EP3301759A1 - Plug connection device - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a plug connection device for connecting a cable having a wire to a printed circuit board (8). The plug connection device has a plug (1) which can be connected to a wire of the cable, and a base strip (2), which is connectable to the printed circuit board (8), wherein the base strip (2) has a soldering pin, which in a plug-in area by plugging the plug (1) on the base strip (2) with a wire of the cable is electrically connected. The soldering pin is soldered in a soldering area for making a conductive connection with the printed circuit board (8). According to the invention, it is provided that the soldering area of the soldering pin has a plurality of contact zones, so that the base strip (2) can be connected in different orientations to the printed circuit board (8).

Description

The invention relates to a connector device for connecting a cable to a printed circuit board.

Making a connection of a cable to a printed circuit board is a common task in the installation of electrical equipment, in the assembly of electronic equipment or in the connection of electronic circuits to external components such as sensors.

In general, this object is achieved via the use of a connector device, which is known due to many different requirements, a variety of different connector devices.

In the development of a connector device are in addition to a variety of parameters such as number of contacts, electrical load capacity (current, voltage), mechanical strength, number of pluggable, IP protection class, insulation, etc., the size and direction in which the connector in relation to open or close the circuit board is of not insignificant importance.

In many cases, cramped spatial conditions, as in the construction of compact electronic devices, allow only a few degrees of mechanical freedom. The direction in which a connector device is to be operated is therefore often predetermined.

In the prior art, therefore, connector devices are in otherwise almost identical design sometimes offered in different variants for different directions.

Depending on the installation situation, a designer can resort to various plug-in connection devices, for example horizontally with respect to the printed circuit board or variants which can be operated vertically in relation to the printed circuit board. Depending on the required direction of actuation, a designer uses different products in different situations, whereby the manufacturers in turn offer correspondingly different products. In the chain from manufacture to use, a variety of variants of a component cause significantly higher costs than would be caused by a universally applicable component.

The object of the invention is therefore to provide a connector device that allows a wide range of applications, so that the variety of variants can be reduced.

The object is achieved by the features of the subject matter of claim 1. Advantageous embodiments of the invention are set forth in claims 2 to 10.

Accordingly, the invention provides a connector device for connecting a cable having at least one core to a printed circuit board, with a plug which is connectable to the wire of the cable, and a base strip which is connectable to the circuit board, wherein the base strip has at least one solder pin, which in a plug-in area by plugging the plug on the base strip with the wire the cable is electrically connectable and that can be soldered in a soldering area in a contact zone for producing a conductive connection to the circuit board, characterized in that the soldering area of the soldering pin has a plurality of contact zones, so that the base strip in different, corresponding to a respective contact zone alignments with the PCB is connectable.

The advantage of this solution is that, as a result of the fact that the base strip can be connected to the base strip in different orientations, different actuation directions for opening and closing the plug connection device are made possible, depending on the respective orientation of the base strip. Thus, the scope of the connector device is increased, so that the variety of variants can be reduced.

Basically, there are many possibilities for aligning the contact zones. Advantageously, however, the contact zones of the solder pin are arranged to each other at a right angle, so that the base bar is connectable in two mutually at right angles alignments with the circuit board. Here is under a contact zone of a soldering pin to understand the area with which he with the circuit board
can get in touch.

Depending on the assembly technique used, such as, for example, SMD (Surface Mounted Device) or THT (Through Hole Technology) and THR (Through Hole Reflow), the contact zone preferably consists of a planar support surface or a cylindrical surrounding surface partially enveloping the soldering post.

The contact zones are at a right angle to each other when the surface vectors of the surfaces with which the solder pin can come into contact with the circuit board form a right angle. Such an embodiment allows the two frequently occurring in practice actuation directions perpendicular or vertical to the circuit board.

Advantageously, the solder pin "J" -shaped, wherein the lower arc of the "J" -shaped solder pin forms a first contact zone and the short shaft of the "J" -shaped solder pin forms a second contact zone. Further advantageous is formed by the long shaft of the "J" -shaped solder pin of the plug-in area of the solder pin.

Such a design allows a simple and compact production of the base bar. The soldering pin can be formed in this case from a piece of wire, which is fitted into the base bar, that it is directly contactable in the mating area of the plug and engages in the soldering area in a recess on the surface of the base strip.

The soldering pin remains contactable by the engagement of the soldering area of the release pin in a recess of the base strip, with a large contact surface of the base strip on the printed circuit board, which improves the mechanical loadability, being simultaneously created by a flush surface of soldering pin and base strip.

Such an embodiment is preferably suitable for an SMD mounting technique.

In another advantageous embodiment, the soldering pin is "T" -shaped, wherein a first leg of the "T" -shaped solder pin forms a first contact zone and a second leg of the "T" -shaped solder pin forms a second contact zone. In addition, a third leg of the "T" -shaped soldering pin advantageously forms the plug-in area of the soldering pin.

This embodiment also allows a simple and compact design of the base strip, wherein in a first manufacturing step, the "T" shaped solder pins can be made by folding a wire or by punching, and in a second manufacturing step, the "T" shaped solder pins of a plastic for producing the base bar can be molded.

Also in this embodiment, a leg of the "T" -shaped solder pin can be fitted into the base bar such that it can be contacted directly in the plug-in area of the plug. The two other legs of the solder pin protrude laterally from the base bar and are suitable for mounting the base strip in different orientations on a printed circuit board. The respective solder pin pierces the circuit board through a contact hole to be soldered on the back can.

Such an embodiment is preferably suitable for a THT or THR mounting technique.

Regardless of a "T" -shaped solder pin or a "J" -shaped solder pin protrudes the plug-in area of the solder pin advantageously through the base bar, so that he over the plug with the Core of the cable is connectable. As a result, the soldering pin can take over both the task of a contact element on one side, and that of a plug-in element on the other side of the base strip.

Further advantageously, the base strip is connectable by means of a solder anchor to the circuit board.

Upon actuation of the connector mechanical forces can occur which act on the connection between the base strip and printed circuit board. In an unfavorable case, this can lead to the base strip tearing off the printed circuit board. When using the SMD mounting technology, the base strip is soldered to lying on the surface of the circuit board traces. If there is a strong force acting on the connection between the base strip and the printed circuit board, the printed conductors of the printed circuit board may tear off if necessary.

For mechanical reinforcement of the connection between the base strip and printed circuit board, the base strip can therefore be connected by one or more, for example, on the sides of the base strip mountable solder anchor to the circuit board. Such solder anchors preferably pass through a hole or a continuous opening through the circuit board, so that they can be soldered back.

Advantageously, the base strip provides at least one receptacle for the assembly of a solder anchor, wherein the receptacle is formed so that the solder anchor is connectable in different orientations with the base strip.

In this case, the recording may be an integral part of the base strip or else a separate component that is movable relative to the base strip. Thus, a base strip at its ends rotatable and optionally in different positions lockable trained recordings, so that the base bar can be aligned in different positions.

Advantageously, the base strip for connection to the circuit board by means of a solder anchor having both a vertical and a horizontal through opening, which is suitable as a receptacle for mounting the solder anchor. In addition, the base strip can also have further through openings, for example in 45 degree increments, to allow further postions. It is also advantageous that these openings intersect, so that a compact design of the base strip is made possible.

Furthermore, it is the object of the invention to provide a connector device, which ensures a secure fixation of plug and base bar in the inserted state, regardless of their material.

The solution of this object is achieved according to the invention by the features of the subject matter of claim 11. Advantageous embodiments of the invention are specified in the claims 12 to 16.

According to the invention, therefore, a plug connection device is provided with a plug and a base strip, which are mechanically and electrically contactable with one another by means of a plug connection in a predetermined plugging direction, wherein the mechanical fixation of the Plug connection device in the inserted state, a latching tab and a latching lug are provided, which are latched to each other, characterized in that the latching tab is connected only on one side and the bending axis formed on this side is at an angle to the direction of insertion, which is less than 45 ° is.

It is essential to the invention that there is only a small angle between the plug-in direction and the bending axis, namely in any case an angle which is less than 45 °. In this case, a fictitious axis is referred to as a bending axis, by which the locking tab is bent during the insertion process due to the coming into contact with the locking tab locking lug to the outside. In fact, in practice, no linear bending axis will occur regularly, but a bending of the locking tab over a certain extended section. For the sake of simplicity, however, the explanation of the invention is given by a bending axis, which also has a precisely defined orientation, so that it is possible to speak of an angle between the bending axis and the predetermined plugging direction.

As previously stated, this angle should be low according to the invention; an angle of less than 45 ° is basically suitable. According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, however, the angle is even smaller, preferably less than 10 °, and most preferably an angle of 0 is provided. This means that the bending axis runs parallel to the direction of insertion.

In this context, it is further preferably provided that the locking lug is arranged and designed such that it is only at the edge of the plugging operation free end of the locking tab comes into contact with this. While the arrangement of the latching lug according to the invention is basically free, as long as it comes to a latching with the latching tab, this preferred embodiment has the following advantage:

If the latch only comes into contact with it at the edge, that is to say at the free end of the latching tab, and pushes it outward, then only such bending of the latching tab that is determined by the height of the latching tab occurs. In the prior art, in which the insertion direction is regularly perpendicular to the bending axis, such a small deflection is not possible. Here, namely, the locking lug is guided far into the locking tab, so that there is a much greater bending of the locking tab, the locking tab is bent so much further. Therefore, it is possible according to the presently described preferred embodiment of the invention, for the connector device, in particular for the locking tab, to use a relatively brittle material, such as LCP with a glass fiber content of 30%.

According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, an opening is further provided for locking the latching lug with the latching tab, which is arranged behind the latching tab. Preferably, the opening to the deflection end of the locking tab is open. It is also preferred that the opening is at least partially rounded in its end opposite the open end, at least to the latching tab. This causes a mechanical reinforcement of the locking tab and can prevent tearing of the locking tab.

Finally, it should be noted that the locking tab can basically always be provided on the plug and the latch in principle on the base strip. According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, however, it is provided that the latching tab is provided on the base strip and the latching lug on the plug.

Furthermore, it is the object of the invention to ensure a simple and secure connection of an electrical conductor in an electrical connection device for connecting an electrical conductor, in particular in a connector device as described above.

The solution of this object is achieved according to the invention by the features of the subject matter of claim 17. Advantageous embodiments of the invention are set forth in claims 18 and 19.

According to the invention, therefore, an electrical connection device for connecting an electrical conductor, in particular a plug connection device, as described above, is provided with a housing, a connection spring provided in the housing for electrically contacting the electrical conductor, a spring-operated with a tool spring opener for opening the spring and a Cable insertion funnel for inserting the electrical conductor to the connecting spring, wherein the spring opener and the cable insertion funnel adjoin one another and the spring opener has an actuating surface for the tool, which is surrounded by a U-shaped wall.

In this way, a secure hold of the tool, such as a screwdriver, achieved on the spring opener, as the U-shaped wall on three sides offers a stop for the tool. The fact that the spring opener and the cable insertion funnel adjoin one another means that these two devices are adjacent to one another, but do not have to adjoin one another directly. Finally, the spring opener is regularly provided in the vicinity of the cable entry funnel, since the spring opener is indeed provided for opening the spring, which should contact the conductor introduced into the conductor insertion funnel.

According to a preferred embodiment of the invention it is provided that the opening of the U-shaped wall is located on the side facing away from the cable insertion funnel. Due to this configuration, it can be ensured that the tool can not slip so that it covers the cable insertion area above the cable insertion funnel. A free accessibility of this area is thus ensured throughout and thus during the process of connecting the cable without the tool can interfere.

It is provided according to a further preferred embodiment, that the actuating direction of the spring opener and the insertion direction of the cable insertion funnel parallel to each other.

The invention will be explained in more detail with reference to the drawing with reference to preferred embodiments.

Fig. 1

ein Ausführungsbeispiel der Grundleiste der erfindungsgemäßen Steckverbindungsvorrichtung in perspektivischer Darstellung,

Fig. 2

das Ausführungsbeispiel aus Fig. 1 in Verbindung mit einer Leiterplatte in einer vertikalen Ausrichtung,

Fig. 3

das Ausführungsbeispiel aus Fig. 1 in Verbindung mit einer Leiterplatte in einer horizontalen Ausrichtung,

Fig. 4

das Ausführungsbeispiel aus Fig. 2 in seitlicher, parallel zur Steckrichtung geschnittener Darstellung,

Fig. 5

das Ausführungsbeispiel aus Fig. 3 in seitlicher, parallel zur Steckrichtung geschnittener Darstellung,

Fig. 6

ein zweites Ausführungsbeispiel einer Grundleiste der erfindungsgemäßen Steckverbindungsvorrichtung in seitlicher, parallel zur Steckrichtung geschnittener Darstellung und Montage in vertikaler Ausrichtung,

Fig. 7

das Ausführungsbeispiel aus Fig. 6 bei Montage in horizontaler Ausrichtung,

Fig. 8

ein Ausführungsbeispiel der Grundleiste der erfindungsgemäßen Steckverbindungsvorrichtung in horizontaler Ausrichtung aus Sicht der Steckrichtung,

Fig. 9

ein Ausführungsbeispiel der erfindungsgemäßen Steckverbindungsvorrichtung in geöffneter Position,

Fig. 10

das Ausführungsbeispiel der Fig. 9 in geschlossener Position,

Fig. 11

das Ausführungsbeispiel der Fig. 9 im ungesteckten Zustand weiter im Detail hinsichtlich Rastnase und Rastlasche,

Fig. 12

das Ausführungsbeispiel der Fig. 11 während des Steckvorgangs,

Fig. 13

das Ausführungsbeispiel der Fig. 11 und 12 in gestecktem Zustand,

Fig. 14

den Stecker zuvor schon gezeigten Stecker mit seinen mittels eines Werkzeugs betätigbaren Federöffnern in einer perspektivischen Ansicht,

Fig. 15

den Stecker aus Fig. 14 in einer Seitenansicht und

Fig. 16

den Stecker aus den Fig. 14 und 15 teilweise im Schnitt.

Show it

Fig. 1

An embodiment of the base strip of the connector device according to the invention in a perspective view,

Fig. 2

the embodiment Fig. 1 in conjunction with a printed circuit board in a vertical orientation,

Fig. 3

the embodiment Fig. 1 in conjunction with a printed circuit board in a horizontal orientation,

Fig. 4

the embodiment Fig. 2 in lateral, cut parallel to the direction of insertion,

Fig. 5

the embodiment Fig. 3 in lateral, cut parallel to the direction of insertion,

Fig. 6

A second embodiment of a base strip of the connector device according to the invention in a side, parallel to the plug-in direction cut representation and assembly in a vertical orientation,

Fig. 7

the embodiment Fig. 6 when mounted in horizontal orientation,

Fig. 8

an embodiment of the base strip of the connector device according to the invention in a horizontal orientation from the point of view of the plug-in direction,

Fig. 9

An embodiment of the connector device according to the invention in the open position,

Fig. 10

the embodiment of Fig. 9 in closed position,

Fig. 11

the embodiment of Fig. 9 in the unmated condition further in detail with regard to latching lug and latching tab,

Fig. 12

the embodiment of Fig. 11 during the plug-in process,

Fig. 13

the embodiment of Fig. 11 and 12 in mated condition,

Fig. 14

the plug previously shown connector with its actuated by a tool spring openers in a perspective view,

Fig. 15

the plug off Fig. 14 in a side view and

Fig. 16

the plug out of the Fig. 14 and 15 partly in section.

Fig. 1 shows an embodiment of the base strip 2 of the connector device according to the invention in a perspective view. The exemplary embodiment has a solder pin 3 shown in section, a plug-in region 4 and a contact region 5. The plug-in area 4 is open and can be contacted by a plug. The solder pin 3 is J-shaped. In its contact region 5, the section shown in section Solder pin 3, the two contact zones 6 and 7. These contact zones 6 and 7 are at a right angle to each other on different sides of the base bar 2 and close with the side surfaces of the base bar 2 each flush. In the embodiment of FIG. 1 is the contact surface 7 of four solder pins 3 can be seen. There is one soldering pin 3 each for one core of a multi-core cable.

Fig. 2 shows the embodiment FIG. 1 in conjunction with a printed circuit board in a vertical orientation. The recesses in the base strip 2 receive the solder pins 3, so that a flush footprint for vertical alignment on the circuit board 8 is formed. In the contact zone 6, the solder pin 3 is in contact with the printed circuit board 8 so that it is electrically contactable there with a printed conductor (not shown) of the printed circuit board 8 in SMD assembly technology.

Fig. 3 shows the embodiment Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 in conjunction with a printed circuit board 8 in a horizontal orientation. The recesses in the base strip 2 receive the solder pins 3, so that a flush footprint is also formed for horizontal alignment on the circuit board 8. In this orientation, the solder pin 3 in the contact zone 7 is in contact with the printed circuit board, so that it is electrically contactable there with a printed conductor (not shown) of the printed circuit board 8 in SMD mounting technology.

Fig. 4 shows the embodiment FIG. 2 in lateral, parallel to the insertion direction cut representation, in addition, the tip of an anchor stem 9 of a solder anchor is visible, the mechanical Attachment of the base strip 2 on the circuit board 8 is used and is passed through a hole in the circuit board 8.

Fig. 5 shows the embodiment Fig. 3 in lateral, parallel to the insertion direction cut representation, whereby also the tip of the anchor stem 9 of a solder anchor is visible.

Fig. 6 shows a second embodiment of a base strip 2 of the connector device according to the invention in lateral, parallel to the plug-in direction cut representation and assembly in a vertical orientation. The exemplary embodiment has a solder pin 3 shown in section with a plug-in region 4 and a contact region 5. The plug-in area 4 is open and can be contacted by a plug. The solder pin 3 is T-shaped, the contact region 5 of the solder pin 3 is L-shaped. In this contact region 5, the solder pin 3 shown in section has the two contact zones 6 and 7. These are each in the portion of the L-shaped contact region in which the solder pin 3 would touch the circuit board 8 with a corresponding orientation of the base strip 2. When aligning in this FIG. 6 touches the solder pin 3, the circuit board 8 in the contact zone 6. The contact zones 6 and 7 are at a right angle to each other on different sides of the base bar 2 and are suitable to pierce the circuit board 8.

Fig. 7 shows the embodiment FIG. 6 when mounted in a horizontal orientation, with the orientation in this FIG. 7 the solder pin 3 touches the circuit board 8 in the contact zone 7. Furthermore Here is the tip of the anchor stem 9 of a solder anchor visible, in the representation of FIG. 6 is covered by the solder pin 3.

Fig. 8 shows an embodiment of the base strip 2 of the connector device according to the invention in a horizontal orientation from the point of view of the plug-in direction. The FIG. 8 shows an example of a base strip 2 for connecting a multi-core cable to a printed circuit board 8, wherein from the embodiment in FIG. 8 the tips of four solder pins 3 are visible for contacting a four-core cable. At the lateral ends transversely to the direction of insertion, the base strip 2 receptacles 11 for receiving solder anchors. The anchor stem 9 of a solder anchor has a rectangular cross-section and can be inserted into the rectangular formed through openings 11, or passed. Both sides of the base strip 2 each have two of these openings, one for vertical and one horizontal orientation of the base strip 2. In FIG. 8 Only the exposed openings are clearly visible for vertical alignment. The openings for the horizontal alignment are not apparent from this perspective and also filled in each case by an anchor stem of a solder anchor 9, which in each case protrudes through the opening of the base strip 2 and the circuit board 8. The arms of the anchor head 10 of the solder anchor hold the base bar 2 on the circuit board 8 firmly.

Fig. 9 shows an embodiment of the connector device according to the invention in the open position. From the perspective view of the anchor stem 9 and the anchor head 10 of both sides mounted solder anchor are also visible.

Fig. 10 shows the embodiment of the FIG. 9 in the closed position and in horizontal mounting orientation on a printed circuit board. 8

From the Fig. 11 . 12 and 13 Finally, it is apparent how a mechanical fixation of connector 1 and 2 base bar is done together. For this purpose, the plug 1 at least on one side, preferably on both sides, a latching lug 12 which can latch in an opening behind a latching tab 14 attached to the base strip 2. The special feature of this locking connection is that the in Fig. 12 indicated by a dotted line bending axis 13 by which the locking tab 14 is bent outwards, parallel to the direction of insertion 15 shown in the same figure. As explained in detail above, only a slight bending of the locking tab is required in this way, so that plug 1 and 2 baseboard and insbesondere the locking tab 14 may be made of a relatively brittle material without having to fear a material fracture.

From the Fig. 14 . 15 and 16 Finally, it can be seen in detail how in the connector 1 provided spring openers 16 are configured according to a preferred embodiment of the invention.

The plug 1 has a housing 17 and provided in the housing 17 and not shown connecting springs for electrically contacting electrical conductors. The spring openers 16 can be actuated with a tool 18, in the present case a screwdriver, in order to open the respective connecting spring. In the cable insertion funnel 19, in each case a conductor can be inserted, and the conductor can so that they are guided to the respective connection spring. The actuation direction of a respective spring opener 16 and the insertion direction of an associated cable entry funnel 19 run parallel to one another.

In particular Fig. 14 removable, the spring openers 16 and the associated cable entry funnels 19 adjoin one another. The spring openers 16 each have an actuating surface 20 for the tool, wherein the actuating surface 20 is surrounded by a U-shaped wall 21, which in particular Fig. 16 is removable. About the actuating surface 20 can be exerted on the spring opener 16 pressure to open the spring, and the U-shaped wall 21 ensures a secure hold of the tool 18 on the spring opener 16, since the U-shaped wall 21 on three sides a stop for the tool 18 offers.

Like that Fig. 14 . 15 and 16 removed, it is further provided that the opening of the U-shaped wall 21 is located on the cable insertion funnel 19 side facing away. Due to this configuration, it can be ensured that the tool 18 can not obstruct the cable insertion area above the cable insertion funnel 19 in the event of possible slippage. LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS plug 1 base strip 2 solder pin 3 Plug-in area of the solder pin 4 Soldering area of the soldering pin 5 First contact zone 6 Second contact zone 7 circuit board 8th Solder anchor, anchor handle 9 Solder anchor, anchor head 10 admission 11 locking lug 12 bending axis 13 snap tab 14 plug-in direction 15 spring NC 16 casing 17 Tool 18 Cable insertion funnel 19 actuating surface 20 U-shaped wall 21

Claims (3)

Electrical connecting device for connecting an electrical conductor, in particular plug connection device according to one of the preceding claims, comprising a housing (17), a connecting spring provided in the housing (17) for electrically contacting the electrical conductor, a spring opener (16) which can be actuated by a tool (18) ) for opening the spring and a cable insertion funnel (19) for inserting the electrical conductor to the connecting spring, wherein the spring opener (16) and the cable insertion funnel (19) adjoin one another, characterized in that the spring opener (16) has an actuating surface (20) for the tool (18) which is surrounded by a U-shaped wall (21). Electrical connection device according to claim 1, characterized in that the opening of the U-shaped wall (21) on the cable insertion funnel (19) facing away from the side is provided. Electrical connection device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the actuating direction of the spring opener (16) and the insertion direction of the cable insertion funnel (19) parallel to each other.

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