method enables a fast and reliable connection of an electrical component to at least one conductor track of the electrical component carrier. So does not have to be soldered. Basically, electrical connections are created according to the method, which are based on form fit and / or adhesion, but do not include a cohesive connection such as a solder joint. In addition, other advantages can be realized, as explained below.

The at least one electrical contact is in an embodiment of the invention pushed or bored through the elastically and / or plastically deforming material of the base part. The elastically and / or plastically deformed material is then pressed against the electrical contact. As a result, the electrical contact is advantageously held positively. This also contributes to shielding a conductor track in the base part from the outside in a particularly reliable manner in order to protect the conductor track from disadvantageous environmental influences.

The end of the electrical contact, which is moved into the base part, is advantageously tapered. This makes it easier to drill an electrical contact into the base part or to push through material of the base part.

In one embodiment, the at least one electrical contact is pin-shaped or helical. This embodiment also makes it easier to drill an electrical contact into the base part or to push it through material of the base part.

In one embodiment, the at least one electrical contact is passed through an opening of a further electrical contact, which is firmly connected to the electrical component. This embodiment makes it possible first to pierce the electrical contact in the base part and finally in the space provided conductor track, drill or screw. In addition, it is advantageously not necessary to push all electrical contacts of an electrical component or for an electrical component at the same time into a base part in order to connect the electrical contacts with printed conductors in the base part.

The electrical contact which is moved into the base part has, in an advantageous embodiment, a widened head, a flange or a transverse web. By this embodiment, a stopper is provided which limits an inward movement of the electrical contact into the base part. By appropriate dimensioning can be achieved so that a conductor track in the base part is reliably and properly contacted. In addition, as improved an electrical contact can be positively contacted, which is firmly connected to the corresponding electrical component.

According to the invention, an electrical contact is pushed or drilled into a conductor track, preferably in such a way that material of the conductor track is displaced and / or the electrical contact is passed through the conductor track. The electrical contact between the electrical contact and the conductor is thus improved ensured. If material of a printed circuit trace is displaced, the material of the printed circuit board is pressed against the electrical contact. If the electrical contact is passed through a conductor track, then the thickness of a conductor track is fully utilized for electrical contacting.

The first additional claim and the claims dependent thereon relate to an electrical component carrier which is produced by a process according to the claims. The electrical contact between a conductor track and an electrical component is based in particular solely on positive and / or non-positive connections, but not on a cohesive connection.

Initially, the tracks of the electrical component carrier are advantageously completely enveloped by the material of the base part. The tracks are then inaccessible from the outside and advantageously protected in the maximum possible way by the material of the base from adverse environmental influences. In this embodiment, regions of the printed conductors do not protrude unprotected against a base part or are otherwise accessible from the outside and are therefore exposed to moisture in particular. The conductor tracks can therefore be made of a material which, although less able to withstand environmental influences, but which has other technical advantages. The material for the conductor tracks is therefore more freely selectable compared to the prior art. The tracks can be made of steel, for example, if a high mechanical stability is required in order to be able to cope particularly well with vibrations and impacts such as occur in the automotive sector.

In addition, it is possible to manufacture the tracks of technically easy to produce materials, such as tinplate. As already known from the prior art, in one embodiment tinplate is provided as the material for the conductor tracks. The tin coating of the steel on the tinplate provides additional protection against corrosion.

In order to contact the printed conductors with electrical contacts of electrical components, for example, contact pins from the outside at a suitable location in the base part, that is, the component carrier, for example, beaten, thereby contact the conductor tracks in the desired manner. Contact pins are different from the one from the DE 102 04 355 A1 known state of the art basically not inserted into already existing trace recordings. Instead, such recordings are advantageously created in interconnects only by contacting, which reduces the requirements for manufacturing tolerances and thus simplifies contacts. Basically, pins within the meaning of the present invention are independent components that are not already connected in particular with electrical components, but are only connected to electrical contacts of such components, such as cohesively by z. As soldering, by positive connection and / or adhesion.

In one embodiment of the invention, the conductor tracks are provided by a stamped grid. Since no material must be provided to allow out of the base part leading out flags, it succeeds in comparison to that from the DE 10 2005 049 975 A1 known prior art, space and material to save.

In one embodiment of the invention, the housing part or the electrical component carrier comprises channel-like recesses, which lead to conductor track sections, which are provided for a contact. However, in an advantageous embodiment, a layer of electrically insulating material which is able to protect the printed conductor from environmental influences remains between the end of such a recess located in the housing part and the printed conductor. If a pin made of electrically conductive material is inserted into such a recess and subsequently pushed or screwed further into the base part, then this pin contacts finally reliably the trace at the designated section. In the case of an electrical component carrier produced in this way, the material of the base part bears against a punched-in or drilled contact pin only close to the corresponding conductor track, particularly tightly or pressed. In comparison, the region of the base part which comprises the recess is at least less close to the contact pin or there is no tight connection which is able to protect against the ingress of moisture. It can therefore remain in the region of the recess a gap to the contact pin to use the contact pin without effort in the recess can.

The base part is designed in particular self-supporting. So it is mechanically so stable that it is not able to bend or at least virtually non-destructive. The handling of the electrical component carrier is then particularly simple. The electrical component carrier is preferably designed to be self-supporting.

In one embodiment of the invention, the base part of a self-supporting, usually made of plastic, in particular hard plastic existing housing in which the conductor tracks are inserted. The inserted conductor tracks are 100% enveloped by finally brought into the housing into it, so for example injected into it material. Depending on the contacting and inserted electrical component in the electrical component carrier, it is possible to overmold the contacts and the contact pin with another elastic material. This is particularly advantageous when the contacts and / or pins are subjected to increased stress, such as moisture. The base part thus consists in particular of one or more, electrically non-conductive plastics.

In one embodiment of the invention, the sections of printed conductors, which serve for the contacting, widened in comparison to other conductor track widths. As a result, tolerances are advantageously reduced, which must be observed for a contact. The production is further simplified. These sections can have an angular, for example rectangular or round shape. Basically, the widened portions have no recesses to get into the pins inside.

Electrical contacts which are connected to the conductor tracks, basically consist of a different material than the conductor tracks in the base part, so as to be able to meet the different requirements particularly well. In particular, the material of the electrical contact, which is connected to a conductor track in the base part, more corrosion resistant than the material of the conductor track, since the material of the contact pin can be regularly protected less well against moisture.

In one embodiment of the invention, the conductor tracks in the electrical component carrier are arranged relative to one another such that electrical components can be arranged one above the other. In this case, the contact pins protrude differently from the base part in such a way that, viewed from the conductor tracks, electrical components can advantageously be arranged one above the other. The contact pins then generally include a right or acute angle with conductor tracks.

The accuracy requirement for the component geometry can also be reduced by the invention. In the case of a curved contact lug, care must be taken to ensure accurate positioning. If a contact pin, such as a screw, is drilled into a track for electrical contact, it is not required to exactly align with the contact pin at a predefined point of the tracks.

In comparison to the prior art with the contact lugs conductor tracks can be contacted at any point, even in the range of partially rising conductor tracks.

In one embodiment of the invention, the base element comprises a housing with conductor tracks inserted therein into which electrically insulating material has been injected. In one embodiment, the injection-molded material advantageously provides insertion surfaces or recesses for electrical components of the electrical component carrier, for example for electrical contacts of a switch, which stabilize the position of the switch by positive and / or non-positive connection.

Advantageously, the thickness of the conductor tracks is selected so that one to five, preferably up to three threads are present in the track for a trained as a screw pin, which serve the electrical contact. It has been found that one to three threads are sufficient to contact sufficiently reliable electrically even under the difficult conditions of a motor vehicle application. Further increasing the number of threads leads to correspondingly thicker printed conductors. In order not to have to make strip conductors too thick, the number of threads should be limited to a maximum of five, preferably to a maximum of three threads. It suffice 0.3 to 0.8 mm thick strip conductors to allow 1 to 3 threads in a practical way.

The electronic component carrier is in particular part of a lock for a motor vehicle or otherwise part of a motor vehicle.

Advantageously, in the case of an electrical component carrier which has been contacted in the intended manner with electrical or electronic components, recesses which lead to printed conductors remain partially unused, which leads to manufacturing advantages. Thus, it is possible to use an identical electronic component carrier for different locks, wherein only the material layers are pierced by means of the contact pins, in which electrical components are used. In areas in which no electrical components are used due to the model reference, the conductor track remains protected by means of the material layer.

Separate seals may be provided to shield electrical contacts and / or traces. The seals are used below the contact pins between the electrical contact and the contact pin and thus additionally prevent the penetration of moisture.

Fig. 1:

Elektrokomponententräger mit kontaktiertem Mikroschalter;

Fig. 2:

Schnitt durch einen Elektrokomponententräger;

Fig. 3:

Aufsicht auf Leiterbahnen des Elektrokomponententrägers;

Fig. 4:

weitere Ausführungsform eines Kontaktstifts.

Show it

Fig. 1:

Electronic component carrier with contacted microswitch;

Fig. 2:

Section through an electronic component carrier;

3:

Supervision on conductor tracks of the electrical component carrier;

4:

another embodiment of a contact pin.

In the FIG. 1 an electric component carrier is sketched. In sections, a base part or housing part 1 is shown with two conductor tracks 2. The printed conductors 2 are located completely in the base part 1, that is to say the material, in particular an insulated plastic, surrounds the printed conductors 2 completely. A fully enclosed trace 2 with receptacles or recesses for electrical components forms an electrical component carrier. The electrical component carrier can simultaneously form a housing part of a lock. Not all areas of the base part 1 are shown in order to make visible the conductor tracks 2 produced from a stamped part. A contact pin 3 (see FIG. 2 ) with widened head 10 is inserted through a corresponding bore or opening 6 of an electrical contact 4 of a microswitch 5 therethrough, then in a in the FIG. 2 shown in section recess 7 inserted into the base part and finally into a conductor 2 by in the FIG. 2 shown in section material layer 8 of the base part 1 has been beaten or screwed. Only the material layer 8 is then close and close to the contact pin 3. The electrical contact 4 of the microswitch 5 has been connected so advantageous without soldering to the underlying trace 2.

In the base part 1, a recess is further provided which is capable of receiving and holding the microswitch 5 as shown.

The FIG. 2 illustrates that the end 9 of the contact pin 3, which has been beaten into the conductor 2, tapers.

The Indian FIG. 3 shown section illustrates that the interconnects 2 are widened rectangular in the area 11 of the contact to facilitate contact.

Unused recesses 7 in the base part, which in particular have the shape of a bore, remain advantageously closed to the associated conductor track 2. It can therefore be easily provided a plurality of recesses or holes 7 advantageous, even if only a subset of the holes 7 are used for different applications. This facilitates the production and thus reduces the production cost.

In the FIG. 4 another embodiment of a contact pin is shown, which is typically a contact pin of an electric motor. Of the Area with the tapered end 9 is moved into a base part in order to be finally connected to a conductor track in the base part. This lower portion is separated by a flange 12 from an upper portion 13. The circumference of the flange 12 in an advantageous embodiment is polygonal, such as hexagonal. This angular shape can be used in a corresponding angular recess of a housing of an electrical component such as an electric motor and held by positive engagement. The upper region 13 is preferably designed flat with a rectangular cross section in order to be held flat and clamped by electrical clamping contacts within the electrical component. The flat connection ensures a good electrical contact and a good grip. The polygonal flange then ensures that the section of rectangular cross-section is properly aligned for mounting. This also keeps the production costs low.

The flange 12 may serve as a stop and / or seal to suitably limit the inward movement of the lower portion with the pointed end 9 into the base member. The flange 12 may be integrated into an electrical component, so that the lower region is guided with the pointed end 9, for example through a housing of the electrical component. The Indian FIG. 4 shown electrical contact pin 3 is then firmly connected to the electrical component or the electrical component.

The hexagonal flange 12 can also be used for mounting, for example, if the contact pin 3 is designed as a screw or at least partially with a thread. It is particularly easy to initiate a torque in the contact pin via the flange 12. The lower portion with the pointed end 9 has preferably a circular or square or conical cross section.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1:

base

2:

conductor path

3:

pin

4:

electrical contact of a microswitch

5:

microswitch

6:

Bore in the electrical contact of the microswitch

7:

to the conductor leading recess in the base part

8th:

Material layer at the end of the base part recess

9:

pointed end of a contact pin

10:

Broadened head of a contact pin

11:

Broadened conductor track area for a contact

12:

flange

13:

Upper area of a contact pin

Claims (10)

1. A method for connecting an electrical component to an electrical component carrier, wherein the electrical component carrier comprises a base part (1), electrical strip conductors (2) arranged therein, recesses (7) leading to the strip conductor (2) in the base part (1) and a material layer (8) of the base part (1) at the end of the recess (7), according to which method at least one, preferably at least two electrical contacts (3) connected to the electrical component are moved into the base part such that each electrical contact (3) is electrically connected to an electrical strip conductor (2) in that the electrical contact (3) is inserted into the recess (7) and pushed or drilled through the material layer (8) and into the strip conductor (2).
2. A method according to claim 1, characterized in that the at least one electrical contact (3) is pushed or drilled through elastic material (8) of the base part (1).
3. A method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the end (9) of the electrical contact (3) which is moved into the base part (1) tapers off.
4. A method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the at least one electrical contact (3) is pin-shaped or screw-shaped.
5. A method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the at least one electrical contact (3) is guided through an opening (6) of an electrical contact (4) which is firmly connected to an electrical part (5).
6. A method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the electrical contact (3) which is moved into the base part (1) comprises an enlarged head (10) or a cross web.
7. An electrical component carrier comprising a base part (1) and strip conductors (2) arranged therein and at least one electrical component or one electrical part (5), characterized by recesses (7) leading to the strip conductor (2) in the base part (1), a material layer (8) of the base part (1) at the end of the recess (7) and an electrical contact (3) between the electrical part (5) and a strip conductor (2), which electrical contact is inserted into the recess (7) as well as pushed or drilled through the material layer (8) and into a strip conductor (2).
8. An electrical component carrier according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the electrical contact (3) is firmly connected to the electrical part (5) or is guided through an opening (6) of an electrical contact (4) of the electrical part.
9. An electrical component carrier according to one of the two preceding claims, characterized in that the electrical contact (3) is electrically connected to an electrical contact (4) of the electrical part (5) by means of an enlargement (10).
10. An electrical component carrier according to one of the two preceding claims, characterized in that the electrical contact (3) is connected in a force-fitting manner to elastic material (8) of the base part (1).

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