EP4336659A1 - Electrical connector, circuit arrangement and electrical assembly - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to an electrical plug connector (1), in particular a circuit board plug connector, with a first end section (2) and a second end section (4), with a first electrical interface (3) on the first end section (2) and a first electrical interface (3) on the second end section ( 4) a second electrical interface (5) is formed. The electrical plug connector (1) also has an extension axis (L) running between the first interface (3) and the second interface (5). The first interface (3) and the second interface (5) can each be connected to a corresponding mating interface of an electrical mating connector at least along a first plug-in direction (S₁) oriented transversely to the extension axis (L). A third electrical interface (6) is formed between the two end sections (2, 4) for contacting at least one electrical conductor (7) of an electrical circuit (8), in particular for contacting an electrical conductor (7) of an electrical circuit (8). electrical circuit board (9).

Description

The present application takes priority German patent application No. 10 2022 122 509.7 claim, the content of which is incorporated herein in its entirety by reference.

The invention relates to an electrical connector, in particular a circuit board connector, with a first electrical interface, a second electrical interface and a third electrical interface, wherein the first interface and the second interface are preferably plug-in compatible with one another.

The invention further relates to a circuit arrangement, comprising at least one electrical plug connector and an electrical circuit, wherein the electrical plug connector contacts at least one electrical conductor of the electrical circuit.

The invention also relates to an electrical assembly, comprising a carrier device and a plurality of circuit arrangements arranged on the carrier device.

Various electrical connectors are known from electrical engineering. As is known, electrical plug connectors are used to transmit electrical supply signals and/or data signals to other plug connectors or to corresponding mating plug connectors. A connector or mating connector can be a plug, a circuit board connector, a built-in plug, a socket, a coupling or an adapter. The term “connector” or “mating connector” used in the context of the invention represents all variants.

Electrical assemblies are sometimes used in electrical engineering, which can be modularly equipped with individual circuit arrangements, for example in order to vary or expand the functionality of the electrical assembly. It is necessary to distribute electrical signals (e.g. supply signals) to the electrical circuits of the respective circuit arrangements. In particular, if the electrical assembly is to be modular, it can be advantageous to arrange an electrical connector on opposite sides of the individual circuit arrangements or circuits in order to forward the electrical signals from circuit arrangement to circuit arrangement. In this way, adjacent circuit arrangements can be electrically connected to one another using the mutually facing connectors and the preceding circuit arrangement can be connected to the subsequent circuit arrangements supply electrical data and/or supply signals. Such an electrical assembly can be used extremely flexibly.

One requirement for connectors is that they must be able to be produced economically in large quantities. Therefore, assembly times, such as attaching the electrical connectors to the respective circuit arrangement, for example soldering the electrical connectors to an electrical circuit board, should be kept as short as possible.

In view of the known prior art, the object of the present invention is to provide an electrical connector that can be manufactured and assembled with preferably little economic effort and that is particularly suitable for use with an electrical assembly that can be modularly equipped with individual circuit arrangements.

The present invention is also based on the object of providing a circuit arrangement with an electrical plug connector which can be produced and assembled with preferably little economic effort and which is particularly suitable for the modular assembly of an electrical assembly.

It is also an object of the invention to provide an electrical assembly which can be produced and assembled with preferably little economic effort and which is particularly suitable for modular assembly with individual circuit arrangements.

The task is solved for the electrical connector with the features listed in claim 1. With regard to the circuit arrangement, the task is solved by the features of claim 13 and with regard to the electrical assembly by claim 14.

The dependent claims and the features described below relate to advantageous embodiments and variants of the invention.

An electrical connector is provided, in particular a circuit board connector. In principle, however, it can be any type of electrical connector, for example a cable connector. Preferably, however, the electrical connector is an electrical connector that can be connected to an electrical circuit (but not necessarily an electrical circuit on an electrical circuit board).

According to the invention, the electrical plug connector has a first end section and a second end section, with a first electrical interface being formed on the first end section and a second electrical interface being formed on the second end section.

The first electrical interface and the second electrical interface are preferably each an interface that can be contacted electrically and/or mechanically by a further, compatible plug connector or "mating plug connector", preferably a pluggable interface, so that plugging together with the further plug connector or . is possible with the mating connector.

The first end section and/or second end section of the electrical plug connector does not necessarily have to be a respective end of the plug connector. The respective electrical interface can be spaced from the immediate end of the electrical connector.

The first electrical interface can also be referred to as the first contact section and the second electrical interface as the second contact section. The terms are accordingly interchangeable.

A connecting section or connecting area can be provided between the first interface or the first contact section and the second interface or the second contact section.

Preferably, the first electrical interface and the second electrical interface are formed on sides of the electrical connector facing away from each other.

Preferably, only the first interface and no further interface is formed in the first end section. Preferably, only the second interface and no further interface is formed in the second end section.

The electrical connector preferably extends along a longitudinal axis and preferably has a substantially elongated design.

An extension axis runs between the first interface and the second interface, which is preferably the longitudinal axis of the electrical plug connector.

The extension axis preferably runs between the two end sections and therefore preferably also extends through the above-mentioned connecting section arranged between the two end sections, in particular in the manner of a central axis.

According to the invention, the first interface and the second interface can each be connected at least along a first plug-in direction oriented transversely to the extension axis with a corresponding mating interface of an electrical mating connector, in particular with an electrical mating connector of the same or at least a compatible design as the connector according to the invention.

The first insertion direction can preferably run orthogonally or at least substantially orthogonally to the extension axis. However, the first plug-in direction can also be at any angle to the extension axis, for example tilted by 45° or more to the extension axis, preferably tilted by 60° or more to the extension axis, particularly preferably tilted by 80° or more to the extension axis.

In an advantageous development, it can be provided that the first interface and the second interface can each be connected to the corresponding mating interface of the mating electrical connector along a second mating direction aligned parallel or at least substantially parallel to the extension axis, in addition to the first plug-in direction.

According to the invention it is provided that a third electrical interface is formed between the two end sections for contacting at least one electrical conductor of an electrical circuit. The third interface is preferably designed for direct contacting of the electrical conductor, but if necessary also only for indirect contacting, for example using an electrically conductive intermediate contact element.

The third interface can in particular be directly connectable to at least one electrical conductor of an electrical circuit of an electrical circuit board ("Printed Circuit Board", PCB), i.e. in particular to a conductor track, a plated-through hole ("Via") or a soldering area ("Pad") .

The third interface is preferably electrically connected to the first interface and the second interface.

Preferably, the third interface is formed in the above-mentioned connection section.

The third interface can in principle be formed in any section of the electrical connector between the two end sections, for example in a central section of the electrical connector. However, the third electrical interface is preferably closer to one of the two end sections. Preferably, the third electrical interface is also arranged on an end section of the electrical plug connector, for example on the first end section or the second end section of the electrical plug connector.

An electrical plug connector can advantageously be provided which is able to supply data and/or supply signals to an electrical circuit and which can also be further connected to other electrical plug connectors of the corresponding plug connector type. The further connection, i.e. the transfer of the data and/or supply signals, can take place between the said end sections of the electrical plug connector. At the same time, the electrical signal can be branched off to the electrical circuit via the third interface.

It is therefore possible in a particularly advantageous manner to replace the two separate plug connectors that are generally required for further contacting according to the prior art with a single plug connector.

This results in, among other things, the advantages of material savings, reduction in installation space and, in particular, simplified assembly of the electrical connector on the electrical circuit, since two separate connectors no longer have to be connected (manually) to the electrical circuit.

The electrical connector can be designed to electrically distribute at least one data and/or supply signal between the mentioned electrical interfaces.

Several electrical paths that are electrically isolated and/or shielded from one another can run between the interfaces, for example at least a first electrical path, but preferably also at least one separate, second electrical path. The electrical connector can therefore in particular be designed to have multiple poles, for example for transmitting both poles of a direct voltage or the connections of an at least single-phase alternating voltage. In principle, any number of power and/or data paths can be used be provided, each of which is distributed isolated and/or shielded from the other current and/or data paths through the first, second and third interfaces.

According to a further development of the invention, it can be provided that the first interface and the second interface are compatible with one another, preferably plug-in compatible with one another.

The fact that the first interface and the second interface are plug-in compatible with one another means that the first interface can be plugged together with the second interface in order to establish an electrical and mechanical connection. However, this is not provided with the same plug connector, but with a further, compatible plug connector or mating plug connector, in particular with a further plug connector according to the invention according to the above and following statements. A first interface of a first plug connector according to the invention can therefore be connectable to a second interface of a second plug connector according to the invention - or vice versa.

According to a particularly advantageous development of the invention, it can be provided that the electrical plug connector has at least one electrical contact element which extends from the first interface to the second interface. The electrical contact element also has the third interface, which is formed between the first interface and the second interface.

The at least one electrical contact element can have respective contact areas in the area of said interfaces, which are designed for direct electrical and mechanical contact with a corresponding mating contact element of a compatible, in particular also according to the invention, further electrical plug connector.

The electrical contact element or its contact areas described in more detail below can preferably form a main component of the interfaces of the electrical plug connector, possibly in cooperation with other plug connector components, such as further contact elements and / or the plug connector housing mentioned below.

In a further development, it can be provided that the electrical connector has exactly two of the said electrical contact elements, which are electrically insulated from one another.

A particularly advantageous use of the proposed electrical connector can be the already mentioned, relayable electrical power and voltage supply between adjacent electrical circuits. The provision of two separate electrical paths can therefore be particularly preferred, so that, for example, a phase and ground connection or an anode and cathode connection can be passed on via the same electrical connector and simultaneously fed to the electrical circuit.

However, the actual use is not necessarily important in the context of the invention. In principle, the electrical connector can also be suitable for passing on electrical data signals, for example for use with a modularly expandable data bus. A mixed transmission of data and supply signals via the electrical connector can also be provided.

In principle, any number of contact elements can be provided, which are preferably each electrically insulated from one another and optionally electromagnetically shielded from one another.

In the case of several electrical contact elements, these are preferably arranged parallel to one another. For this purpose, the electrical contact elements are preferably spaced apart from one another. The space between the contact elements can optionally be at least partially filled by a dielectric solid body (e.g. the connector housing mentioned below).

It can be provided that the electrical connector in a minimalist embodiment consists exclusively of the at least one contact element, so that in particular the connector housing mentioned below is completely eliminated.

In an advantageous development of the invention, it can be provided that the at least one electrical contact element is made from a primarily flat material, in particular from a sheet metal material.

The first interface, the second interface and/or the third interface can be designed as a flat contact. If necessary, the entire contact element can be designed as a flat contact.

In particular, it can be provided that the electrical contact element is designed as a stamped and bent part. However, other manufacturing processes are also possible.

According to an advantageous development of the invention, it can be provided that the first interface and the second interface are arranged aligned with one another along the extension axis.

In this way, adjacent mating connectors can be connected to the electrical connector without a lateral offset, so that longer, offset-free chains of connectors can also be formed.

Preferably, the first interface and the second interface are arranged in a common contact level, in particular in such a way that the actual contacting of the interfaces with the corresponding mating interfaces can each take place in the same contact level.

Optionally, the third interface can also be arranged in alignment with the first interface and/or the second interface, possibly also in the common contact level.

In particular, one or more bending points of the contact element can be formed between the first interface or the first end section and the second interface or the second end section of the electrical plug connector, for example in order to achieve a defined alignment and/or positioning of the first interface relative to the second interface enable so that electrical connectors plugged together via the first and second interfaces are aligned in alignment, preferably in a coaxial arrangement of their longitudinal axes.

Further or alternative bending points can also be provided in the contact element, for example to form one of the interfaces and/or to form one or more of the latching elements mentioned below.

According to a further development of the invention, it can be provided that the at least one contact element is made of bronze.

The contact element is preferably made of spring bronze.

The contact element can preferably be at least partially coated, in particular have gold-plated or nickel-plated contact areas.

In principle, the contact elements can each be designed in several pieces. According to a particularly preferred development of the invention, however, it is provided that each of the said contact elements is formed in one piece.

In particular, the use of one-piece contact elements has proven to be particularly advantageous for reasons of robustness, manufacturability and mountability. The electrical resistance of a one-piece contact element can also be reduced compared to a multi-piece contact element, which is why an appropriately equipped electrical plug connector can be very suitable for use with high electrical currents.

In a further development of the invention it can be provided that the at least one contact element in the first end section forms a first contact area of the first interface.

Preferably, the first contact area is a primarily elongated contact area.

The direction of extension of the primarily elongated first contact region can preferably be aligned orthogonally or at least substantially orthogonally to the longitudinal axis of the electrical plug connector or the contact element.

In a further development it can be provided that the first contact area of the at least one contact element is designed as a primarily flat contact blade.

The primary extension direction of the contact blade and the plug-in direction for the contact blade are preferably aligned orthogonally - or at least substantially orthogonally - to the longitudinal axis of the contact element or the electrical plug connector.

The contact surface of the contact sword is preferably completely flat or flat and - more preferably - can also be used for electrical contacting on both sides in order to enable low-resistance electrical contact with the second interface of a compatible, further electrical connector.

In principle, however, the first contact area of the at least one contact element can be designed as a contact element of any design, in particular also as a contact pin. The contact pin can be round, flat, rectangular or other polygonal Have cross section. Optionally, although less preferred, even a spring-loaded contact pin can be provided.

In an advantageous development of the invention it can be provided that the at least one contact element in the second end section forms a second contact area of the second interface.

The second contact area is preferably a receptacle for the first contact area of the first interface, in particular for the primarily elongated first contact area of the first interface, of a further electrical connector of a compatible design, preferably according to the present invention.

It can therefore be provided that the first interface or the first contact area of the first interface of the contact element can be inserted into the second interface or the second contact area of a contact element of a compatible, further plug connector.

The receptacle for the first contact area can be designed to enable positive and/or non-positive contact with the first contact area. A non-positive receptacle for the first contact area is particularly preferred.

In a further development it can be provided that the reception of the second contact area is formed by at least one contact spring.

For receiving and non-positively contacting the first contact area in the second contact area, the use of a single contact spring can be sufficient if, for example, further connector components are provided in the second interface, such as an inner support surface of the connector housing mentioned below. In a particularly preferred variant, however, at least two contact springs running next to one another are provided, which enable the first contact area to be inserted non-positively between one another. The use of more than two contact springs to accommodate the first contact area can also be provided, for example the use of three contact springs, four contact springs, five contact springs or even more contact springs, whereby the contact springs can be arranged, for example, in the manner of a spring basket.

The use of exactly two contact springs has proven to be particularly advantageous, also for reasons of ease of manufacture, since the two contact springs can be shaped accordingly using a simple bending process.

In an advantageous development of the invention it can be provided that the at least one contact element forms a third contact area for the third interface.

The third contact area is preferably a contact web or contact pin projecting from a base body of the contact element.

In an advantageous development, it can be provided in particular that the third contact area is designed as a press contact for a press fit in a corresponding receptacle of the electrical circuit (e.g. in a plated-through hole on a circuit board) and/or as a solder contact (e.g B. to contact a conductor track, via or a soldering surface of an electrical circuit board using solder).

Preferably, the third contact area is designed at least in sections as a soldering foot, soldering lug or soldering surface.

In principle, the third contact area can have a contact element of any type. For example, the third contact area can be designed as a contact pin (optionally even as a spring-loaded contact pin), for example in the manner of a probe or a test tip. One or more spring tabs can also be provided to form the third contact area. Furthermore, it can even be provided that the third contact area is designed to accommodate the electrical conductor (e.g. a contact pin of the circuit board) of the electrical circuit at least in sections, for example in a non-positive and/or positive manner.

Preferably, the third interface of the electrical connector or the third contact area of the electrical contact element is designed such that the connection point between the third interface and the electrical conductor of the electrical circuit is visually visible to a technician and can therefore be controlled. It can also be provided that the connection point is accessible for influence (for example in the event of assembly or repair).

In a particularly advantageous development of the invention, it can be provided that the electrical connector has a connector housing.

The connector housing is preferably designed to provide access to the first, second and third interfaces.

The connector housing can form part of the respective interfaces, possibly together with the contact element, to ensure plug-in compatibility. It can optionally also be provided that the connector housing has mechanical coding means in order to enable mating only with a compatible mating connector and, if necessary, only in one or more defined orientations.

An electrically insulating connector housing is preferably provided; However, if necessary, an electrically conductive connector housing can also be used, in particular if the contact elements are nevertheless arranged electrically insulated from each other and possibly from the connector housing, for example using one or more additional dielectrics. In principle, a combination of insulating and electrically conductive housing components can also be provided.

Preferably, the at least one contact element is secured within the connector housing.

In particular, it can be provided that the connector housing is formed in one piece. However, a multi-piece connector housing can also be provided, which has, for example, a first housing shell and a second housing shell, which are locked, screwed or otherwise firmly connected to one another in the assembled state.

The connector housing is preferably made of a plastic, in particular a thermoplastic or plastomer, such as polyamide. However, the connector housing can also be made, for example, from a liquid crystal polymer (“Liquid Crystal Polymer”, LCP).

The connector housing is preferably designed as a plastic injection molded part.

In an advantageous development of the invention, it can be provided that the connector housing has a separate contact chamber for each contact element.

The contact chamber is preferably a primarily slot-like contact chamber for receiving a primarily flat contact element or a contact element made of a sheet metal material.

Preferably, the respective contact chamber extends partially or completely through the connector housing along the longitudinal axis of the electrical plug connector, starting from a side facing the first interface. The extension direction of the contact chamber can then preferably run orthogonally or at least substantially orthogonally to the first plug-in direction of the first and second interfaces or at least substantially parallel to the extension axis/the second plug-in direction.

In principle, however, the contact chamber can extend from any side through the connector housing, for example also along the first plug-in direction of the first and second interfaces or orthogonally to the extension axis/the second plug-in direction.

In a further development of the invention, it can be provided that the at least one contact element is locked in the connector housing, preferably, if necessary, releasably locked (non-destructively).

In particular, the contact element can be locked in the respective contact chamber.

According to a further development of the invention, it can be provided that a latching tab on the one hand and a latching recess or a latching recess on the other hand are designed for the latching between a respective contact element and the connector housing.

In a preferred variant, the at least one contact element has one, preferably two, elevations arranged on opposite sides to form respective locking recesses in order to lock with corresponding locking tabs in the connector housing. However, the contact element can also have one or more locking tabs - the specific distribution of the locking elements is fundamentally not necessarily important.

The connector housing can optionally have one or more support surfaces for mechanical support on the electrical circuit, in particular on the electrical circuit board. The support surfaces are preferably designed to support the connector housing on the same surface of the electrical circuit on which the electrical conductor for connection to the third interface is located.

The connector housing can optionally have one or more fastening elements in order to mechanically attach the electrical connector to the electrical circuit, in particular the electrical circuit board. The fastening elements can be, for example, locking lugs or screw elements.

Optionally, it can be provided that the electrical connector has an electromagnetic shielding in order to electromagnetically shield the at least one contact element at least in sections. In this case, several of the electrical contact elements can be shielded individually, in groups and/or together.

However, the electrical connector is preferably designed to be as minimalist as possible and consists exclusively of at least one electrical contact element (preferably two contact elements) and exactly one electrically insulating connector housing, in particular a one-piece connector housing.

The invention also relates to a circuit arrangement, comprising at least one electrical plug connector according to the above and following statements, and the electrical circuit with the at least one electrical conductor, wherein the third interface of the electrical plug connector electrically contacts the at least one electrical conductor. The third interface of the electrical connector is preferably also mechanically firmly connected to the electrical conductor of the electrical circuit.

The electrical connector is advantageously suitable for providing an electrical data and/or supply connection for the electrical circuit, with each electrical connector being able to provide multiple current and/or data paths if necessary. The corresponding data and/or supply signals can advantageously be passed on to further electrical connectors of the same connector type or at least a compatible connector type or received from such a connector. In this way, it is advantageously possible to connect several circuit arrangements directly to one another or in another electrical arrangement, for example in order to provide an electrical assembly that can be equipped with modular equipment.

Optionally, it can be provided that the circuit arrangement has a plurality of electrical plug connectors according to the above and following versions, which are connected to the electrical circuit, for example by a redundant or parallel data and/or supply connection and/or by further data and/or To provide supply connections.

The invention also relates to an electrical assembly, comprising a carrier device and a plurality of circuit arrangements arranged on the carrier device according to the above and following statements, with two immediately adjacent ones Circuit arrangements are electrically connected to one another via their respective electrical connectors.

Optionally, it can be provided that the electrical assembly has at least one electrical assembly connector according to the above and following statements. In principle, however, the electrical assembly can also have, for example, an electrical assembly connector which has an assembly interface that is plug-in compatible with the first interface and/or second interface of the electrical plug connector described above and below, so that at least a first circuit arrangement (e.g. one in a row of circuit arrangements outermost circuit arrangement) can be inserted with its electrical connector into the assembly connector of the electrical assembly.

The first circuit arrangement can be supplied with data and/or supply signals directly from the electrical assembly, for example from a control device and/or an electrical supply source of the electrical assembly. A second circuit arrangement adjacent to the first circuit arrangement can finally be further supplied with the data and/or supply signals from the first circuit arrangement, since the electrical data and/or supply signals are passed on through the proposed electrical plug connector. In this way, any chain of adjacent circuit arrangements can be formed.

The carrier device can be designed as a mounting rail, in particular a top-hat rail, or can be suitable for attachment to a mounting rail or top-hat rail.

It can be provided that the carrier device has respective slots for the circuit arrangements, in particular for non-positively and/or positively locking accommodation of the circuit arrangements.

In an advantageous development, it can be provided that the circuit arrangements can be plugged and unplugged individually into the carrier device, the electrical plug connectors of the carrier device being designed and arranged and aligned on the electrical circuit of the respective circuit arrangement so that the circuit arrangement can be plugged into the carrier device at the same time a plugging together of the first interface and the second interface causes immediately adjacent electrical connectors.

The invention is particularly suitable for use in a switchgear, in particular for use with modular switchgear, whereby the circuit arrangements can be plugged into the electrical assembly as expansion modules.

The present invention is particularly suitable for providing and passing on electrical supply signals between individual circuit arrangements of the electrical assembly via the respective electrical connectors. The electrical plug connectors, in particular the contact elements, can be designed, for example, to be able to transmit an electrical voltage between 1.0 volts and 100 volts, preferably between 5 volts and 80 volts, for example approximately 60 volts. Preferably, the electrical plug connectors, in particular the contact elements, can be designed to be able to transmit electrical currents in the amount of 0.1 ampere to 50 ampere, preferably 0.5 ampere to 20 ampere, for example approximately 10 ampere. In principle, however, even higher currents and/or voltages or even lower currents and/or voltages can be provided.

The invention also relates to an electrical contact element for an electrical connector, in particular for a circuit board connector, with a first end section and a second end section, a first contact area being formed on the first end section and a second contact area being formed on the second end section, and with a contact area between the first contact area and the second contact area extension axis (which preferably runs through a connecting section formed between the two contact areas), wherein the first contact area and the second contact area can be contacted by a corresponding mating contact element of an electrical mating connector along a first plug-in direction oriented transversely to the extension axis, and wherein between the two contact areas a third contact area is formed for contacting at least one electrical conductor of an electrical circuit, in particular an electrical circuit of an electrical circuit board. The invention also relates to an electrical connector having the contact element defined above.

Features that have been described in connection with one of the objects of the invention, namely given by the electrical connector according to the invention, the circuit arrangement according to the invention, the electrical assembly according to the invention and the electrical contact element according to the invention, can also be advantageously implemented for the other objects of the invention. Likewise, advantages that were mentioned in connection with one of the objects of the invention can also be understood in relation to the other objects of the invention.

In addition, it should be noted that terms such as “comprising”, “having” or “with” do not exclude other features or steps. Furthermore, terms such as "a" or "the", which indicate a singular number of steps or features, do not exclude a plurality of features or steps - and vice versa.

In a puristic embodiment of the invention, however, it can also be provided that the features introduced in the invention with the terms “comprising”, “having” or “with” are listed exhaustively. Accordingly, one or more lists of features may be considered complete within the scope of the invention, for example considered for each claim. The invention can, for example, consist exclusively of the features mentioned in claim 1.

It should be mentioned that terms such as "first" or "second" etc. are used primarily for reasons of distinguishing between respective device or method features and are not necessarily intended to indicate that features are mutually dependent or related to one another.

Furthermore, it should be emphasized that the values and parameters described here represent deviations or fluctuations of ±10% or less, preferably ±5% or less, more preferably ±1% or less, and most preferably ±0.1% or less of the respectively named Value or parameter included, provided that these deviations are not excluded when implementing the invention in practice. The specification of ranges through initial and final values also includes all those values and fractions that are included in the respectively named range, in particular the initial and final values and a respective mean value.

The invention also relates to an electrical connector independent of claim 1. The applicant reserves the right to separately claim said independent electrical connector. Said electrical connector, in particular circuit board connector, has a first electrical interface and a second electrical interface, the first interface and the second interface being compatible with one another (preferably plug-in compatible), and a third electrical interface being formed between the two interfaces. Preferably, the first interface is formed on a first end portion of the electrical plug connector and the second interface is formed on a second end portion of the electrical plug connector, with the third interface being formed between the two end portions. Preferably, the third interface is designed for contacting at least one electrical conductor of an electrical circuit, in particular an electrical circuit of an electrical circuit board. Said connector can possibly consist exclusively of an electrical contact element, but optionally also have further connector components, such as a connector housing. The further features of claim 1 and the dependent claims as well as the features described in the present description relate to advantageous embodiments and variants of said independent electrical connector.

Exemplary embodiments of the invention are described in more detail below with reference to the drawings.

The figures each show preferred exemplary embodiments in which individual features of the present invention are shown in combination with one another. Features of one exemplary embodiment can also be implemented separately from the other features of the same exemplary embodiment and can accordingly be easily combined by a person skilled in the art to form further sensible combinations and sub-combinations with features of other exemplary embodiments.

In the figures, functionally identical elements are provided with the same reference numbers.

Figur 1

ein erstes Ausführungsbeispiel eines erfindungsgemäßen elektrischen Steckverbinders mit zwei Kontaktelementen und einem einteiligen, elektrisch isolierenden Steckverbindergehäuse, in einer perspektivischen Darstellung;

Figur 2

den elektrischen Steckverbinder gemäß Figur 1 in einer weiteren perspektivischen Darstellung;

Figur 3

eines der Kontaktelemente des elektrischen Steckverbinders der Figuren 1 und 2 in einer perspektivischen Einzeldarstellung;

Figur 4

ein zweites Ausführungsbeispiel eines erfindungsgemäßen elektrischen Steckverbinders mit zwei Kontaktelementen und einem einteiligen, elektrisch isolierenden Steckverbindergehäuse, in einer perspektivischen Darstellung;

Figur 5

eines der Kontaktelemente des elektrischen Steckverbinders der Figur 4 in einer perspektivischen Einzeldarstellung;

Figur 6

eine elektrische Baugruppe mit mehreren Schaltungsanordnungen und elektrischen Steckverbindern gemäß einem Ausführungsbeispiel der Erfindung; und

Figur 7

eine weitere Variante eines Kontaktelements zur Verwendung in einem erfindungsgemäßen elektrischen Steckverbinder, in einer perspektivischen Darstellung.

It shows schematically:

Figure 1

a first embodiment of an electrical connector according to the invention with two contact elements and a one-piece, electrically insulating connector housing, in a perspective view;

Figure 2

the electrical connector according to Figure 1 in another perspective view;

Figure 3

one of the contact elements of the electrical connector Figures 1 and 2 in a perspective individual representation;

Figure 4

a second embodiment of an electrical connector according to the invention with two contact elements and a one-piece, electrically insulating connector housing, in a perspective view;

Figure 5

one of the contact elements of the electrical connector Figure 4 in a perspective individual representation;

Figure 6

an electrical assembly with multiple circuit arrangements and electrical connectors according to an embodiment of the invention; and

Figure 7

a further variant of a contact element for use in an electrical connector according to the invention, in a perspective view.

The Figures 1 to 3 show a preferred embodiment of an electrical connector 1 according to the invention.

The electrical plug connector 1 is primarily elongated and extends along a longitudinal axis L. A first electrical interface 3 is formed on a first end section 2 of the electrical plug connector 1 and a second electrical interface 5 is formed on a second end section 4. The longitudinal axis L forms an extension axis between the two end sections 2, 4. The first interface 3 and the second interface 5 are plug-in compatible with each other, so that the electrical plug connector 1 can be connected to a corresponding, further electrical plug connector of the same or at least similar plug connector type. However, plug-in compatibility is not absolutely necessary within the scope of the invention, which will be explained below with reference to Figure 7 should be clarified in more detail.

The first interface 3 and the second interface 5 are each at least along a first plug-in direction S ₁ which is oriented transversely to the extension axis or longitudinal axis L (cf. Figure 1 and Figure 6 ) can be connected to a corresponding mating interface of an electrical mating connector (not shown). Optionally, it can also be provided that the first interface 3 and the second interface 5 can each be connected to the corresponding mating interface of the mating electrical connector along a second mating direction S ₂ aligned parallel to the extension axis or longitudinal axis L in addition to the first plug-in direction S ₁ .

A third electrical interface 6 is provided between the two end sections 2, 4 for direct contacting of at least one electrical conductor 7 of an electrical circuit 8. In the exemplary embodiments, the electrical connector 1 is designed, for example, as a circuit board connector, which is why said third interface 6 is designed to contact the electrical conductor 7 of an electrical circuit 8 (not shown in detail) formed on the electrical circuit board 9. The electrical circuit board 9 is in Figure 1 indicated by dashed lines as an example. The combination of electrical connector 1 and electrical circuit 8 or electrical circuit board 9 is referred to as “circuit arrangement” 10 within the scope of the invention.

In the exemplary embodiments, the electrical plug connector 1 has two electrical contact elements 11, each of which extends from the first interface 3 via the third interface 6 to the second interface 5. The contact elements 11 are electrically insulated from one another or spaced apart from one another in order to form electrical paths that are independent of one another. A particularly advantageous embodiment results from the illustrated parallel arrangement of the electrical contact elements 11.

One of the contact elements 11 in the Figures 1 and 2 shown embodiment of the electrical connector 1 is in Figure 3 shown in an individual representation.

The contact element 11 is made of a sheet metal material and is preferably manufactured as part of a stamping and bending process. The contact element 11 can preferably be made of bronze, in particular spring bronze, and coated at least in sections, for example in the area of the electrical interfaces 3, 5, 6. The contact element 11 can, for example, have a gold coating.

Preferably, the contact elements 11 are each formed in one piece, as shown in the exemplary embodiments.

The contact elements 11 each have a first contact area 12, which is assigned to the first end section 2 or the first interface 3 within the electrical plug connector 1. In the exemplary embodiments, the first contact area 12 is a primarily elongated contact area which forms a flat contact blade. In principle, however, an arbitrarily shaped first contact area 12 can be provided, for example a contact pin or the like. In the exemplary embodiments, the longitudinal extent of the first contact area 12 or the contact blade is oriented orthogonally to the extension axis or longitudinal axis L of the electrical plug connector 1, which also corresponds to the first plug-in direction S ₁ (cf. Figure 1 and Figure 6 ) corresponds.

The second interface 5, which is compatible with the contact blade or the first contact area 12, is formed by a respective second contact area 13 of the respective contact element 11, which forms a receptacle for the contact blades 12. A non-positive reception of the contact swords 12 in the second contact area 13 is provided, which is made possible by designing the second contact area 13 in the form of two contact springs 14 running next to one another. The contact swords 12 can thus be inserted non-positively between the contact springs 14 along their longitudinal extent. For this purpose, a section 15 of the first contact area 12 is located at the front in the plugging direction S ₁ provided, with an opposite, rear section 16 in the insertion direction S ₁ being merely optional. The rear section 16 of the first contact area 12 can also be omitted if necessary. It is also preferably possible to insert the contact sword 12 between the contact springs 14 along the second insertion direction _S2 .

Optionally, the contact springs 14 can have an expanding insertion section, for example an insertion section that widens conically or in a funnel shape, such as in the Figures 3 and 5 shown to provide an insertion aid for the first contact area 12 of a compatible connector.

The contact element 11 has at least one bending point 17 between the first contact area 12 and the second contact area 13 along its longitudinal axis in order to preferably align the first contact area 12 and the second contact area 13 in alignment with one another, as can be seen from Figure 3 can be seen particularly well. In this way, several connectors 1 according to the invention can be plugged together in one alignment. Preferably, the first interface 3 and the second interface 4 are arranged in a common contact level E, as shown in Figure 3 and Figure 5 is indicated by dashed lines.

The contact elements 11 form a third contact area 18 for the third interface 6, which in the exemplary embodiments is a contact web 19 projecting from the base body of the contact element 11. In the exemplary embodiments, the contact web 19 is designed as a solder contact for connection to an electrical conductor 7 of the electrical circuit board 9 designed as a soldering surface. The specific geometry of the contact web 19 or the fact that the contact web 19 protrudes from the base body ensures particularly good accessibility for the responsible technician, so that the connection to the electrical circuit board 9 can be visually controlled and, in case of doubt, for repairs or even for assembly or disassembly is easily accessible.

It should be mentioned at this point that the third contact area 18 does not necessarily have to be designed as a solder contact. For example, a press contact, a contact pin or another configuration can also be provided in order to enable preferably direct contact with the electrical conductor 7 of the electrical circuit 8.

In the exemplary embodiments, the electrical connector 1 has an electrically insulating connector housing 20. The connector housing 20 is preferably made of a plastic injection-molded part and is able to accommodate the contact elements 11. Preferably, the connector housing 20 is formed in one piece, where appropriate but also a multi-piece, for example pluggable, connector housing 20 can be provided.

A separate contact chamber 21 is provided in the connector housing 20 for each contact element 11, which in the exemplary embodiments is shaped like a slot in order to accommodate the contact element 11 formed from the sheet metal material.

The respective contact element 11 can lock in the connector housing 20, preferably within the respective contact chamber 21. For this purpose, the contact elements 11 according to the preferred exemplary embodiment of Figures 1 to 3 Elevations formed on opposite sides each have a locking recess 22 (cf. Figure 3 ) for an elastic locking tab within the contact chamber 21 (not shown).

In the preferred embodiment the Figures 1 to 3 The contact chambers 21 extend completely through the connector housing 20, starting from the side facing the first interface 3, so that the contact elements 11 are orthogonal to the first plug-in direction S ₁ of the first and second interfaces 3, 5 or parallel to the extension axis L into the connector housing 20 can be inserted. The connector housing 20 is on the in the Figures 1 and 2 The “top” shown is therefore completely closed and particularly robust in terms of plugging processes.

The contact element 11 can have one or more stop surfaces 23 (cf. for example Figure 3 ) to provide an insertion depth limitation in the respective contact chamber 21 or in the connector housing 20.

On the side of the connector housing 20 assigned to the second end section 4, the connector housing 20 has recesses 24 in order to accommodate the contact blades of another connector. Optionally, the recesses 24 can be tapered in order to form an insertion aid.

Optionally, the connector housing 20 has the support surfaces 25 or other support surfaces shown in the exemplary embodiments in order to enable a particularly mechanically stable connection to the circuit board 9.

Optionally, fastening elements 26 can also be provided in order to fasten the electrical connector 1 to the electrical circuit 8 or to the circuit board 9. In the Figures 1 and 2 Four locking lugs 26 are shown as an example, which arise from the side Support surfaces 25 raise and can be inserted into corresponding holes in the circuit board 9, preferably inserted or pressed in a force-fitting manner.

At this point it should be mentioned that an electrical plug connector 1 according to the present invention can optionally also exclusively have the at least one contact element 11. A connector housing 20 is not absolutely necessary. Furthermore, in addition to the contact elements 11 and the connector housing 20, any other connector components can be provided, such as means for electromagnetic shielding of the contact elements 11. All exemplary embodiments are therefore to be understood as merely exemplary and not restrictive.

Optionally, it can be provided that the electrical circuit board 9 has an opening 27 (cf. Figure 1 ), in order to further improve the assembly of the electrical connector 1 and the mechanical stability, as well as to optimize the installation space. The opening 27 can start from a side or an edge of the circuit board 9, but if necessary can also be designed as a window within the circuit board 9.

In Figure 4 a further exemplary embodiment of a connector 1 according to the invention is shown in a perspective view. One of the contact elements used 11 shows Figure 5 in a single presentation.

The ones in the Figures 4 and 5 The variant of the invention shown differs from the exemplary embodiment Figures 1 to 3 essentially by the course of the contact chambers 21 in the plug connector housing 20 or by the mounting direction of the contact elements 11 in the plug connector housing 20.

In contrast to the exemplary embodiment of Figures 1 to 3 are the contact elements 11 in the exemplary embodiment Figures 4 and 5 can be inserted into the connector housing 20 along the first plug-in direction S ₁ of the first or second interface 3, 5. The connector housing 20 has corresponding contact chambers 21 for this purpose, which, in contrast to the above variant, do not extend completely through the connector housing 20.

At the in the Figures 4 and 5 In the variant shown, the contact elements 11 can be locked within the respective contact chamber 21 by a locking tab 28 of the contact elements 11 (cf. Figure 5 ) and corresponding locking recesses in the contact chambers 21 (not shown).

For further technical details of the exemplary embodiment Figures 4 and 5 Please refer to the above statements.

In Figure 6 An electrical assembly 29 according to the invention is shown schematically, which has a carrier device 30 for several circuit arrangements 10. The carrier device 30 can, for example, be designed to be mounted on a top-hat rail.

The carrier device 30 has a module plug connector 31, which has an interface compatible with the first interface 3 of the plug connector 1 described above for the connection to the first circuit arrangement 10 in the series of circuit arrangements 10, so that the first circuit arrangement 10 with its electrical plug connector 1 can be supplied with data and/or supply signals via the module connector 31.

The individual circuit arrangements 10 can preferably be plugged and unplugged individually into the carrier device 30, the electrical plug connectors 1 of the carrier device 30 being formed and arranged and aligned on the electrical circuit 8 of the respective circuit arrangement 10, so that the circuit arrangement 10 can be plugged into the Carrier device 30 simultaneously causes the first interface 3 and the second interface 5 of immediately adjacent electrical connectors 1 to be plugged together. An assembly movement can be provided along the first plug-in direction S ₁ and/or along the second plug-in direction S ₂ .

Preferably, the individual circuit boards 9 or electrical circuits 8 together with the electrical plug connector 1 are plugged on vertically, as in Figure 6 shown. Optionally, the plug connectors 1, in particular the plug connector housings 20 of the plug connectors 1, can have guide and/or fastening means (cf. the examples in FIGS Figures 1 and 2 shown guide grooves 32) to improve insertion into the respective slots of the carrier device 30.

In the proposed manner, two immediately adjacent circuit arrangements 10 can be electrically connected to one another via their respective electrical plug connectors 1.

The electrical assembly 29 can ultimately be modularly and flexibly upgraded with circuit arrangements 10, which are ultimately supplied by the respective predecessor by passing on the electrical data and/or supply signals.

The individual circuit arrangements 10 or the electrical assembly 29 can, for example, be designed to supply, control and/or evaluate sensors and/or actuators of an electrical switchgear.

Finally, based on Figure 7 It should also be made clear that in the context of the present invention, plug-in compatibility between the first interface 3 and the second interface 5 is not necessarily important.

In Figure 7 For this purpose, an electrical contact element 11 is shown, the first interface and second interface 3, 5 of which have the same structure. The first and second interfaces 3, 5 each have two contact springs 14 running next to one another and are therefore suitable for an electrical and mechanical connection with a primarily elongated mating contact element (for example a contact blade 12).

Alternatively, the first two interfaces 3, 5 can also have respective elongated contact areas 12, 13, for example. The contact element 11 can therefore be equipped with a contact blade 12 on both sides, for example.

Claims (15)

Electrical connector (1), in particular printed circuit board connector, with a first end section (2) and a second end section (4), with a first electrical interface (3) on the first end section (2) and a second electrical interface on the second end section (4). Interface (5) is formed, and with an extension axis (L) running between the first interface (3) and the second interface (5), the first interface (3) and the second interface (5) each at least along a transverse The first plug-in direction (S ₁ ) aligned with the extension axis (L) can be connected to a corresponding mating interface of an electrical mating connector, and wherein between the two end sections (2, 4) there is a third electrical interface (6) for contacting at least one electrical conductor (7). an electrical circuit (8), in particular an electrical circuit (8) of an electrical circuit board (9). Electrical connector (1) according to claim 1,
characterized in that
the first interface (3) and the second interface (5) are arranged aligned with one another along the extension axis (L), preferably arranged in a common contact plane (E). Electrical connector (1) according to claim 1 or 2,
characterized in that
the first interface (3) and the second interface (5) are compatible with one another, preferably are plug-in compatible with one another. Electrical connector (1) according to one of claims 1 to 3,
characterized in that
the first interface (3) and the second interface (5) can each be connected to the corresponding mating interface of the mating electrical connector along a second mating direction (S ₂ ) aligned parallel to the extension axis (L) in addition to the first plug-in direction ₍ S 1). Electrical connector (1) according to one of claims 1 to 4,
marked by
at least one electrical contact element (11), which extends from the first interface (3) via the third interface (6) to the second interface (5), the first interface (3) and/or the second interface (5 ) and / or the third interface (6) are preferably designed as a flat contact. Electrical connector (1) according to claim 5,
marked by
exactly two of said electrical contact elements (11), which are electrically insulated from one another and which are preferably arranged parallel to one another. Electrical connector (1) according to claim 5 or 6,
characterized in that
each of said contact elements (11) is formed in one piece. Electrical connector (1) according to one of claims 5 to 7,
characterized in that
the at least one contact element (11) in the first end section (2) forms a first contact area (12) of the first interface (3), preferably a primarily elongated first contact area (12). Electrical connector (1) according to one of claims 5 to 8,
characterized in that
the at least one contact element (11) in the second end section (4) forms a second contact area (13) of the second interface (5), preferably a receptacle for the primarily elongated first contact area (12) of the first interface (3) of a further electrical connector of the same design, in particular for non-positive reception, preferably by two contact springs (14) running next to one another. Electrical connector (1) according to one of claims 5 to 9,
characterized in that
the at least one contact element (11) forms a third contact area (18) for the third interface (6), preferably a contact web (19) projecting from a base body of the contact element (11). Electrical connector (1) according to claim 10,
characterized in that
the third contact area (18) is designed as a press contact or solder contact, preferably as a soldering foot, soldering lug or soldering surface. Electrical connector (1) according to one of claims 5 to 11,
marked by
a plug connector housing (20) in which the at least one contact element (11) is fastened, preferably a one-piece plug connector housing (20) in which a separate contact chamber (21) is formed for each contact element (11), in particular a primarily slot-like contact chamber (21 ). Circuit arrangement (10), comprising at least one electrical plug connector (1) according to one of claims 1 to 12, and the electrical circuit (8) with the at least one electrical conductor (7), the third interface (6) of the electrical plug connector (1 ) electrically contacts the at least one electrical conductor (7). Electrical assembly (29), comprising a carrier device (30) and a plurality of circuit arrangements (10) arranged on the carrier device (30) according to claim 13, wherein two immediately adjacent circuit arrangements (10) are electrically connected to one another via their respective electrical plug connectors (1). . Electrical assembly (29) according to claim 14,
characterized in that
the circuit arrangements (10) can be plugged and unplugged individually into the carrier device (30), the electrical plug connectors (1) of the carrier device (30) being formed and arranged and aligned on the electrical circuit (8) of the respective circuit arrangement (10), that inserting the circuit arrangement (10) into the carrier device (30) simultaneously causes the first interface (3) and the second interface (5) of immediately adjacent electrical plug connectors (1) to be plugged together.

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