EP2899812B1 - Connection arrangement on circuit boards - Google Patents

Description

This application claims priority from the European patent application EP 08020940.6, filed 03.12.2008 , and claims the priority of the European patent application EP 09 163 009.5, filed on 06/17/2009 .

The invention is based on an arrangement for the electrical and mechanical connection of plug-in elements via a base 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 concerns base plates or housings for use under extreme conditions, e.g. high temperature, radiation, vibration, corrosive environment, pressure.

To produce 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 socket element. For example, there are normal sockets that accept plugs that are attached to the ends of wires. Such connection arrangements are also suitable and intended for very frequent establishment and release of the connection.

In the case of relays, fuses or the like, it is also known to attach a socket to a device into which the fuse or the relay can be plugged. Replacement should also be possible here, but replacement is rarer here than with the plug-in processes between socket and plug.

Even when it comes to mating operations between printed circuit boards and plug-in elements, it is common to arrange a socket or socket on the printed circuit board or even at a different point, and then to connect the socket to the printed circuit board using lines.

WO 2007/145764 relates to connectors for power transmission where heat build-up can cause a plastic housing to yield. A connector has a connector housing and power contacts. A mating connector includes a connector housing and a plurality of power contacts accessible through accessible through openings. Furthermore, the connectors can be mated together and attached to printed circuit boards. A power contact can be inserted into the connector. Also provided are terminals having mounting features of a printed circuit board structure.

U.S. 7,137,848 discloses a central housing with a board mount interface. Power and signal contacts are also provided. These may be configured as needle eye pins for press fit connection to holes such as vias on a printed circuit board. The core also includes latch openings for receiving latch elements configured for snappingly engaging mating latch features of a circuit board to which the core can be mounted.

EP 0,884,801 , DE 100 47 457 and DE 42 26 172 each disclose connectors that rely on forming press-fit connections.

EP 1,069,651 A1 discloses a metal terminal that is inserted into a via of an electrical circuit substrate and makes electrical contact at the via. The terminal has a stopper which abuts against the substrate at the rear end of the contact hole, thereby preventing further insertion of the terminal into the contact hole. An anti-removal portion abuts the substrate at the front of the contact hole to resist undesired terminal withdrawal. The removal preventing portion is resiliently deformable to allow it to pass through the contact hole during insertion of the terminal. Contact elements between the stopper and the removal preventing portion make electrical contact in the contact hole.

However, investigations of such a described metal terminal have revealed that the removal-preventing section, which is clearly designed as a ring, is easily plastically deformed when inserted through the contact hole and is therefore often destroyed. In other words, passing this wide removal-avoiding portion through a narrow contact hole and requiring the removal-avoiding portion to generate a sufficiently high holding force pose a problem with the system of FIG EP 1,069,651 A1 insurmountable technical contradiction.

In addition, the in EP 1,069,651 A1 disclosed connection difficult to handle manually on the part of a user. In particular, when multiple contacts should be made at the same time, this requires the application of a very large manual force to pass the removal-preventing portion through the contact hole, which quickly overwhelms the skills of a human user if a sufficiently high holding force in the inserted state is to be subsequently achieved. Furthermore, the mechanical stress acting on the board according to EP 1,069,651 A1 big. Multiple plugging in accordance with a socket-plug method is also not possible with such a system possible, since plastic deformation of the removal prevention section occurs at high holding forces.

US2004/0097141 A1 discloses a connection arrangement between a plug element and a printed circuit board, the plug element having two double-curved spring arms which each form two contact points within one of two bores.

US2006/0110955 A1 discloses a plug-in element with spring arms which at the same time produces an electrical connection through its contact pressure with a plated-through hole in a printed circuit board and generates a non-positive fuse.

The invention is based on the object of creating a connection arrangement which is of significantly simpler construction and largely eliminates the possibility of operating errors or malfunctions, with a sufficiently strong fastening effect being to be achieved with good manual handling.

To solve this problem, the invention proposes a connection arrangement, a plug-in element, a vehicle and a use with the features specified in the independent claims. Developments of the invention are the subject of dependent claims.

According to the invention, a connection arrangement is created, with a plug-in element, which has at least one pluggable spring-like contact element, in particular a plurality of pluggable spring-like contact elements, with a reversible deflection characteristic, and with a circuit board with plated-through holes, which are in one of the arrangement of the contact element or the Contact elements of the plug-in element are arranged in a corresponding arrangement, with the bores and the contact element or contact elements that can be inserted in them being matched to one another in such a way that the plug-in element can be connected to the printed circuit board by hand by inserting the contact element or contact elements into the bores and from can be removed by hand; and is provided with a vibration-resistant mechanical safeguard against unintentional removal of the plug-in element from the printed circuit board; wherein the contact element and the vibration-resistant mechanical fuse are provided separately from one another, wherein the contact element or the contact elements has or have two legs leaving an intermediate space between them; wherein the contact element or the contact elements as two curved spring elements at a distance from each other is or will be provided, the intermediate space being present at least in the region in which the respective contact elements are arranged within one of the bores after insertion, the ends of the legs having the intermediate space between them.

According to another embodiment of the invention, a vehicle (for example, a motor vehicle, a passenger vehicle, a truck, a bus, an agricultural vehicle, a baler, a combine harvester, a self-propelled sprayer, a road construction machine, a tractor, an aircraft, an airplane, a A helicopter, spaceship, zeppelin, watercraft, ship, rail vehicle or train) according to claim 11 is provided. According to a further exemplary embodiment of the invention, a connection arrangement with the features described above for transmitting an electrical current of at least approximately 5 amperes, in particular at least approximately 10 amperes, more particularly at least approximately 20 amperes, between a contact element (in particular between each individual contact element ) of the connector and the circuit board attached to it. Corresponding contact elements can also be referred to as high-current-capable contact elements.

The term "high-current-capable contact elements" can mean in particular that the contact elements are designed in terms of dimensions, material, mutual spacing, etc. such 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. One can speak of a high current 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 in such a way that an undesired heating of the connection arrangement is avoided or another 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 configuration of the contact elements can be designed in such a way that the contact elements together can carry cumulative currents of at least 50 amperes, in particular at least 100 amperes. The high-current capability of the contact elements can be considered given if the contact elements can be connected to a vehicle battery and can supply current from the vehicle battery to the connected printed circuit board without interference. In particular, the high-current capability can be taken for granted if contact resistances according to the press-in standard meet the requirements of IEC 60512-2.

The term "vibration-resistant mechanical fuse" can in particular have the meaning that 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, as they occur in a motor-driven, in particular an internal combustion engine-driven device (in particular a vehicle), do not lead to any negative influence on the system function in the case of a vibration-resistant mechanical safety device. In particular, when the connection arrangement is installed in the engine compartment of an off-road vehicle, the vibrations that usually occur there should not lead to an undesirable loss of electrical contact between the contact elements and the mating contact in the respective associated hole in the printed circuit board. Thus, in order to achieve robustness against vibration, the mechanical fuse can be designed in terms of material, dimensions, fastening forces, etc. in such a way that the corresponding vibrations do not result in the plug-in element becoming undesirably detached from the printed 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 stress requirements for off-road vehicles. In order to achieve vibration robustness, the connection arrangement can also be designed to meet the IEC 60512-4 standard, in particular at least one of the sub-requirements according to IEC 68.2.6 (vibration sinusoidal), IEC 68-2-27 and IEC 68-2-29 (multiple shocking), IEC 68-2-64 (broad band 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 an insertability or removability of the plug-in element "by hand" can be understood in the context of this description in particular that the Insertion and removal forces, even with the provision of multiple contact elements, for example at least five contact elements (especially 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-in element from the printed circuit board" can in particular have the meaning that the safety device reliably prevents the plug-in element from being undesirably removed by a user. However, this term is also intended to express the fact that an undesired loosening of the connection due to engine-induced vibrations or the like is avoided. The term "pulling off" therefore includes in particular an active pulling and a release caused by external influences without the participation of a user.

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

A plug-in element with high-current-capable contact elements can thus be provided in a connection arrangement, which plug-in element can even easily meet the high electrical requirements from the automotive sector. The plug-in element can be manually inserted directly into the corresponding drilled holes in the printed circuit board by a human user, without a separate socket being required between the plug-in element and the printed circuit board, as is the case with conventional high-current-capable connection arrangements.

At the same time, despite the simple and intuitive plugging of the plug-in element directly into the printed circuit board, a high degree of robustness against vibration can be guaranteed by providing a rigid mechanical fuse that, when plugged in, prevents the plug-in element from being unintentionally removed from the printed circuit board, for example caused by high vibration forces, reliably prevented. By separately providing the vibration-resistant mechanical fuse on the one hand and the high-current, manually pluggable contact elements on the other hand, the seemingly contradictory requirements can be met to allow a user to plug in and unplug with little effort and thus manually, while at the same time the arrangement of the plug-in element and circuit board even with robust external to be able to operate under conditions without impairing the function. By functionally and structurally separating the vibration protection from the high-current contacting, reversible, ie multiple, plugging and unplugging between the plug-in element and circuit board can be permitted without plastic deformation or the like of the plug-in or contact elements occurring. Compared to conventional high-current-capable connection arrangements, separate sockets can be saved with a direct plug-in 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 omitted contact point. Compared to conventional low-current systems such as the EP 1,069,651 A1 the invention represents a paradigm shift, since the simultaneous fulfillment of high current strength and vibration resistance requirements with the architecture there is impossible and, in addition, manual usability is not permitted when several contact elements are contacted at the same time. In contrast, according to the invention, a high-current direct plug-in technology for directly attaching printed circuit boards to a plug-in element can be achieved without the provision of plug-in sockets or the like, so that apart from any optional soldered components and possible purely mechanical fastening elements, only the printed circuit board itself is required. Thus, a high electrical current-carrying capacity with a high mechanical strength and thus a high holding power be combined, which can be achieved, for example, by an easily locked and unlocked mechanical security system. Only through this additional mechanical locking, which can be provided on the plug-in element and/or on the printed circuit board, can the above-mentioned effects be achieved in combination.

Additional advantageous configurations of the connection arrangement according to the invention are described below. These refinements also apply to the vehicle, the use of the invention. Although these configurations are described using a plurality of contact elements, it is expressly emphasized that each of these configurations can also be used if exactly one contact element is provided. It is also possible to provide exactly one hole in the printed circuit board, corresponding to exactly one contact element.

The connection arrangement according to the invention can be used particularly advantageously for automotive applications, ie in motor vehicles of all types, combine harvesters, road construction machines, vehicle technology, railway technology, aviation technology, harvesting machine technology or in other areas of off-road vehicles or agriculture. The high current capability of the connection arrangement can allow currents of 5 to 25 amps and more to be allowed per individual pin of the contact elements, while applying a vibration load. The connection arrangement can thus advantageously be configured as an automotive connection arrangement.

According to an exemplary embodiment, a latching mechanism or, more generally, a mechanical securing mechanism can be provided by the connector body. According to another embodiment such a latching mechanism (e.g. implemented as a barb or by other means) can be provided on the circuit board side. According to the invention, material can be saved due to the elimination of a base and a consequent direct connection between the printed circuit board and the plug-in element, an electrical interface can be omitted and thus better quality can be achieved at lower costs. In particular, electrical components such as cable harnesses can be flanged directly to the printed circuit board. Overall, a current carrying capacity of, for example, 70 to 100 amperes, in particular up to 150 amperes and more, can be achieved with the connection arrangement. 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 so that they can be plugged in elastically and reversibly and, for example, can be plugged in with forces of at most 10 Newtons. Reliable contacting with the counter-contacting provided on the borehole side can thus be achieved and good handling can be achieved. For example, the connection arrangement according to the invention is suitable for automotive applications, for example on tractors or buses, where according to the invention mechanical attachment of the connector and the circuit board through the mechanical fuse may be required separately from the electrical transmission to the circuit board. Such connections 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 by a user in the field. If the contact elements are at a defined distance from one another, the plug according to the invention can be standardized and thus made usable for many applications. In the connection arrangement, the plurality of pluggable contact elements can be arranged to run parallel to one another. In this way, a linear, space-saving geometry can be achieved, which at the same time enables a large number of individual contacts to be contacted with corresponding counterparts on a printed 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, however, a two-dimensional, for example matrix-shaped, hiding is also possible, in which contact elements can be arranged in rows and columns. With such an ordered structure, a standardized plug can also be created, which is then suitable for many applications.

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

The connection arrangement can be provided with a stop to limit the insertion of the contact elements into the printed circuit board. Such a stop or spacer can define a minimum distance between the printed circuit board and the plug-in element, and thus, for example, prevent the formation of unwanted electrical contacts or the skipping of an electrical signal across a thin gap.

All contact elements of the plug-in element can be designed identically and arranged identically. This measure allows a standard plug to 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 can be designed to be flexible in a direction transverse to the plug-in direction, at least in the regions to be arranged within the plated-through hole. In other words, when the contact elements are inserted into the associated drilled holes in 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 preload when they dip into the contact hole. This prestressing can enable reliable electrical contacting with the mating contacts inside the drilled hole. At the same time, such contact forces, which must first be overcome by the user during insertion, should be small enough not to jeopardize mechanical handling even when a user inserts several such contacts at the same time, i.e. not to allow the insertion forces to become too great. Furthermore, the deflection characteristic of the contact elements, which are designed in the manner of springs, for example, can be designed to be reversible, that is to say lead to elastic springback when the plug-in element is removed from the printed circuit board. As a result, the plug-in element can be used several times and is not destroyed by a single use. Plastic deformation can be avoided by making the contact elements resilient and by providing the contact elements as two curved spring elements at a distance from one another.

Accordingly, it is preferred if the contact elements have two legs leaving an intermediate space between them. Their outer sides facing away from each other can optionally be designed convexly curved, for example. Such a curvature can prevent the legs from spreading apart when they come into contact with a flat surface. When using fork contacts, elastic pluggability can be achieved.

When the contact elements are plugged in, the two legs can begin in front of the printed circuit board. A portion of the legs may remain outside of the drilled hole even when the tab and circuit board are hidden from each other.

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

The plug-in 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-in element is also possible, in which it is only provided as a sheet metal element (which can be electrically insulated with a paint, for example, in order to protect a user from high currents).

The plug element can form part of a holder for an electronic component, for example a relay or a fuse. Such an electrical component can thus be fastened to the plug-in element, designed as a holder.

According to one exemplary embodiment, all contact elements of a plug-in element can be produced in one piece from a piece of sheet metal by stamping and bending. Such an integral design of the plug-in element from a piece of sheet metal results in particularly low costs. Alternatively, a plug-in element but can also be made up of several components, for example to integrate additional functions.

The mechanical securing of the plug-in element and the printed circuit board can be connected 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 safety device can be such that a correspondingly configured connection arrangement can pass the tests specified in ISO 16750, in particular in ISO 16750-3 (in the version on the filing date of the European patent application EP 09163009.5, i.e. on 06/17/2009 , valid version) are defined, can be successfully completed.

Devices according to the invention can be designed 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.

For example, the mechanical fuse can connect the plug-in element and the circuit board with a mechanical fastening force of at least approximately 100 Newtons, in particular at least approximately 200 Newtons, more particularly at least approximately 300 Newtons. Such fastening forces may be sufficient to allow adequate vibration resistance.

The bores and the contact elements that can be inserted into them can have an electrical load capacity in accordance with ISO 16750-2 (in the version on the filing date of the European patent application EP 09163009.5, i.e. on 06/17/2009 , current version). The bores and the contact elements that can be inserted into them can, in particular, have an electrical load capacity according to ISO 16750-2 in the version ISO 16750-2:2006. In other words, the contact elements can be designed mechanically and electrotechnically in such a way that the electrical stress tests according to the industrial standard mentioned are passed successfully.

In particular, each of the pluggable contact elements can be designed for an electrical load capacity of at least approximately 5 amperes, in particular of at least approximately 10 amperes, more particularly of at least approximately 20 amperes. If several pins are provided (which can be operated electrically separately from one another), a total current carrying capacity of, for example, 70 amperes and more can be achieved. Each of the plug-in contact elements can be designed with a plug-in force of at most approximately 10 Newtons for plugging into one of the bores. Thus, for example, when providing five contact elements that are to be plugged into a printed circuit board by a user simultaneously, a plugging force of 50 Newtons may be required, which a user can still apply without any problems.

According to the invention, the mechanical fuse and the plug-in contact elements are provided as separate components that are attached separately to the plug-in element. In other words, a mechanical security component and the pluggable contact elements can be free of a direct, immediate mechanical adjacency to one another and can also be electrically decoupled from one another. By completely separating the mechanical and electrical contacting, the requirements of a low insertion force in combination with a high holding force, which a priori appear to be contradictory, can be achieved.

The plug-in element of the connection arrangement is provided with the mechanical safeguard against unintentional removal of the plug-in element from the printed circuit board. In this configuration, the male member alone may have a structure that accomplishes the securing (e.g., a fastening lever, a barbed male fastener, etc.). In such a configuration, the printed circuit board can be completely free of fuse elements or only have a receiving bore for receiving a fuse of the plug-in element or a surface on which a fuse of the plug-in element can engage.

Alternatively, the printed circuit board can be provided with the mechanical fuse. In this configuration, the circuit board alone may have a structure that accomplishes the securing (for example, a fastening lever, a barbed male fastener, etc.). In such a configuration, the plug-in element can be completely free of fuse elements or only have a receiving bore for receiving a fuse on the printed circuit board or a surface on which a fuse on the printed circuit board can engage. It is also possible that both the printed circuit board and the plug-in element each have a structural component that is used for securing.

A surface of the printed circuit board that is free of the plated-through holes can be provided with an assembly protection feature. In particular, this surface can be coated or cast with protective material (for example a lacquer or an encapsulation volume). Conventionally, assemblies are often protected mechanically by a housing or chemically by thin-layer coatings. Complete encapsulation of an assembly as an alternative to housing coating is traditionally often cumbersome and therefore uneconomical, because with the conventional provision of sockets between the circuit board and plug-in element, a three-dimensional contour (due to the assembled components and above all the sockets) often has to be taken into account. With the use of the direct plug-in technology according to the invention, simplified component protection is possible since there is only a two-dimensional coating task. This is because the printed circuit board can be essentially flat and only have the boreholes and their contacts. At best, flat soldered components can be present on it. In other words, with direct plug-in technology it is also possible to save on complete housings (and the necessary tools) by encapsulating or coating the assemblies 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, according to the invention the area of the contact hole bores and the contacts contained therein could be covered with a simple mask and a complete remaining surface section of the conductor tracks with be sprayed with a paint finish or potted. A corresponding method for forming an assembly protection is provided according to the invention.

According to one exemplary embodiment, at least one additional hole can be provided in the printed circuit board, which is provided with the component protection material, in particular coated or cast. For example, holes that are not to be populated and/or holes that are intended for forming soldered connections can be covered by protective assembly material.

In order to make the connection arrangement according to the invention usable, in particular for automotive applications and the like that are susceptible to vibration and require high current, in addition or as an alternative to meeting the above-mentioned industrial standards, the connection arrangement can also be designed in such a way that it can be used with IEC-60512-6 (rapid temperature cycles according to the press-in standard) is compatible, in particular also according to IEC-68-2-14 (dry heat) is compatible. It is also possible for the connection arrangement to be designed in accordance with tests with different climatic conditions according to the press-in standard IEC-60512-6 and IEC-60512-11-1 (cf. in particular IEC 68-2-1 (coldness), IEC 68-2-2 (dry heat) and IEC 68-2-30 (damp heat, cyclic)). The connection arrangement can also be used 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 contact elements can be made in particular from 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 can 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 from any of the following materials: steel, hard plastic, copper, aluminium, silver, gold or alloys such as brass or bronze. The vibration-resistant mechanical fuse can be designed to be able to withstand vibration forces as in the standards mentioned above.

In the connection arrangement, the contact elements can be designed as crimp contacts. A crimped connection enables a stable, flexible connection to a wire or cable that can be implemented with justifiable effort. Crimping or flanging is a joining process in which two components are joined together by plastic deformation.

The crimp contacts may have a crimpable crimpable portion (for attaching a wire or cable) and a resilient pluggable portion (for plugging directly 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 crimpable section and the elastically pluggable section can be formed from different materials. The crimpable crimp section can be formed with a thinner material thickness than the elastically pluggable section. It is thus possible to obtain a good crimp connection on the one hand by providing a sufficiently thin material (e.g. with a thickness of 0.4 mm, for example bronze) and on the other hand with a thicker material (e.g. with a thickness of 0, 8 mm, for example from K55 or K88) to achieve 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
• an area made of K55 or K88 for the mating zone with a thickness of 0.8mm.

The mating zone is thicker because of the required mechanical stability and the power transmission in the through-plating of the 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 designed latching receiving opening in the printed circuit board. The plug can be plugged into the circuit board and locked in an easy-to-handle manner. Tolerance compensation for the board thickness can be achieved by depth milling on the underside of the board/printed circuit board.

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

Alternatively or in addition, the vibration-resistant mechanical securing device can be designed as at least one expanding rivet, which is set up to engage in a correspondingly designed rivet receiving opening in the printed circuit board. A rivet bolt can be pressed in and variably expanded. Tolerances in board thickness can be compensated. An active and an inactive expanding rivet can be provided in order to improve handling.

In the connection arrangement, the contact elements (in particular in combination with the printed circuit board) can be designed such that when the contact elements are manually inserted into the bores, the contact elements are deformed only (or exclusively) in the elastic range. Thus, when the contact is plugged in by hand, the contact spring can actually only be deformed in the elastic range. The area in which deflection and restoring force are directly proportional to one another can be regarded as the elastic area. The area in which no plastic deformation occurs can be regarded as the elastic area.

Fig. 1

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

Fig. 2

eine hochstromfähige und vibrationsrobuste Verbindungsanordnung gemäß einem Ausführungsbeispiel der Erfindung;

Fig. 3

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

Fig. 7

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

Fig. 8

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

Fig. 9 bis 11

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

Fig. 12, 13

Steckelemente gemäß anderen Ausführungsbeispielen 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 der Erfindung auf einer Leiterplatte;

Figur 16

die Ansicht eines Blechzuschnitts zur Herstellung eines Steckelements gemäß der Erfindung;

Figur 17

die Seitenansicht des Steckelements gemäß der Erfindung;

Figur 18

die Stirnansicht des Steckelements der Figur 17 gemäß der Erfindung;

Figur 19

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

Figur 20

schematisch einen Stecker als Steckelement gemäß der Erfindung;

Figur 21

die Anordnung eines Gehäuses mit Kontaktelementen der Erfindung;

Fig. 22 bis

Fig. 29 vibrationsrobuste Verbindungsanordnungen gemäß anderen Ausführungsbeispielen der Erfindung.

Fig. 30 bis Fig. 32

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

Further features, details and advantages of the invention result from the claims and the summary, the wording of which is made part of the description by reference, the following description of preferred embodiments of the invention and the drawing. The features described in one embodiment should also apply to the other embodiments. show in the drawing:

1

a high-current and vibration-resistant plug-in element according to an embodiment of the invention before final completion;

2

a high-current and vibration-resistant connection arrangement according to an embodiment of the invention;

3

schematically shows the view of a sheet metal blank for the production of a high-current-capable and vibration-resistant plug-in element according to an embodiment of the invention;

4

schematically shows the side view of the male element according to FIG 3 ;

figure 5

the end view of the plug element of 4 ;

6

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

7

schematically shows a plug as a high-current capable and vibration-resistant plug-in element according to an embodiment of the invention;

8

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

Figures 9 to 11

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

12, 13

Plug elements according to other embodiments of the invention;

figure 14

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

figure 15

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

figure 16

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

figure 17

the side view of the male element according to the invention;

figure 18

the end view of the plug element of figure 17 according to the invention;

figure 19

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

figure 20

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

figure 21

the arrangement of a housing with contact elements of the invention;

22 bis

29 vibration-resistant connection arrangements according to others Embodiments of the invention.

30 to 32

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

In the following, referring to Figures 1 to 13 Described plug-in elements and connection arrangements according to exemplary embodiments of the invention.

1 shows a plug-in element for such a connection arrangement with a total of seven plug-in contact elements 5, each capable of high current. These are connected to an in 1 circuit board with plated-through holes, not shown, attachable. These holes are placed in a geometric arrangement, according to an arrangement of the contact elements 5 of the plug-in element 1 is equivalent to. The bores and the contact elements 5 that can be inserted into them are thus matched to one another. Due to the dimension according to 1 (given in millimeters) and due to the formation of these conductive structures from low-impedance copper material, the contact elements 5 are capable of high currents, that is to say they are set up to conduct a current of at least 10 amperes. The plug-in element can be connected by hand by inserting the contact elements 5 into the holes in the printed circuit board and removed by hand. A maximum force of 10 Newtons per contact element 5 is sufficient for this.

Due to the dimensioning, the material configuration and the mechanical robustness of the mechanical securing elements 7, the plug-in element is in accordance with 1 resistant to vibration and in particular meets the requirements of the industrial standard ISO 16750-3. The mechanical securing elements 7 prevent the plug-in element 5 from being unintentionally pulled off the printed circuit board and also protect against undesired loosening of the electrical contact between the contact elements 5 and the contacts in the holes in the printed circuit board. even if the male element according to 1 and its circuit board are implemented in an agricultural vehicle to endure vibrations of the engine and vibrations due to the movement of this vehicle on a rough terrain.

According to 1 the mechanical securing elements 7 are provided as mechanical components which are separate from the contact elements 5, which enables low-force manual insertion and at the same time vibration-proof fastening. The arrangement of the securing elements 7 also serves as a positioning aid for correctly aligning the plug-in element with respect to the printed circuit board before the contact elements 5 are inserted into the bores, so that incorrect insertion can be avoided.

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

The sheet metal cutting according to 1 contains an upper edge 1 and an oppositely arranged lower edge 2. Both edges 1, 2 are formed parallel to one another. The plug-in element is limited by a side edge 3, 4 on the right and left. The contact elements 5 are formed on the lower edge 2 associated with the printed circuit board, which extend downwards over the lower edge 2 and run parallel to one another. The securing elements 7 have barbs 14 on their outer sides. The sheet metal blank has bending lines 9 parallel to the side edges 3, 4, in the extension of which narrow slots 10 are arranged. Slots 10 are intended to facilitate bending. Two slots 11 extending from the top edge 1 are formed in the central part. As a result, a tongue 12 is formed between the two slots 11, which extends slightly inwards, i.e. in the direction between the two outer wings (similar to reference number 13 in 14 shown), is bent.

2 12 shows a connection arrangement according to another exemplary embodiment of the invention.

2 FIG. 1 shows a substrate 50 on the underside of which the contact elements 5 are provided, which are connected to an upper side of the substrate 50 by means of vias 51 . As in 2 is indicated schematically with reference numeral 52, an electrical peripheral device can be connected here, which either applies electrical currents via the contacting elements 51, 5 to contacts 53 in bores 54 of a conductor track 28 or receives these signals from conductor track 28. If that's in 2 If the plug-in element shown above is inserted into the printed circuit board 28 by moving in the direction of arrow 57, the contact elements 5 are inserted into bores 54 in the printed circuit board 28 and automatically establish electrical contact with the respective contacting element 53 within the respective bore hole 54. Simultaneously, according to 2 housed on the printed circuit board 28 mounted vibration-resistant mechanical security elements 7 in corresponding grooves 55 in the substrate 50 of the plug-in element, which is a solid locking.

As in 2 is indicated in dashed lines, in addition to or as an alternative to the vibration-resistant mechanical fuses 7, manually pivotable clamp elements can be attached to the printed circuit board 28, which can be pivoted laterally and can engage an upper side of the substrate 50 in order to provide or reinforce the vibration-resistant mechanical fuse.

3 shows a schematic of a sheet metal blank from which a high-current-capable and vibration-resistant plug-in element according to another exemplary embodiment of the invention can be produced by bending. As in 1 here too, the mechanical securing elements 7 are attached to the plug-in element. Sheet metal sections 78 and 15 are used to be placed around a cable and pressed from there. The sheet metal cutting 3 is bent in such a way that two rows of contact elements 5 run parallel to each other.

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

6 shows an enlarged representation of a plug element according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention, wherein the dimensions taken in combination with the provision of the copper sheet shown are in accordance with the requirements of high current capability and vibration resistance.

The contact elements 5 contain two legs 16 between which a slot 17 is formed. The legs 16 begin at the lower edge 2 of the plug-in element initially with parallel side edges 18. Shortly below the surface plane 19 mentioned, the outer edges 20 of the two legs, which face away from one another, are convexly curved outwards. The inner sides 21 of the legs 16 facing one another also follow this shape. The ends of the legs 16 are at a distance from one another. In this way, the legs 16 of the contact elements 5 can be deformed inward, that is to say in a direction which runs transversely to the insertion direction 57 of the contact elements 5 . while the 1 shows a tab serving as part of a fixture for a component, and Figures 3 to 6 Plug-in elements that can be designed as a connector for a single cable shows the 7 a plug-in element in which the contact elements 5 protrude from a housing 22. Connections with a plurality of cables 23 to the individual contact elements 5 are accommodated in the housing 22 . It is therefore a plug with a large number of cables 23.

Metal levers 24 (in particular made of stainless steel) are formed on the two opposite sides of the housing 22 and can be tilted about the molding point 25 . With their front ends 26, these levers 24 engage through the through-openings 27 of the printed circuit board 28. FIG. At this end 26 each lever 24 is provided with a barb which prevents it from being pulled out of the hole 27 in the printed circuit board 28 . The two levers 24 are biased into the position shown, in which the barbs rest against the back of the printed circuit board 28 . To pull out the plug, the two levers 24 must be tilted in such a way that the barbs fit through the holes 27. The tilting can be done by pressing the lever 24 inwards on the end 29 facing away from the printed circuit board 28 .

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

Since the front ends 26 of the levers 24 protrude clearly beyond the front ends of the contact elements 5, and since the front ends taper to a point, these front ends of the levers 24 form a positioning aid, with the aid of which the plug-in element is opposite the through-openings. 27 can be aligned so that the contact elements 5 find their associated holes immediately.

7 and 8 show the following dimensions: thickness d can be at least 3 mm, for example, length l at least 4 mm and height h at least 30 mm, with which the required vibration resistance can be achieved.

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

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

Furthermore, in 9 schematically indicated, cf. reference numeral 61, that on one or on both opposite main surfaces of the printed circuit board 28 it can have electrically conductive tracks, by means of which individual borehole contacts 53 or other components are electrically coupled can become. 9 also shows that according to the invention no separate sockets have to be provided, which leads to a substantially planar surface of the conductor tracks 28 .

In 10 is shown that a mask 65 (for example, a suitably structured or perforated thin plate) can be arranged on or over the conductor track 28, which is such that a subsequent surface painting (for example by spraying, see reference number 66) the entire surface of the printed circuit board 28 and covered with a layer of lacquer 67, with the exception of the drilled holes 54 and the drilled hole contacting 53 provided thereon and optionally the securing holes 60.

As in 11 shown, essentially the entire surface of the printed circuit board 28 can be coated with a planar, two-dimensional layer of lacquer 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 Figures 9 to 11 shown, mask-based encapsulation of the printed circuit board 28 with an encapsulation material can also be carried out.

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

13 differs from 1 essentially in that here the contact elements 5 and the spacers 6 are made in one piece, made of one material or integrally.

Exemplary embodiments of the invention are described below.

the 14 shows a sheet metal blank that is still flat as it looks after it has been punched out. This sheet metal blank will later form a plug-in element. It contains an upper edge 1 and an oppositely arranged lower edge 2. Both edges are parallel to each other. The plug-in element of the figure is limited by a side edge 3, 4 on the right and left. A total of seven contact elements 5 are formed on the lower edge 2 assigned to the printed circuit board, which extend downwards over the lower edge 2 and which run parallel to one another. In addition to the contact elements 5, the blank contains the 14 two spacer elements 6 and four securing elements 7 on its lower edge 2. The securing elements 7 are 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 blank has bending lines 9, in the extension of which narrow slots 10 are arranged. The slots 10 are intended to facilitate bending.

From the flat position shown, the sheet metal blank is the 14 converted by bending the right and left portions outside of the two bend lines by 90 degrees about these bend lines. This results in two wings running parallel to one another, surrounding a central part. This form is from the 15 apparent. In the middle part are two of the upper edge 1 outgoing slots 11 are formed. As a result, a tongue 12 is formed between the two slots 11, which is slightly inward, 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 by inserting the fuse elements 7 present on the underside 2 of the plug-in element and the contact elements 5 into plated-through holes arranged in the same arrangement. Since the fuse elements 7 are longer than the contact elements 5, the fuse elements 7 first get into the four associated holes, with the oblique shape on the front side of the fuse elements 7 facilitating insertion. As soon as the securing elements 7, which also represent positioning aids, have engaged in the holes, the contact elements 5 are aligned with respect to the plated-through holes assigned to them, so that they can now be pushed into the plated-through holes. The insertion movement is limited by the fact that the underside of the spacer elements 6 rests on the top of the printed circuit board. The stops 14 present on the outside in the region of the side edges 3, 4 are then also in contact with the upper side of the printed circuit board.

How to 15 can be seen, two such plug-in elements are arranged opposite one another. Between them they form a space in which, for example, a battery can be inserted, which is held mechanically limited by the wings 13 and the central part, and in which the contact is achieved by the tongues 12.

the 16 shows a sheet metal blank from which another plug-in element can be produced by bending. The sheet metal blank contains six contact elements 5 on two opposite longitudinal sides, which have the same shape as the contact elements 5 according to the embodiment 14 . At the ends of the point where the contact elements 5 are arranged, spacer elements 6 are formed again, which form a stop make for inserting. Sheet metal sections 14 and 15 are formed on the right-hand side of the sheet metal blank, which are used to be placed around a cable and pressed there. The sheet metal cutting 16 is bent in such a way that the two rows of contact elements 5 run parallel to one another, so that all contact elements 5 run parallel to one another. This is from the side in 17 shown. the 18 shows the arrangement of the finished bent sheet metal element from the right in 17 . The sheet metal parts 14 are bent up so that a cable can now be inserted here, which is then pressed with the sheet metal blank.

Details of the contact elements 5 and the spacer elements 6 go out 19 emerges that an enlarged view of the contact elements 5 of 17 represents.

In the 19 Downward ends of the spacer elements 6 form the line which corresponds to the surface of the circuit board after the plug-in element has been inserted into the circuit board. The contact elements 5 contain two legs 16 between which a slot 17 is formed. The legs 16 begin at the lower edge 2 of the plug-in element initially with parallel side edges 18. Shortly below the surface plane 19 mentioned, the outer edges 20 of the two legs, which face away from one another, are convexly curved outwards. The inner sides 21 of the legs 16 facing one another also follow this shape. The ends of the legs 16 are at a distance from one another. In this way, the legs 16 of the contact elements 15 can be deformed inward, that is to say in a direction which runs transversely to the plug-in direction of the contact elements 5 . The plug-in direction is in 17 and 19 directed from top to bottom.

while the 14 and 15 show a plug-in element that serves as a holder for a component, and the Figures 16 to 19 a plug-in element that acts as a plug for a single cable is formed, the shows 20 now a plug-in element in which the contact elements 5 protrude from a housing 22. Connections with a plurality of cables 23 to the individual contact elements 5 are accommodated in the housing 22 . It is therefore a plug with a large number of cables 23.

Levers 24 made of plastic are integrally formed on the two opposite sides of the housing 22 and can be tilted about the molding point 25 . With their front ends 26, these levers 24 engage through the through-openings 27 of the printed circuit board 28. FIG. At this end 26 each lever 24 is provided with a barb which prevents it from being pulled out of the hole 27 in the printed circuit board 28 . The two levers 24 are biased into this position shown, in which the barbs rest against the back of the printed circuit board 28 . To pull out the plug, the two levers must be twisted in such a way that the barbs fit through the holes 27. The tilting can be done by pressing the lever 24 inwards on the end 29 facing away from the printed circuit board 28 .

21 shows an embodiment where a housing 30 is provided with a row of contact elements 5, which are constructed in the same way as in FIG 19 shown. Again levers 24 are formed on both sides of the housing 30, which have the same function as in the embodiment according to FIG 20 . Here the contact elements 5 are connected to electrical and/or electronic components within the housing 30 . It can be a matter of simple or more complicated electronic components, for example entire circuits.

Since the front ends 26 of the levers 24 protrude clearly beyond the front ends of the contact elements 5, and since the front ends taper to a point, these front ends of the levers 24 form a positioning aid with the aid of which the male element opposite the through openings. 27 can be aligned so that the contact elements 5 find their associated holes immediately.

To connect plug-in elements to printed circuit boards, it is proposed that the printed circuit board have plated-through holes and the plug-in element has contact elements that correspond to the plated-through holes and can be pushed into them. The dimensions of the contact elements and the plated-through holes are matched to one another in such a way that the plug-in element can be pushed into the plated-through holes by hand with the contact elements. The plug-in element can also be removed from the printed circuit board again by hand. So that sufficient contact can be established between the contact elements and the wall of the plated-through holes despite the connection that can be produced with little force, it is provided that the contact elements are designed to be resilient or flexible in a direction transverse to the sliding direction.

In the following, referring to 22 to 29 described vibration-resistant connection arrangements according to other embodiments of the first aspect of the invention. 30 to 32 show associated contact elements for the connection arrangements according to FIG 22 to 29 .

22 shows a connection arrangement 100 according to a further embodiment of the invention.

The connector assembly 100 includes a tab 102 and a printed circuit board 28. The tab 102 includes, as shown in FIG 23 are better shown, a housing 104 with a matrix-like arrangement of line receptacles 106 for receiving electrical, not shown Cables. The circuit board 28 contains plated-through holes 54 in a corresponding matrix-like arrangement. The plug-in element 102 also contains a plurality of pluggable spring-like contact elements 108, which are also arranged in a matrix shape 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 holes 54 and removed from them again without their reversible, Hookean, non-plastically deforming spring characteristics changing.

The bores 54 and the contact elements 108 that can be inserted into them are matched to one another in such a way that the plug-in element 102 can be connected to the circuit board 28 manually by inserting the contact elements 108 into the bores 54 and can then be removed again by hand.

According to the 22 to 24 shown embodiment of the connection arrangement 100, the contact elements 108 are designed as crimp contacts. These contact elements 108 contain a crimpable contact section 110 and an elastically pluggable section 112 which is attached to the crimpable crimp section 110 . The crimpable crimp section 110 has a different material than the elastically pluggable section 112 and can also be formed from a different material thickness than the elastically pluggable section 112.

According to the 22 to 24 In the exemplary embodiment of the connection arrangement 100 shown, the vibration-resistant mechanical fuse is designed as a pair of latching clips 114 which are attached to opposite lateral end sections of the housing 104 . The latching clips 114 can be actuated manually by a user by means of a corresponding pair of handles 116 in an upper end section of the housing 104 . the Snap-in clips 114 are designed to engage in correspondingly designed snap-in receiving openings 116 in circuit board 28 .

22 shows the connector assembly 100 in a mated state, whereas FIG 23 shows the connection arrangement 100 in a separated condition. 24 shows the connection arrangement 100 in a cross-sectional view. This shows how the elastically pluggable sections 112 are accommodated in an elastically resilient manner by the corresponding bores 54, a reliable electrical contact being established at the same time.

With the connection arrangement 100 according to FIG Figures 22 to 24 direct plugging using locking clips 114 is thus possible. The plug-in element 102 is plugged into the circuit board 28 and locked there by means of the locking clips 114 . Tolerance compensation for the top of the circuit board can be achieved by deep milling on the underside of the circuit board or circuit board 28 .

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

According to 25 and 26 is a vibration-resistant mechanical fuse as a pair of screw elements 134, arranged on laterally opposite lower end sections of the housing 104, formed and adapted to engage in a correspondingly formed threaded bushing 136 of the printed circuit board 28. In other words, in the printed circuit board 28 A threaded bushing 136 is pressed in at two points, which has an internal thread that corresponds to an external thread of the respective screw element 134 . By means of rotary actuation of actuating elements 138 in an upper end section of the housing 104, the plug-in element 132 can thus be screwed firmly to the printed circuit board 28 by hand after it has been inserted. The threaded bushings 136 can also be screwed to the board or printed circuit board 28 or, alternatively, pressed. Thickness tolerances of the circuit board or printed circuit board 28 can be compensated for via a screw-in depth.

27 to 29 12 show different views of a connection arrangement 150 according to yet another exemplary embodiment of the invention, in which vibration robustness and optionally high-current capability are again made possible.

27 shows a plug-in element 152 in a printed circuit board 28 in the plugged-in state, whereas according to FIG 28 male member 152 is shown in an unmated condition with respect to circuit board 28 . 29 shows a partial cross section through the connection arrangement 150, by means of which the resiliently elastic receiving characteristic of the electrically pluggable sections 112 of the plug-in element 152 can be recognized.

According to 27 to 29 the vibration-resistant mechanical fuse is realized using a pair of expanding rivets 154, 154', which can be actuated by means of actuating elements 138 and can be inserted into correspondingly provided rivet receiving openings 156 in the printed circuit board 28 in a fastening manner. Thus according to 27 to 29 the direct connection is realized by means of expanding rivets 154, 154', with the respective rivet bolts being able to be pressed in and variably expanded. Tolerances of the board thickness, that is, the thickness of the circuit board 28 can be compensated will. 28 shows an active expanding rivet 154 and an inactive expanding rivet 154'. The associated expanding rivet bolts are arranged in the interior of the housing 104 .

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

30 shows that the crimpable crimped section 110 and the elastically pluggable section 112 are realized mechanically and electrically using a combined embossed and riveted connection 170 . To realize the elastically pluggable section 112, a fork contact for bores with a diameter of 2.3 mm to 2.5 mm is again provided. Wieland K55 or Wieland K88 with a material thickness of 0.8 mm can be used as the material for the elastically pluggable section 112 . The crimpable crimp portion 110 includes a crimp zone 172 for cable receipt having a cross-sectional area between 1.5 mm ² and 2.5 mm ² . For example, bronze CuSn ₆ with a material thickness of 0.4 mm can be used as the material for the crimpable crimp section 110 .

The actual contacting elements of the electrically pluggable section 112 have two legs 16 which leave a gap 174 free between them and whose outer sides 20 facing away from one another are convexly curved. 30 shows that the sections 110, 112 overlap in an overlapping area 176 and are connected to one another there by means of the embossed and riveted connection 170.

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

In addition, it should be noted that "comprising" does not exclude other elements or steps. Furthermore, it should be pointed out that features or steps that have been described with reference to one of the above exemplary embodiments can also be used in combination with other features or steps of other exemplary embodiments described above. Any reference signs in the claims should not be construed as limiting.

Claims (12)

1. Connection arrangement with

   1.1 a plug element which comprises

   1.2 at least one pluggable spring-like contact element (5), in particular a plurality of pluggable spring-like contact elements (5) with a reversible deflection characteristic, and with

   1.3 a circuit board (28) with plated-through bores,

   1.4 which are arranged in an arrangement which corresponds to the arrangement of the contact element (5) or the contact elements (5) of the plug element, wherein

   1.5 the bores and the contact element (5) which is pluggable in them or the contact elements (5) which are pluggable in them are adapted to each other, such that

   1.6 the plug element can be connected with the circuit board (28) by hand by plugging the contact element (5) or the contact elements (5) into the bores, and can be removed by hand;

   1.7 and with a vibration-robust mechanical security (7) against unintentionally detaching the plug element from the circuit board (28);

   wherein the contact element (5) and the vibration-robust mechanical security (7) are provided separately from each other,

   wherein the contact element (5) or the contact elements (5) comprises or comprise two legs (16) which leave an intermediate space (17) between each other;

   wherein the contact element (5) or the contact elements (5) is or are provided as two curved spring elements with a distance to each other,

   wherein the intermediate space (17) is present within one of the bores at least in the region in which the respective contact elements, after plugging-in, are arranged, wherein the ends of the legs (16) comprise the intermediate space (17) between each other.
2. Connection arrangement according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of pluggable contact elements (5) are arranged in parallel to each other.
3. Connection 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).
4. Connection arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the contact element (5) or the contact elements (5), at least in the region which is to be arranged within the plated-through bores, is or are configured in a flexible manner in a direction transverse to the plug direction.
5. Connection arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the exterior sides (20) of the legs (17) which are facing away from each other are formed in a convexly curved manner.
6. Connection arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, wherein all contact elements (5) of a plug element are integrally made of one piece of sheet metal by stamping and bending.
7. Connection arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, wherein each pluggable contact element (5) is configured for an electrical load capacity of at least 5 Ampere, in particular of at least 10 Ampere, further in particular of at least 20 Ampere.
8. Connection arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, wherein each pluggable contact element (5) is configured to be pluggable in one of the bores with a plugging force of maximum 10 N.
9. Connection arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the contact element (5) or the contact elements (108) is or are configured as crimping contacts.
10. Connection arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the contact elements (5) are configured such that, when plugging the contact element (5) or the contact elements (5) into the bores by hand, the contact element (5) or the contact elements (5) is or are only deformed in the elastic region.
11. Vehicle comprising a connection arrangement according to one of the preceding claims 1 to 10.
12. Use of a connection arrangement according to one of the preceding claims 1 to 10 for transferring an electric current of at least 5 Ampere, in particular of at least 10 Ampere, further in particular of at least 20 Ampere, between a contact element (5) of the plug connection and the circuit board (28) which is attached to it.

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