Electrical connection modules and automotive lighting devices

Abstract

The present invention provides an electrical connection module for a motor vehicle (100), the electrical connection module comprising a printed circuit board (1) and a card edge connector having a retaining portion (2) configured to connect to the printed circuit board. The retaining portion (2) includes an electrical connector (5) located within a recess (4) of the printed circuit board (1), and the card edge connector (3) includes jaws (6, 7) designed to couple with the electrical connector when entering the recess (4). The card edge connector (3) further includes a rear portion (8) from which the electrical jaws (6) and support jaws (7) extend; and the retaining portion (2) includes two retaining arms (9), each retaining arm (9) extending from the printed circuit board (1) toward the electrical connector (5) in an extension direction at 5 to 40 degrees relative to the connection direction (d), and a space between the two retaining arms being smaller than the width of the rear portion (8) of the card edge connector (3).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of automotive lighting devices, and more particularly to the manufacture and assembly of such devices. Background Technology

[0002] Automotive lighting systems require an increasing number of electrical connections designed to control and power the light sources contained within the lighting units.

[0003] These electrical connections are typically managed in a wiring harness from the control unit. This harness usually terminates at a connector, which in turn couples to a local connector within the device.

[0004] There is a specific type of connector called a "card edge" connector. These connectors are characterized by a body for connecting wires to a wire harness. A pair of opposing jaws extend from the body and are configured to receive a connection portion of a printed circuit board (PCB) that supports electronic circuitry between the PCB and the jaws. At least one of these jaws includes electrical contacts that are electrically connected to the wire harness via the connector body. This arrangement allows the electrical contacts on the jaws to make contact with a corresponding connection portion of the PCB, which is clamped between the jaws.

[0005] However, if the PCB is not properly seated between the jaws of the card edge connector, or if either or both the PCB and the connector are subjected to vibration or shock during use, the connector may disconnect from the PCB. Such an event may require manual intervention. This is particularly problematic when card edge connectors (which offer the advantage of a small footprint) are used in automotive lighting modules. Typically, in such environments, physical space is a primary limiting factor, making the use of card edge connectors of interest. However, the vibration or shock experienced by the vehicle makes it highly likely that the connector will disconnect during use. Furthermore, the manual intervention required to secure the connection is often labor-intensive and costly, as many components of the vehicle may need to be removed before the connector and PCB become accessible (if they are fully accessible).

[0006] Furthermore, there are additional limitations regarding the force required to assemble the card edge connector to the printed circuit board. Sometimes this connection is done manually to ensure success. If the system includes holding elements that require significant force to overcome and assemble, manual handling becomes difficult and exhausting. Summary of the Invention

[0007] The purpose of this invention is to alleviate at least some of the disadvantages found in the prior art.

[0008] This invention provides an alternative solution for improving the assembly of these devices by means of an electrical connection module and an automotive lighting device according to the invention.

[0009] Unless otherwise specified, all terms used herein (including technical and scientific terms) shall be interpreted in accordance with their customary usage in the field. It will be further understood that terms of common usage shall also be interpreted in accordance with their customary usage in the relevant field, and shall not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless expressly specified herein.

[0010] In this document, the term “comprises” and its derivatives (such as “comprising”, etc.) should not be understood in an exclusive sense, that is, these terms should not be interpreted as excluding the possibility that the content described and defined may include other elements, steps, etc.

[0011] In a first aspect, the present invention provides an electrical connection module for a motor vehicle, the electrical connection module including a printed circuit board and a card edge connector, the printed circuit board having a retaining portion, the card edge connector being configured to connect to the retaining portion of the printed circuit board along a connection direction, wherein:

[0012] - The retaining portion includes an electrical connector located within a recess in the printed circuit board;

[0013] - The card edge connector includes an electrical gripper with electrical terminals designed to couple with the electrical connector when it enters the recess;

[0014] - The card edge connector further includes a support claw designed to engage the opposite side of the electrical connection of the retaining portion;

[0015] - The card edge connector further includes a rear portion from which the electrical gripper and the support gripper extend; and

[0016] - The retaining portion includes two retaining arms, each of which extends from the printed circuit board toward the electrical connector in an extension direction at an angle of 5 to 40 degrees relative to the connection direction, and a space is provided between the two retaining arms that is smaller than the width of the rear portion of the card edge connector.

[0017] The card edge connector has two jaws designed to couple to the printed circuit board, with the electrical connector remaining between them, as is typically done with all card edge connectors. To this end, the card edge connector is introduced between these retaining arms, which form a path for the card edge connector to couple to the electrical connector on the printed circuit board. Further, because the space is smaller than the width of the card edge connector, these arms are bent to allow the card edge connector to enter between them and then return to its original position, thus engaging to hold the card edge connector in place.

[0018] In some specific embodiments, each retaining arm has a first end and a second end, the first end being connected to the printed circuit board, and the second end being free and pointing towards the electrical connector, such that each retaining arm can bend relative to the first end like a cantilever beam.

[0019] This bending motion is designed to require as little effort as possible for the manufacturer, allowing the card edge connector to be placed and secured with a light press.

[0020] In some specific embodiments, the electrical connection module further includes a circular recess at a first end of each retaining arm. In some specific embodiments, the diameter of the circular recess is at least twice the width of the retaining arm.

[0021] The circular recess improves the flexibility of the retaining arm during bending motion.

[0022] In some specific embodiments, the two retaining arms are arranged symmetrically with respect to a plane perpendicular to the printed circuit board surface and including the connection direction.

[0023] This symmetrical arrangement optimally distributes the assembly forces.

[0024] In some specific embodiments, each retaining arm extends from the printed circuit board toward the electrical connector in an extension direction at an angle of 10 to 30 degrees relative to the connection direction.

[0025] This specific angle range reduces the force required to assemble the card's edge connector to the printed circuit board to approximately 15 N, which can be done with a single finger.

[0026] In some specific embodiments, each retaining arm has a length and a width, wherein the length is 5 to 15 times the width.

[0027] This ratio is advantageous because it allows the retaining arm to have optimal fracture resistance durability.

[0028] In some specific embodiments, the retaining portion is reinforced relative to the remainder of the printed circuit board.

[0029] In a second aspect, the present invention provides an automotive lighting device, comprising:

[0030] - The electrical connection module according to the first aspect of the invention; and

[0031] - Multiple solid-state light sources installed within a printed circuit board.

[0032] The term "solid-state" refers to light emitted through solid-state electroluminescence, which uses semiconductors to convert electricity into light. Compared to incandescent lighting, solid-state lighting produces visible light with less heat generation and less energy dissipation. The typically smaller mass of solid-state electronic lighting devices provides greater shock and vibration resistance compared to fragile glass tubes / bulbs and long, thin filaments. Solid-state light sources also eliminate filament evaporation, potentially increasing the lifespan of the lighting device. Some examples of these lighting types include semiconductor light-emitting diodes (LEDs), organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs), or polymer light-emitting diodes (PLEDs) as the light source, rather than filaments, plasma, or gas. Attached Figure Description

[0033] Figure 1 An overall perspective view of the electrical connection module according to the present invention is shown.

[0034] Figure 2 This shows the situation after the card edge connector has been connected to the printed circuit board. Figure 1 Electrical connection module.

[0035] Figure 3 A lighting device according to the present invention is shown.

[0036] The following reference numerals have been used in these figures:

[0037] 1 Printed Circuit Board

[0038] 2. Retention section

[0039] 3-card edge connector

[0040] 4 recesses

[0041] 5 Electrical connectors

[0042] 6 electric grippers

[0043] 7 Supporting grippers

[0044] Part 8

[0045] 9-position arm

[0046] 91 retaining arm first end

[0047] 92 retaining arm second end

[0048] 10 lighting fixtures

[0049] 11 Circular Recesses

[0050] 100 motor vehicles Detailed Implementation

[0051] The exemplary embodiments are described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to implement and carry out the systems and methods described herein. It is important to understand that embodiments may be provided in many alternative forms and should not be construed as limited to the examples set forth herein.

[0052] Therefore, although the embodiments may be modified in various ways and take various alternative forms, specific embodiments thereof are shown in the accompanying drawings and are described in detail below as examples. There is no intention to limit oneself to the specific forms disclosed. Rather, all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the scope of the appended claims should be included.

[0053] Figure 1 An overall perspective view of the electrical connection module according to the present invention is shown.

[0054] This module includes:

[0055] - Printed circuit board 1, the printed circuit board including a retaining portion 2; and

[0056] - Card edge connector 3, which is designed to connect to the retaining portion 2 of the printed circuit board.

[0057] The retaining portion 2 is a reinforcing portion of the printed circuit board 1. The retaining portion includes a recess 4 within which an electrical connector 5 is located. The electrical connector 5 is designed to receive a card edge connector 3 and establish an electrical connection between the wire harness managed by the card edge connector 3 and the lighting element located on the printed circuit board 1. The connection between the card edge connector 3 and the printed circuit board 1 is achieved due to the shape of the card edge connector 3, which includes two claws 6 and 7 extending from the rear portion 8. The two claws 6 and 7 are designed to be arranged on both sides of the electrical connector 5 on the printed circuit board 1. Since the claws 6 and 7 include electrical terminals designed to couple with the electrical connector 5, continuity is established between the wire harness and the lighting element on the printed circuit board 1.

[0058] The retaining portion includes two retaining arms 9. Each retaining arm extends from the printed circuit board toward the electrical connector in an extension direction at a 20-degree angle relative to the connection direction d, and a space is provided between the two retaining arms that is smaller than the width of the rear portion of the card edge connector.

[0059] As can be seen in the figure, each retaining arm has a first end 91 located in the printed circuit board 1. This arm then extends toward the electrical connector to a free second end 92, allowing each retaining arm to bend relative to its first end like a cantilever beam. The two retaining arms are arranged symmetrically with respect to a plane perpendicular to the surface of the printed circuit board and containing the connection direction.

[0060] There is a space between the second ends of each retaining arm. This space is smaller than the rear portion of the card edge connector, so the card edge connector must bend the retaining arm when it is introduced into this space.

[0061] Each retaining arm includes a circular recess 11 designed to improve the flexibility of the retaining arm by reducing the amount of material around the first end of the printed circuit board. The diameter of the circular recess is 3.5 mm.

[0062] Each arm is 1.5 mm wide and 10 mm long, which is a good ratio to ensure flexibility and durability.

[0063] Figure 2 The diagram shows the card edge connector after the card edge connector 3 has been connected to the printed circuit board 1. When the card edge connector has been introduced, the bent retaining arm 9 has returned to its original position. Because the space between the two retaining arms is less than the width of the rear portion 8 of the card edge connector, the retaining arms abut against the rear portion 8 of the card edge connector when they return to their original position, thus preventing the card edge connector from disconnecting from the printed circuit board 1.

[0064] Because the arm extends toward the electrical connector at a 20-degree angle relative to the connection direction d, the force of bending the retaining arm is quite small, and the arm forms a channel for the guide card edge connector to be introduced toward the electrical connector on the printed circuit board.

[0065] Therefore, this connection enables simple assembly and stable positioning.

[0066] Figure 3 An automotive lighting device 10 is shown, which includes an electrical module installed within a motor vehicle 100.

Claims

1. An electrical connection module for a motor vehicle (100), the electrical connection module comprising a printed circuit board (1) and a card edge connector, the printed circuit board having a retaining portion (2), the card edge connector being configured to connect to the retaining portion of the printed circuit board along a connection direction (d), wherein: - The retaining portion (2) includes an electrical connector (5) located in the recess (4) of the printed circuit board (1). - The card edge connector (3) includes an electrical jaw (6) with electrical terminals, the electrical jaw being designed to couple with the electrical connector when entering the recess (4); - The card edge connector (3) further includes a support claw (7) which is designed to contact the opposite side of the electrical connection (5) of the retaining portion (2); - The card edge connector (3) further includes a rear portion (8) from which the electrical gripper (6) and the support gripper (7) extend; and - The retaining portion (2) includes two retaining arms (9), each retaining arm (9) extending from the printed circuit board (1) toward the electrical connector (5) in an extending direction at 5 to 40 degrees relative to the connection direction (d), and a space is left between the two retaining arms, the space being smaller than the width of the rear portion (8) of the card edge connector (3).

2. The electrical connection module according to claim 1, wherein, Each retaining arm (9) has a first end (91) and a second end (92), the first end being connected to the printed circuit board (1), and the second end being free and pointing towards the electrical connector (5), such that each retaining arm (9) can bend relative to the first end (91) like a cantilever beam.

3. The electrical connection module according to claim 2, further comprising a circular recess (11) at the first end (91) of each retaining arm (9).

4. The electrical connection module according to claim 3, wherein, The diameter of the circular recess (11) is at least twice the width of the retaining arm (9).

5. The electrical connection module according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein, The two retaining arms (9) are arranged symmetrically with respect to a plane perpendicular to the surface of the printed circuit board and including the connection direction (d).

6. The electrical connection module according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein each retaining arm (9) extends from the printed circuit board (1) toward the electrical connector in an extension direction at 10 to 30 degrees relative to the connection direction (d).

7. The electrical connection module according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein, Each retaining arm has a length and a width, wherein the length is 5 to 15 times the width.

8. The electrical connection module according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein, The retaining portion is reinforced relative to the remainder of the printed circuit board.

9. A vehicle lighting device (10), comprising: - Electrical connection module according to any one of claims 1 to 8; as well as - Multiple solid-state light sources installed within the printed circuit board.

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