Soldering aids, assemblies and methods for mounting a wire on a circuit board contact surface

Abstract

The invention relates to a soldering aid, an assembly and a method for mounting a strand on a contact surface of a circuit board, the soldering aid comprising an outer part with a support surface and an inner part which is accommodated in a movable manner in an accommodation of the outer part, the inner part having an access to the contact surface and being fastenable at the outer part in a mounting position, and wherein, for the introduction of a strand of a cable, in an introduction position an introduction opening of the inner part is aligned with an introduction opening of the outer part. According to the invention, the soldering aid serves the purpose of giving a soldering aid or a method for fixing a strand on a contact surface of a circuit board, so that a large number of small-diameter strands can be processed automatically. The invention also relates to an assembly comprising a circuit board and a strand of a cable, the strand being fastened on a contact surface of the circuit board by means of a soldering aid. The invention likewise relates to a method for fixing a strand of a cable on an electrical contact surface of a circuit board.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a soldering aid for fixing the stranded wires of a cable to the electrical contact surface of a circuit board, an assembly, and a method for fixing the stranded wires of a cable to the electrical contact surface of a circuit board. Background Technology

[0002] When handling cables, it is common to encounter situations where the stranded wires of the cable, especially the inner conductors of data cables constructed as coaxial cables, must be mechanically and electrically secured to the contact surface of a circuit board (printed circuit board, also known as a PCB). The securing of the cable strands is typically performed by soldering, where solder is applied to the stranded wires or contact surfaces, and then the flux is melted under heat so that it solidifies and bonds the stranded wires to the material of the contact surface.

[0003] For soldering, the stranded wire needs to be placed on the contact surface during the preparation step and held in a fixed position on the contact surface during the solder liquefaction duration.

[0004] Soldering aids are known in practice for securing the stranded wires of a stripped cable to the contact surface of a circuit board. A component that introduces the stranded wire into or at the component, such that the stranded wire, for example, can be configured as the exposed inner conductor of a coaxial cable, is arranged and housed within the soldering aid. The soldering aid is secured to the circuit board such that the introduced stranded wire remains in a defined, as reproducible as possible, position on the contact surface of the circuit board, at least during the soldering duration.

[0005] In automated production, there is a frequent need to apply stranded wires of the smallest possible diameter to the contact surfaces of a circuit board in a high number of pieces in a short time and secure them by means of soldering; in particular, in one work step, multiple stranded wires that are parallel and aligned with each other are placed on the contact surfaces of the circuit board and then soldered to the contact surfaces.

[0006] EP 2 690 712 A2 describes a soldering aid constructed as a flat, one-piece cutter with a hole, wherein the soldering aid is fixed at its edge substantially perpendicular to the plane of the circuit board, and wherein a stripped end section of a coaxial cable abuts against the outer edge of the hole, allowing the stranded wires of the coaxial cable to pass through the hole, align on the contact surface, and be soldered there. The cutter passes through a drilled hole in the circuit board, which must be secured in the drilled hole by means of a fixing mechanism.

[0007] WO 2016 / 104586 A1 Refer to Figure 16 to illustrate a soldering aid constructed as a one-piece molded part, wherein the soldering aid is clamped in a narrow opening in a circuit board, and wherein the soldering aid has an inlet opening through which a stripped end portion of a coaxial cable is introduced on one side, such that the stranded wire is positioned on the contact surface on the other side for subsequent soldering. The soldering aid has a notch on its upper side through which the shielding braid of the coaxial cable can be obtained.

[0008] WO 02 / 084808 A1 describes an apparatus for positioning a coaxial cable at a conductor strip on a circuit board, wherein the apparatus has a one-piece molded part secured in a slot in the circuit board on both the upper and lower sides, wherein the molded part receives a stripped end of the coaxial cable at an inlet opening, the end being further surrounded by the insulation of the coaxial cable at an outlet opening. The apparatus is arranged at an angle relative to the plane of the circuit board such that the strands of the coaxial cable are positioned at said angle in a manner that presses them onto the conductor strip for subsequent soldering.

[0009] US 5,532,659 A describes a basic U-shaped component as a welding aid, wherein a stripped end section of a coaxial cable is received at the bottom of the U, and wherein the exposed inner conductor of the coaxial cable is placed on a conductor strip of a multilayer circuit board between the legs of the U. Caps are used for other exposed connections of the inner conductor of electromagnetically shielded stranded wires or cables at the conductor strip. Summary of the Invention

[0010] The purpose of this invention is to provide a welding aid and a method for fixing stranded wires to the contact surface of a circuit board, enabling the automatic processing of large quantities of stranded wires with small diameters.

[0011] According to the present invention, the objective is achieved by a soldering aid for fixing the stranded wire of a cable to the electrical contact surface of a circuit board. The soldering aid includes an outer part with a support surface and an inner part, wherein the inner part is movably housed within a receiving portion of the outer part, wherein the inner part has an inlet facing the contact surface and is fastened to the outer part in an installed position, and wherein, in an inlet position, the inlet opening of the inner part is aligned with the inlet opening of the outer part for introducing the stranded wire of the cable.

[0012] According to the invention, the objective is also achieved by a method for fixing the stranded wires of a cable to the electrical contact surface of a circuit board, preferably performed using a soldering aid according to the invention, the method comprising the following steps:

[0013] - Provide a welding aid having an outer component and an inner component movably housed within a receiving portion of the outer component.

[0014] - The twisted wires of the cable are introduced into the introduction position, wherein, in order to introduce the twisted wires of the cable, the introduction opening of the inner component is aligned with the introduction opening of the outer component, and

[0015] - The inner component is placed in the receiving portion of the outer component in the mounting position, wherein the inner component is fastened to the outer component in the mounting position, wherein the inlet of the inner component in the mounting position makes the electrical contact surface of the circuit board accessible, and wherein the outer component in the mounting position is fastened to the circuit board to fix the stranded wire to the contact surface.

[0016] The welding aid is constructed in two parts, comprising an outer component and an inner component, the inner component being housed within a receiving portion of the outer component in a movable manner relative to the outer component. The inner and outer components can be manufactured structurally separate from each other. The inner component moves within the outer component to reach a mounting position where stranded wires are secured to the contact surface, such that in a subsequent step, welding material mechanically and electrically bonds the stranded wires to the contact surface by heating. For this purpose, the inner component may have an inlet facing the contact surface on the circuit board, through which solder or heat, such as as a heating finger or as a laser beam, can be delivered to the stranded wires placed on the contact surface to melt the solder. In the mounting position, the inner component is secured to the outer component.

[0017] The two-piece construction of the welding aid, particularly the mobility of the inner component within the receptacle of the outer component, enables the introduction position. For introducing the stranded wire, the introduction opening of the inner component is aligned with the introduction opening of the outer component, allowing the stranded wire to be introduced substantially linearly and parallel to the surface alignment of the contact surface. In the introduction position, the position of the inner component relative to the outer component can deviate from its position relative to the outer component in the mounting position, specifically by moving the inner component from the introduction position to the mounting position. The mounting position can specifically represent the end position of the inner component relative to the outer component, in which the inner component cannot move further within the receptacle of the outer component and is fixed to the outer component. When the inner component is fixed to the outer component, the stranded wire is fixed at the contact surface. The outer component has a support surface that allows it to be positioned on the surface of the circuit board.

[0018] Preferably, for the welding aid, the inner component forms a guide surface on its outer side, with a portion of it partially aligned with the inner side of the receiving portion of the outer component. At least one guide surface simplifies the defined mobility of the inner component relative to the outer component, as it prevents tilting of the inner component within the receiving portion and reduces friction between the inner component and the outer component. Here, at least one guide surface is disposed between the inner and outer components along the entire movement path. The configuration of at least one guide surface also prevents tilting of the inner component relative to the inner side of the receiving portion of the outer component during movement of the inner component.

[0019] Regarding the construction of at least one guide surface, it is preferably proposed that the outer portion of the inner component constituting the guide surface is substantially cylindrical. Here, the cylindrical portion on the outer side of the inner component may, for example, form at least one guide surface with a flat portion on the inner side of the outer component; in this case, at least one guide surface is formed by a substantially linear face segment that extends relative to the outer component along the movement path of the inner component.

[0020] For the welding aid, it is preferably further proposed that, in the installation position, the inner component can be fastened to the outer component by means of a locking connection. Therefore, an additional mechanism for fixing the inner component to the outer component can be avoided, simplifying the construction. Furthermore, once the inner component reaches the installation position relative to the outer component, the fastening of the inner component to the outer component can be automatically achieved.

[0021] A preferred design for the locking connection is to have a locking protrusion on the outer side of the inner component, which forms a locking connection with the undercut portion on the inner side of the outer component.

[0022] For securing the soldering aid to the circuit board, it is preferably proposed that a fastening mechanism for securing the soldering aid to the circuit board be provided at the outer component and / or the inner component. Constructing a section of the outer component and / or the inner component as the fastening mechanism eliminates the need for additional mechanisms for fastening, such as screws or pins, which would otherwise make automatically securing the soldering aid to the surface of the circuit board expensive.

[0023] Regarding the construction of the fastening mechanism, a preferred design proposes that the fastening mechanism can be actuated by moving the internal components to the installation position.

[0024] The fastening mechanism can preferably be designed such that the fastening mechanism at the outer component is configured as an opening element having two or more opening clamps when forming an opening gap, and wherein an opening overhead is constructed at the inner component, the opening overhead filling the opening gap in the mounting position such that the opening clamps can be tensioned relative to the circuit board.

[0025] Preferably, the welding aid further includes an inner component that can be moved to a fixed position relative to the outer component, wherein the inner and outer components form a pre-fixed structural unit in the fixed position.

[0026] The fixed position is implemented with a preferred method such that a welding aid is provided in the fixed position where the inner and outer components constitute a pre-fixed structural unit, and the structural unit is arranged on the circuit board before the stranded wire is introduced. Here, the pre-fixed structural unit is first arranged on the circuit board, and then the stranded wire is introduced into the fixed position. The fixed position may already correspond to the mounting position where the inner component is fastened to the outer component and the outer component is fastened to the circuit board. Alternatively, the structural unit can be moved from the fixed position to the mounting position by further movement of the inner component relative to the outer component.

[0027] The pre-fixed structural units can be manufactured independently of the installation conditions and provide a means to secure the stranded wires to the contact surface of the circuit board.

[0028] For welding aids, particularly regarding the aforementioned fixed position, it is preferably proposed that the fixing section is constructed on the outer side of the inner component, and wherein a receiving section substantially complementary to the fixing section is constructed on the inner side of the outer component, and wherein, in the fixed position, the fixing section is substantially form-fitted and received within the receiving section. The fixing section extends relative to the outer component only along a defined sub-region of the movement path of the inner component, and corresponds to a defined, repeatably adjustable position of the inner component relative to the outer component. The fixing section can be specifically configured as a defined shape protrusion on the outer side of the inner component, wherein the protrusion interacts with a complementary shape recess on the inner side of the outer component. It goes without saying that the protrusion can also be located on the inner side of the outer component and interact with the complementary recess on the outer side of the inner component to achieve a locally form-fitted fixation of the inner component at the outer component.

[0029] For the purpose of constructing the fixing section, it is preferably proposed that the fixing section is constructed as a protrusion, and the receiving section is constructed as a recess having a shape complementary to the protrusion.

[0030] For welding aids, especially for the internal components, it is preferable that the inlet opening of the internal component is constructed as a slot that opens in the direction of movement. During the movement of the internal component relative to the external component, the slot accommodates a section of the stranded wire of the cable or adjacent to the sheath of the stranded wire.

[0031] Furthermore, for the welding aid, and especially for the outer component of the welding aid, it is preferable that the entry opening of the outer component is constructed as a through-hole. Here, the through-hole is constructed to be surrounded in all directions by the material of the outer component, such that the stranded wires housed in the through-hole have a spacing defined from the surface of the circuit board.

[0032] It is also preferably proposed that, in the installation position, the inlet opening of the inner component is arranged offset relative to the inlet opening of the outer component. Due to this offset, it is feasible to tension the stranded wire by means of a bend constructed between the inlet opening of the outer component and the inlet opening of the inner component, wherein the bend provides the advantage that the stranded wire is clamped in the welding aid with additional protective measures to overcome tension.

[0033] Additionally, for the welding aid, it may be proposed that an additional inlet opening be provided opposite to the inlet opening of the inner component in the extension direction of the stranded wire. The additional inlet opening may be specifically provided for receiving and tensioning the free end of the stranded wire, such that the stranded wire can be tensioned and fixedly held on the contact surface at two points spaced apart in the longitudinal direction of the stranded wire.

[0034] Furthermore, for internal or external components, particularly for both internal and external components, it is preferable that the internal and / or external components be constructed as one-piece molded parts made of metal or plastic, especially as plastic injection molded parts. One-piece metal molded parts can be manufactured, in particular, by milling or electrical discharge machining.

[0035] Finally, in a preferred design for the welding aid, the inner component is fully housed within the receiving portion of the outer component in the installation position.

[0036] The present invention also relates to an assembly comprising a circuit board and stranded wires of cables, wherein the stranded wires are secured to the contact surface of the circuit board by means of a soldering aid constructed according to the present invention.

[0037] Other advantages and features of the present invention will become apparent from the following description of the invention and at least one embodiment. Attached Figure Description

[0038] The invention will now be described and explained in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0039] Figure 1 A perspective view of the outer component of an embodiment of a welding aid according to the present invention is shown.

[0040] Figure 2 Show Figure 1 Top view of the outer components.

[0041] Figure 3 Shown in Figure 1 and Figure 2 A perspective view of the internal components of an embodiment of the welding aid according to the present invention, shown in partial view.

[0042] Figure 4 Shown in a view rotated 180° Figure 3 A three-dimensional view of the internal components.

[0043] Figure 5 Show Figure 3 and Figure 4 The bottom view of the internal components shown.

[0044] Figure 6 A welding aid according to the invention is shown in one embodiment of the manufacturing of a component according to the invention. Figures 1 to 5 The perspective view of the embodiment shown, and the method steps illustrating the exemplary performance of the method according to the invention,

[0045] Figure 7 Shown in Figure 6 In manufacturing one embodiment of the component according to the invention, the welding aid according to the invention... Figures 1 to 6 The perspective view of the embodiment shown, and the accompanying diagram illustrating the exemplary execution of the method according to the invention. Figure 6 The subsequent steps are as follows:

[0046] Figure 8 A welding aid according to the present invention is shown. Figures 1 to 7 A cross-sectional perspective view of the embodiment shown.

[0047] Figure 9 A welding aid according to the present invention is shown. Figures 1 to 8 The embodiments shown and the components according to the invention Figure 6 and Figure 7 The illustrated embodiment is shown in a partially sectional view, along with additional method steps illustrating the exemplary execution of the method according to the invention.

[0048] Figure 10 A welding aid according to the present invention is shown. Figures 1 to 9 The embodiments shown and Figure 6 , Figure 7 and Figure 9 The diagram shows a partially sectional view of the components, and further method steps illustrating exemplary execution of the method according to the invention.

[0049] Figure 11 The welding aid according to the invention and the components according to the invention are shown for... Figures 1 to 10 A perspective view of the first alternative embodiment of the shown example.

[0050] Figure 12 The welding aid according to the invention and the components according to the invention are shown for... Figures 1 to 11 A perspective view of the second alternative embodiment of the illustrated embodiment, and

[0051] Figure 13 From different Figure 11 The direction of observation is shown Figure 11A perspective view of the first alternative embodiment is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0052] Figure 6 A perspective view of a welding aid is shown, wherein the welding aid is configured to secure the stranded wires of a stripped cable to an electrical contact surface 1 of a circuit board 2 (PCB, printed circuit board, also known as a platine). An electronic module is electrically connected to the contact surface 1 and is arranged on the circuit board 2, but is not shown in the figure.

[0053] The contact surface 1 has a longitudinal extension, wherein two receiving holes 3, 4 are provided on both sides in a longitudinally extending direction to secure the welding aid to the circuit board 2.

[0054] exist Figure 6 In the partially installed state shown, the welding aid has two initially structurally separate components, including an outer part 5 with a support surface and an inner part 6. The outer part 5 rests on the surface of the circuit board 2 in its final installed position using the support surface. The outer part 5 has a generally quadrilateral outer contour and surrounds an opening with its surrounding walls, thus forming a receiving portion 7 that surrounds the contact surface 1 in the installed position of the welding aid. Figure 6 As shown, the inner component 6 is arranged aligned with the receiving portion 7 of the outer component 5, such that the inner component 6 can be movably accommodated within the receiving portion 7 of the outer component 5, wherein the inner component 6 moves toward the circuit board 2 in a direction perpendicular to the surface of the circuit board 2 to the mounting position described and explained in more detail below.

[0055] The inner component 6 has a generally quadrilateral outer contour and surrounds the inlet 8 with walls. The inlet is constructed as an opening surrounded by the walls, wherein the inlet 8, in the installation position, surrounds the contact surface 1, allowing contact with the contact surface 1 through the inlet 8, particularly introducing heat in the form of a thermal finger onto the contact surface 1, or touching the contact surface 1 by means of a laser beam. In the installation position, the inner component 6 with the inlet 8 facing the contact surface 1 can be fastened to the outer component 5.

[0056] The inner component 6 has an inlet opening 9 at the lower edge of one of the side walls, and the outer component 5 also has an inlet opening 10 near the lower edge of one of the side walls. Figure 6As can be seen, the inlet opening 9 of the inner component 6 is constructed as a slot that opens in the direction of movement, i.e., toward the surface of the circuit board 2. It is also evident that the inlet opening 10 of the outer component 5 is constructed as a through-hole, which is located near the lower edge of one side of the wall portion of the outer component 5. More precisely, the through-hole passes through the wall portion from the outside to the inside of the outer component 5, and is surrounded by the material of the sidewall portion. Conversely, the inlet opening 9 of the inner component 6 is constructed as a slot that opens on one side.

[0057] In the introduction location described in more detail below, in order to introduce the stranded wire of the cable, the introduction opening 9 of the slot of the inner part 6, which is constructed to open toward the circuit board 2, is aligned with the introduction opening 10 of the through-hole of the outer part 5, so that the stranded wire of the cable is substantially parallel to the surface of the circuit board 2 and can be introduced into the soldering aid at a certain distance from the surface of the circuit board 2.

[0058] In the illustrated embodiment, the inner component 6 and the outer component 5 are each constructed as a one-piece molded part, particularly as a plastic injection molded part. In variations of the illustrated embodiment, the inner and / or outer components, particularly both the inner and outer components, may be constructed as one-piece metal molded parts, manufactured, for example, by means of milling or electrical discharge machining. In particular, metal molded parts are particularly well able to absorb and dissipate heat input during solder melting.

[0059] Figure 1 A perspective view of the outer component 5 of the welding aid is shown. It can be seen that a fastening mechanism for fixing the outer component 5 of the welding aid to the circuit board is provided at the outer component 5. In the mounting position where the inner component 6 is fastened to the outer component 5 of the welding aid, the outer component 5 is directly fastened to the circuit board and the inner component 6 is indirectly fastened to it.

[0060] The fastening mechanism includes two opening elements at two opposing side walls of the outer component 5, wherein the opening elements are similarly constructed, and only the opening element identified by reference numeral "11" should be described in more detail.

[0061] The fastening element located at the outer component 5 is configured as an opening element 11 with two opening clamps when forming an opening gap. One of the opening clamps is identified by reference numeral "12", and the other opening clamp is substantially covered by the front opening clamp. The two opening clamps are opposite to each other and form an opening gap with each other, and taper towards their respective ends. The respective opening clamps have a segmented cylindrical profile on their outer sides, allowing the respective opening clamps to be inserted into receiving holes 3, 4 in the circuit board. Figure 6One of them, and can be locally shaped to fit against the inner wall of the hole-accommodating part. The inner sides of the opening clamps facing each other have segmented hollow cylindrical inner contours, so that the opening gaps constructed in the inner parts fill the opening gaps in the installation position, so that the opening clamps can be tensioned relative to the circuit board, that is, relative to the inner wall of the hole-accommodating part.

[0062] Two opening clamps 12 are respectively constructed at the lower edge of the wall surrounding the receiving portion 7, and protrude at the same spacing from the support surface substantially perpendicular to the lower edge of the wall in the direction of the circuit board surface. Each of the two opening clamps 12 on the outer side has a tapered inclined portion at the corresponding end to simplify the introduction of the opening clamps 12 into the receiving holes 3, 4 in the circuit board 2.

[0063] Figure 1 Also shown is an undercut 13 at the inner side 14 of the outer component 5, which forms part of a locking connection for securing the inner component to the outer component 5. Figure 1 Similarly, an inlet opening 10 configured as a through borehole is shown; it can be seen that the inlet opening 10 and the undercut portion 13 are arranged on opposite sidewalls of the outer component 5.

[0064] Figure 2 A top view of the outer component 5 of the welding aid is shown along the viewing direction of the circuit board. Visible are the opening gap 15 between the two opposing opening clamps of the opening element 11, and also the inner contour of the hollow cylindrical section of each opening clamp 12 on its opposing inner sides.

[0065] from Figure 2 The top view also shows that the guide groove 16 at the inner side 14 of the outer component extends from the upper edge of the outer component 5 along the direction of the lower edge of the outer component 5, wherein the guide groove 16 extends to the undercut 13, such that a locking protrusion that works with the undercut 13 to form a locking connection is located at the inner component. Figure 3 , 4 Guided by the guide groove 16, the inner part 6 and the outer part 5 are locked together by engaging the undercut portion 13 from the rear by the locking protrusion when they reach the installation position.

[0066] from Figure 2 It can also be deduced that the shoulders are respectively constructed at two opposing sidewalls in the receiving portion 7, and at opposing sidewalls on the inner side 14, which surrounds the receiving portion 7. One of the two shoulders is identified by reference numeral "17" and together with the opposing shoulders serves as a stop, which restricts the movement of the inner part 6 in the outer part 5 within the receiving portion, i.e., restricts vertical entry. Figure 2The movement in the paper plane is illustrated. For this purpose, the lower edge of the inner component 6 has a stop section that works in conjunction with the shoulder 17. The increase in wall thickness in the region of the shoulder 17 of the outer component 5 is used to construct the opening element 11, for example by displacing material from the shoulder 17, so that the opening clamp 12 of the opening element 11 can be constructed.

[0067] from Figure 2 It can also be seen that the receiving part 7 of the outer component 5 is constructed as an opening surrounded by the side wall of the wall of the outer component 5.

[0068] Figure 3 A perspective view of the inner component 6 of the welding aid is shown. It is evident that two cylindrical segments are constructed at the outer side 18 of the inner component 6, these segments being constructed of the same type, and one of these segments is identified by reference numeral "19". The cylindrical segment 19 interacts with a segment at the inner side of the outer component 5, such that the segment of the inner side 14 of the receiving portion 7 of the outer component, which is in permanent contact with the cylindrical segment 19 during movement of the inner component 6 relative to the outer component 5, forms a guide surface. For this purpose, the cylindrical segment 19 extends from the upper edge of the inner component 6 along the entire movement path of the inner component 6 within the outer component 5 to the lower boundary of the inner component 6. In particular, it is evident that the inner component 6 at the outer side 18 partially forms a guide surface with the segment at the inner side 18 of the receiving portion 7 of the outer component 5, wherein the segment 19 forming the guide surface at the outer side 18 of the inner component 6 is substantially cylindrical. Specifically, two guide surfaces are formed, these guide surfaces being constructed at the opposing sidewalls of the inner component 6 or the outer component 5.

[0069] Figure 3 It is also shown that two tensioning overheads are constructed at the inner component 6, the tensioning overheads being constructed of the same type, and one of the tensioning overheads is marked with reference numeral "20". The corresponding tensioning overhead 20 protrudes substantially perpendicularly to the surface of the circuit board 2 from the lower boundary of the inner component 6, and interacts with the corresponding opening gap 15 of the corresponding opening element 11 at the outer component 5, such that, in the installed position, the corresponding tensioning overhead 20 fills the corresponding opening gap 15 between the opposing opening clamps 12, thereby tensioning the opening clamps 12 relative to the circuit board 2. Therefore, the outer component 5 is fixed to the circuit board 2 in the installed position.

[0070] Here, the corresponding tension outlet 20 is constructed as a cylindrical bolt with a tapered end, wherein the cylindrical bolt is relative to the opening gap 15 ( Figure 2The diameter of the opening element 11 has a small excess diameter, the excess size being such that the tensioning bracket 20 locks the opening clamp 12 of each opening element 11 relative to the inner wall of the receiving drill holes 3, 4 in the circuit board 2. Particularly feasible is a fastening mechanism, i.e., at least one opening element 11, to the end position by moving the tensioning bracket 20 in the opening gap 15, securing the outer part 5 to the circuit board 2. For this purpose, it is proposed that the fastening mechanism can be actuated by moving the inner part 6 to the mounting position, such that the fastening element of the tensioning bracket 20 in the end position in the opening gap 15, i.e., the opening element 11, finally and irrevocably secures the outer part 5 to the circuit board, wherein the corresponding tensioning bracket 20 and the inner part 6 are constructed as one piece. Specifically, in the end position of the corresponding tensioning bracket 20, the opening element 11 is fastened to the circuit board and thus actuated in the opening gap 15, while the opening element 11, and thus the outer part 5, remains releasably arranged on the circuit board before reaching the end position.

[0071] Figure 3 The inner component 6 is also shown with an inlet opening 9, which is constructed as a slot that opens toward the circuit board 2, i.e., a slot that opens in the direction of movement of the inner component 6 relative to the outer component 5.

[0072] Figure 3 Similarly, a fixing section is shown constructed on the outer side 18 of the inner component 6; the fixing section is specifically constructed as a protrusion 21. The inner component 6 has fixing sections constructed as protrusions 21 on two opposing sidewalls at the outer side 18, wherein only one of the two protrusions is identified by the reference numeral "21". The corresponding protrusion 21 protrudes beyond the substantially flat outer side 18 of the corresponding sidewall and interacts with a complementary receiving section on the inner side of the outer component 5. It is proposed that a receiving section substantially complementary to the fixing section, i.e., the corresponding protrusion 21, is constructed on the inner side 14 of the outer component 5, wherein the receiving section is constructed as a recess complementary to the protrusion 21 in the inner side 14 of the outer component 5. In the fixed position, the fixing section, i.e., the corresponding protrusion 21, is substantially form-fitted and received in the receiving section, which has a shape complementary to the protrusion 21, i.e., received in a recess or depression complementary to the protrusion 21.

[0073] Figure 4 With relative to Figure 5 The illustration shows the internal component 6 in a view rotated approximately 180°.

[0074] As can be seen, the additional inlet opening 22 is disposed opposite to the inlet opening 9 of the inner component 6 in the extension direction of the stranded wire. The additional inlet opening 22 is constructed as a slot that opens toward the surface of the circuit board 2, that is, a slot that opens in the direction in which the inner component 2 moves toward the mounting position. The additional inlet opening 22 is constructed at the lower edge of the sidewall, which is opposite to the sidewall in which the inlet opening 9 is constructed.

[0075] The additional inlet opening 22 and the inlet opening 9 of the inner component 6 can together accommodate and secure the stranded wire at two sections. For example, it can be proposed that the inlet opening 9 secures the stranded wire near the sheath edge of the stripped section of the cable, and the additional inlet opening 22 secures the stranded wire in a section away from the sheath edge, for example, securing the free end of the stranded wire, or securing the stranded wire in the middle section between the free end of the stranded wire and the section of the stranded wire near the sheath edge.

[0076] Figure 4 It is also shown that a locking protrusion 23 is constructed at the outer side 18 of the inner component 6, which forms a locking connection with the undercut portion 13 at the inner side 14 of the outer component 5. Figure 1 , 2 According to the combined action of the locking protrusion 23 and the undercut 13, when the installation position is reached, the inner part 6 can be fastened to the outer part 5 by means of the locking connection in the installation position.

[0077] The locking protrusion 23 is constructed as a molded portion extending transversely to the moving direction of the inner part 6 and protruding in the direction of the inner side 14 of the outer part 5 onto the substantially flat adjacent outer side 18, and may also be constructed as a punched clamp if necessary.

[0078] Figure 5 A bottom view of the internal component 6 is shown in the viewing direction, which is essentially along the central axis of the entrance 8 away from the surface of the circuit board 2.

[0079] As can be seen, the additional inlet opening 22 is opposite to the inlet opening 9 along an imaginary line extending longitudinally corresponding to the exposed stranded wire. Furthermore, a tension neck 20 with a tapered end is visible, constructed within an extension of the cylindrical section 19. Also visible are protrusions 21 arranged on the outer side of the same sidewall, where the tension neck 20 and cylindrical section 19 are also constructed. It is also visible that the inlet 8 has a generally rectangular circumferential profile, which, in the mounted position, can contact, for example, a laser beam or heating finger, at least partially contained within the opening of the inlet 8, for conveying heat energy for melting solder.

[0080] Figure 6 The outer component 5 and the inner component 6 are shown; they are still provided as separate components.

[0081] Figure 7 A pre-fixed structural unit 24 is shown, wherein an inner component 6 is moved to a fixed position relative to an outer component 5, and wherein the inner component 6 and the outer component 5 constitute the pre-fixed structural unit 24 in the fixed position. In the fixed position, the inner component 6 and the outer component 5 separate from each other only under limited force consumption, so that the pre-fixed structural unit 24 can be provided as a prefabricated component.

[0082] Figure 8 A cross-sectional view of the pre-tightened structural unit 24 is shown. It can be seen that, in the fixed position, the welding aid engages the protrusion 21 at the inner component 6 into a complementary groove at the outer component 5, thus achieving, in principle, a pre-tightening of the inner component 6 at the outer component 5 that can still be detached. It is also seen that the tension opening 20 at the inner component 6 is introduced into the opening gap 15, but has not yet been moved into the end position. It is also seen that, in the illustrated embodiment, the introduction opening 9 of the inner component 6 is substantially aligned with the introduction opening 10 of the outer component 5 in the fixed position, allowing a straight-aligned stranded wire to be introduced through both introduction openings 9 and 10. Accordingly, an additional introduction opening 22 ( Figure 4 , 5 It is also aligned with the two introduced openings 9 and 10 (in Figure 8 (The center is above the plane of the paper).

[0083] Figure 9 Showing the welding aid or in the introduction position Figure 8 The structural unit 24 shown aligns the inlet opening 9 of the inner component 6 with the inlet opening 10 of the outer component 5 in the inlet position for introducing the stranded wire 25 of the cable. It is also evident that the inlet opening 10 of the outer component 5 is tapered to accommodate and support the sheath edge 26, for which the sheath edge 26 lies on the tapered surface of the inlet opening 10 of the outer component 5. Furthermore, the stranded wire 25 also passes through an additional inlet opening 22 in the inner component 6. In the inlet position, the stranded wire 25 of the cable passes substantially straight through the mutually aligned, and particularly linearly aligned, inlet openings 9 and 10 of the inner component 6 or outer component 5. Here, the cable with the stranded wire 25 is held by the gripper of the robotic arm and moves in the inlet direction.

[0084] In a variation of the illustrated embodiment, it is proposed that the introduction opening of the outer component is not constructed in a tapered manner, but rather, for example, in a cylindrical shape, but with a stepped portion, wherein the diameter abruptly decreases in the region of the stepped portion, such that the stepped portion acts as an introduction stop when the edge of the sheath abuts against the stepped portion.

[0085] exist Figure 9 As shown in the diagram, the locking protrusion 23 at the inner component 6 has not yet engaged with the undercut portion 13 at the outer component 5 from the rear, meaning the outer component 5 is not yet fully secured to the inner component 6. In principle, the stranded wire 25 can still be... Figure 9 The introduced position is opposite to the introduced direction and moves back.

[0086] from Figure 9It can also be concluded that, at the insertion position, at least the outer component 5 has been arranged on the circuit board, such that the fastening mechanism 11 passes through the receiving holes 3 and 4, but has not yet been fastened at the receiving holes 3 and 4. Here, Figure 9 The following situation is shown, in which the fastening mechanism 11 was manufactured before being introduced into the receiving boreholes 3 and 4. Figure 7 , 8 The pre-fixed structural unit shown in the figure is then pre-fixed to the outer part 5 of the inner part 6 and inserted into the receiving holes 3 and 4.

[0087] Figure 10 The welding aid is shown in its final installation position. (Starting from...) Figure 9 The indicated insertion position allows the welding aid to be positioned by moving the inner component 6 relative to the outer component 5. Figure 10 The final position shown in the installation location.

[0088] exist Figure 10 As shown in the diagram, the locking protrusion 23 at the inner component 6 engages from the rear with the undercut portion 13 at the outer component, thereby securing the outer component 5 to the inner component 6. Due to the mobility of the inner component 6 within the receiving portion of the outer component 5, it is also feasible to keep the stranded wire 25 pressed against the contact surface 1 of the circuit board 2, so that the stranded wire 25 can be soldered to the circuit board 2 in subsequent processing steps. For this purpose, the stranded wire can be contacted through the inlet 8 in the inner component to deliver heat energy, for example, by means of a laser beam or a heat finger.

[0089] from Figure 10 It can also be seen that, in the installation position, the inlet opening 9 of the inner component 6 is offset relative to the inlet opening 10 of the outer component 5, so the stranded wire has a substantially stretched S-shaped bend 27 in the region of the inlet opening 9 of the movable guide inner component 6, wherein the inlet opening is constructed as a groove that opens toward the circuit board 2 in the direction of movement. Therefore, the stranded wire 25 is offset on the contact surface 1 parallel to the direction of cable extension. In the installation position, the bend 27 of the stranded wire 25 in the region of the welding aid, particularly in the region of the inlet opening 9 of the inner component 6, provides the advantage that the stranded wire 25 is additionally stabilized against pull-out forces, making it significantly more difficult to pull out the stranded wire 25 opposite to the inlet direction. Here, the pull-out force that occurs when pulling out the stranded wire 25 is contained by the inner component 6, i.e., indirectly by the welding aid, which in the installation position forms a composite component consisting of the previously structurally separate inner component 6 and outer component 5 that does not lose its joint.

[0090] exist Figure 10What is not visible is that, by moving the inner component 6 relative to the outer component 5, the opening gap 20 at the inner component 6 is introduced into the opening gap 15 of the opening clamp 12 of the opening element 11 at the outer component 5, entering its end position, so that the outer component 5, and thus the welding aid as a whole, is arranged on the circuit board 2 without being lost by means of the fastening mechanism of the opening element 11, which is constructed to be actuated, as referenced above. Figure 8 As explained.

[0091] Figure 10 Also shown is an assembly including a circuit board 2 and a stranded wire 25 of a cable, wherein the stranded wire 25 is fastened to the contact surface 1 of the circuit board 2 by means of the aforementioned soldering aid, and wherein, in particular, the soldering aid is designed as a composite in the mounting position, the composite being formed by an inner part 6 fastened to an outer part 5, the inner part having an inlet 8 toward the contact surface 1.

[0092] In welding aids Figure 10 As can be seen in the installation position shown, the inner component 6 is completely housed within the receiving portion 7 of the outer component 5. In particular, the upper edge of the inner component 6 does not protrude beyond the upper edge of the outer component 5, but is flush with it, so that the inner component 6 is no longer visible within the receiving portion 7 of the outer component 5 in a viewing direction parallel to the surface of the circuit board 2.

[0093] Refer to the description above Figures 6 to 10 This can explain the preferred implementation of the method according to the invention for fixing the stranded wires of the cable to the electrical contact surface 1 of the circuit board 2:

[0094] In example Figure 6 In the first method step shown, the inner part 6 of the welding aid, which is movable within the receiving portion 7 of the outer part 5, and the outer part 5 are provided as components that are initially separated.

[0095] One possible implementation of the first method step is to position the outer component 5 on the circuit board 2 and then introduce the inner component 6 into the receiving portion 7 of the outer component 5.

[0096] An alternative preferred embodiment to the first method step is proposed, which provides a welding aid in a fixed position, first introducing the inner component 6 into the receiving portion 7 of the outer component 5, and then providing the composite as a pre-fixed structural unit 24, wherein the pre-fixed structural unit 24 is positioned on the circuit board 2, more specifically before the stranded wire is introduced into the pre-fixed structural unit 24. The embodiment of the first method step is described above with reference to... Figure 7 , 8 Let me explain.

[0097] Refer to the above Figure 9In the second method step of the explanation, it is proposed to introduce the twisted wire of the cable into the introduction position, wherein, in order to introduce the twisted wire in a particularly straight and aligned manner, the introduction opening 9 of the inner part 6 is aligned with the introduction opening 10 of the outer part 5 in the introduction position.

[0098] Refer to the above Figure 10 The third method step, as explained, involves moving the inner component 6 within the receiving portion 7 of the outer component into a mounting position, specifically by moving it in a direction perpendicular to the surface of the circuit board and perpendicular to the previously introduced stranded wires. In this mounting position, the inner component 6 is securely fastened to the outer component 5 without loss. Furthermore, in this mounting position, the channel 8 of the inner component 6 contacts the electrical contact surface 1 of the circuit board 2, allowing heat energy, particularly a laser beam, to reach the stranded wires and contact surface from the outside through the channel 8 of the inner component 6, thereby heating and melting the solder. In the final effective mounting position reached in the third method step, the outer component 5 is also ultimately securely fastened to the circuit board 2 without loss.

[0099] The above reference Figures 1 to 10 The invention is described according to one embodiment, in which a welding aid is provided to accommodate the single strand 25 of the cable.

[0100] Figure 11 A variant of the welding aid is shown, which is provided with multiple strands for accommodating and securing four structurally separate cables, or four strands in the first alternative embodiment shown, wherein an electrical contact surface on a common circuit board 102 is associated with each strand.

[0101] As can be seen, the welding aid includes an outer component 105 common to all stranded wires, the outer component having a support surface for support on a common circuit board 102, and an inner component 106 common to all stranded wires, the inner component being movably housed within a common receiving portion 107 of the outer component 105, wherein the inner component 106 has a common inlet 108 facing the contact surface common to all stranded wires. In the installed position, the inner component 106 can be fastened to the outer component 105, for example, by means of two fastening elements 111 arranged at the outer component 105, the fastening elements being configured as opening elements 112.

[0102] In the internal component 106, each stranded wire has its own inlet opening, wherein only one of the inlet openings is marked with reference numeral "109". Each inlet opening is constructed as an open slot such that adjacent open slots pass through each other.

[0103] In the outer component 105, each stranded wire has its own entry opening, of which only one is identified by reference numeral "110". The corresponding entry opening 110 is constructed as a through hole. Adjacent entry openings are constructed separately from each other and are spaced apart by tabs 130.

[0104] exist Figure 11 The indicated entry positions are provided such that each entry opening 109 of the common inner component 106 is aligned with its respective associated entry opening 110 of the common outer component 105 to enter the corresponding stranded wire.

[0105] Cables with exposed strands at their respective stripped ends are gripped by the robot's gripping arms in a manner that aligns them parallel to each other, and are simultaneously introduced through the introduction opening 109 of the inner part 106 and the corresponding introduction opening 110 of the outer part 105.

[0106] Figure 13 Showing the target from one observation direction Figure 11 The described embodiment. It can be seen that in the region of the common receiving portion 107 of the inner component 106, a rib is arranged between each of two adjacent strands; here, only one of the three ribs between a total of four strands is identified by the reference numeral "140". The corresponding rib 140 is constructed at the outer component 105 and extends from the inner side of the front wall to the inner side of the rear wall, respectively, relative to the direction of introduction of the strands. Exactly one strand is accommodated between every two ribs, and in particular, every two ribs are separated by exactly one contact surface, such that short circuits between adjacent strands or between adjacent contact surfaces are suppressed by the ribs. Furthermore, the corresponding rib 140 prevents liquefied solder from reaching adjacent contact surfaces.

[0107] exist Figure 13 In a variant of the illustrated embodiment, the inner component 106 is provided with a wall segment, wherein the wall segment is configured relative to the rib 140 of the common outer component 105 such that the wall segment and the rib are respectively configured as approximately continuous partition walls, such that a partition wall is constructed between two adjacent contact surfaces or between two adjacent strands.

[0108] Reference Figure 11 and 13 The described embodiment proposes that all stranded wires have a common inner member 106. All stranded wires can be secured simultaneously by moving the common inner member 106 relative to the common outer member 105. (Refer to...) Figure 11 and Figure 13In a variation of the described embodiment, multiple internal components are accommodated in a movably guided manner within a common receiving portion 107 of a common outer component 105. Specifically, each strand may be provided with exactly one internal component, with the internal component moving and being secured at the common outer component 105 precisely on the contact surface associated with the strand. In particular, it is advantageous in certain installation situations to secure not all strands simultaneously, but sequentially.

[0109] Figure 12 A second embodiment of the welding aid is shown, the second embodiment being alternative to Figures 1 to 10 The embodiment described above. Unlike the embodiment described above, in addition to the inlet in the inner component arranged in a movable manner within the receiving portion of the outer component, an additional entry opening is provided in the outer component, which enables the stranded wire to be fixed on the contact surface so that heat energy can be transferred, for example, to the free end of the stranded wire, or the free end of the stranded wire can be mechanically fixed, for example.

[0110] Therefore, for the welding aid, it is proposed that the inner component 206 is constructed shortened in the direction of the stranded wire extension and is movably accommodated within a corresponding shortened receiving portion 207 of the outer component 205, wherein at least one sidewall of the outer component 205, namely the sidewall 231 of the outer component 205 opposite to the introduction opening of the stranded wire, is constructed with an increased wall thickness. Due to the increased wall thickness, it is feasible to provide an additional entry opening 233 in the region, which extends substantially parallel to the shortened receiving portion 207 and provides further contact with the stranded wire parallel to and independent of the inlet 208 of the inner component 206, wherein the inlet is designed to be shortened in the direction of the stranded wire extension. Particularly feasible is that the inner component 206 has an additional introduction opening 222 that accommodates an intermediate section of the stranded wire and is tensioned relative to the contact surface 201 of the circuit board 202, wherein the intermediate section is arranged between the free end 235 of the stranded wire and a section of the stranded wire clamped near the edge of the introduction opening of the inner component 206. Then, the free end 235 of the stranded wire can be accessed through the additional access opening 233 for further processing.

[0111] List of reference numerals

[0112] 1. Contact surface

[0113] 2 Circuit Boards

[0114] 3. Accommodation for boreholes

[0115] 4. Accommodation for boreholes

[0116] 5 External components

[0117] 6 Internal components

[0118] 7. Reception area

[0119] 8 entrances

[0120] 9. Introduction opening for internal component 6

[0121] 10. Introduction opening of external component 5

[0122] 11 Opening elements

[0123] 12 open splints

[0124] 13. Undercut

[0125] 14. Inner side of outer component 5

[0126] 15 opening gap

[0127] 16 guide slots

[0128] 17 shoulder

[0129] 18. The 6 outer sides of the internal components

[0130] 19. Columnar Section

[0131] 20 expenses

[0132] 21 bumps

[0133] 22 Additional introduction opening

[0134] 23 Locking Protrusion

[0135] 24 Pre-fixed structural units

[0136] 25 stranded wire

[0137] 26. Edge of the sheath

[0138] 27. The bent section of stranded wire 25

[0139] 102 Common circuit board

[0140] 105 Common external components

[0141] 106 Common internal components

[0142] 107 Common Reservoir

[0143] 108 Common Entrance

[0144] 109 Introduction opening in common internal component 106

[0145] 110 Introduction opening in common external component 105

[0146] 111 Opening element at common external component 105

[0147] 112 Open the splint

[0148] 130 stitching

[0149] 140 ribs

[0150] 205 External Components

[0151] 206 Internal Components

[0152] 207 Accommodation Department

[0153] Entrance 208

[0154] 222 Additional introduction opening

[0155] 231 Side wall of the receiving part

[0156] 233 Additional entry opening

[0157] 235 The free end of the stranded wire.

Claims

1. A welding aid for securing stranded wires (25) of a cable to an electrical contact surface of a circuit board (2; 102; 202), the welding aid comprising an outer part (5; 105; 205) with a support surface and an inner part (6; 106; 206). in, The internal component is movably accommodated within the receiving portion (7; 107; 207) of the external component (5; 105; 205). The inner component (6; 106; 206) has an inlet (8; 108; 208) facing the contact surface (1; 201), and the inner component can be fastened to the outer component (5; 105; 205) in the installation position. Heat can be introduced to the contact surface (1) in the form of a heat finger or by means of a laser beam through the inlet. In order to introduce the twisted wire (25) of the cable, in the introduction position, the introduction opening (9; 109) of the inner component (6; 106; 206) is aligned with the introduction opening (10; 110) of the outer component (5; 105; 205).

2. The welding aid according to claim 1, wherein, The inner component (6; 106; 206) partially forms a guide surface with the inner portion of the receiving portion (7; 107; 207) of the outer component (5; 105; 205) at the outer side (18).

3. The welding aid according to claim 2, wherein, The outer side (18) of the inner component (6; 106; 206) of the portion (19) constituting the guide face is constructed in a columnar shape.

4. The welding aid according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, In the installation position, the inner component (6; 106; 206) can be fastened to the outer component (5; 105; 205) by means of a locking connection.

5. The welding aid according to claim 4, wherein, A locking protrusion (23) is constructed on the outer side of the inner component, and the locking protrusion and the undercut (13) on the inner side (14) of the outer component form the locking connection.

6. The welding aid according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, A fastening mechanism for fixing the welding aid to the circuit board (2) is provided at the outer component and / or at the inner component.

7. The welding aid according to claim 6, wherein, The fastening mechanism can be actuated by moving the internal component to the mounting position.

8. The welding aid according to claim 6, wherein, The fastening mechanism at the outer component is configured as an opening element (11; 111), which has two or more opening clamps (12; 112) when forming an opening gap (15), and wherein an opening overhead is configured at the inner component, which fills the opening gap (15) in the mounting position so that the opening clamps can be tensioned relative to the circuit board (2).

9. The welding aid according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, The inner component is movable to a fixed position relative to the outer component, wherein, in the fixed position, the inner component and the outer component constitute a pre-fixed structural unit (24).

10. The welding aid according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, The fixing section is constructed on the outer side (18) of the inner component, and wherein a receiving section complementary to the fixing section is constructed on the inner side (14) of the outer component, and wherein, in the fixed position, the fixing section is shaped to fit within the receiving section.

11. The welding aid according to claim 10, wherein, The fixing section is constructed as a protrusion (21), and the receiving section is constructed as a recess having a shape complementary to the protrusion (21).

12. The welding aid according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, The inlet opening (9; 109) of the internal component is configured as a slot that opens in the direction of movement.

13. The welding aid according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, The inlet opening (10; 110) of the external component is configured as a through borehole.

14. The welding aid according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, In the installation position, the inlet opening of the internal component is arranged offset relative to the inlet opening of the external component.

15. The welding aid according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, An additional inlet opening (22; 222) is provided opposite to the inlet opening of the inner component in the extension direction of the stranded wire.

16. The welding aid according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, The internal components and / or the external components are constructed as one-piece molded parts made of metal or plastic.

17. The welding aid according to claim 16, wherein, The internal components and / or the external components are constructed as plastic injection molded parts.

18. The welding aid according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, In the installation position, the inner component is completely accommodated within the accommodating portion (7) of the outer component.

19. An assembly comprising a circuit board and a stranded wire (25), wherein, The stranded wire (25) is fastened to the contact surface of the circuit board by means of a welding aid, and wherein the welding aid is constructed according to any one of claims 1 to 18.

20. A method for fixing the stranded wires of a cable to an electrical contact surface of a circuit board, the method comprising the following steps: A welding aid is provided, the welding aid having an outer component and an inner component movably housed within a receiving portion (7) of the outer component. The stranded wires of the cable are introduced to the introduction position, wherein, in order to introduce the stranded wires of the cable, the introduction opening of the inner component is aligned with the introduction opening of the outer component at the introduction position, and The inner component is placed in the receiving portion (7) of the outer component in the mounting position, the inner component is fastened to the outer component in the mounting position, wherein the inlet of the inner component in the mounting position allows the electrical contact surface of the circuit board (2) to contact, through which heat can be introduced to the contact surface (1) in the form of a heat finger or by means of a laser beam, and wherein the outer component in the mounting position is fastened to the circuit board (2) to fix the stranded wire to the contact surface.

21. The method according to claim 20, wherein, The welding aid is provided in a fixed position, the inner component and the outer component form a pre-fixed structural unit (24) in the fixed position, and the pre-fixed structural unit (24) is arranged on the circuit board (2) before the stranded wire is introduced.

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