EP2899812A1 - Connection arrangement on circuit boards - Google Patents

Abstract

Connecting arrangement with a plug-in element which has at least one plug-in spring-like contact element, in particular a plurality of plug-in spring-like contact elements, with a reversible deflection characteristic, and with a printed circuit board with plated-through holes, which are arranged in an arrangement corresponding to the arrangement of the contact element or the contact elements of the plug element , wherein the holes and the plug-in contact element or plugged into them contact elements are coordinated such that connect the plug element by hand by inserting the contact element or the contact elements in the holes with the circuit board and remove it by hand, the connection assembly is provided with a vibration-resistant mechanical protection against unintentional removal of the plug-in element of the circuit board, wherein the contact element or the contact elements two between them Gap has or have free space between legs, and wherein the contact element or the contact elements are provided as two curved spring elements with a distance from each other or be.

Description

This application claims the priority of the European patent application EP 08 020 940.6 filed on 03.12.2008 , and claims the priority of the European patent application EP 09 163 009.5 filed on 17.06.2009 ,

The invention relates to an arrangement for the electrical and mechanical connection of plug-in elements via a socket with a printed circuit board, which is designed for high electrical and mechanical requirements.

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 plugs that are attached to ends of lines. 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.

WO 2007/145764 relates to connectors for power transmission, in which heat generation can lead to a flow expansion of a plastic housing. A connector has a connector housing and power contacts. An associated connector includes a connector housing and a plurality of power contacts accessible through accessible through-openings. Furthermore, the connectors can be connected to each other and attached to printed circuit boards. A power contact can be inserted in the connector. Furthermore, terminals are provided which have attachment features of a printed circuit board structure.

US 7,137,848 discloses a central housing with a board mounting interface. Power and signal contacts are also provided. These may be configured as pin-eyed pins for press-fit connection with holes such as vias of a printed circuit board. Further, the central housing includes latch openings for receiving latches which are adapted to snap-engage mating latch features of a circuit board to which the center housing can be mounted.

EP 0,884,801 . DE 100 47 457 and DE 42 26 172 each disclose connectors based on the formation of press-fit connections.

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 terminal have shown that the clearly designed as a ring removal prevention section 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 plugging according to a socket-plug method is also not with such a system possible, since it comes at high holding forces to plastic deformation of the removal prevention section.

The invention is based on the object to provide a connection arrangement which is constructed much simpler and largely eliminates the possibility of incorrect operation or malfunction, with good manual handling a sufficiently strong fastening effect to be achieved.

To achieve this object, the invention proposes a connection arrangement, a plug-in element, a vehicle and a use with the features mentioned in the independent claims. Further developments of the invention are the subject of dependent claims.

According to one exemplary embodiment of a first aspect of the invention, a connection arrangement is provided with a plug-in element which has at least one contact element, in particular a plurality (that is to say at least two) of pluggable (for example high-current) contact elements, as well as a printed circuit board with plated through holes ( also exactly one bore is possible), which are arranged in an arrangement corresponding to the contact element or the contact elements of the plug element, wherein the holes and the plug-in contact element or the plug-in contact elements are matched to one another in such a way that the plug element of Hand connect by inserting the contact element or the contact elements in the holes with the circuit board and remove it by hand, the connection assembly with a vibration-resistant mechanical protection against accidental removal of the plug element of the circuit board is provided. The contact element or the contact elements can or optionally as a spring-like contact element or spring-like contact elements can be configured with a reversible deflection characteristic.

According to another embodiment of the first aspect of the invention, a plug-in element for a connection arrangement for connection to a printed circuit board with through-holes is provided, wherein the plug element at least one contact element, in particular a plurality of pluggable (for example high-current) contact elements, wherein the plated-through holes arranged in one of the arrangement of the contact element or the contact elements of the plug element corresponding arrangement, wherein the holes and the plug-in contact element or the plugged into them contact elements are coordinated such that the plug element by hand by inserting the contact element or the contact elements in connect the holes to the circuit board and remove them by hand, and wherein the plug-in element with a vibration-resistant mechanical protection against accidental removal of the plug element from the Lei terplatte is provided. The contact element or the contact elements may or may optionally be configured as a spring-like contact element or spring-like contact elements with a reversible deflection characteristic.

According to yet another embodiment of the first aspect of the invention, a vehicle (eg, a motor vehicle, a passenger vehicle, a truck, a bus, an agricultural vehicle, a baler, a combine, 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 track), comprising a connection arrangement with the features described above or a plug-in element with the features described above.

According to a further exemplary embodiment of the first aspect of the invention, a connection arrangement with the features described above for transmitting an electrical current of at least about 5 amperes, in particular at least about 10 amperes, more particularly at least about 20 amperes, between a contact element (in particular between each individual of the contact elements) of the connector and the printed circuit board attached thereto. Corresponding contact elements can also be referred to as high-current-capable contact elements.

The term "high-current-capable contact elements" may in particular have the meaning that the contact elements are designed with regard to dimension, material, mutual spacing, etc. in such a way that they are suitable for carrying a high electrical current. In other words, when using high current-capable contact elements, an electric current in the ampere range can be transmitted from the contact elements to the conductor tracks. A high current can be used in particular if the contact elements are specially designed to be able to transport at least 5 amperes per contact element, in particular at least 10 amperes per contact element, without jeopardizing the intended use of the connection arrangement. In other words, the contact elements should be designed in a high-current configuration so that an undesirable heating of the connection arrangement is avoided or any other technical function of the connection arrangement suffers damage, when such high currents are conducted by means of the contact elements. In particular, the high-current-resistant design of the contact elements can be designed so that the contact elements together can carry cumulative currents of at least 50 amperes, in particular of at least 100 amperes. The high current capability of the contact elements can be considered as given when the contact elements are connected to a vehicle battery and can deliver 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 press-in standard meets the requirements of IEC 60512-2.

The term "vibration-resistant mechanical fuse" may in particular have the meaning that an unintentional detachment of the plug-in element from the printed circuit board is avoided even in the presence of vibrations which act on a technical system having the connection arrangement. In particular, vibrations, such as occur in a motor-driven, in particular combustion engine driven device (in particular vehicle), lead in a vibration robust mechanical fuse configured to no adverse effect on the system function. In particular, when installing the connection assembly in the engine compartment of an off-road vehicle, the vibrations normally occurring there should not lead to an undesirable loss of electrical contact between the contact elements and the mating contact in the respectively associated bore of the circuit board. Thus, in order to achieve the vibration robustness, the mechanical protection with respect to material, dimensions, fastening forces, etc., be designed so that the corresponding vibrations do not lead to any unwanted detachment of the plug-in element from the circuit board. The connection arrangement 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. In order to achieve vibrational robustness, the connection assembly may be further configured to comply with the IEC 60512-4 standard, in particular at least one of the sub-requirements of 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) to fulfill.

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, even with provision of a plurality of contact elements, for example at least five contact elements (in particular at least ten contact elements), are sufficiently low that they can be applied by the muscular strength of an average adult human user.

The term "unintentional removal of the plug element from the printed circuit board" may in particular have the meaning that the fuse reliably avoids an unwanted removal of the plug element by a user. However, this term is also intended to express that an undesired loosening of the connection by motor-induced vibrations or the like is avoided. The term "peeling off" therefore includes, in particular, an active pulling and a release due to external influences without the involvement of a user.

The plug or contact element can locally displace metallic material of the plated-through sleeve or bore in the printed circuit board or simply abut it. IEC-68-2-52 describes a salt spray test (salt spray) for corrosion-resistant joints, which is met during metal displacement. The connection arrangement according to the invention can be set up to pass a test according to IEC-68-2-52.

According to an exemplary embodiment of the first aspect of the invention, a plug-in element with high-current-capable contact elements can thus be provided which can easily meet even the high electrical requirements of the automotive sector. The male element can be inserted manually by a human user directly into the corresponding holes of the circuit board, without a separate socket would be required between plug-in element 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 element directly into the circuit board high vibration robustness can be ensured that a rigid mechanical fuse is provided, the inadvertent removal of the plug element of the circuit board, for example, caused by high vibration forces reliably prevented. By a separate provision of the vibration-resistant mechanical fuse on the one hand and the hochstromfähigen manually pluggable contact elements on the other hand, the seemingly contradictory requirements can be met, a low insertion and removal by a user and thus manually allow at the same time the arrangement of plug and PCB even with robust outer Conditions without affecting the function to operate. By a functional and structural separation of the vibration protection of the Hochstromkontaktierung also a reversible, that is repeated connection and disconnection between plug-in element and circuit board can be allowed without a plastic deformation or the like of the plug or contact elements can occur. 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 represents the invention is a paradigm change, since the simultaneous fulfillment of high-current strength and vibration resistance requirements with the local architecture is impossible and also does not allow a manual usability while contacting multiple contact elements. In contrast, according to the invention, a high-current direct plug-in technology for the direct attachment of printed circuit boards to a plug without the provision of sockets or the like can be achieved, so that except for any optional soldering and possible purely mechanical fasteners only the circuit board itself is required. Thus, a high electrical current carrying capacity with a high mechanical strength and thus a high holding force can be achieved, for example, by an easily lockable and unlockable mechanical security system. Only through this additional mechanical locking, which can be provided on plug-in element and / or on the circuit board, the effects mentioned can be achieved in combination.

Hereinafter, additional advantageous embodiments of the connection arrangement of the first aspect of the invention will be described. These embodiments also apply to the plug-in element of the first aspect, the vehicle of the first aspect, the use of the first aspect, and for a second aspect of the invention described below. Although these embodiments are described with reference to a plurality of contact elements, it is expressly emphasized that each of these embodiments can also be used in the provision of exactly one contact element. Also, the provision of exactly one hole in the circuit board, corresponding to exactly one contact element, is possible.

The connection arrangement according to the invention can be used particularly advantageously for automotive applications, that is in motor vehicles of all kinds, combine harvesters, road construction machines, vehicle technology, railway technology, aviation technology, harvesting machinery or in other areas of off-road vehicles or agriculture. The high current capability of the connection arrangement may allow currents of 5 to 25 amperes and more per single pin of the contact elements to be made by applying a vibration load. Thus, the connection arrangement can be advantageously designed as an automotive connection arrangement.

According to one embodiment, a latching mechanism or, more generally, a mechanical locking mechanism may be provided by the plug body. According to another embodiment For example, such a latching mechanism (for example, realized as barbs or by other means) may be provided on the circuit board side. According to the invention can be saved due to the elimination of a socket and a subsequent direct plugging between circuit board and plug material, eliminating an electrical interface and thus a better quality at lower cost can be achieved. In particular, electrical components, such as harnesses, can be flanged directly to the circuit board. Overall, with the connection arrangement, a current strength of, for example, 70 to 100 amperes, in particular up to 150 amps and more, can be achieved. For example, a current load of 10 to 15 amperes can be carried per contact element, for example via a battery feed.

The contact elements or pins can be provided elastically and reversibly pluggable and be pluggable, for example, with forces of at most 10 Newton. In order for a reliable contact with the borehole side provided counter contact can be achieved and good handling can be realized. For example, the inventive connector assembly is suitable for automotive applications, for example, in tractors or buses, wherein according to the invention may require a mechanical attachment of the connector and the circuit board by the mechanical fuse separate from the electrical transmission to the board. 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. If the contact elements to each other have a defined distance, the plug according to the invention can be normalized and thereby made useful for many applications. In the connection arrangement, the plurality of plug-in contact elements can be arranged to run parallel to one another. As a result, a linear space-saving geometry can be achieved, which simultaneously enables a contacting of many individual contacts with corresponding counterparts on a circuit board. Several such rows of contact elements can be combined, for example arranged parallel to one another. As an alternative to such a geometry but also, for example, a two-dimensional, for example, matrix-shaped, hiding possible, may be arranged in the contact elements in rows and columns. By such an ordered structure, a standardizable plug can be created, which is then suitable for many applications.

The connection arrangement can be equipped with a positioning aid for aligning the plug element with respect to the circuit board immediately before the insertion of the contact elements. Such a positioning aid can make it intuitively easier for a user to make the insertion between plug-in element and circuit board in the correct manner and thus to avoid electrical malfunctions.

The connection arrangement may be provided with a stop for limiting the insertion of the contact elements in the circuit board. Such a stop or spacer may define a minimum distance between the printed circuit board and the male member, thus preventing, for example, the formation of unwanted electrical contacts or the skipping of an electrical signal across a thin gap.

All contact elements of the plug element can be identical and arranged identically. By this measure, a standard plug can be provided, which can be combined on the opposite side with a correspondingly standardized printed circuit board system.

In the connection arrangement, the contact elements may be designed to be flexible at least in the regions to be arranged within the through-hole in a direction transverse to the insertion direction. In other words, upon insertion of the contact elements into the associated drill holes of the printed circuit board, a force can act on the contact elements forcing them into the contact holes. Thus, the contact elements can be under a slight bias when they dip into the contact hole. By this bias, a secure electrical contact with the mating contacts in the borehole interior can be made possible. At the same time, such contact forces, which are first to be overcome on the user side when inserting, should be small enough not to jeopardize the mechanical handling of a simultaneous insertion of several such contacts by a user, that is, the insertion forces should not be too large. Furthermore, the deflection characteristic of, for example, spring-like configured contact elements can be made reversible, that is, when removing the plug element from the circuit board lead to an elastic springback. As a result, the plug-in element can be used several times and is not destroyed by a single use. A plastic deformation can be avoided by the resilient design of the contact elements and by providing the contact elements as two curved spring elements with a distance from each other.

Accordingly, it is preferred if the contact elements have two legs which leave a clearance between them. Their outer sides facing away from each other can optionally be designed, for example, convexly curved. 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.

In the inserted state of the contact elements, the two legs can begin in front of the circuit board. It may remain a portion of the legs outside the borehole, even if the plug-in element and the circuit board are hidden with each other.

The plug element may be a plug arranged at the end of one or more cables, in particular a plug connector of a cable harness. As a harness, a bundling of individual lines can be understood that transmit signals and / or working currents. According to the invention, it is possible to use such cable harnesses as part of automotive systems, that is to say in vehicle technology or in mechanical engineering.

The plug element can be arranged on a housing containing an electronic component, for example a relay or a fuse. Alternatively, however, a housing-free configuration of the plug element is possible in which this is provided only as a sheet metal element (which can be electrically isolated, for example with a paint to protect a user from high currents).

The plug element may form part of a holder for an electronic component, for example a relay or a fuse. Thus, such an electrical component can be attached to the plug element, designed as a holder.

According to one embodiment, all contact elements of a male element 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 particularly low costs. Alternatively, a plug-in element but also be formed of several components, for example to integrate more functions.

The mechanical security of the male element and the printed circuit board can be combined with a mechanical load capacity according to ISO 16750-3 (in particular in the version ISO 16750-3: 2007). In other words, the design of the mechanical fuse may be such that a correspondingly configured connector assembly will perform the tests described in ISO 16750, in particular ISO 16750-3 (as filed on the filing date of European Patent Application EP 09163009.5, that is on 17.06.2009 , valid version) are successfully completed.

The design of devices according to the invention can be carried out in accordance with ISO 16750, in particular in the versions ISO 16750-1: 2006, ISO 16750-2: 2006, ISO 16750-3: 2007, ISO 16750-4: 2006 and ISO 16750-5 : 2003 standard.

For example, the mechanical fuse may connect the male and the printed circuit board with a mechanical fastening force of at least about 100 Newton, more preferably at least about 200 Newton, more particularly at least about 300 Newton. Such fastening forces may be sufficient to allow sufficient vibration resistance.

The holes and the contact elements which can be plugged into them can have an electrical load capability in accordance with ISO 16750-2 (in the date of filing of the European patent application EP 09163009.5, that is on 17.06.2009 , valid version). The holes and the plug-in contact elements can in particular an electrical load capacity according to ISO 16750-2 in the version ISO 16750-2: 2006. In other words, the contact elements can be configured mechanically and electrotechnically in such a way that the electrical load tests according to the named industrial standard are successfully completed.

In particular, each of the plug-in contact elements can be designed for an electrical load capacity of at least about 5 amperes, in particular of at least about 10 amps, more particularly of at least about 20 amps. By providing a plurality of pins (which can be operated separately from one another electrically), a total current carrying capacity of, for example, 70 amps and more can thus be achieved.

Each of the male contact elements can be designed with a plug force of at most about 10 Newton for insertion into one of the holes. Thus, for example, in providing five contact elements to be simultaneously inserted into a printed circuit board by a user, a 50 Newton insertion force may be required, which a user can still easily apply.

According to one embodiment, the mechanical fuse and the plug-in contact elements are provided as separate and separately attached to the plug-in components. In other words, a mechanical fuse component and the male contact elements may be free from a direct, immediate mechanical abutment with each other and may also be electrically decoupled from each other. By completely separating the mechanical and electrical contacting just the a priori seem contradictory requirements of low insertion force in combination with a high holding force can be achieved.

According to one embodiment, the mechanical fuse and / or the plug-in contact elements and / or the stop may be provided as a component mounted in common on the plug-in element. In particular, exactly two of these three components (mechanical security, contact elements, stop) can be realized as a common physical structure, in particular contact elements and stop or securing and stop. By combining multiple functional components into a common structure, one dimension of the male member can be kept small. However, mechanical fuse and male contact elements may preferably be implemented as separate components to achieve separation of high current electrical coupling and vibration stable attachment.

The plug element can be provided with the mechanical protection against unintentional removal of the plug element of the circuit board. In this embodiment, the plug element alone may have a structure with which the fuse is accomplished (for example, a fastening lever, a male closure part with barbs, etc.). In such an embodiment, the circuit board may be completely free of securing elements or merely have a receiving bore for receiving a fuse of the plug element or a surface on which a fuse of the plug element can act.

Alternatively, the circuit board may be provided with the mechanical fuse.

In this embodiment, the circuit board alone may have a structure with which the fuse is accomplished (for example, a fastening lever, a male closure member with barbs, etc.). In such an embodiment, the plug-in element can be completely free of securing elements or have only a receiving bore for receiving a fuse of the printed circuit board or a surface on which a fuse of the circuit board can attack. It is also possible that both the printed circuit board and the plug-in element each have a structural component which serve to fuse.

One of the plated through holes free surface of the circuit board may be provided with a module protection feature. In particular, this surface can be coated or potted with protective material (for example a lacquer or an encapsulation volume). Conventionally, assemblies are often mechanically protected by a housing or chemically thin-film coatings. A complete Verguss an assembly as an alternative to the housing coating is conventionally often cumbersome and therefore uneconomical, because it often applies in conventional provision of sockets between circuit board and plug a three-dimensional contour (by the assembled components and especially the socket). In the inventive use of the Direktstecktechnik simplified assembly protection is possible because there is only a two-dimensional coating task. Namely, the circuit board may be substantially flat and have only the holes and their contacts. If necessary, flat soldering components can be present on it. In other words, direct plug-in technology also makes it possible to save complete housings (and the necessary tools) by potting or coating the modules and thus completely protecting them mechanically or chemically. While traditionally a complex masking of three-dimensional components before casting or painting a 3D surface or a complex selective coating process is required, the invention could be covered with a simple mask, the area of the contact holes and the contacts contained therein and a complete remaining surface portion of the conductors with sprayed or a potting sprayed. A corresponding method for forming a module protection is provided according to the invention.

According to one embodiment, at least one additional bore of the printed circuit board may be provided, which is provided with the assembly protective material, in particular coated or potted. For example, non-populated holes and / or holes intended to form solder joints may be covered by package protection material.

In order to make the applicability of the connection arrangement 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 above-mentioned industrial standards, the connection arrangement can also be designed such that it complies with IEC-60512-6 (fast temperature cycles according to Einpressnorm) is compatible, in particular according to IEC-68-2-14 (dry heat) is compatible. It is also possible that the connection arrangement is designed in accordance with tests with different climatic conditions according to the press-in standard IEC-60512-6 and IEC-60512-11-1 (see especially IEC 68-2-1 (coldness), IEC 68-2-2 (dry heat) and IEC 68-2-30 (steam heat, cyclic)). The connection arrangement may also be in accordance with an industrial climate 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.

The high-current-capable contact elements can be made in particular of copper, aluminum, silver, gold or alloys such as brass or bronze. The ohmic resistance of such a contact element can be in the range between 10 μΩ and 10 mΩ, preferably between 100 μΩ and 1 mΩ. A length of the contact elements through which the electric current flows can be in a range between 1 mm and 100 mm, preferably between 2 mm and 50 mm. A thickness of the contact elements through which the electric current flows can 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 contact elements may be in a range between 0.01 mm ² and 30 mm ² , preferably between 0.2 mm ² and 25 mm ² . The vibration-resistant mechanical fuse can be made of any of the following materials: steel, hard plastic, copper, aluminum, silver, gold or alloys such as brass or bronze. The vibration-resistant mechanical fuse can be designed to withstand vibration forces as in the above-mentioned standards.

In the connection arrangement, the contact elements can be configured as crimp contacts. With a Krimpverbindung a stable, flexible and feasible with reasonable effort connecting with a wire or cable is possible. Crimping or flanging is understood as meaning a joining process in which two components are joined together by plastic deformation.

The crimp contacts may include a crimped crimping section (for attaching a wire or cable) and an elastically pluggable section (for direct plugging onto a printed circuit board).

• einem aus Bronze bestehenden Bereich für die Crimpzone mit einer Dicke von 0,4mm
• einem aus K55 oder K88 bestehenden Bereich für die Steckzone mit einer Dicke von 0,8mm.

The crimpable crimping portion and the elastically pluggable portion may be formed of different materials. The crimped crimping section may be formed with a thinner material thickness than the elastically pluggable section. This makes it possible, on the one hand, to achieve a good crimp connection, on the one hand, due to the provision of a sufficiently thin material (for example of a thickness of 0.4 mm, for example of bronze), and on the other hand with a thicker material (for example with a thickness of 0, 8 mm, for example from K55 or K88) to achieve a good elasticity with high current carrying capacity. It is advantageous if the contact consists of two different areas:

• a bronze area for the crimping zone with a thickness of 0.4mm
• a K55 or K88 area for the 0.8mm thick plug-in zone.

The plug-in zone is thicker because of the required mechanical stability and the current transfer in the printed circuit through the printed circuit board.

The vibration-resistant mechanical fuse can be designed as at least one latching clip, which can be set up to engage in a correspondingly formed latching receiving opening of the printed circuit board. The plug can be easily plugged into the board and locked. A tolerance compensation of the board thickness can be done via a deep milling on the underside of the board / circuit board.

Alternatively or additionally, the vibration-resistant mechanical fuse can be designed as at least one screw element which can be set up to engage in a correspondingly formed threaded bushing of the printed circuit board. The threaded bushes can be screwed to the board. Thickness tolerances of the boards can be compensated by the depth of engagement.

Alternatively or additionally, the vibration-resistant mechanical fuse may be formed as at least one expansion rivet, which is set up to engage in a correspondingly formed rivet receiving opening of the printed circuit board. Here, a rivet pin can be pressed and variably spread. Tolerances of the board thickness can be compensated. There may be provided an active and an inactive expanding rivet to improve the handling.

In the connection arrangement, the contact elements (in particular in combination with the printed circuit board) can be configured such that upon insertion of the contact elements by hand into the bores, the contact elements are only (or exclusively) deformed in the elastic region. Thus, when inserting the contact by hand, the contact spring can actually be deformed only in the elastic range. The elastic range can be considered to be the range in which deflection and restoring force are directly proportional to each other. As the elastic range, the range in which no plastic deformation occurs can be considered.

1. 1. Teilaspekt: Verbindungsanordnung an Leiterplatten (28), mit
   • 1.1 einem Steckelement, das
   • 1.2 eine Mehrzahl von parallel zueinander verlaufenden steckbaren Kontaktelementen (5) aufweist (zum Beispiel mit Hooke'scher Charakteristik), sowie mit
   • 1.3 einer Leiterplatte (28) mit durchkontaktierten Bohrungen,
   • 1.4 die in einer der Anordnung der Kontaktelemente (5) des Steckelements entsprechenden Anordnung angeordnet sind, wobei
   • 1.5 die Bohrungen und die in sie einsteckbaren Kontaktelemente (5) derart aufeinander abgestimmt sind, dass
   • 1.6 sich das Steckelement von Hand durch Einstecken der Kontaktelemente (5) in die Bohrungen mit der Leiterplatte (28) verbinden und von Hand entfernen lässt.
2. 2. Teilaspekt: Verbindungsanordnung nach Teilaspekt 1, mit einer mechanischen Sicherung gegen ein unbeabsichtigtes Abziehen des Steckelements von der Leiterplatte (28).
3. 3. Teilaspekt: Verbindungsanordnung nach Teilaspekt 1 oder 2, mit einer Positionierhilfe (7) zum Ausrichten des Steckelements gegenüber der Leiterplatte (28) unmittelbar vor dem Einstecken der Kontaktelemente (5).
4. 4. Teilaspekt: Verbindungsanordnung nach einem der vorhergehenden Teilaspekte, mit einem Anschlag (6) zur Begrenzung des Einschiebens der Kontaktelemente (5) in die Leiterplatte (28).
5. 5. Teilaspekt: Verbindungsanordnung nach einem der vorhergehenden Teilaspekte, bei der alle Kontaktelemente (5) eines Steckelements identisch ausgebildet und identisch angeordnet sind.
6. 6. Teilaspekt: Verbindungsanordnung nach einem der vorhergehenden Teilaspekte, bei der die Kontaktelemente (5) mindestens in dem innerhalb der durchkontaktierten Bohrungen anzuordnenden Bereich in einer Richtung quer zur Steckrichtung nachgiebig ausgebildet sind.
7. 7. Teilaspekt: Verbindungsanordnung nach einem der vorhergehenden Teilaspekte, bei der die Kontaktelemente (5) zwei zwischen sich einen Zwischenraum (17) freilassende Schenkel (16) aufweisen, deren voneinander abgewandten Außenseiten (20) gegebenenfalls konvex gekrümmt ausgebildet sind.
8. 8. Teilaspekt: Verbindungsanordnung nach Teilaspekt 7, bei der in eingestecktem Zustand der Kontaktelemente (5) die beiden Schenkel (16) vor der Leiterplatte (28) beginnen.
9. 9. Teilaspekt: Verbindungsanordnung nach einem der vorhergehenden Teilaspekte, bei der das Steckelement ein an dem Ende eines oder mehrerer Kabel (23) angeordneter Stecker ist, insbesondere ein Steckverbinder eines Kabelbaums.
10. 10. Teilaspekt: Verbindungsanordnung nach einem der Teilaspekte 1 bis 8, bei der das Steckelement an einem ein elektronisches und/oder elektronisches Bauteil enthaltenden Gehäuse (30) angeordnet ist, beispielsweise ein Relais oder eine Sicherung.
11. 11. Teilaspekt: Verbindungsanordnung nach einem der Teilaspekte 1 bis 8, bei der das Steckelement einen Teil einer Halterung für ein elektronisches und/oder elektronisches Bauteil bildet, beispielsweise ein Relais oder eine Sicherung.
12. 12. Teilaspekt: Verbindungsanordnung nach einem der vorhergehenden Teilaspekte, bei der alle Kontaktelemente (5) eines Steckelements einstückig aus einem Stück Blech durch Stanzen und Biegen hergestellt sind.
13. 13. Teilaspekt: Steckelement für eine Verbindungsanordnung nach einem der vorhergehenden Teilaspekte, enthaltend eine Mehrzahl von identisch ausgebildeten und identisch angeordneten parallel zueinander verlaufenden steckbaren Kontaktelementen (5).
14. 14. Teilaspekt: Verwendung eines Steckelements nach Teilaspekt 13 zum mehrfachen Herstellen von Steckverbindungen an Leiterplatten (28).

In the following, a second aspect of the invention will be described. In particular, additional sub-aspects of the second aspect of the invention will be described below. These also apply to the connection arrangement of the first aspect, the plug-in element of the first aspect, the vehicle of the first aspect and the use of the first aspect.

1. Part 1 aspect: connection arrangement on printed circuit boards (28), with
   • 1.1 a plug-in element, the
   • 1.2 a plurality of mutually parallel pluggable contact elements (5) has (for example, with Hooke'scher characteristic), and with
   • 1.3 a circuit board (28) with through holes,
   • 1.4 are arranged in an arrangement corresponding to the arrangement of the contact elements (5) of the plug element, wherein
   • 1.5, the holes and the plug-in contact elements (5) are matched to one another such that
   • 1.6 connect the male element by hand by inserting the contact elements (5) in the holes with the circuit board (28) and remove it by hand.
2. Part 2 aspect: connection arrangement according to sub-aspect 1, with a mechanical safeguard against unintentional removal of the plug-in element from the printed circuit board (28).
3. Part 3 aspect: Connection arrangement according to sub-aspect 1 or 2, with a positioning aid (7) for aligning the plug element relative to the printed circuit board (28) immediately before the insertion of the contact elements (5).
4. Partial aspect: Connection arrangement according to one of the preceding sub-aspects, with a stop (6) for limiting the insertion of the contact elements (5) in the circuit board (28).
5. Partial aspect: Connection arrangement according to one of the preceding sub-aspects, in which all contact elements (5) of a plug-in element are of identical construction and are identically arranged.
6. Part 6: Connection arrangement according to one of the preceding sub-aspects, in which the contact elements (5) are designed to be flexible at least in the region to be arranged within the through-plated holes in a direction transverse to the insertion direction.
7. 7. sub-aspect: connection arrangement according to one of the preceding aspects, in which the contact elements (5) between two an intermediate space (17) free leg (16), whose from each other remote outer sides (20) are optionally formed convexly curved.
8. 8. sub-aspect: connection arrangement according to Part Aspect 7, in the inserted state of the contact elements (5), the two legs (16) in front of the printed circuit board (28) begin.
9. Part 9: Connection arrangement according to one of the preceding sub-aspects, in which the plug-in element is a plug arranged at the end of one or more cables (23), in particular a plug connector of a cable harness.
10. 10. sub-aspect: connection arrangement according to one of the sub-aspects 1 to 8, wherein the plug element is arranged on a housing containing an electronic and / or electronic component (30), for example a relay or a fuse.
11. 11. sub-aspect: connection arrangement according to one of the sub-aspects 1 to 8, wherein the plug element forms part of a holder for an electronic and / or electronic component, such as a relay or a fuse.
12. 12th Part Aspect: Connecting arrangement according to one of the preceding aspects, in which all the contact elements (5) of a plug-in element are made in one piece from a piece of sheet metal by punching and bending.
13. 13. sub-aspect: Plug element for a connection arrangement according to one of the preceding sub-aspects, containing a plurality of identical trained and identically arranged parallel to each other extending plug-in contact elements (5).
14. Part 14: Use of a plug-in element according to sub-aspect 13 for multiple production of connectors to printed circuit boards (28).

The invention according to the second aspect thus provides that a plug-in element is inserted directly with its contact elements in the plated-through holes of a circuit board, the tolerances of the plated-through holes and the contact elements are coordinated so that this plugging even if the plug element a Having a plurality of contact elements, can be performed by a person by hand. This person must then be able to remove the plug again. It is therefore not a question of pressing the contact elements in plated through holes, for which a machine is required. Pressing in contact elements is a one-time process that can not be repeated. In particular, a multiple connection over many cycles is not possible there.

To press in contact elements forces in the range of about 15 to 250 Newtons are needed. Upon insertion, as proposed by the invention according to the second aspect, the forces are in the range of about 0.1 to 10 Newtons.

While the holding forces are so great that when unintentional release can not occur when pressing in contact elements in printed circuit boards, this may possibly occur in the connection arrangement proposed by the invention according to the second aspect. According to the invention it can be provided that the connection arrangement is a mechanical security has against unintentional removal of the plug-in element of the circuit board. This mechanical fuse can be constructed in different ways. It can be arranged both on the circuit board and on the plug-in element, it preferably consists of parts which are arranged in a plug-in element, and of parts which are arranged on the circuit board. The parts of a mechanical fuse may also include a hole.

In the previously known solutions, a socket or socket can represent or form an alignment device for the plug. Since such a socket of the socket is no longer present in the connection arrangement according to the invention according to the second aspect, can be provided according to the invention in a further development that an additional positioning aid is provided to ensure that the contact elements meet the associated plated-through holes.

It has proven to be particularly expedient and favorable if a positioning aid at the same time also has or forms the mechanical safety device.

According to the invention, the plug-in element can have a multiplicity of individual pluggable contact elements which are plugged into their associated bores simultaneously in one plug-in operation. If these pluggable contact elements are arranged, for example, on the underside of a housing, and the housing is not necessarily to touch the circuit board, for whatever reason, the plug element according to the invention may have a stop in order to limit the insertion.

Such a stop limiting the insertion can also be formed on the housing itself.

The contact elements formed on the plug-in element are assigned to certain through holes of the printed circuit board. It is possible that these holes have different diameters, so that also different sized or differently shaped contact elements can be present on a plug-in element. However, it has proven to be particularly useful if all the contact elements of the plug element are identical and arranged identically.

In order to achieve the aforementioned properties, namely the manual insertion of the contact elements into the holes, can be provided in a further development of the invention according to the second aspect, that the contact elements in the direction transverse to their insertion direction are resilient or resilient. The suspension constant can be varied within wide limits by appropriate selection of materials and geometric design of the contact elements.

A particularly useful design of the contact elements is given when the contact elements have at least in the area in which they are arranged after insertion within the holes, between them a gap leaving legs. The gap between the legs ensures that the legs can be bent inwards in the direction transverse to the direction of insertion. This leads to the said compliance of the contact elements in a direction transverse to the insertion direction.

In order to facilitate the insertion, can be provided according to the invention in a further development that the facing away from each other outwardly facing surfaces of the legs in a view transverse to the insertion direction convex rounded. In a cross section transverse to the direction of insertion, however, the outwardly directed surfaces of the legs can be formed in a straight line.

In order to make the flexibility of the contact elements in a wider context, may be provided according to the invention that the legs begin before the circuit board or in other words, that the gap between the legs in the inserted state of the contact element on the side of the male element to the front of Circuit board is enough. For example, the legs and the intermediate space formed between them may be formed so that about two-thirds of the leg length are arranged in the plated-through hole, while a third of the leg length is still outside the circuit board. If the contact elements are arranged on a housing and lie completely outside the housing, the abovementioned stop can ensure that the contact elements are pushed into the plated-through bore only up to a certain part of the length of their legs.

As an example of what the invention according to the second aspect can be used for, it can be provided that the plug element is a plug arranged at the end of one or more cables. If it is a power cable, for example, several contact elements with the same cable be connected. But it can also, if several cables are connected to a plug-in element, each contact element with another cable in connection.

Another example of a plug-in element is that the plug-in element is arranged on a housing in which one or more electrical and / or electronic components are housed, such as a relay.

It is also possible that the plug element forms a holder for an electrical and / or electronic component, for example a Fuse which is clamped between two holders. Also, a battery holder can be formed by two plug-in elements.

For the production of a plug-in element can be provided in a development that all contact elements of a plug element and possibly also the entire plug-in element are made in one piece from a piece of sheet metal by punching and optionally bending.

The invention according to the second aspect also proposes a male element having a plurality of contact elements, the male element having one or more features as described herein. The contact elements may include one or more of the features of the contact elements described herein.

The invention according to the second aspect also proposes the use of a male element as described herein for making a connection to a printed circuit board in the manner described.

1. 1. Teilaspekt: Verbindungsanordnung, mit
   • 1.1 einem Steckelement, das
   • 1.2 mindestens ein steckbares federartiges Kontaktelement (5), insbesondere eine Mehrzahl von steckbaren federartigen Kontaktelementen (5), mit einer reversiblen Auslenkungscharakteristik aufweist, sowie mit
   • 1.3 einer Leiterplatte (28) mit durchkontaktierten Bohrungen,
   • 1.4 die in einer der Anordnung des Kontaktelements (5) oder der Kontaktelemente (5) des Steckelements entsprechenden Anordnung angeordnet sind, wobei
   • 1.5 die Bohrungen und das in sie einsteckbare Kontaktelement (5) oder die in sie einsteckbaren Kontaktelemente (5) derart aufeinander abgestimmt sind, dass 1.6 sich das Steckelement von Hand durch Einstecken des Kontaktelements (5) oder der Kontaktelemente (5) in die Bohrungen mit der Leiterplatte (28) verbinden und von Hand entfernen lässt;
   • 1.7 sowie mit einer vibrationsrobusten mechanischen Sicherung (7) gegen ein unbeabsichtigtes Abziehen des Steckelements von der Leiterplatte (28) vorgesehen ist.
2. 2. Teilaspekt: Verbindungsanordnung nach Teilaspekt 1, wobei das Kontaktelement (5) oder die Mehrzahl von steckbaren Kontaktelementen (5) hochstromfähig ist oder sind.
3. 3. Teilaspekt: Verbindungsanordnung nach Teilaspekt 1 oder 2, wobei die Mehrzahl von steckbaren Kontaktelementen (5) parallel zueinander verlaufen.
4. 4. Teilaspekt: Verbindungsanordnung nach einem der vorhergehenden Teilaspekte, mit einem Anschlag (6) zur Begrenzung des Einschiebens des Kontaktelements (5) oder der Kontaktelemente (5) in die Leiterplatte (28).
5. 5. Teilaspekt: Verbindungsanordnung nach einem der vorhergehenden Teilaspekte, bei der das Kontaktelement (5) oder die Kontaktelemente (5) mindestens in dem innerhalb der durchkontaktierten Bohrungen anzuordnenden Bereich in einer Richtung quer zur Steckrichtung nachgiebig ausgebildet ist oder sind.
6. 6. Teilaspekt: Verbindungsanordnung nach einem der vorhergehenden Teilaspekte, bei der das Kontaktelement (5) oder die Kontaktelemente (5) zwei zwischen sich einen Zwischenraum (17) freilassende Schenkel (16) aufweist oder aufweisen, deren voneinander abgewandte Außenseiten (20) optional konvex gekrümmt ausgebildet sind.
7. 7. Teilaspekt: Verbindungsanordnung nach einem der vorhergehenden Teilaspekte, bei der alle Kontaktelemente (5) eines Steckelements einstückig aus einem Stück Blech durch Stanzen und Biegen hergestellt sind.
8. 8. Teilaspekt: Verbindungsanordnung nach einem der vorhergehenden Teilaspekte, bei der die mechanische Sicherung (7) ausgebildet ist, das Steckelement und die Leiterplatte (28) mit einer mechanischen Belastungsfähigkeit gemäß ISO 16750, insbesondere gemäß ISO 16750-3, weiter insbesondere gemäß ISO 16750-3:2007, zu verbinden.
9. 9. Teilaspekt: Verbindungsanordnung nach einem der vorhergehenden Teilaspekte, bei der die mechanische Sicherung (7) ausgebildet ist, das Steckelement und die Leiterplatte (28) mit einer mechanischen Befestigungskraft von mindestens 100 N, insbesondere von mindestens 200 N, weiter insbesondere von mindestens 300 N, zu verbinden.
10. 10. Teilaspekt: Verbindungsanordnung nach einem der vorhergehenden Teilaspekte, bei der die durchkontaktierten Bohrungen und das in sie einsteckbare Kontaktelement (5) oder die in sie einsteckbaren Kontaktelemente (5) ausgebildet sind, eine elektrische Belastungsfähigkeit gemäß ISO 16750-2, insbesondere gemäß ISO 16750-2:2006, bereitstellen.
11. 11. Teilaspekt: Verbindungsanordnung nach einem der vorhergehenden Teilaspekte, bei der jedes einsteckbare Kontaktelement (5) für eine elektrische Belastungsfähigkeit von mindestens 5 Ampere, insbesondere von mindestens 10 Ampere, weiter insbesondere von mindestens 20 Ampere ausgelegt ist.
12. 12. Teilaspekt: Verbindungsanordnung nach einem der vorhergehenden Teilaspekte, bei der jedes einsteckbare Kontaktelement (5) mit einer Steckkraft von höchstens 10 N in eine der Bohrungen einsteckbar ausgelegt ist.
13. 13. Teilaspekt: Verbindungsanordnung nach einem der vorhergehenden Teilaspekte, bei der die mechanische Sicherung (7) und das einsteckbare Kontaktelement (5) oder die einsteckbaren Kontaktelemente (5) als voneinander getrennte und getrennt an dem Steckelement angebrachte Komponenten vorgesehen sind.
14. 14. Teilaspekt: Verbindungsanordnung nach einem der vorhergehenden Teilaspekte, wobei
    die mechanische Sicherung (7) und das einsteckbare Kontaktelement (5) oder die einsteckbaren Kontaktelemente (5) und/oder
    die mechanische Sicherung (7) und der Anschlag (6) und/oder
    das einsteckbare Kontaktelement (5) oder die einsteckbaren Kontaktelemente (5) und der Anschlag (6)
    als gemeinsam an dem Steckelement angebrachte Komponente vorgesehen sind.
15. 15. Teilaspekt: Verbindungsanordnung nach einem der vorhergehenden Teilaspekte, wobei das Steckelement mit der mechanischen Sicherung (7) gegen ein unbeabsichtigtes Abziehen des Steckelements von der Leiterplatte (28) versehen ist.
16. 16. Teilaspekt: Verbindungsanordnung nach einem der vorhergehenden Teilaspekte, wobei die Leiterplatte mit der mechanischen Sicherung (7) gegen ein unbeabsichtigtes Abziehen des Steckelements von der Leiterplatte (28) versehen ist.
17. 17. Teilaspekt: Verbindungsanordnung nach einem der vorhergehenden Teilaspekte, wobei eine von den durchkontaktierten Bohrungen freie Oberfläche der Leiterplatte mit einem Baugruppenschutzmaterial versehen, insbesondere beschichtet oder vergossen, ist.
18. 18. Teilaspekt: Verbindungsanordnung nach Teilaspekt 17, wobei mindestens eine zusätzliche Bohrung der Leiterplatte (28) mit dem Baugruppenschutzmaterial versehen, insbesondere beschichtet oder vergossen, ist.
19. 19. Teilaspekt: Verbindungsanordnung nach einem der vorhergehenden Teilaspekte, wobei das Kontaktelement (5) oder die Kontaktelemente (108) als Krimpkontakte ausgestaltet ist oder sind.
20. 20. Teilaspekt: Verbindungsanordnung nach Teilaspekt 19, wobei die Krimpkontakte einen krimpfähigen Krimpabschnitt (110) und einen elastisch steckbaren Abschnitt (112) aufweisen.
21. 21. Teilaspekt: Verbindungsanordnung nach Teilaspekt 20, wobei der krimpfähige Krimpabschnitt (110) und der elastisch steckbare Abschnitt (112) aus unterschiedlichen Materialien gebildet sind.
22. 22. Teilaspekt: Verbindungsanordnung nach Teilaspekt 20 oder 21, wobei der krimpfähige Krimpabschnitt (110) mit einer dünneren Materialstärke gebildet ist als der elastisch steckbare Abschnitt (112).
23. 23. Teilaspekt: Verbindungsanordnung nach einem der vorhergehenden Teilaspekte, wobei die vibrationsrobuste mechanische Sicherung als mindestens ein Rastclips (114) ausgebildet ist, der zum Eingreifen in eine korrespondierend ausgebildete Rastaufnahmeöffnung (116) der Leiterplatte (28) eingerichtet ist.
24. 24. Teilaspekt: Verbindungsanordnung nach einem der vorhergehenden Teilaspekte, wobei die vibrationsrobuste mechanische Sicherung als mindestens ein Schraubenelement (134) ausgebildet ist, das zum Eingreifen in eine korrespondierend ausgebildete Gewindebuchse (136) der Leiterplatte (28) eingerichtet ist.
25. 25. Teilaspekt: Verbindungsanordnung nach einem der vorhergehenden Teilaspekte, wobei die vibrationsrobuste mechanische Sicherung als mindestens eine Spreizniet (154) ausgebildet ist, die zum Eingreifen in eine korrespondierend ausgebildete Nietaufnahmeöffnung (156) der Leiterplatte (28) eingerichtet ist.
26. 26. Teilaspekt: Verbindungsanordnung nach einem der vorhergehenden Teilaspekte, wobei die Kontaktelemente (5) ausgestaltet sind, dass beim Stecken des Kontaktelements (5) oder der Kontaktelemente (5) von Hand in die Bohrungen das Kontaktelement (5) oder die Kontaktelemente (5) nur im elastischen Bereich deformiert wird oder werden.
27. 27. Teilaspekt: Steckelement für eine Verbindungsanordnung, insbesondere für eine Verbindungsanordnung nach einem der vorhergehenden Teilaspekte, zur Verbindung an einer Leiterplatte (28) mit durchkontaktierten Bohrungen, wobei das Steckelement aufweist:
    • mindestens ein steckbares federartiges Kontaktelement (5), insbesondere eine Mehrzahl von steckbaren federartigen Kontaktelementen (5), mit einer reversiblen Auslenkungscharakteristik,
    • wobei die durchkontaktierten Bohrungen in einer der Anordnung des Kontaktelements (5) oder der Kontaktelemente (5) des Steckelements entsprechenden Anordnung angeordnet sind,
    • wobei die Bohrungen und das in sie einsteckbare Kontaktelement (5) oder die in sie einsteckbaren Kontaktelemente (5) derart aufeinander abgestimmt sind, dass sich das Steckelement von Hand durch Einstecken des Kontaktelements (5) oder der Kontaktelemente (5) in die Bohrungen mit der Leiterplatte (28) verbinden und von Hand entfernen lässt,
    • wobei das Steckelement mit einer vibrationsrobusten mechanischen Sicherung (7) gegen ein unbeabsichtigtes Abziehen des Steckelements von der Leiterplatte (28) vorgesehen ist.
28. 28. Teilaspekt: Fahrzeug, aufweisend eine Verbindungsanordnung nach einem der vorhergehenden Teilaspekte oder ein Steckelement nach dem vorhergehenden Teilaspekt.
29. 29. Teilaspekt: Fahrzeug nach dem vorangehenden Teilaspekt, eingerichtet als eines aus der Gruppe bestehend aus einem Kraftfahrzeug, einem Personenkraftfahrzeug, einem Lastkraftfahrzeug, einem Bus, einem landwirtschaftlichen Kraftfahrzeug, einer Ballenpresse, einem Mähdrescher, einer Selbstfahrspritze, einer Straßenbaumaschine, einem Traktor, einem Luftfahrzeug, einem Flugzeug, einem Hubschrauber, einem Raumschiff, einem Zeppelin, einem Wasserfahrzeug, einem Schiff, einem Schienenfahrzeug und einer Bahn.
30. 30. Teilaspekt: Verwendung einer Verbindungsanordnung nach einem der vorangehenden Teilaspekte zum Übertragen eines elektrischen Stroms von mindestens 5 Ampere, insbesondere von mindestens 10 Ampere, weiter insbesondere von mindestens 20 Ampere, zwischen einem Kontaktelement (5) der Steckverbindung und der daran befestigten Leiterplatte (28).

In the following, a third aspect of the invention will be described.

1. 1st sub-aspect: connection arrangement, with
   • 1.1 a plug-in element, the
   • 1.2 at least one plug-in spring-like contact element (5), in particular a plurality of plug-in spring-like contact elements (5), having a reversible deflection characteristic, as well as with
   • 1.3 a circuit board (28) with through holes,
   • 1.4 arranged in one of the arrangement of the contact element (5) or the contact elements (5) of the plug element corresponding arrangement, wherein
   • 1.5, the bores and the plug-in contact element (5) or in them plug-in contact elements (5) are coordinated such that 1.6 the plug-in element by hand by inserting the contact element (5) or the contact elements (5) in the holes with connect the circuit board (28) and remove it by hand;
   • 1.7 and with a vibration-resistant mechanical fuse (7) against unintentional removal of the plug-in element of the printed circuit board (28) is provided.
2. Part 2 aspect: connection arrangement according to sub-aspect 1, wherein the contact element (5) or the plurality of plug-in contact elements (5) is high-current or are.
3. Part 3 aspect: connection arrangement according to sub-aspect 1 or 2, wherein the plurality of plug-in contact elements (5) parallel to each other.
4. Partial aspect: Connection arrangement according to one of the preceding sub-aspects, with a stop (6) for limiting the insertion of the contact element (5) or the contact elements (5) in the circuit board (28).
5. Part 5: Connection arrangement according to one of the preceding sub-aspects, in which the contact element (5) or the contact elements (5) is designed to be resilient at least in the region to be arranged within the through-hole holes in a direction transverse to the insertion direction or yield.
6. 6. sub-aspect: connection arrangement according to one of the preceding sub-aspects, wherein the contact element (5) or the contact elements (5) between two an intermediate space (17) free leg (16) or have, their opposite outer sides (20) optionally convex are formed curved.
7. Part 7: Connection arrangement according to one of the preceding sub-aspects, in which all contact elements (5) of a plug-in element are produced in one piece from a piece of sheet metal by punching and bending.
8. 8. sub-aspect: connection arrangement according to one of the preceding sub-aspects, in which the mechanical fuse (7) is formed, the plug-in element and the printed circuit board (28) with a mechanical load capacity according to ISO 16750, in particular according to ISO 16750-3, further in particular according to ISO 16750 -3: 2007, connect.
9. 9. sub-aspect: connection arrangement according to one of the preceding sub-aspects, in which the mechanical fuse (7) is formed, the plug-in element and the printed circuit board (28) with a mechanical fastening force of at least 100 N, in particular of at least 200 N, more particularly of at least 300th N, to connect.
10. 10. sub-aspect: connection arrangement according to one of the preceding sub-aspects, in which the through-plated holes and the plug-in contact element (5) or the plug-in contact elements (5) are formed, an electrical load capacity according to ISO 16750-2, in particular according to ISO 16750 -2: 2006, deploy.
11. 11. sub-aspect: connection arrangement according to one of the preceding sub-aspects, in which each plug-in contact element (5) for an electrical load capacity of at least 5 amps, in particular of at least 10 amps, more particularly designed at least 20 amps.
12. 12. sub-aspect: connection arrangement according to one of the preceding aspects, in which each plug-in contact element (5) is designed plugged with a plug force of at most 10 N in one of the holes.
13. 13. sub-aspect: connection arrangement according to one of the preceding sub-aspects, wherein the mechanical fuse (7) and the plug-in contact element (5) or the plug-in contact elements (5) are provided as separate and separately attached to the plug-in components.
14. 14. sub-aspect: connection arrangement according to one of the preceding sub-aspects, wherein
    the mechanical fuse (7) and the plug-in contact element (5) or the plug-in contact elements (5) and / or
    the mechanical fuse (7) and the stop (6) and / or
    the plug-in contact element (5) or the plug-in contact elements (5) and the stop (6)
    are provided as mounted together on the male member component.
15. Part 15: Part of the connection arrangement according to one of the preceding sub-aspects, wherein the plug element with the mechanical fuse (7) against an unintentional removal of the plug-in element from the printed circuit board (28) is provided.
16. 16 sub-aspect: connection arrangement according to one of the preceding aspects, wherein the circuit board is provided with the mechanical fuse (7) against inadvertent removal of the plug element of the circuit board (28).
17. 17. sub-aspect: connection arrangement according to one of the preceding sub-aspects, wherein one of the plated holes free surface of the circuit board provided with a module protection material, in particular coated or potted, is.
18. Part 18: Connection arrangement according to sub-aspect 17, wherein at least one additional bore of the printed circuit board (28) provided with the module protection material, in particular coated or potted, is.
19. 19. sub-aspect: connection arrangement according to one of the preceding sub-aspects, wherein the contact element (5) or the contact elements (108) is designed as crimp contacts or are.
20. 20 sub-aspect: connection arrangement according to sub-aspect 19, wherein the crimp contacts have a crimped Krimpabschnitt (110) and an elastically pluggable portion (112).
21. 21 sub-aspect: connection arrangement according to sub-aspect 20, wherein the crimpable Krimpabschnitt (110) and the elastically pluggable portion (112) are formed of different materials.
22. Part 22 aspect: connection arrangement according to sub-aspect 20 or 21, wherein the crimpable crimping portion (110) is formed with a thinner material thickness than the elastically pluggable portion (112).
23. 23. sub-aspect: connection arrangement according to one of the preceding sub-aspects, wherein the vibration-resistant mechanical fuse is formed as at least one locking clip (114) which is adapted to engage in a correspondingly formed locking receiving opening (116) of the printed circuit board (28).
24. 24. sub-aspect: connection arrangement according to one of the preceding sub-aspects, wherein the vibration-resistant mechanical fuse is formed as at least one screw member (134) adapted to engage in a correspondingly formed threaded bushing (136) of the printed circuit board (28).
25. 25. Part Aspect: Connecting arrangement according to one of the preceding sub-aspects, wherein the vibration-resistant mechanical fuse is designed as at least one expansion rivet (154), which is adapted to engage in a correspondingly formed Nietaufnahmeöffnung (156) of the printed circuit board (28).
26. 26. sub-aspect: connecting arrangement according to one of the preceding sub-aspects, wherein the contact elements (5) are configured such that upon insertion of the contact element (5) or the contact elements (5) by hand in the Holes the contact element (5) or the contact elements (5) is deformed or become elastic only in the elastic region.
27. 27. sub-aspect: plug-in element for a connection arrangement, in particular for a connection arrangement according to one of the preceding sub-aspects, for connection to a printed circuit board (28) with through holes, wherein the plug element comprises:
    • at least one plug-in spring-like contact element (5), in particular a plurality of plug-in spring-like contact elements (5), with a reversible deflection characteristic,
    • wherein the plated-through holes are arranged in an arrangement corresponding to the arrangement of the contact element (5) or the contact elements (5) of the plug element,
    • wherein the holes and the plug-in contact element (5) or plugged into them contact elements (5) are coordinated such that the plug element by hand by inserting the contact element (5) or the contact elements (5) into the holes with the Connect circuit board (28) and remove it by hand,
    • wherein the plug-in element is provided with a vibration-resistant mechanical fuse (7) against inadvertent removal of the plug-in element from the printed circuit board (28).
28. 28th sub-aspect: vehicle, comprising a connection arrangement according to one of the preceding aspects or a plug-in element according to the preceding sub-aspect.
29. 29. sub-aspect: vehicle according to the preceding sub-aspect, set up as one of the group consisting of a motor vehicle, a passenger car, a truck, a bus, a agricultural motor vehicle, a baler, a combine harvester, a self-propelled sprayer, a road construction machine, a tractor, an aircraft, an airplane, a helicopter, a spaceship, a zeppelin, a watercraft, a ship, a rail vehicle and a train.
30. 30. Sub-Aspect: Use of a connection arrangement according to one of the preceding sub-aspects for transmitting an electric current of at least 5 amperes, in particular of at least 10 amperes, more particularly of at least 20 amps, between a contact element (5) of the plug connection and the printed circuit board (28 ).

Fig. 1

ein hochstromfähiges und vibrationsrobustes Steckelement gemäß einem Ausführungsbeispiel des ersten Aspekts der Erfindung vor der endgültigen Fertigstellung;

Fig. 2

eine hochstromfähige und vibrationsrobuste Verbindungsanordnung gemäß einem Ausführungsbeispiel des ersten Aspekts der Erfindung;

Fig. 3

schematisch die Ansicht eines Blechzuschnitts zur Herstellung eines hochstromfähigen und vibrationsrobusten Steckelements gemäß einem Ausführungsbeispiel des ersten Aspekts der Erfindung;

Fig. 4

schematisch die Seitenansicht des Steckelements gemäß Fig. 3;

Fig. 5

die Stirnansicht des Steckelements der Fig. 4;

Fig. 6

im vergrößerten Maßstab die Anordnung der Kontaktelemente bei einem hochstromfähigen und vibrationsrobusten Steckelement gemäß einem Ausführungsbeispiel des ersten Aspekts der Erfindung;

Fig. 7

schematisch einen Stecker als hochstromfähiges und vibrationsrobustes Steckelement gemäß einem Ausführungsbeispiel des ersten Aspekts der Erfindung;

Fig. 8

die Anordnung eines Gehäuses mit hochstromfähigen Kontaktelementen einer vibrationsrobusten Verbindungsanordnung gemäß einem Ausführungsbeispiel des ersten Aspekts der Erfindung;

Fig. 9 bis 11

eine Querschnittsansicht einer Verbindungsanordnung gemäß einem Ausführungsbeispiel des ersten Aspekts der Erfindung und illustrieren ein erfindungsgemäßes Verfahren zum Ausbilden eines Baugruppenschutzes;

Fig. 12, 13

Steckelemente gemäß anderen Ausführungsbeispielen des ersten Aspekts der Erfindung;

Figur 14

die Seitenansicht eines Steckelements gemäß dem zweiten Aspekt der Erfindung vor der endgültigen Fertigstellung;

Figur 15

perspektivisch die Anordnung zweier Steckelemente gemäß dem zweiten Aspekt der Erfindung auf einer Leiterplatte;

Figur 16

die Ansicht eines Blechzuschnitts zur Herstellung eines Steckelements gemäß dem zweiten Aspekt der Erfindung;

Figur 17

die Seitenansicht des Steckelements gemäß dem zweiten Aspekt der Erfindung;

Figur 18

die Stirnansicht des Steckelements der Figur 17 gemäß dem zweiten Aspekt der Erfindung;

Figur 19

in vergrößertem Maßstab die Anordnung der Kontaktelemente bei einem Steckelement gemäß dem zweiten Aspekt der Erfindung;

Figur 20

schematisch einen Stecker als Steckelement gemäß dem zweiten Aspekt der Erfindung;

Figur 21

die Anordnung eines Gehäuses mit Kontaktelementen gemäß dem zweiten Aspekt der Erfindung;

Fig. 22 bis Fig. 29

vibrationsrobuste Verbindungsanordnungen gemäß anderen Ausführungsbeispielen des ersten Aspekts der Erfindung.

Fig. 30 bis Fig. 32

Kontaktelemente der Verbindungsanordnungen gemäß Fig. 22 bis Fig. 29.

Further features, details and advantages of the aspects of the invention will become apparent from the claims and abstract, the wording of which is incorporated herein by reference, the following description of preferred embodiments of the invention and from the drawing. The features described in one embodiment should also apply to the other embodiments. in the drawing show:

Fig. 1

a hochstromfähiges and vibration-resistant plug-in element according to an embodiment of the first aspect of the invention before the final completion;

Fig. 2

a high current capable and vibration-robust connection arrangement according to an embodiment of the first aspect of the invention;

Fig. 3

1 schematically shows the view of a sheet metal blank for producing a high-current-capable and vibration-robust plug-in element according to an exemplary embodiment of the first aspect of the invention;

Fig. 4

schematically the side view of the plug element according to Fig. 3 ;

Fig. 5

the front view of the plug element of Fig. 4 ;

Fig. 6

on an enlarged scale, the arrangement of the contact elements in a high current capable and vibration-robust plug-in element according to an embodiment of the first aspect of the invention;

Fig. 7

schematically a plug as hochstromfähiges and vibration-resistant plug-in element according to an embodiment of the first aspect of the invention;

Fig. 8

the arrangement of a housing with high-current-capable contact elements of a vibration-robust connection arrangement according to an embodiment of the first aspect of the invention;

Fig. 9 to 11

a cross-sectional view of a connection assembly according to an embodiment of the first aspect of the invention and illustrate a method according to the invention for forming a module protection;

Fig. 12, 13

Male members according to other embodiments of the first aspect of the invention;

FIG. 14

the side view of a plug element according to the second aspect of the invention before the final completion;

FIG. 15

in perspective, the arrangement of two plug-in elements according to the second aspect of the invention on a printed circuit board;

FIG. 16

the view of a sheet metal blank for producing a plug-in element according to the second aspect of the invention;

FIG. 17

the side view of the plug element according to the second aspect of the invention;

FIG. 18

the front view of the plug element of FIG. 17 according to the second aspect of the invention;

FIG. 19

on an enlarged scale, the arrangement of the contact elements in a plug-in element according to the second aspect of the invention;

FIG. 20

schematically a plug as a plug-in element according to the second aspect of the invention;

FIG. 21

the arrangement of a housing with contact elements according to the second aspect of the invention;

FIGS. 22 to 29

Vibration-resistant connection arrangements according to other embodiments of the first aspect of the invention.

Fig. 30 to Fig. 32

Contact elements of the connection arrangements according to FIGS. 22 to 29 ,

In the following, reference is made to Fig. 1 to Fig. 13 Plug-in elements and connection arrangements described in accordance with exemplary embodiments of the invention.

Fig. 1 shows a plug-in element for such a connection arrangement with a total of seven pluggable and each high current capable contact elements 5. These are connected to a in Fig. 1 Not shown printed circuit board with plated through holes attachable. These holes are mounted in a geometric arrangement corresponding to an arrangement of the contact elements 5 of the plug element Fig. 1 equivalent. Thus, the holes and the plug-in contact elements 5 are matched to each other. Due to the dimension according to Fig. 1 (given in millimeters) and due to the formation of these conductive structures of low-resistance copper material, the contact elements 5 are highly current-capable, that is to say they are designed to conduct a current of at least 10 amperes. The plug element can be connected by hand by inserting the contact elements 5 in the holes of the circuit board and removed by hand. For this purpose, a force of not more than 10 Newton per contact element 5 is sufficient.

Due to the dimensioning, the physical design and the mechanical robustness of the mechanical securing elements 7, the plug element according to Fig. 1 vibration-resistant and meets in particular the requirements of the industry standard ISO 16750-3. The mechanical securing elements 7 prevent inadvertent removal of the plug-in element 5 from the printed circuit board and also protect against unwanted release of the electrical contact between the contact elements 5 and the contacts in the bores of the printed circuit board, even if the plug element according to Fig. 1 and the associated circuit board are implemented in an agricultural vehicle that has to endure vibrations of the engine and vibrations due to the movement of this vehicle in rough terrain.

According to Fig. 1 the mechanical security elements 7 are provided as compared to the contact elements 5 separate mechanical components, which allows a low-force manual insertion and at the same time a vibration-resistant fastening. The arrangement of the fuse elements 7 also serves as a positioning aid for correct alignment of the plug element relative to the circuit board before inserting the contact elements 5 in the holes, so that a wrong insertion can be avoided.

Stops 6, which are provided according to the embodiment shown separately from the contact elements 5 and the mechanical securing elements 7, limit the insertion of the contact elements 5 in the circuit board. All components of the plug element according to Fig. 1 are made in one piece from a metal sheet by stamping and bending, wherein the sheet has a thickness of at least 2 mm, preferably of at least 3 mm.

The sheet metal blank according to Fig. 1 includes an upper edge 1 and an oppositely disposed lower edge 2. Both edges 1, 2 are formed parallel to each other. Right and left the plug element is limited by a side edge 3, 4. At the printed circuit board associated lower edge 2, the contact elements 5 are formed, which extend over the lower edge 2 down and parallel to each other. The securing elements 7 have on their outer sides barbs 14. Parallel to the side edges 3, 4, the sheet metal blanks bending lines 9, in the extension of narrow slots 10 are arranged. Slots 10 are intended to facilitate bending. In the middle part of two outgoing from the top edge 1 slots 11 are formed. Thereby, a tongue 12 is formed between the two slots 11, which is slightly inwardly, that is in the direction between the two outer wings (similar to reference numeral 13 in FIG Fig. 14 shown) is bent.

Fig. 2 shows a connection arrangement according to another exemplary embodiment of the invention.

Fig. 2 shows a substrate 50, on the underside of which the contact elements 5 are provided, which are connected by means of plated-through holes 51 with an upper side of the substrate 50. As in Fig. 2 is schematically indicated by reference numeral 52, an electrical peripheral device can be connected here, either the electrical currents via the contacting elements 51, 5 to contacts 53 in holes 54 of a conductor 28 applies or receives these signals from conductor 28. If that is in Fig. 2 Plug element shown above is inserted by movement in the direction of arrow 57 in the circuit board 28, the contact elements 5 are inserted into holes 54 of the circuit board 28 and automatically make the electrical contact to the respective contacting element 53 within the respective borehole 54 ago. Simultaneously, the according to Fig. 2 mounted on the circuit board 28 vibration-resistant mechanical security elements 7 housed in corresponding grooves 55 in the substrate 50 of the male element, whereby a firm locking takes place.

As in Fig. 2 indicated in dashed lines, in addition or as an alternative to the vibration-resistant mechanical fuses 7 manually pivotable clip elements are mounted on the circuit board 28, which are laterally pivotable and can attack on an upper surface of the substrate 50 to provide or enhance the vibration-resistant mechanical fuse.

Fig. 3 shows schematically a sheet metal blank from which a high-current and vibration-resistant plug element can be produced according to another embodiment of the invention by bending. As in Fig. 1 Here are the mechanical securing elements 7 attached to the plug-in element. Sheet metal sections 78 and 15 serve to be applied around a cable and pressed therefrom. The sheet metal blank of the Fig. 3 is bent in such a way that two rows of contact elements 5 are parallel to each other.

This is from the side in Fig. 4 shown schematically. The Fig. 5 shows the arrangement of the finished bent sheet metal element from the right in Fig. 4 , The sheet metal parts 78 are bent high, so that here a cable can be inserted, which is then pressed with the sheet metal blank.

Fig. 6 FIG. 11 shows an enlarged view of a male member according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention, wherein the dimensions made in combination with the provision of the shown copper sheet are in accordance with the requirements of high current capability and vibration resistance.

The contact elements 5 include two legs 16, between which a slot 17 is formed. The legs 16 begin at the lower edge 2 of the plug element initially with parallel side edges 18. Shortly below the mentioned surface plane 19 extend the opposite outer edges 20 of the two legs convexly curved outward. This shape also follow the facing inner sides 21 of the legs 16. The ends of the legs 16 are spaced from each other. In this way, the legs 16 of the contact elements 5 can deform inwardly, ie in a direction which extends transversely to the insertion direction 57 of the contact elements 5. While the Fig. 1 shows a plug-in element, which serves as part of a holder for a component, and Fig. 3 to Fig. 6 Plug-in elements that can be configured as a plug for a single cable shows the Fig. 7 a plug-in element, in which the contact elements 5 protrude from a housing 22. In the housing 22 connections are accommodated with a plurality of cables 23 to the individual contact elements 5. It is therefore a plug with a plurality of cables 23rd

At the two sides facing away from each other of the housing 22 metallic (in particular made of stainless steel) lever 24 are formed, which can be tilted about the Anformstelle 25. With their front ends 26, these levers 24 pass through the passage openings 27 of the printed circuit board 28. At this end 26, each lever 24 is provided with a barb, which prevents withdrawal from the hole 27 of the circuit board 28. The two levers 24 are biased in the position shown, in which abut the barbs on the back of the circuit board 28. To pull out the plug, the two levers 24 must be tilted so that the barbs fit through the holes 27 therethrough. The tilting can be done by pressing on the side facing away from the printed circuit board 28 end 29 of the lever 24 inwards.

Fig. 8 shows an embodiment in which a housing 30 is provided with a series of contact elements 5, which are constructed as well as in Fig. 7 shown. Again, metallic (in particular made of stainless steel) levers 24 are integrally formed on the two sides of the housing 30, which have the same task as in the embodiment according to Fig. 7 , Here are the contact elements 5 with electrical and / or electronic components within the housing 30 in connection. It may be simple or more complicated electronic components, for example, to entire circuits.

Since the levers 24 project with their front ends 26 clearly above the front ends of the contact elements 5, and since the front ends tapered, these front ends of the lever 24 form a positioning aid, with the help of the plug element with respect to the through holes. 27 can be aligned so that the contact elements 5 immediately find their assigned holes.

FIGS. 7 and 8 show the following dimensions: thickness d, for example, at least 3 mm, length I at least 4 mm and height h at least 30 mm, so that the required vibration resistance is achievable.

In the following, reference is made to Fig. 9 to Fig. 11 an embodiment of the invention described in which the circuit board 28 is coated with a module protection material, for example, an electrically insulating and mechanically protective lacquer.

In Fig. 9 is indicated how a fuse element 7 and a contact element 5 of a plug-in element otherwise not shown in detail with respect to the circuit board 28 are arranged, namely in such a way that fuse elements 7 are aligned with the corresponding locking holes 60 of the circuit board 28 and contact elements 5 are aligned with holes 54. These are each provided in the interior with an electrically conductive contact 53 in order to bring about an electrically conductive connection to the respective contact element 5 in the case of inserted contact elements 5.

Furthermore, in Fig. 9 indicated schematically, cf. Reference numeral 61 that on one or both opposite major surfaces of the circuit board 28, these electrically conductive tracks may have, by means of which individually the Bohrlochkontaktierungen 53 or other components electrically coupled can be. Fig. 9 also shows that according to the invention no separate sockets need to be provided, resulting in a substantially planar surface of the tracks 28.

In Fig. 10 For example, it is shown that a mask 65 (eg, a suitably textured or thin plate) may be disposed on or over the trace 28, which is such that subsequent planar painting (eg, by spraying, see reference numeral 66) entire surface of the printed circuit board 28 is detected and covered with a lacquer layer 67, with the exception of the boreholes 54 and the borehole contacting 53 provided thereon and optionally the securing holes 60.

As in Fig. 11 As a result, essentially the entire surface of the printed circuit board 28 can be coated with a planar two-dimensional lacquer layer 67, with the exception of the boreholes 54 and the borehole contacting 53 provided thereon, and optionally the securing holes 60.

In a similar way as in Fig. 9 to Fig. 11 a mask-based potting of the circuit board 28 with a potting material can also be performed.

Fig. 12 shows a plug-in element according to another embodiment of the invention, the Fig. 1 is similar, but in which the spacers 6 and the securing elements 7 are integrally provided, that is, the common physical structure and immediately adjacent to each other.

Fig. 13 differs from Fig. 1 essentially in that here now the contact elements 5 and the spacers 6 are integrally, one-material or integrally equipped.

Hereinafter, exemplary embodiments of the second aspect of the invention will be described.

The Fig. 14 shows a still flat sheet metal blank, as it looks after punching. This sheet metal blank is to form a plug-in element later. It contains an upper edge 1 and an oppositely arranged lower edge 2. Both edges are formed parallel to each other. Right and left, the plug element of the figure by a side edge 3, 4 is limited. At the printed circuit board associated lower edge 2 a total of seven contact elements 5 are formed, which extend over the lower edge 2 down and parallel to each other. In addition to the contact elements 5, the blank contains the Fig. 14 two spacer elements 6 and four securing elements 7 on its lower edge 2. The securing elements 7 are made longer than the contact elements 5. They have barbs B. on their outer sides.

The spacer elements 6 form a stop on their underside. Their length, calculated from the lower edge 2 of the sheet metal blank, is shorter than that of the contact elements. 5

Parallel to the side edges 3, 4, the sheet metal blanks bending lines 9, in the extension of narrow slots 10 are arranged. The slots 10 are intended to facilitate bending.

From the illustrated planar position of the sheet metal blank of the Fig. 14 by transforming the right and left regions outside of the two bendlines by 90 degrees around these bendlines. This creates two surrounding a central part parallel to each other wings. This form is from the Fig. 15 seen. In the middle part are two of the upper edge 1 outgoing slots 11 formed. As a result, a tongue 12 is formed between the two slots 11, which is slightly inwardly, that is in the direction between the two outer wings 13, bent. In this position, the plug-in element is connected to the circuit board in that the securing elements 7 present on the underside 2 of the plug-in element and the contact elements 5 are inserted into plated-through holes arranged in the same arrangement. Since the securing elements 7 are longer than the contact elements 5, first the securing elements 7 get into the four associated holes, wherein the oblique shape on the front of the securing elements 7 facilitates insertion. As soon as the securing elements 7, which at the same time constitute positioning aids, have intervened in the holes, the contact elements 5 are aligned with respect to their through-holes, which are assigned to them, so that they can now be inserted into the plated-through holes. The insertion movement is limited by the fact that the underside of the spacer elements 6 rests on the upper side of the printed circuit board. In this case, the stops 14 on the outside in the region of the side edges 3, 4 are also located on the upper side of the printed circuit board.

How to get the Fig. 15 can take two such plug-in elements are arranged opposite one another. They form between them a space in which, for example, a battery can be used, which is kept mechanically limited by the wings 13 and the middle part, and in which the contacting is achieved by the tongues 12.

The Fig. 16 shows a sheet metal blank from which another plug element can be made by bending. The sheet metal blank contains on two opposite longitudinal sides in each case six contact elements 5, which have the same shape as the contact elements 5 of the embodiment according to Fig. 14 , At the ends of the point where the contact elements 5 are arranged, again spacer elements 6 are formed, which is a stop for insertion. On the right side of the sheet metal blank plate sections 14 and 15 are formed, which serve to be applied around a cable and pressed there. The sheet metal blank of the Fig. 16 is bent in such a way that the two rows of contact elements 5 are parallel to each other, so that all contact elements 5 are parallel to each other. This is from the side in Fig. 17 shown. The Fig. 18 shows the arrangement of the finished bent sheet metal element from the right in Fig. 17 , The sheet metal parts 14 are bent high, so now here a cable can be inserted, which is then pressed with the sheet metal blank.

Details of the contact elements 5 and the spacers 6 go out Fig. 19 which shows an enlarged view of the contact elements 5 of Fig. 17 represents.

In the Fig. 19 downwardly directed ends of the spacer elements 6 form the line which corresponds to the insertion of the plug element into the circuit board of the surface of the circuit board. The contact elements 5 include two legs 16, between which a slot 17 is formed. The legs 16 begin at the lower edge 2 of the plug element initially with parallel side edges 18. Shortly below the mentioned surface plane 19 extend the opposite outer edges 20 of the two legs convexly curved outward. This shape also follow the facing inner sides 21 of the legs 16. The ends of the legs 16 are spaced from each other. In this way, the legs 16 of the contact elements 15 can deform inwardly, ie in a direction which extends transversely to the direction of insertion of the contact elements 5. The plug-in direction is in Fig. 17 and Fig. 19 directed from top to bottom.

While the FIGS. 14 and 15 show a plug-in element, which serves as a holder for a component, and the FIG. 16 to FIG. 19 a plug-in element that acts as a plug for a single cable is formed, the shows Fig. 20 now a plug-in element, in which the contact elements 5 protrude from a housing 22. In the housing 22 connections are accommodated with a plurality of cables 23 to the individual contact elements 5. It is therefore a plug with a plurality of cables 23rd

At the two sides facing away from each other of the housing 22 made of plastic lever 24 are formed, which can be tilted about the Anformstelle 25. With their front ends 26, these levers 24 pass through the passage openings 27 of the printed circuit board 28. At this end 26, each lever 24 is provided with a barb, which prevents withdrawal from the hole 27 of the circuit board 28. The two levers 24 are biased in this position shown, in which abut the barbs on the back of the circuit board 28. To remove the plug, the two levers must be rotated so that the barbs fit through the holes 27 therethrough. The tilting can be done by pressing on the side facing away from the printed circuit board 28 end 29 of the lever 24 inwards.

Fig. 21 shows an embodiment where a housing 30 is provided with a series of contact elements 5, which are constructed as well as in Fig. 19 shown. Again, levers 24 are formed on the two sides of the housing 30, which have the same task as in the embodiment according to Fig. 20 , Here are the contact elements 5 with electrical and / or electronic components within the housing 30 in connection. It may be simple or more complicated electronic components, for example, to entire circuits.

Since the levers 24 protrude with their front ends 26 clearly above the front ends of the contact elements 5, and since the front ends are tapered, these front ends of the lever 24 form a positioning aid, with the aid thereof the plug element with respect to the passage openings. 27 can be aligned so that the contact elements 5 immediately find their assigned holes.

For connecting plug-in elements with printed circuit boards, it is proposed that the printed circuit board has through-contacted bores and the plug element has the through-plated holes correspondingly insertable into these contact elements. The contact elements and the plated-through holes are matched in their dimensions to one another that the plug-in element can be inserted by hand with the contact elements in the plated-through holes. The plug element can also be removed by hand from the circuit board. Thus, despite the producible with little force sufficient contact between the contact elements and the wall of the plated through holes can be made, it is provided that the contact elements are formed in a direction transverse to the sliding direction resilient or yielding.

In the following, reference is made to FIGS. 22 to 29 vibration-robust connection arrangements according to other embodiments of the first aspect of the invention described. Fig. 30 to Fig. 32 show associated contact elements for the connection arrangements according to FIGS. 22 to 29 ,

Fig. 22 shows a connection assembly 100 according to another embodiment of the invention.

The connector assembly 100 includes a male member 102 and a printed circuit board 28. The male member 102 includes, as in FIG Fig. 23 are better shown, a housing 104 with a matrix-like arrangement of line receptacles 106 for receiving electrical, not shown Cables. The printed circuit board 28 contains through-holes 54 in a corresponding likewise matrix-shaped arrangement. The plug-in element 102 furthermore contains a plurality of plug-in spring-like contact elements 108, which are likewise arranged in the form of a matrix and which-or their tips-have a reversible deflection characteristic. In other words, the contact elements 108 can be repeatedly inserted into the plated-through bores 54 and removed therefrom without their reversible, hook-like, non-plastically deforming spring characteristic changing.

The holes 54 and the plug-in contact elements 108 are matched to one another such that the plug 102 connect by hand by inserting the contact elements 108 in the holes 54 with the circuit board 28 and then also remove it by hand.

According to the in FIGS. 22 to 24 shown embodiment of the connection assembly 100, the contact elements 108 are configured as crimping contacts. These contact elements 108 include a crimpable contact portion 110 and an elastically pluggable portion 112 attached to the crimpable crimping portion 110. The crimped crimping portion 110 has a different material from the elastically pluggable portion 112 and may be formed of a different material thickness than the elastically pluggable portion 112.

According to the in FIGS. 22 to 24 In the illustrated embodiment of the connection assembly 100, the vibration resistant mechanical fuse is formed as a pair of detent clips 114 attached to opposite lateral end portions of the housing 104. The locking clips 114 are manually operable by a user by means of a corresponding pair of grips 116 in an upper end portion of the housing 104. The Locking clips 114 are adapted to engage in correspondingly formed locking receiving openings 116 of the printed circuit board 28.

Fig. 22 shows the connection assembly 100 in a mated condition, whereas Fig. 23 shows the connection assembly 100 in a separate state. Fig. 24 shows the connection assembly 100 in a cross-sectional view. In this is shown how the elastically pluggable portions 112 are resiliently received by the corresponding holes 54, at the same time a reliable electrical contact is made.

With the connection arrangement 100 according to FIG FIGS. 22 to 24 is thus a direct insertion using Rastlipsen 114 allows. The plug element 102 is inserted into the circuit board 28 and locked there by means of the latching clip 114. A tolerance compensation of the blanket can be done via a deep milling on the underside of the board or circuit board 28.

In the following, reference is made to FIGS. 25 and 26 a connection arrangement 130 according to another exemplary embodiment of the invention in a first operating state ( Fig. 25 ), in which a plug-in element 132 is inserted into a printed circuit board 28, and with reference to Fig. 26 described in a state in which the plug-in element 132 is not inserted into the circuit board 28.

According to FIGS. 25 and 26 For example, a vibration resistant mechanical fuse is formed as a pair of screw members 134 disposed on laterally opposite lower end portions of the housing 104 and adapted to engage with a correspondingly formed threaded bushing 136 of the printed circuit board 28, respectively. In other words, in the circuit board 28th in each case a threaded bushing 136 is pressed in at two points, which has an internal thread which corresponds to an external thread of the respective screw element 134. By means of rotating actuation of actuators 138 in an upper end portion of the housing 104, the male member 132 can thus be firmly screwed by hand after insertion into the circuit board 28 at this. The threaded bushes 136 may also be bolted to the board or printed circuit board 28 or alternatively be pressed. Thickness tolerances of the board or printed circuit board 28 can be compensated by a screw-in depth.

FIGS. 27 to 29 show different views of a connection assembly 150 according to yet another embodiment of the invention, in turn, a vibration robustness and optionally a Hochstromfähigkeit is enabled.

Fig. 27 shows a plug-in element 152 in a printed circuit board 28 in the inserted state, whereas according to Fig. 28 the male member 152 is shown in a non-inserted condition with respect to the printed circuit board 28. Fig. 29 shows a partial cross section through the connection assembly 150, based on which the resilient receiving characteristic of the electrically pluggable portions 112 of the plug element 152 can be detected.

According to FIGS. 27 to 29 For example, the vibration-resistant mechanical fuse is realized using a pair of expansion rivets 154, 154 'that can be actuated by actuators 138 and inserted into correspondingly provided rivet receiving openings 156 in the circuit board 28. Thus, according to FIGS. 27 to 29 realized the direct insertion by means of expansion rivets 154, 154 ', wherein the respective rivet pins can be pressed and variably spread. Tolerances of the board thickness, that is, the thickness of the circuit board 28 can be compensated become. Fig. 28 shows an active expansion rivet 154 and an inactive expansion rivet 154 '. In the interior of the housing 104, the associated expansion rivet bolts are arranged.

Fig. 30 to Fig. 32 show a detailed view of the crimp contacts designed as contact elements 108th

Fig. 30 shows that the crimpable crimping portion 110 and the elastically pluggable portion 112 are realized with each other mechanically and electrically using a combined embossing and riveting joint 170. To realize the elastically pluggable portion 112 turn a fork contact for holes with a diameter of 2.3 mm to 2.5 mm is provided. For example, Wieland K55 or Wieland K88 with a material thickness of 0.8 mm can be used as material for the elastically pluggable section 112. The crimpable crimping portion 110 includes a crimping zone 172 for a cable receptacle having a cross-sectional area between 1.5 mm ² and 2.5 mm ² . As the material for the crimpable crimping portion 110, for example, bronze CuSn ₆ having a material thickness of 0.4 mm can be used.

The actual contacting elements of the electrically pluggable section 112 have two between them a gap 174 exposed leg 16, the opposite outer sides 20 are formed convexly curved. Fig. 30 shows that the sections 110, 112 overlap in an overlapping region 176 and are connected to one another there by means of the embossing and riveting connection 170.

Fig. 31 shows a different spatial view and Fig. 32 shows a side view of the contact element 108th

In addition, it should be noted that "having" 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 any 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.

Claims (15)

Connecting arrangement, with 1.1 a plug-in element, the 1.2 at least one plug-in spring-like contact element (5), in particular a plurality of plug-in spring-like contact elements (5), having a reversible deflection characteristic, as well as with 1.3 a circuit board (28) with through holes, 1.4 arranged in one of the arrangement of the contact element (5) or the contact elements (5) of the plug element corresponding arrangement, wherein 1.5, the bores and the plug-in contact element (5) or in them plug-in contact elements (5) are coordinated such that 1.6 the plug-in element by hand by inserting the contact element (5) or the contact elements (5) in the holes with connect the circuit board (28) and remove it by hand; 1.7 and with a vibration-resistant mechanical fuse (7) against unintentional removal of the plug-in element from the printed circuit board (28) is provided;
wherein the contact element (5) or the contact elements (5) has or between two an intermediate space (17) exposed legs (16);
wherein the contact element (5) or the contact elements (5) is or are provided as two curved spring elements at a distance from one another. Connecting arrangement according to claim 1, wherein the contact element (5) or the plurality of plug-in contact elements (5) is or are high current capable. Connecting arrangement according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the plurality of plug-in contact elements (5) parallel to each other. Connecting arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, with a stop (6) for limiting the insertion of the contact element (5) or the contact elements (5) in the circuit board (28). Connecting arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the contact element (5) or the contact elements (5) is designed to be resilient at least in the region to be arranged within the through-plated holes in a direction transverse to the insertion direction or are. Connecting arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the mutually remote outer sides (20) of the legs (17) are formed convexly curved. Connecting arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, wherein all contact elements (5) of a plug-in element are produced in one piece from a piece of sheet metal by punching and bending. Connecting arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, in which the through-plated holes and the plug-in contact element (5) or the plug-in contact elements (5) are formed, an electrical load capacity according to ISO 16750-2, in particular according to ISO 16750-2: 2006 , provide. Connecting arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, in which each plug-in contact element (5) for an electrical load capacity of at least 5 amperes, in particular of at least 10 amps, more particularly of at least 20 amps is designed. Connecting arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, wherein each plug-in contact element (5) is designed plugged with a plug force of at most 10 N in one of the holes. Connecting arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the contact element (5) or the contact elements (108) is designed as crimp contacts or are. Connecting arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the contact elements (5) are configured such that upon insertion of the contact element (5) or the contact elements (5) by hand into the holes, the contact element (5) or the contact elements (5) only in the elastic region is deformed or become. Plug-in element for a connection arrangement, in particular for a connection arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, for connection to a printed circuit board (28) with plated through holes, wherein the plug element comprises: at least one plug-in spring-like contact element (5), in particular a plurality of plug-in spring-like contact elements (5), with a reversible deflection characteristic, wherein the plated-through holes are arranged in an arrangement corresponding to the arrangement of the contact element (5) or the contact elements (5) of the plug element, wherein the holes and the plug-in contact element (5) or plugged into them contact elements (5) are coordinated such that the plug element by hand by inserting the contact element (5) or the contact elements (5) into the holes with the Connect circuit board (28) and remove it by hand, wherein the plug element is provided with a vibration-resistant mechanical fuse (7) against inadvertent removal of the plug-in element from the printed circuit board (28); wherein the contact element (5) or the contact elements (5) has or between two an intermediate space (17) exposed legs (16); wherein the contact element (5) or the contact elements (5) is or are provided as two curved spring elements at a distance from one another. Vehicle, comprising a connection arrangement according to one of the preceding claims or a plug-in element according to the preceding claim. Use of a connection arrangement according to one of the preceding claims for transmitting an electric current of at least 5 amperes, in particular of at least 10 amps, more particularly of at least 20 amps, between a contact element (5) of the plug connection and the printed circuit board (28) attached thereto.

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