WO2012107569A1

WO2012107569A1 - Direct plug apparatus with a plug and an apron

Info

Publication number: WO2012107569A1
Application number: PCT/EP2012/052332
Authority: WO
Inventors: Klaus Wittig
Original assignee: Würth Elektronik Ics Gmbh & Co. Kg
Priority date: 2011-02-11
Filing date: 2012-02-10
Publication date: 2012-08-16
Also published as: DE102011011017A1; EP2673846A1

Abstract

Direct plug apparatus (108) for direct plug-connection to a printed circuit board (102), wherein the direct plug apparatus (100) has a plug element (110), which has an accommodation housing (114) and a plurality of pluggable, in particular spring-like, contact elements (106) which are accommodated on said housing, and a plug element receptacle (112) which is designed for at least partially accommodating the plug element (110) in such a way that the plug element receptacle (112) at least partially covers the contact elements (106) in the lateral direction when the plug element (110) is in the accommodated state, wherein the plug element receptacle (112) has at least one pre-adjustment structure (502) which is arranged on the printed circuit board and, by virtue of the plug element receptacle (112) being placed on the printed circuit board (102), can be connected to at least one corresponding pre-adjustment structure (500) of the printed circuit board (102) in such a way that, in the connected state, the contact elements (106) are aligned with correspondingly formed contact element openings (104) in the printed circuit board (102), and wherein the plug element (110) can be moved in relation to the plug element receptacle (112), which is placed on the printed circuit board (102) in a pre-adjusted manner, in such a way that, as a result, the contact elements (104) can be extended out of the plug element receptacle (112) and inserted into the correspondingly formed contact element openings (104).

Description

Direct plug-in device with plug and apron

The invention relates to a direct plug-in device for direct plugging onto a printed circuit board.

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

There are also known connection arrangements for printed circuit boards, which allows a direct insertion of a male part on a circuit board without attached to the circuit board socket.

WO 2010/063459 of the same applicant discloses a

Connecting arrangement with a plug-in element, the at least one contact element, in particular a plurality of pluggable

Contact elements, has, as well as with a circuit board with

plated through holes, which in one of the arrangement of

Contact element or the contact elements of the plug element

corresponding arrangement are arranged, wherein the holes and the plug-in contact element or in them plug-in contact elements are coordinated such that connect the plug element by hand by inserting the contact element or the contact elements in the holes with the circuit board and remove it by hand wherein the connection arrangement is provided with a vibration-resistant mechanical protection against unintentional removal of the plug-in element from the printed circuit board. The contact element or the contact elements may or may optionally be configured as a spring-like contact element or spring-like contact elements with a reversible deflection characteristic. Although such a connector assembly has many advantages, dealing with the relatively sensitive contact elements as well as its correct positioning on the circuit board can be challenging for a user.

The invention is based on the object to provide a direct plug-in device for direct plugging onto a printed circuit board, which is robust and easy to handle for a user.

To solve this problem, the invention proposes a

Direct plug-in device, a connection assembly, a vehicle, a method and a use with those in the independent

Claims mentioned features. Further developments of the invention are the subject of dependent claims.

According to one embodiment of the invention is a

Direct plug-in device for direct insertion created on a printed circuit board, wherein the direct plug-in device comprises a plug-in element having a receiving housing and a plurality of plugged thereon (for example spring-like) contact elements. The direct plug-in device furthermore has a plug element receptacle which is configured for receiving the plug element at least partially (in particular circumferentially continuously) in such a way that in

absorbed state of the plug element, the plug element receiving the contact elements laterally at least partially (in particular

fully covered). The plug-in element receptacle has at least one pre-adjustment structure arranged on the side of the printed circuit board, which by means of placement of the plug element receptacle on the printed circuit board

at least one corresponding Vorjustierstruktur the circuit board is connectable such that in the connected state, the contact elements to correspondingly formed contact element openings of

PCB are aligned. The plug element can be moved relative to the preassembled on the printed circuit board plug-in element receptacle so (in particular pressed, pushed or rotatable) that thereby the contact elements from the plug receptacle extendable and insertable into the correspondingly formed contact element openings. According to another embodiment of the invention is a

Connecting arrangement provided, which is a circuit board, the

at least one pre-alignment structure and a plurality of

Having contact element openings, and having a direct plug-in device with the features described above. The direct plug-in device is designed for direct plugging onto the printed circuit board by connecting the at least one pre-adjustment structure of the plug element receptacle to the at least one corresponding pre-alignment structure of the printed circuit board and by subsequently moving the plug element relative to the plug element receptacle preassembled on the printed circuit board. As a result, the plurality of contact elements of the plug element receptacle extendable and in the plurality of

Contact element openings insertable.

According to yet another embodiment of the invention, a vehicle (for example, a motor vehicle, a passenger car, a truck, a bus, an agricultural vehicle, a baler, a combine, a self-propelled sprayer, a

Road construction machine, a tractor, an aircraft, an airplane, a helicopter, a spaceship, a zeppelin, a watercraft, a ship, a rail vehicle or a railway), which creates a Connecting arrangement having the features described above or a direct plug-in device having the features described above.

According to a further embodiment of the invention is a

A method for direct insertion of a direct plug device created on a printed circuit board, wherein in the method, a plug element is provided which has a receiving housing and a plurality of plug-in contact elements received thereon. The plug element is at least partially accommodated in a plug element receptacle in such a way that in the received state of

Plug element, the plug element receiving the contact elements laterally at least partially covered. The plug-in element receptacle is placed on the printed circuit board for connecting at least one pre-adjusting structure of the plug element receptacle arranged on the printed circuit board side with at least one corresponding pre-alignment structure of the printed circuit board such that in the connected state the contact elements form correspondingly formed contact element openings

PCB are aligned. The plug-in element is moved in such a way in relation to the pre-adjusted plug-on element receptacle mounted on the printed circuit board such that thereby the contact elements of the

Plug element receptacle are extended and inserted into the correspondingly formed contact element openings.

According to another embodiment of the invention is a connection assembly having the features described above for transmitting an electric current of at least 5 amps, in particular of at least 10 amps, more preferably at least 20 amperes, between a contact element of

Direct plug device and attached circuit board used. According to an exemplary embodiment, a hand-pluggable and manually detachable system is provided, with which a fault-tolerant electrical contact between sensitive

Contact elements on the one hand and a printed circuit board on the other hand is made possible by the fact that a plug-in element is received and surrounded by the example spring-like contact elements by a skirt-like plug element receptacle. This makes it possible that the plug element receptacle in the connected state with the plug element preserves the contact elements against unwanted mechanical damage. Slidably provided with respect to the plug element, the plug element receptacle is configured such that an end region of the

Plug element receptacle with one or preferably several

Vorjustierstrukturen can be provided, which allow a correct placement of the direct plug on the circuit board. For this purpose, it must be ensured that the one or more pre - adjustment structures of the

Plug element receptacle on the or the corresponding

Vorjustierstrukturen the printed circuit boards is arranged. For example, the Vorjustierstrukturen can be engaged with each other, so that a correct positioning between the direct plug device and circuit board is ensured even before the actual plugging operation. A mere further pressing or screwing the plug element into the plug element receptacle by a user is then sufficient to move the plug element to the circuit board, wherein the circuit board and plug element receptacle can remain unchanged during this movement relative to each other. By the movement further, the sensitive contact elements are extended from the direct plug-in device at a circuit board side end and in due to the

Pre-adjustment already arranged in the correct place

Dipped contact element openings of the circuit board. Thus, with an intuitive and easy handling, the actual connection and electrical contact can be achieved, with a misalignment can be reliably excluded. Also, the provision of a socket on the circuit board is unnecessary, since the electrical contact directly between the contact elements and one in the

Contact element openings providable electrically conductive

Contacting the circuit boards can be achieved. By this measure, a simultaneous protection of the sensitive contacts against damage is possible and a pre-adjustment between

Direct plug-in device on the one hand and printed circuit board on the other realized.

In addition, additional embodiments of

Direct plug device described. These also apply to the

Connection arrangement, the vehicle, the procedure and the

Use.

Generally, in the context of this application under a

Vorjustierstruktur each feature (physical structure, recess, color marking, magnetic elements, etc.) are understood on plug receptacle or circuit board, which promotes a corresponding arrangement to a feature of each other's Vorjustierstruktur. According to a preferred embodiment, the at least one Vorjustierstruktur the plug element receptacle at least one

Vorjustierzapfen (ie a supernatant) have. The at least one corresponding Vorjustierstruktur the circuit board may have at least one Vorjustieröffnung (for example, a through or blind hole). In particular, the Vorjustierstruktur a pin and the corresponding Vorjustierstruktur a corresponding

Vorjustieröffnung be in the circuit board, so then a

positive engagement of the Vorjustieröffnung is made possible by the Vorjustierzapfen. It is also possible to have one Provide Vorjustierzapfen on the circuit board and the

To provide plug element receptacle with a Vorjustieröffnung.

However, it is preferred to provide a plurality of Vorjustierzapfen on the plug element receptacle and corresponding Vorjustieröffnungen on the circuit board, as a result by a user for a correct

Positioning is particularly intuitive and the circuit board can be manufactured and mounted flat.

According to one embodiment, in the accommodated state of the plug element (in the plug element receptacle) and before moving the plug element receptacle, the contact elements on the circuit board side

overtop. By this measure, the contact elements not only laterally (laterally), but also the underside (circuit board side relative to the mounted state) are mechanically protected, as long as the direct plug assembly is not inserted into the circuit board. In this position, the direct plug-in device (for example by means of a spring) may be biased. Only by the one user

made relative movement of plug-in element to the

Plug element receptacle are vividly extended, the contact elements and then in turn protrude a printed circuit board side end of the plug element receptacle to be received there in the contact element openings and possibly jammed.

According to one embodiment, the plug-in element can have at least one latching structure, which is set up for latching the plug-in element with a corresponding latching opening in the printed circuit board. According to one embodiment, a latching mechanism or, more generally, a mechanical latching mechanism may be provided by the plug-in device. According to another embodiment, such a latching mechanism (for Example realized as a barb or by other means)

be provided on the circuit board side. According to the invention can be saved due to the elimination of a socket and a resulting direct connection between the circuit board and plug material, eliminating an electrical interface and thus a better quality at lower cost can be achieved. In particular, electrical components, such as harnesses, can be flanged directly to the circuit board. Overall, with the connection arrangement, a current strength of, for example, 70 to 100 amperes, in particular up to 150 amps and more, can be achieved. For example, a current load of 10 to 15 amperes can be carried per contact element, for example via a battery feed.

The latching structure can be used for vibration-robust latching of the

Plug element can be set up with the circuit board. The term "vibration-resistant mechanical fuse" may in particular have the meaning that, even in the presence of vibrations acting on a technical system having the connection arrangement, unintentional detachment of the plug-in element from the printed circuit board is avoided. In particular, combustion engine operated device (in particular vehicle) occur lead to a negative vibration designed mechanical fuse to no negative

Influencing the system function. In particular, when installing the connection assembly in the engine compartment of an off-road vehicle, the vibrations normally occurring there should not become one

unwanted loss of electrical contact between the

Lead contact elements and the mating contact in the associated hole of the circuit board. Thus, to achieve the

Vibration robustness the mechanical safety with regard to material Dimensions, fastening forces, etc. are designed so that the corresponding vibrations do not lead to any unwanted detachment of the plug-in element of the circuit board. The connection arrangement can be designed to realize the vibration robustness in accordance with the industry standard ISO TS 16750, in particular ISO TS 16750-3. ISO 16750 defines a standard for mechanical

Load requirements for off-road vehicles. To achieve vibrational robustness, the interconnect assembly may be further configured to comply with the IEC 60512-4 standard, in particular at least one of the sub-requirements of IEC 68.2.6 (vibration sinusoidal), IEC 68-2-27 and IEC 68-2-29 (multiple shocking), IEC 68-2-64 (broadband noise), IEC-68-2-64 (Vibration in cold atmosphere) and IEC-68-2-50 and IEC-68- 2-51 (Vibration in warm atmosphere) to fulfill. With such a latching element unintentional removal of the plug-in element from the printed circuit board can be avoided. The term "unintentional removal of the plug element from the printed circuit board" may in particular mean that the fuse reliably avoids unwanted removal of the plug element by a user, but this term is also intended to express that an undesired release of the connection by

engine-induced vibrations or the like is avoided. The term "peeling off" therefore includes, in particular, an active pulling action and a release caused by external influences without the involvement of a user.The mechanical securing of the plugging element and the printed circuit board can be achieved with a mechanical load capacity in accordance with ISO 16750-3

(in particular in the version ISO 16750-3: 2007). In other words, the design of the mechanical fuse may be such that a correspondingly configured connection arrangement will perform the tests described in ISO 16750, in particular in ISO 16750-3 (in the US Pat Priority date of this patent application) are successfully completed. For example, the

mechanical fuse connect the plug-in element and the circuit board with a mechanical fastening force of at least about 100 Newton, in particular of at least about 200 Newton, more particularly at least about 300 Newton. Such

Fixing forces may be sufficient to allow sufficient vibration resistance. According to one embodiment, at least one latching structure may be formed on at least one of the plurality of contact elements. According to one embodiment, the latching structure can thus be designed directly on the contact elements, that is to say in one piece with them. This allows the compact production of direct plug-in device with low cost. Alternatively or additionally, at least one latching structure may be formed separately from the plurality of contact elements. In such an embodiment, the electrical contact and the mechanical attachment can be optimized separately.

According to one embodiment, the plug-in element and the plug-in element receptacle can be designed such that starting from a state in which the contact elements are introduced into the correspondingly formed contact element openings, the

Plug element of the circuit board so separable (especially by hand peelable) is that automatically moves back in the separation of the plug element relative to the plug element receptacle, so that the plug element receptacle again covers the contact elements laterally. This embodiment shows that the movement mechanism between plug-in element and plug-in element receptacle are configured in this way can that when pulling off the direct plug assembly of the

Printed circuit board is inverted during insertion of the kinematics, so that the contact elements in the interior of the

Plug element receptacle can be moved back and thus can be reliably protected against mechanical damage.

According to one embodiment, at least one circumferential portion of a printed circuit board-side edge of the plug element receptacle may have a flexible lip. Such a flexible lip can be configured, for example, as a (continuous or interrupted) circumferential rubber lip or as a cushioning foam body, which or when placing the plug element receptacle on a surface of the

Circuit board can act as a damping or biasing mechanism. If the plug element is moved further in the direction of the printed circuit board after the lip has been fitted, then the flexible lip counteracts a counterforce, which promotes correct alignment. In addition, a user receives a haptic feedback that now the actual electrical contacting process begins. According to one embodiment, the plug receptacle receiving a clamp for clamping the plug element to the

Have plug element receptacle. Such a clamp allows the components to be manufactured separately of plug-in element on the one hand and plug element receptacle on the other hand to each other safely

fasten, but at the same time the required relative movement

permit.

According to one embodiment, the plug element receptacle may have a first sleeve and a second sleeve which can be received or received rotatably in the first sleeve. The second sleeve can Internal thread and the plug element may have a corresponding external thread or at least one corresponding pin (for example, a bayonet pin) for engagement in the internal thread, so that the plug element by means of rotating the second sleeve is screwed into the second sleeve, whereby the contact elements in the correspondingly formed contact element openings be introduced. During screwing in, the second sleeve can rotate while the first sleeve remains stationary and the plug element performs a rotationally-free longitudinal movement, ie is linearly displaced. Such a configuration is particularly preferred in so-called

Circular connectors. The two sleeves can then be designed substantially hollow cylindrical. First, the second sleeve is inserted into the first sleeve, for example, rotatably locked in this. In the locked state, the second sleeve is in common with her

Internal thread still rotatable relative to the first sleeve. In this embodiment, the external thread or at least one corresponding pin of the plug element is screwed to the internal thread of the second sleeve. This is achieved particularly advantageously by non-rotatable holding of the plug element and simultaneous rotation of the second sleeve accommodated in the first sleeve. Thus, it is possible that the plug element with its contact elements in the result is similar to a plug movement on the circuit board is moved straight to immerse in the contact holes of the circuit board, whereas the second sleeve the required

Rotary movement accomplished for screwing. Alternatively, it is also possible on the second sleeve instead of an internal thread at least one bayonet pin and on the plug element instead of the

Bayonettzapfens provide an external thread. According to another embodiment, in the

Direct plug device, the first sleeve having a support portion (for example, a support shoulder) for supporting a support structure (for example, a support ring) of the plug element. The second sleeve and the plug element can corresponding linear guide means (for

Example, at least one guide lug on the plug element and at least one corresponding guide groove on the second sleeve, or vice versa), which prevent a relative rotational movement between the second sleeve and the plug element. The first sleeve can have a knurl (that is to say a rotatable grip piece), so that the support portion can be lowered by means of rotation on the knurl, whereby the plug-in element can be lowered and thereby performs a rotationally-free longitudinal movement, whereby the contact elements are formed into the correspondingly formed

Contact element openings are introduced. Such a configuration is comfortable and error-robust operation, see. for example, Figure 14 to Figure 16.

According to one embodiment, the plug-in element receptacle can be formed from an electrically insulating material, in particular from plastic. In this embodiment, the plug element receptacle can also be used as electrical protection, as a result

unwanted electrical contact between a user and attached to the male element contact elements by a

electrical insulation of the plug element receptacle is prevented.

According to one embodiment, the direct plug-in device may have at least one relay and / or at least one fuse. Relay or fuse can be electrically coupled to the plug-in contact elements. Thus, for example, in the plug element, a relay or a fuse may be provided, so that even for such or other electronic components a direct insertion is possible.

According to one embodiment, the circuit board socket-free, thus flat, be formed. By providing the circuit board without separate sockets for insertion of a plug assembly, the structure of the circuit board is compact and simple. At the same time a direct connection between the direct plug-in device according to an embodiment of the invention and the circuit board is made possible.

The contact elements can be high current capable. The term

"High-current-capable contact elements" may in particular have the meaning that the contact elements are dimensioned in terms of dimension, material, mutual spacing, etc., such that they are suitable for carrying a high electrical current

In terms of the use of high-current-capable contact elements, an electric current in the ampere range can be transmitted from the contact elements to the conductor tracks of the printed circuit board. A high current can be used in particular if the contact elements are specially designed to be able to transport at least 5 amperes per contact element, in particular at least 10 amperes per contact element, without the intended use of the

Endanger connection arrangement. In other words, the contact elements should be designed in a high-current configuration so that an undesirable heating of the connection arrangement is avoided or any other technical function of the connection arrangement suffers damage, when such high currents are conducted by means of the contact elements. In particular, the high current resistant design of the contact elements can be designed so that the contact elements together cumulative currents of at least 50 amps, in particular of at least 100 amps. The high current capability of the contact elements can be considered as given when the

Contact elements can be connected to a vehicle battery and can deliver trouble-free power from the vehicle battery to the connected circuit board. In particular, the high current capability can be considered as given when contact resistance according to the Einpressnorm meet the requirements of IEC 60512-2.

The holes and the insertable into them contact elements can be an electrical load capacity according to ISO 16750-2 (in the am

Priority date of the present patent application). The holes and the plugged into them

Contact elements can in particular an electrical

Load capacity in accordance with ISO 16750-2 in the version ISO 16750-2: 2006. In other words, the contact elements can be configured mechanically and electrotechnically in such a way that the electrical load tests according to the named industrial standard are successfully completed. In particular, each of the plug-in contact elements can be designed for an electrical load capacity of at least about 5 amperes, in particular of at least about 10 amps, more particularly of at least about 20 amps. By providing a plurality of pins (which can be operated separately from one another electrically), a total current carrying capacity of, for example, 70 amps and more can thus be achieved.

The plug-in element can be inserted by hand into the printed circuit board or pulled out of it. Under a Einsteckbarkeit or removability of the plug element "by hand" can in the context of this Be understood in particular that the insertion and removal forces even with provision of a plurality of contact elements, for example, at least five contact elements (in particular at least ten contact elements) are sufficiently low that they by the muscle power of an average adult human

User can be applied.

Each of the male contact elements can be designed with a plug force of at most about 10 Newton for insertion into one of the holes. Thus, for example, by providing five

Contact elements, which are to be inserted by a user simultaneously into a printed circuit board, a plug force of 50 Newton be required, which can still apply a user easily. The connection arrangement according to the invention can be used particularly advantageously for automotive applications, that is to say in motor vehicles of all kinds, combines, road construction machines, vehicle technology, railway technology, aviation technology,

Harvesting machinery or in other areas of off-road vehicles or agriculture. The high current capability of

Connecting arrangement may allow to allow currents of 5 to 25 amperes and more per single pin of the contact elements, applying a vibration load. Thus, the

Connection arrangement advantageously be designed as an automotive connection arrangement. For example, according to the invention, a wire harness can be electrically coupled to a printed circuit board.

In the connection arrangement, the contact elements can be arranged at least in the inside of the through-contacted bore

Areas in one direction transversely to the insertion direction compliant be educated. In other words, when inserting the

Contact elements in the associated holes in the circuit board act on the contact elements force, which forces them into the contact holes. Thus, the contact elements can be under a slight bias when they dip into the contact hole. By this bias, a secure electrical contact with the mating contacts in the borehole interior can be made possible. At the same time, such contact forces, which are first to be overcome on the user side during insertion, should be small enough to be able to be applied during the insertion

simultaneous insertion of several such contacts by one

Users do not endanger a mechanical handling, that is, the Einsteckkräfte not to be too large. Furthermore, the deflection characteristic of, for example, spring-like configured contact elements can be made reversible, that is, when removing the plug element from the circuit board lead to an elastic springback. As a result, the plug-in element can be used several times and is not destroyed by a single use. A plastic one

Deformation can be avoided by the compliant design of the contact elements and by the provision of the contact elements as two or more curved spring elements with a distance from each other.

Accordingly, it is preferred if the contact elements have two or more between them leaving a gap leg. Their outer sides facing away from each other can optionally be used for

Example be formed convex curved. By such

Curvature can be avoided undesirable spreading of the legs in contact with a flat surface. When using

Fork contacts can be achieved elastic pluggability. Further features, details and advantages of the aspects of the invention will become apparent from the claims and abstract, the wording of which is incorporated herein by reference, the following description is more preferred

Embodiments of the invention and with reference to the drawing. The features described in one embodiment should also apply to the other embodiments, in the drawing show:

1 shows a cross-sectional view of a connection arrangement according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention in an operating state in which a direct plug-in device is attached to a printed circuit board in a pre-aligned manner, but not yet plugged into it.

FIG. 2 shows another cross-sectional view of the connection arrangement according to FIG. 1 after the insertion of contact elements of FIG

Direct plug-in device in the circuit board.

FIG. 3 shows a rear view of the connection arrangement according to FIG. 1 after placing it on the printed circuit board.

FIG. 4 shows a three-dimensional plan view of the connection arrangement according to FIG. 1 after attachment to the printed circuit board.

FIG. 5 shows a bottom view of the printed circuit board of FIG

Connecting arrangement according to Figure 1 after Vorjustierzapfen the direct plug device have been attached to Vorjustieröffnungen the circuit board. FIG. 6 shows a first sleeve of a plug element receptacle of FIG

Connecting arrangement according to another exemplary

Embodiment of the invention. FIG. 7 shows a second sleeve which can be latched together with the first sleeve shown in FIG. 6 to form the plug element receptacle.

FIG. 8 shows a plug element for use with the plug element receptacle formed from the sleeves according to FIG. 6 and FIG. 7 according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 9 shows a printed circuit board for use with the plug element receptacle formed from the sleeves according to FIGS. 6 and 7 and with the plug element according to FIG. 8.

FIG. 10 shows the components according to FIGS. 6 to 9 in the assembled state. Figure 11 shows a plug-in element of a direct plug-in device according to another exemplary embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 12 shows a plug element receptacle which, together with the plug element shown in FIG. 11, is connected to the direct plug device

can be combined.

FIG. 13 shows a printed circuit board which, together with the

Direct plug device according to Figure 11 and Figure 12 to a

Connecting arrangement according to an exemplary

Embodiment of the invention is connectable. FIG. 14 shows a first sleeve of a plug element receptacle of a connection arrangement according to another exemplary example

Embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 15 shows a second sleeve which can be latched together with the first sleeve shown in FIG. 14 to form the plug element receptacle. FIG. 16 shows a plug element for use with the plug element receptacle formed from the sleeves according to FIG. 14 and FIG. 15 according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 17 shows a printed circuit board for use with the plug element receptacle formed from the sleeves according to FIGS. 14 and 15 and with the plug element according to FIG. 16.

FIG. 18 shows a figure 14 to 17 associated

Direct plug-in device with a printed circuit board.

In the following, exemplary embodiments of the invention will be described with reference to the figures.

In the following, referring to FIG. 1 to FIG

Connecting arrangement 100 according to an exemplary

Embodiment of the invention described.

The connection assembly 100 includes a circuit board 102 having a plurality of contact element openings 104. Each of the

Contact element openings 104 is as a through hole in the example made of plastic (FR4, epoxy resin impregnated glass fiber mats) formed circuit board 102, wherein the cylindrical inner wall of each of the contact element openings 104 is lined with an electrically conductive material to form an electrically conductive connection to contact elements 106 further described in detail below

to allow direct plug assembly 108 according to the invention. On the circuit board 102 also not shown interconnects and not shown electronic components are formed by means of the electrically conductive material and the contact elements 106 with a

connected electronic component, for example a

Wiring harness, can be electrically coupled. Furthermore, the

Circuit board 102 four arranged on corners of an imaginary rectangle Vorjustieröffnungen 500, which can be seen in Figure 5. The direct plug-in device 108, which will be described in more detail below, is used for direct plugging onto the printed circuit board 102 by connecting four pre-alignment pins 502 of one recognizable in FIG

Plug element receptacle 112 of the connection arrangement 108 with the Vorjustieröffnungen 500 for pre-adjustment and by subsequent insertion of the contact elements 106 in the corresponding

Contact element openings 104. First, the pre-adjustment ensures that the contact elements 106 are prepositioned in alignment with the corresponding contact element openings 104, so that only the direct plug-in device 108 is pushed down onto the printed circuit board 102 in order to complete the electrical connection. The actual plugging operation is thus accomplished only by the subsequent movement of the plug element 110 relative to the preassembled on the circuit board 102 patch plug receptacle 112.

By this relative movement, the contact elements 106 are inserted into the corresponding contact element openings 104 and thereby laterally compressed, one per contact element 106 per contact element opening 104.

The direct plug device 108 is thus provided for direct plugging onto the printed circuit board 102. The direct plug-in device 108 contains the plug-in element 110, which has a receiving housing 114 and the plurality of plug-in spring-like devices accommodated thereon or in it

Contact elements 106 has. As can be seen from Figure 1, each of the contact elements on a crimped portion 116 which can be coupled to an electrical conductor, not shown in Figure 1, which can lead, for example, to a wiring harness. Electrically conductively connected to the crimpable portion 116 are two forked spring-like contact element legs 118 which are compressed upon insertion into an associated contact hole 104 of the printed circuit board 102 and inserted into the contact hole 104 an electrically conductive connection between the crimpable portion 116 coupled electrical Ladder and the contact in the contact holes 104 provides. The

Contact elements 106 are pluggable by hand and thus very

sensitive.

The plug-in element receptacle 112, which can also be referred to as a skirt, is configured to partially receive the plug-in element 110 in its interior. Is the plug 110 partially in the

Plug element receiving 112 received, so are in the recorded power-free state of the plug element 110 in the plug element receptacle 112, the contact elements 106 laterally, that is laterally, from the

Plug element receptacle 112 covered. The term "lateral" is to be understood in this context that along a part or the entire outer circumferential surface of the plug element receptacle 112 the Contact elements 106 are not exposed to the outside, but instead be covered or enclosed by the contact element receiving 112. FIG. 1 shows the direct plug-in device 108 in a state in which the contact elements 106 are not yet plugged into the contact openings 104 of the printed circuit board 102, but in the one

the circuit board side underside of the plug element receptacle 112 is merely placed on a main surface of the printed circuit board 102. More specifically, the plug receptacle 112 is mounted on the circuit board 102 so that the Vorjustierzapfen 502 at the bottom of the

Plug element receptacle 112 are inserted into the correspondingly arranged Vorjustieröffnungen 500 of the printed circuit board 102. As a result, a correct pre-adjustment of the direct plug-in device 108 is ensured relative to the printed circuit board 102.

In order to now sink the contact elements 106 in the contact opening 104 and thus to accomplish the electrically conductive contact between the printed circuit board 102 and the contact elements 106, the plug-in element 110 is starting from that shown in FIG

Operating state moves relative to the plug-in element receptacle 112 in the operating state shown in Figure 2 by a user in the direction shown in Figure 2 with an arrow 200 a compressive force on the

Plug 110 exerts. As a result, the plug element 110 shifts relative to the plug element receptacle 112, with which the contact elements 106 are passed through the contact holes 104. Due to the pre-adjustment previously carried out, the contact elements 106 are already aligned with the associated contact holes 104 directly before insertion. As shown in FIG. 1, the state of the plug element 108 received in the plug-in element receptacle 112 projects above and before the plug-in element receptacle 112

Insertion movement of the plug element receptacle 112, the contact elements 106 on the circuit board side by a distance D. Only by the movement of the state of Figure 1 in the state shown in Figure 2, the contact elements 106 with their legs 118 from the bottom of the plug element receptacle 112 and through the circuit board 102 through , FIG. 1 also shows two lateral latching hooks 120 which are intended for

vibration-resistant locking of the plug element 110 with a

corresponding Verrastöffnung 122 in the circuit board 102nd

are set up. A user can operate the latching hooks 120 by means of a grip piece 124 in order to guide them out of the latching openings 122 again after latching in (see state in FIG. 2). In Figure 1 and Figure 2, the locking hooks 120 are separate from the

Contact elements 106 formed.

In the state according to FIG. 2, the direct plug-in device 108 is highly current-capable and is coupled to the printed circuit board 102 in a vibration-resistant manner. To undo this coupling, a user can first operate the grips 124 to release the latching hooks 120 from the Verrastöffnungen 122 of the circuit board 102. Subsequently, a user by hand, the direct plug 108 of the

Remove circuit board 102. As a result of this separating operation, the plug element 110 moves relative to the plug element receptacle 112 such that subsequently the plug element receptacle 112 again laterally surrounds the contact elements 106 or projects beyond the circuit board side. FIG. 3 shows that the plug element receptacle 112 has a clamping strap 300 which is used to clamp the plug element 108 to the clip

Plug element receptacle 112 is provided. The clamp 300 is a flexible bracket member, the plug 110 and

Plug element holder 112 holds in position and serves as slip protection. Furthermore, the clamp 300 can compensate for a thickness tolerance of the components involved.

As can be seen in Figure 1 to Figure 3, the circuit board 102 can be socket-free, that is provided without patch pedestals, that is only with through holes and possibly assembled electronic components such as electronic chips, resistors, capacitors, etc. Thus, a compact and substantially flat circuit board 102, which is inexpensive to manufacture.

FIG. 4 shows a spatial plan view of the connection arrangement 100 and in particular represents the shape of the crimpable sections 116.

Although not shown in the figures, a

board-side edge 160 of the plug-in element receptacle 112 at least partially have a flexible lip. This can exert a counter or form when the plug-element receptacle 112 is pressed against the printed circuit board 102. Functionally advantageous aspects of the rectangular plug according to FIGS. 1 to 5 are in particular:

There is a mechanical protection of the contact elements 106 against

Damage provided as long as the plug element 110 is not plugged. The protection is guaranteed by the as Plastic skirt trained plug-element receptacle 112, which is flexibly connected to the plug-in element 110, so that the contact elements 106 are laterally covered. - When inserting the plug element 110 moves against the plug-in element receptacle 112, so that the contact elements 106 in the circuit board 102 safely and without being damaged, so pre-aligned, can dip. - When inserting the plug element 110 is locked to the circuit board 102. This is done via a latching mechanism 120, 122 which is attached to the plug 110 and the circuit board 102 or via a latching mechanism, which is realized directly on the contact elements 106 (not shown).

- When pulling out the plug 110, the

Plug element receptacle 112 are pushed back into its original state, so that the contact elements 106 are again protected.

- A flexible rubber lip (not shown) at the bottom of the plug receptacle 112, which touches the insertion surface of the plug element 110 in the circuit board 102 whose surface and thereby slightly deformed elastically, ensures that there is a certain restoring force, for an additional Fixation of the contact elements 106 relative to the printed circuit board 102 at any thickness tolerances of the printed circuit board 102 provides. In the following, referring to FIG. 6 to FIG

Connecting arrangement according to another exemplary

Embodiment of the invention described. FIG. 6 shows a first sleeve 600 of a plug element receptacle of such a connection arrangement, which is designed as a hollow cylinder. The sleeve 600 has a groove 602 and circumferentially distributed locking pin 604, which are arranged on the underside of the sleeve 600. Two

opposite gripping pieces 124, which are coupled to latching hooks 120, are formed laterally on the outer surface of the first sleeve 600. Further, a longitudinal guide groove 606 is formed on an inner surface of the first sleeve 600.

FIG. 7 shows a second sleeve 700 which, together with the first sleeve 600, describes the plug-in element receptacle of the one described above

Connecting arrangement forms. A lower part of the second sleeve 700 can be accommodated in the first sleeve 600 in such a way that, in the accommodated state, the second sleeve 700 is opposite the first sleeve 600

is rotatable. An upper part of the second sleeve 700 protrudes above the first sleeve 600 when the lower part of the second sleeve 700 is received in the first sleeve 600. The second sleeve 700 has an internal thread 702 and on the outside a corrugated surface 704. The upper part of the second sleeve 700 is pushed into the first sleeve 600, latched to the groove 602 and is then rotatably supported. In this state, not shown in the figures, the first sleeve 600 and the second sleeve 700 together form the plug element receptacle.

FIG. 8 shows a plug-in element 800 which forms a direct plug-in device together with the sleeves 600, 700 accommodated in one another. The plug element 800 includes one or more bayonet pins 802 or an external thread (not shown) that is or are formed corresponding to the internal thread 702 of the second sleeve 700.

Furthermore, a plurality of contact elements 106 are formed on the end face of the plug element 800 (not shown on the plug element 800). In addition, optional on the underside face of the

Plug element 800 a not shown central locking pin provided as a latching element for locking in an optional

corresponding central Verrastöffnung a printed circuit board 102 is used (see Figure 9). A guide nose 804 on an outer surface of the

Plug element 800 is guided along the Langsführungsnut 606 of the first sleeve 600 when the plug element 800 is inserted into the first sleeve 600.

After the two sleeves 600, 700 have been arranged one inside the other, the plug element 800 is screwed to the second sleeve 700. Previously, however, the plug element receptacle formed from the sleeves 600, 700 is placed on a printed circuit board 102, which is shown in FIG. The circuit board 102 includes Vorjustieröffnungen 500, so that the

Latching pin 604 of the first sleeve 600 are connected to the three locking receptacles 500 by the plug element receptacle, formed from the sleeves 600 and 700, is placed on the circuit board 102. Figure 9 also shows that in a central portion of the circuit board 102, a locking element receptacle (without reference numeral) is formed, which can receive the locking central pin locking. Two others

Detent element receptacles 122 are designed to receive the latching hooks 120. Around the central locking element receptacle 122 around contact openings 104 are formed, each of which is adapted to receive a corresponding contact element 106. Thus, the sleeve 600 is placed on the circuit board 102 so that the Vorjustierzapfen 604 immerse in the Vorjustieröffnungen 500. The plug element 800 is screwed into the second sleeve 700 by the second sleeve 700 is rotated and the plug member 800 is rotationally successively moved downwards. This is due to the

Rotary movement of the second sleeve 700, the plug element 800 inserted into the circuit board 102 and screwed simultaneously with the second sleeve 700 so that it is latched by the latching lug and the central detent opening and an electrical contact by immersing the contact elements 106 in the contact openings 104th comes. Again, the two sleeves 600, 700 serve as a lateral and as a bottom protection for the contacts of the contact element 800.

Functionally advantageous aspects of the circular connector according to FIGS. 6 to 9 are in particular:

- There is a mechanical protection of the contact elements 106 against damage, as long as the plug-in element 800 is not plugged. The protection is ensured by the plastic apron from the sleeves 600, 700, which is flexibly connected to the plug element 800, so that the contact elements 106 are laterally covered.

- The skirt has on the bottom of the locking pin 604 for proper positioning on the circuit board 102nd

- In the sleeve 600, the cylindrical sleeve 700 is engaged so that it is freely rotatable in the sleeve 600. Furthermore, the cylindrical sleeve 700 has the internal thread 702. - The plug element 800 is fixed with a predetermined orientation (so that the image of the contact elements 106 with the

Vias 104 of the printed circuit board 102 matches)

fixed azimuthally relative to the sleeve 600, so that the plug element 800 but compared to the sleeve 700 in the direction of the cylinder axis of the sleeves 600, 700 remains movable.

- When placing the plug element 800 on the unit from the sleeves 600, 700, the plug element 800, which has the bayonet or the pins 802, pulled by controlling the sleeve 700 with internal thread 702 in this controlled. In this way, by continuously rotating the sleeve 700, the plug element 800 can be inserted into the printed circuit board 102 without the risk that the

Contact elements 106 are damaged by misalignment or the like.

- A locking of the entire connector with the circuit board 102 can be done in particular in three ways: by locking the contact elements 106 itself (multi-fork); by latching via a pin in the center of the plug element 800; by latching over pins which are attached to the side of the plug member 800, and slide in connection with the sleeve 600 along the outer wall and lock in the circuit board 102.

- In the unassembled state, the sleeve 600, the sleeve 700 and the plug element 800 form a functional unit (plug). After this

Removal of the plug from the circuit board 102, the contact elements 106 are in turn protected due to the threaded mechanism.

- The guide nose or guide lugs (hook) 804 and the

Längsführungsnut or Längsführungsnuten 606 form an axial Guide and thus allow the axial movement of the plug element (contact carrier) 800 by the rotational movement of the sleeve (of the ring) 700. Without guide nose 804, the plug element 800 would

turn and experience no axial displacement.

FIG. 10 shows the components according to FIG. 6 to FIG. 9 in FIG

attached to each other state.

In the following, referring to FIG. 11 to FIG

Connection arrangement according to another embodiment of the invention described, consisting of a plug-in element 1100, a

Plug element receptacle 1200 and a printed circuit board 102 is formed.

11 shows first that the plug-in element 1100 can be electrically coupled to a plurality of electrical conductors in receiving openings 1102, each of which is coupled to a contact element 106. Furthermore, a chamber for a toothed wheel can be seen in FIG. 11, cf. reference numeral 1104. FIG. 12 shows a plug-in element receptacle 1200, which in turn serves as an apron for protecting the contact elements 106. For receiving the plug element 1100 through the plug element receptacle 1200, the plug element 1100 is inserted into the plug element receptacle 1200, wherein the plug element 1100 is caught via a toothed wheel. For this purpose, a pivot lever 1202 is provided for the gear. Further are

Vorjustierhaken 1204 arranged at lower corners of the plug element receptacle 1200. FIG. 13 shows a corresponding printed circuit board 102

Vorjustieröffnungen 500, which are arranged corresponding to the positions of Vorjustierhaken 1204. FIG. 13A shows how the plug element receptacle 1200 has

received plug element 1100 is placed on the circuit board 102.

Is the plug 1100 in the plug receptacle 1200

received, this arrangement can first be pre-adjusted by placing the Vorjustiernasen 1204 on the Vorjustieröffnungen 500, and subsequently, the plug element 1100 relative to the

Plug element receptacle 1200 are pressed down, whereby each of the contact elements 106 is sunk in an associated contact element opening 104. The latching hooks 1204 (or latching lugs) of the skirt or of the plug-in element receptacle 1200 can, however, not have to fulfill a holding function for the plug-in element 1100. Whose

Contact elements 106 may be bastver latching, or they may be equipped with a locking pin.

Hereinafter, referring to FIG. 14 to FIG

Connecting arrangement according to another exemplary

Embodiment of the invention described in the

Embodiment of Figure 6 to Figure 9 is similar.

In this embodiment, a sleeve 700 ', which is shown in FIG. 15, is placed over a sleeve 600' according to FIG.

pushed over. In this joining operation, bayonet pins 1402 are screwed to an outer circumferential surface of the sleeve 600 'with an internal thread 702 of the sleeve 700'. A plug-in element shown in FIG 800 'is in this joining process in the interior of the sleeve 600'

introduced, so that circumferential pin 1600 with accordingly

formed grooves 1400 on an inner surface of the sleeve 600 'are engaged. An annular part 1602 of the plug element 800 'is supported on a groove 702 of the sleeve 700'. If a user exercises a rotary motion on a knurl 1500 of the sleeve 700 ', this results in an axial lowering of the rim 1500. This rotational movement on the knurl 1500 clearly supports the plug element 800' axially downward, without this performing a rotary movement such rotational movement is prevented by the corresponding elements 1400, 1600. By turning the knurl 1500 thus the plug-in element 80 'is lowered and then dives with the plug-in elements 106 in the

Circuit board 102, which is shown in Figure 17. Figure 18 shows a correspondingly assembled plug-in element 1000 \ after it has been inserted into a circuit board 102.

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

Claims

Patent claims

1. Direct plug-in device (108) for direct plugging on a

Printed circuit board (102), the direct plug-in device (108) comprising:

a male member (110) having a receiving housing (114) and a

Plurality of pluggable, especially

spring-like, contact elements (106);

a plug element receptacle (112) which is adapted for at least partially receiving the plug element (110) such that in the accommodated state of the plug element (110)

Plug element receptacle (112) the contact elements (106) laterally at least partially covered;

wherein the plug element receptacle (112) at least one

On the printed circuit board side arranged Vorjustierstruktur (502) which is connectable by placing the plug element receptacle (112) on the printed circuit board (102) with at least one corresponding Vorjustierstruktur (500) of the printed circuit board (102) that in the connected

Condition the contact elements (106) are aligned with correspondingly formed contact element openings (104) of the printed circuit board (102); wherein the plug element (110) opposite to the circuit board

(102) pre-adjusted patch plug receptacle (112) is movable such that thereby the contact elements (104) of the

Plug element receptacle (112) extendable and in the correspondingly formed contact element openings (104) are insertable.

2. Direct plug-in device (108) according to claim 1, wherein the at least one pre-adjustment structure (502) of the plug element receptacle (112).

has at least one Vorjustierzapfen and the at least one corresponding Vorjustierstruktur (500) of the printed circuit board (102) has at least one Vorjustieröffnung.

3. direct plug-in device (108) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein in the received state of the plug element (110) and before

Movement of the plug element receptacle (112) the contact elements (104) on the circuit board side protrudes.

4. direct plug-in device (108) according to one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the plug-in element (110) has at least one latching structure (120) which is adapted for latching, in particular for vibration-proof

Locking, the plug element (110) with a corresponding Verrastöffnung (122) in the circuit board (102) is arranged.

The direct plug device (108) of claim 4, wherein the at least one latching structure (120) is integrally formed with at least one of the plurality of contact elements (106) and / or is separately formed from the plurality of contact elements (106).

6. direct plug-in device (108) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the plug element (110) and the plug element receptacle (112) are formed such that starting from a state in which the contact elements (104) formed in the corresponding

Contact element openings (104) are inserted, the plug element (110) of the printed circuit board (102) is separable such that during the separation, the plug element (110) relative to the plug element receptacle (112) moves back, so that the plug element receptacle (112)

Contact elements (106) covered again laterally.

7. direct plug-in device (108) according to one of claims 1 to 6, wherein a printed circuit board side edge (160) of the plug element receptacle (112) at least partially has a flexible lip.

8. direct plug-in device (108) according to one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the plug element receptacle (112) has a clamping bracket (300) for clamping the plug element (110) to the plug element receptacle (112).

9. direct plug-in device according to one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the plug element receiving a first sleeve (600, 700 ') and at least partially in the first sleeve (600, 700 ^, ) rotatably receivable or received second sleeve (700, 600') ,

10. direct plug-in device according to claim 9, wherein the second sleeve (700) has an internal thread (702) and the plug element (800)

corresponding external thread or at least one

corresponding pin (802) for engagement with the internal thread (702), so that the plug element (800) by means of rotating the second sleeve (700) in the second sleeve (700) can be screwed and thereby performs a rotationally free longitudinal movement, whereby the

Contact elements (106) in the corresponding formed

Contact element openings (104) are introduced.

11. direct plug-in device according to claim 9,

wherein the first sleeve ( ^700Λ ) has a support portion (702) for supporting a support structure (1602) of the plug member (800);

wherein the second sleeve (600 ^Λ ) and the plug element (800) have corresponding linear guide means (1400, 1600) which prevent a relative rotational movement between the second sleeve (600 ^Λ ) and the plug element (800 ^Λ ); wherein the first sleeve (700 ^Λ ) has a knurl (1500), so that by rotation on the knurl (1500) of the support portion (702) is lowered, whereby the plug element (800 ^Λ ) is lowered and thereby performs a rotationally free longitudinal movement, which the contact elements (106) are inserted into the correspondingly formed contact element openings (104).

12. Direct plug-in device (108) according to one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the plug-element receptacle (112) is formed from an electrically insulating material, in particular from plastic.

13. direct plug-in device according to one of claims 1 to 12, comprising a relay and / or a fuse which is and / or which is electrically coupled to the plug-in contact elements (106) or are.

14. Connecting arrangement (100), comprising

a circuit board (102) having at least one pre-alignment structure (500) and a plurality of contact element openings (104); a direct plug-in device (108) according to one of claims 1 to 13, which for direct plugging onto the printed circuit board (102) by means of

Connecting the at least one Vorjustierstruktur (502) of

Plug element receptacle (112) with the at least one

corresponding Vorjustierstruktur (500) of the printed circuit board (102) and by means of subsequent movement of the plug element (110) relative to the printed circuit board (102) pre-adjusted patch element receptacle (112) is arranged, whereby the plurality of contact elements (106) from the plug element receptacle (112) extendable and in the plurality of contact element openings (104) is insertable.

15. Connection arrangement (100) according to claim 14, wherein the

PCB (102) is socket-free.

16. A vehicle, comprising a direct plug device (108) according to one of the preceding claims or a connection arrangement (100) according to one of the preceding claims.

17. Vehicle according to the preceding claim, set up as one of the group consisting of a motor vehicle, a

Passenger car, 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 helicopter, a spaceship, a zeppelin, a watercraft, a ship, a rail vehicle and a train.

A method of directly plugging a direct plug device (108) onto a printed circuit board (102), the method comprising:

Providing a plug-in element (110) having a receiving housing (114) and a plurality of plugged, in particular spring-like, contact elements (106) received thereon;

at least partially receiving the plug element (110) in a plug element receptacle (112) such that in the accommodated state of the plug element (110) the plug element receptacle (112)

Contact elements (106) laterally at least partially covered;

Placing the plug element receptacle (112) on the printed circuit board (102) for connecting at least one circuit board side

arranged Vorjustierstruktur (502) of the plug element receptacle (112) with at least one corresponding Vorjustierstruktur (500) of the printed circuit board (102) such that in the connected state Contact elements (106) formed to correspond

Contact element openings (104) of the printed circuit board (102) are aligned;

Moving the plug element (110) opposite to the

Printed circuit board (102) pre-adjusted patch plug receptacle (112) such that thereby the contact elements (106) from the

Plug element receptacle (112) are extended and in the

correspondingly formed contact element openings (104) are introduced.

19. Use of a connection arrangement (100) according to one of the preceding claims for transmitting an electric current of at least 5 amps, in particular of at least 10 amps, more particularly of at least 20 amps, between a

Contact element (106) of the direct plug-in device (108) and the printed circuit board (102) attached thereto.