Connector for supply cable

Abstract

The invention relates to a connector (14, 15) for a supply cable (10) for electrically connecting a vehicle (12) to an energy supply (16) providing electrical energy and / or to a load (19) requiring electrical energy, the connector (14, 15) having: a housing (20) with a housing interior (40); -a printed circuit board (50), in particular having an electrical and / or electronic circuit (31); a holding element (85) for a printed circuit board, the housing (20) having an inner wall (60) which delimits a housing interior (40), the inner wall (60) having a first section (61) and a second section (62) opposite the first section (61), the holding element (85) having an elastically reversible material or being formed in a majority or entirely of an elastically reversible material, the printed circuit board (50) is held, in particular held in a clamped manner, in the housing interior (40) by means of a holding element (85).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to a connector for a supply cable for electrically connecting a vehicle to an energy supply device that provides electrical energy and / or to a load that requires electrical energy. The invention further relates to a supply cable having such a connector. Background Art

[0002] Different solutions are known from the prior art for charging electric vehicles or hybrid vehicles (such as cars, trucks, boats, aircraft, two-wheeled vehicles, etc.). In a first charging condition, the vehicle can be charged by a dedicated charging infrastructure, wherein in particular a fixedly installed charging station is involved. Such a charging station is implemented, for example, as a charging post or a wall box. In an alternative charging condition, a continuous current socket such as that used for energy supply in a normal household is provided. For example, this involves a (for example 230V) fuse socket or a socket constructed according to other regional standards or habits, wherein an AC connector can also be provided. In this case, the connection line of the charging cable usually has an integrated control device, which is also called an in-cable control box (ICCB) and is arranged between two connectors in the connection line. This integrated control device is used to communicate with the vehicle and to enable and set the charging current, because the fuse socket is usually different from the charging post or wall box and does not have a communication line for the vehicle to communicate with the energy supply device.

[0003] Such charging or energy transfer can be realized via a supply line or supply cable, which is usually referred to as a charging cable. Such supply cables or such supply lines usually have connectors (usually referred to as charging plugs) at their two ends, one of which is electrically connected to the vehicle (primary connector) and the other connector is electrically connected to the energy supply device or load (secondary connector) (the load can also be another vehicle here). A connecting line is arranged between the two connectors, through which the current flows.

[0004] Such connectors usually have a housing. A connector unit is usually arranged at the connector side or at the connector end (the connector side or connector end can be connected to a vehicle or energy supply device or load) in the interior of the housing. The connector unit can be used as a mechanical interface relative to a corresponding connection partner, for example. The connector unit has a prescribed geometry (for example, a Type 2 plug face or an AC plug face, etc.) correspondingly toward the outside or the external environment. In addition, a line element is usually arranged at the line side or line end facing the connection line in the interior of the housing. The line element can be, for example, a part of the connection line or a line section assigned to the connector, and the line section can be connected to the connection line at the outside of the housing or outside the housing of the connector, for example, by a coupler.

[0005] It can be provided that a printed circuit board is arranged in the housing interior of the housing. A connector of this type is known from DE 10 2015 104 107 A1. Summary of the invention

[0006] The invention is based on the recognition that a connector for a supply cable may be subject to mechanical influences (e.g. collisions, vibrations, pressure, thermally induced mechanical stresses and / or vibrations). The connector may, for example, fall from the hands of an operator and, for example, fall from a height of, for example, 1 m to 1.5 m onto a hard ground surface (e.g. a concrete ground). The connector may also be subject to vibrations and / or collisions in a vehicle during transport, for example. Or the connector may be subject to weight, for example luggage load, in a vehicle cargo compartment, whereby pressure is applied to the connector. The connector may also be subject to high weights and / or pressures, for example, due to a run-over process (e.g. passing through a car). The invention is further based on the recognition that the connector may have a printed circuit board that may implement different functionalities of the connector, for example enabling high voltages (>100 V), voltage conversion (e.g. from more than 100 V to a voltage in the range between 5 V and 30 V), in order to utilize the converted voltage, for example, to switch a bypass circuit (a kind of relay), etc. For the safe and reliable function of the connector within the planned life (usually several years and / or thousands of plug-in processes, which actually correspond to several years of use), the function of the printed circuit board and / or the electrical and / or electronic circuits arranged thereon should not be impaired even under such unfavorable conditions. In order to prevent this, electronic components are often connected to the printed circuit board as so-called THT components (THT = "Through Hole Technology"). Here, the component has pins, which are inserted into the printed circuit board through the contact portion and then soldered to the printed circuit board. However, compared with, for example, SMD assembly (SMD = "Surface Mounted Device", surface mounted device), this assembly method is time-consuming and more expensive, and makes it difficult to assemble the printed circuit board on both sides. Here, THT assembly is usually not only limited to heavy (for example, having a mass of at least 5g, for example, a mass between 5g and 70g, preferably a mass between 10g and 50g) electrical or electronic components, such as relays or transformers. Such an assembly of a printed circuit board with a THT component takes up additional space due to the legs on the rear side of the printed circuit board that extend through the printed circuit board. Another possible solution for minimizing the risk in the event of mechanical influences on the housing (e.g. collisions, vibrations, etc.) is to cast the printed circuit board after the assembly of the printed circuit board, for example using gel and / or resin, etc. However, such a casting process is an additional process step and is therefore time-consuming, the casting material is expensive and not necessarily environmentally friendly. In addition, casting is a dirty process step, during which splashes are generated in undesirable areas. In addition, such casting increases the weight of the printed circuit board and therefore also the connector.As a result, the forces (or torques) applied to the mating connector (eg, a household socket, a vehicle charging socket, a wall box charging socket, etc.) are unnecessarily increased.

[0007] Furthermore, it has been found that for the safe and reliable use of such connectors, in particular for the protection of printed circuit boards in the housing interior, it is necessary that no or as little dirt, contamination, moisture or generally fluid media enter the housing interior. For example, the connector may be required to meet protection classes such as IP55, IP65, IP57, IP67 or even higher.

[0008] This can be achieved, for example, by producing the housing in one piece by injection-coating the connection unit and the line section with plastic, as is widely known from the prior art, for example, in infrastructure-side connectors for chargers for mobile phones.

[0009] It has been shown that complete injection encapsulation or casting (potting) or "foaming" of larger connectors, such as supply lines for electric vehicles, is in principle possible and can achieve very high tightness. However, since the larger volumes must be filled with injection molding material and / or foaming material (for example thermoplastic and / or thermosetting plastics), such connectors are therefore very heavy. Due to the high material consumption of plastic, the costs are also relatively high. In addition, if damage occurs in the interior of such connectors, the connector is almost impossible to repair. This has the result that in such cases with a damaged connector, the entire supply cable is usually also unusable, which runs counter to the expectations for a durable product.

[0010] If, on the other hand, the housing is manufactured in multiple parts for manufacturing reasons and has in particular a hollow housing interior, it is necessary to seal the housing or a plurality of the housing parts against the ingress of these undesirable substances (dirt, dirt, fluid media).

[0011] There is therefore a need to provide a connector for supply cables, which is easy and cost-effective to manufacture, is designed to be as small as possible, has a low weight, in particular has a hollow housing interior, is cost-effective and easy to repair, wherein the housing interior is sealed as well as possible to prevent dirt, dirt, moisture and / or fluid media from the external environment of the connector, and the function of the connector is not impaired by mechanical influences such as impact loads, pressure, thermal stress, weight loads, shocks, vibrations, etc. (for example falling from a height of 1 m to 1.5 m onto a concrete floor), vibrations such as typically occur in motor vehicles, running over or driving over the connector with a vehicle, etc.

[0012] Advantages of the present invention.

[0013] This need is achieved by the subject matter of the invention according to the independent claims. Advantageous embodiments of the invention are described in the dependent claims.

[0014] According to a first aspect of the invention, a connector for a supply cable is proposed, which is used to electrically connect a vehicle to an energy supply device that provides electrical energy and / or to a load that requires electrical energy.

[0015] The connector has a housing with a housing interior. The connector also has a printed circuit board and a retaining element. The housing has an inner wall that defines the housing interior, wherein the inner wall has a first section and a second section opposite the first section, wherein the retaining element has an elastically reversible material or is formed mostly (more than 50%) or completely from an elastically reversible material, wherein the printed circuit board is retained in the housing interior by means of the retaining element.

[0016] The holding element can be a holding element for a printed circuit board. As an alternative or in addition, it can be provided, for example, that the holding element is designed to hold or support the printed circuit board, in particular in a fixed position.

[0017] For example, it can be provided that the printed circuit board is clamped in the housing interior by means of a retaining element. Here, the retaining element itself can (independently) cause clamping retention. However, it can also be provided that a plurality of retaining elements act together to cause retention, in particular clamping retention.

[0018] For example, it can be provided that the printed circuit board is held in a fixed position (in all spatial directions) in the housing only by means of retaining elements, for example by means of clamping, i.e. the printed circuit board is not (additionally) held by other or different retaining elements, for example not by means of (additional) screwing, gluing, snapping, etc.

[0019] This advantageously results in a reduction or damping of the intensity of mechanical influences, in particular impacts, vibrations and / or other mechanical loads acting on the printed circuit board (e.g., tension due to applied pressure if the connector is loaded with weight, for example; mechanical loads (tension) due to thermal expansion; tensile or compressive loads due to lines extending in the interior of the housing, etc.). In this way, the risk of damage to the printed circuit board or functional losses in the case of such mechanical loads, for example, from the environment of the housing or the external environment, acting on the housing, is reduced. In addition, by holding the printed circuit board with the help of a holding element, it is advantageously possible to carry out repairs on the connector and / or the printed circuit board particularly easily and cost-effectively, thereby advantageously increasing the durability of the connector. This applies in particular in the case of clamping-type holding of the printed circuit board. In addition, by holding the printed circuit board with the help of a holding element, it is advantageously possible to achieve assembly of the connector particularly easily and cost-effectively: it is advantageously not necessary to fix the printed circuit board (extra) in a fixed position in the housing with the help of other connecting tools, such as, for example, screws, snap connections, adhesives, curing plastics, etc. This can advantageously save process steps and materials during assembly or disassembly. The assembly or disassembly is advantageously simplified. The retaining element can advantageously perform multiple functions simultaneously: the function is responsible for positioning or retaining the printed circuit board in a fixed position in the housing interior, and at the same time causes a buffering function or a decoupling function for reducing the strength of the following mechanical loads, which, for example, act on the housing from the outside or originate from the housing interior and act on the printed circuit board. This multiple function can save other components, such as buffer elements to be manufactured or assembled independently for reducing impact strength. This advantageously further simplifies assembly. It is also advantageously reduced the risk of incorrect assembly of such independent buffer elements (for example, forgotten or faulty assembly) and simplifies quality inspection. Particularly advantageously, the housing can be manufactured without the need for foaming and / or pouring (potting), so that despite good sealing (for example, IP55, IP65, IP57, IP67 or even better protection levels) and impact resistance, the connector can still have a low weight and can also be easily repaired. The housing interior is thus advantageously a hollow housing interior. Furthermore, due to the damping achieved, it is advantageously possible to dispense with potting of the printed circuit board and nevertheless due to the resulting damping or mechanical decoupling, for example, the impact resistance, compressive strength and vibration stability of the printed circuit board and components arranged thereon (with respect to such effects on the housing) are achieved.

[0020] For example, when the connector falls from a height of 1m to 1.5m onto a concrete floor, an acceleration load acts on the housing, which is preferably buffered by at least 20%, preferably at least 50% and particularly preferably at least 75% relative to the printed circuit board by holding the printed circuit board with the aid of a retaining element.

[0021] A “holding” or “clamping holding” or the term “holding” or “clamping holding” can be understood, for example, to mean that the printed circuit board is fixed in one or more, in particular in all spatial directions in the housing interior, for example between two housing layers of the housing, due to the (clamping) holding and is therefore particularly fixed in position. A slight movability due to the resiliently reversible design of the holding element, for example, does not prevent a clamping holding (and also a fixed holding).

[0022] The housing can be made of or include, for example, one or more plastics, such as polyamide (PA), polypropylene (PP) and / or rubber, rubber, silicone, thermoplastic elastomer, thermoplastic polyamide elastomer, thermoplastic copolyester elastomer, polyurethane-based thermoplastic elastomer or a material with similar physical effects. One or more plastics can be filled with glass fibers, such as PA6 GF30 or PA6 GF35, etc. In principle, it is also possible that the housing includes metal, wood, ceramic or other materials or is largely made of these.

[0023] A printed circuit board can have, for example, electrical and / or electronic circuits.

[0024] The printed circuit board can be, for example, a single-layer, double-layer or more than double-layer printed circuit board (for example, three-layer or four-layer or more layers). The printed circuit board can be an FR4, FR5, polyimide or polytetrafluoroethylene printed circuit board. In principle, it is also conceivable to use a ceramic printed circuit board or other types of printed circuit boards.

[0025] The printed circuit board can be arranged, for example, in the housing interior. The printed circuit board can be arranged, for example, completely in the housing interior. In this case, the printed circuit board is particularly well protected from dirt, dirt and moisture or other fluid media from the external environment of the housing and also particularly well protected from mechanical loads or actions from the external environment of the housing.

[0026] The printed circuit board can have SMD components, for example. The printed circuit board can be mounted in particular in such a way that a plurality of the components arranged on the printed circuit board are SMD components. In this way, the printed circuit board can be designed to be particularly small, whereby the connector can be made smaller and lighter. By merely holding the printed circuit board, for example clamped, by means of the holding element, the risk of damage to the electrical function of at least one SMD component (for example due to a break in a soldering point) is advantageously reduced.

[0027] The printed circuit board can be mounted on both sides, for example. For example, it can be provided that at least one SMD component is arranged on each side of the printed circuit board, and in particular a plurality of components in each side upper component can be designed as SMD components. In this way, a particularly large amount of structural space can be advantageously saved. Therefore, in particular compared to merely assembling or mounting THT components, the damped holding (damping) performed by means of the holding element can achieve a reduction in the size of the printed circuit board.

[0028] For example, it can be provided that the printed circuit board has at least one transformer, which is in particular designed as an SMD component, wherein the transformer generates a (low) voltage in the range of 7 V to 25 V from the mains voltage applied to the connector. It can be provided that the low voltage provided in this way can be used, for example, to switch a bypass circuit or a relay. Such a transformer can, for example, have a mass of at least 5 g, preferably at least 15 g, for example a mass in the range of between 10 g and 50 g.

[0029] For example, it can be provided that the printed circuit board has at least one relay. The relay can be constructed as a THT component or as an SMD component, for example. The relay can be constructed for connecting or disconnecting the current of the energy supply device or the vehicle, so that the current can flow from the connector side of the connector to the line connector on the line side of the connector or flow in the opposite direction (the first state of the relay being connected), or it can not flow to the line connector (the second state of the relay being disconnected). The relay can be constructed for example to switch when applying a voltage in the range of 40V to 1000V, preferably in the range between 70V and 450V, and very particularly preferably in the range of 90V to 390V. Such relays can have, for example, a mass of at least 5g, preferably at least 15g, for example, a mass in the range between 10g and 50g.

[0030] For example, it can be provided that the printed circuit board has dimensions, wherein the length is at least 2 cm and, for example, is in the range between 2 cm and 15 cm, preferably, for example, is in the range between 4 cm and 13 cm, and wherein the width is at least 1.5 cm and, for example, is in the range between 1.5 cm and 10 cm, preferably, is in the range between 2.5 cm and 8.5 cm.

[0031] The exemplary clamping-type holding of the printed circuit board, in particular buffering and / or shock-absorbing and / or decoupling from the housing, by means of a holding element can advantageously enable the assembly of the relatively heavy components described above, such as relays and / or transformers, as SMD components on the printed circuit board, although the embodiment as a THT component is also possible. The risk of functional damage to such components, for example due to loosening of the printed circuit board, is advantageously significantly reduced due to the holding element. In addition, the risk of damage to the component itself can also be reduced by holding the printed circuit board by means of a holding element. In the case of a relay, the buffering caused thereby can, for example, prevent a coil arranged in the interior of the relay from hitting the relay housing and thus suppress the loss of relay function.

[0032] For example, it can be provided that the printed circuit board is held only in its edge region by means of the holding element. The edge region can extend, for example, in a strip of up to 5 mm, preferably in a strip of up to 3 mm, from the edge (border) of the printed circuit board into the interior of the printed circuit board. This makes it possible to advantageously use a particularly large surface of the printed circuit board for populating it with electronic or electrical components or component elements.

[0033] It can be provided that the printed circuit board is held at exactly one location. However, the printed circuit board can also be held at multiple locations, for example at two, three, four, five, six or even more locations, by means of holding elements. Preferably, the printed circuit board is held at three or four locations. These locations can preferably be spaced apart from one another. These locations can preferably be arranged with respect to the plane of the printed circuit board in such a way that at least two locations are arranged at mutually opposite sides of the printed circuit board. For example, it can be provided that the printed circuit board is held in a clamped manner at a maximum of 10% of its total area, preferably at a maximum of 5% of its total area, which advantageously increases the surface of the printed circuit board that can be mounted.

[0034] It can be provided that the housing interior is sealed by means of a sealing element. Thus, for example, the printed circuit board can also be advantageously protected from dirt, contamination and moisture from the exterior of the housing or the external environment.

[0035] For example, it can be provided that the housing interior is hollow, that is to say: the housing interior is particularly free of foaming, or no printed circuit board or other electrical or electronic or optical functional elements are filled into the housing interior. This advantageously makes it possible to make the connector particularly easy to maintain, and the connector can be designed to be particularly light in weight.

[0036] The following elements can be regarded as holding elements, for example, which can hold or support, hold or fix a printed circuit board in a fixed position in the interior space of the housing. The holding element proposed here, which has an elastically reversible material or is made of such a material (at least for the most part), has a buffering function in addition to the holding function for the printed circuit board. For example, the holding can be achieved by friction locking, force locking, or form locking. The printed circuit board can, for example, have an interference (for example, in the range of between 0.2 mm and 4 mm, preferably between 0.4 mm and 2 mm) in at least one spatial direction or in at least one dimension relative to the dimensions of the holding element or to the dimensions defined by a plurality of holding elements (for example, the spacing between two holding elements in a spatial direction).

[0037] For example, it can be provided that, for example, in the case of a multi-part housing, the holding element holds the printed circuit board in a fixed position only in the fully assembled state of the housing. The holding is then based in particular on the assembled state of the housing. To bring about the holding, the holding element can, on the one hand, interact with the housing, for example be supported on the inner wall.

[0038] It goes without saying that the connector can have just a single retaining element. However, the connector can also have a plurality of retaining elements, for example two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight or even more retaining elements.

[0039] The holding element can be designed, for example, in the form of a claw or mouth. The holding element can have, for example, an introduction funnel. This advantageously results in a particularly easy and positionally secure coupling of the printed circuit board to the holding element, or in other words, a particularly easy and positionally secure assembly of the printed circuit board at, in or on the holding element.

[0040] The retaining element can, for example, have a buffer distance or a distance from the retaining position (of the printed circuit board) to the inner wall or to the point at which the retaining element is connected to a part of the housing, which buffer distance or distance is, for example, at least 1 mm, preferably at least 2 mm, and which buffer distance or distance is, for example, in the range between 1 mm and 25 mm, preferably in the range between 1.5 mm and 15 mm and very particularly preferably in the range between 2 mm and 8 mm.

[0041] The first section of the inner wall and the second section of the inner wall can be arranged, for example, opposite one another with respect to the longitudinal direction of the housing (they can be arranged, for example, on both sides of a longitudinal axis running through the interior of the housing). The housing can extend, for example, along a longitudinal axis or longitudinal direction (for example between the connection side and the line side), which can also be curved (following a possible curvature of the housing between the connection side and the line side). In this case, a connection element, for example a domestic plug connector or a so-called Type 2 connector or the like can be arranged on the connection side, wherein it is also possible for the plug face to point outwards transversely to the longitudinal direction or longitudinal axis.

[0042] For example, it can be provided that the printed circuit board is held in the housing interior only by at least one holding element, for example by clamping. Therefore, in this case, no additional connecting means, such as screws, latches, etc., are required for the (position-fixed) holding of the printed circuit board in the housing interior.

[0043] In the context of the present application, the term "having" is used synonymously with the term "comprising", and the term "having" is used synonymously with the term "comprising", unless otherwise stated.

[0044] In one development, it is provided that the printed circuit board is held in the housing interior by means of the holding element in such a way that the printed circuit board is mechanically decoupled from the housing.

[0045] This advantageously results in that impacts and / or vibrations and / or pressure loads etc. acting on the housing are not directly transmitted to the printed circuit board, thereby increasing the service life of the printed circuit board or the functionality of the electrical and / or electronic circuits of the printed circuit board.

[0046] The retaining element does not count here (at least functionally) as a housing or an inner wall of the housing. In the case of an integral design of the retaining element and the housing or the inner wall, the printed circuit board is nevertheless mechanically decoupled from the housing, since the retaining element has a damping function. The mechanical decoupling of the printed circuit board from the housing or the inner wall is achieved in that mechanical influences acting on the housing from the environment outside the housing or the external space (such as, for example, impacts and / or vibrations and / or pressure) are only transmitted (for example, at least 20%, preferably at least 50%) to the printed circuit board in a damping manner by means of the retaining element. In other words, if the printed circuit board is coupled to the housing by means of a connecting element instead of a retaining element, wherein the connecting element corresponds in shape to the retaining element but is formed from a rigid or significantly more rigid or harder material than the retaining element (i.e., is designed, for example, from the material of the inner wall of the housing), such mechanical influences acting on the printed circuit board from the housing will not be damped or will only be damped insignificantly (for example, less than 20%).

[0047] As an alternative or in addition, it is provided that the printed circuit board is held in the housing interior by means of the holding element in such a way that the printed circuit board has no direct mechanical contact with the inner wall of the housing or with an element formed integrally with the inner wall of the housing.

[0048] This advantageously results in the printed circuit board being optimally mechanically decoupled from the housing. This advantageously prevents (undamped) mechanical influences from being transmitted from the inner wall or the housing to the printed circuit board. This advantageously increases the service life of the printed circuit board and / or the circuit on the printed circuit board. This can advantageously increase the service life of the connector.

[0049] As explained above, it can be provided that the retaining element does not count as an inner wall.

[0050] In one development, it is provided that the holding element holds the printed circuit board laterally at the sides of the printed circuit board.

[0051] This advantageously results in the printed circuit board having a particularly large, continuous mounting surface. Furthermore, the printed circuit board can advantageously be assembled particularly easily in this way in the housing interior. In the case of lateral retention, a low coverage by the retaining element (for example an edge area of ​​less than 3% of the printed circuit board surface) can be provided.

[0052] The lateral holding relates in particular to the end face of the printed circuit board pointing radially outward with respect to the printed circuit board surface or the printed circuit board plane, which surrounds the (mountable) printed circuit board plane.

[0053] For example, it is possible to provide that the holding element only holds the printed circuit board laterally. In this case, the printed circuit board is for example not located on the holding element in a planar manner, and the holding element is mainly or completely covered by the printed circuit board surface.

[0054] For example, it can be provided that the holding element does not penetrate a through-opening of the printed circuit board, in particular a through-opening arranged in the printed circuit board surface (such through-opening has an edge pointing radially inwards), but rather holds the printed circuit board laterally. This advantageously leads to a simplified assembly and a simplified disassembly of the printed circuit board in the housing interior. In addition, the mountable printed circuit board surface is not interrupted by such a through-opening, which significantly simplifies, for example, the layout of conductor tracks that can be arranged in and / or on the printed circuit board.

[0055] It can be provided that the printed circuit board is held by a holding element at more than one side. It can also be provided that the printed circuit board is coupled to at least one holding element at at least two sides (for example two, three or four sides) of the printed circuit board. The printed circuit board can be held, for example, clamped between a plurality of holding elements.

[0056] In one development, it is provided that the holding element has a recess, wherein the printed circuit board is arranged with a printed circuit board edge in the recess.

[0057] As a result, the printed circuit board can be assembled particularly easily. During assembly, for example, it is easy to check tactilely and / or optically whether the printed circuit board is correctly coupled to the holding element. In addition, the printed circuit board can be advantageously held in a fixed position in multiple spatial directions at the same time. Mechanical actions from the housing to the printed circuit board can also be easily damped in multiple spatial directions in this way.

[0058] The recess can be embodied, for example, as a slot or as a retaining element groove.

[0059] The printed circuit board can be held in the recess in a clamped manner, for example.

[0060] The printed circuit board can be introduced or introduced into the recess, for example, laterally. The holding element can then, for example, clamp the printed circuit board in the plane of the printed circuit board by means of the bottom of the recess and clamp the printed circuit board in a direction parallel to the surface normal of the printed circuit board plane by means of the walls of the recess. The recess can be designed, for example, in such a way that the printed circuit board is held laterally and the walls of the recess hold the edge of the printed circuit board only relative to a small part, for example, at most 3% of the printed circuit board surface and / or, for example, at most up to a distance of 3 mm from the lateral end face to the inside of the printed circuit board surface.

[0061] In a development, it is provided that the retaining element is arranged in or on the inner wall or in the housing wall.

[0062] This results in a particularly easy processing of the housing and / or the connector together with the retaining element, for example in an injection molding process, or in an easy connection of the retaining element to the housing. The retaining element arranged in or at the inner wall or in or at the housing wall also advantageously simplifies the assembly of the printed circuit board in the interior of the housing. This advantageously makes it possible to dispense with further elements of the connector that retain the printed circuit board (by means of the retaining element). Such further elements can be, for example: contacts (for example male or female contacts that extend into the interior of the housing); supply lines to the printed circuit board or to the contacts; connector elements received or enclosed by the housing, which connector elements can, for example, represent a mechanical interface with respect to an infrastructure mating connector, a vehicle mating connector, etc.

[0063] As an alternative or in addition, it is provided that the retaining element penetrates through the inner wall or the housing wall from the outside of the connector into the housing interior.

[0064] As a result, the retaining element can advantageously be produced independently of the inner wall or the housing part with the housing wall, for example from another material. The retaining element can then be advantageously assembled on the housing in an easier manner and the housing or the opening through the housing necessary for assembly can be sealed. In principle, it is also conceivable that the retaining element is not designed as an element that is first independent and can then be assembled on the housing, but that the retaining element is designed integrally with the housing in that the retaining element is injection-molded onto the first produced housing or housing element, for example, using a 2K injection molding process. The embodiment that penetrates the housing results in a particularly stable and durable arrangement of the retaining element on the housing.

[0065] In the case of such a penetration, the retaining element can, for example, simultaneously seal the housing interior from the external environment, whereby an additional seal in the penetration opening is advantageously omitted.

[0066] In an improved scheme, it is provided that the connector has at least one retaining element at a first section of the inner wall or in the first section, wherein the connector has at least one retaining element at a second section of the inner wall or in the second section, wherein the printed circuit board is retained in the interior space of the housing at two opposite printed circuit board sides between the retaining element of the first section and the retaining element of the second section.

[0067] This advantageously results in a particularly reliable, fixed-position holding of the printed circuit board in the housing interior. For example, a two-point holding can be designed, wherein only exactly one holding element is arranged in the first section and in the second section. For example, a particularly stable three-point holding can also be designed, wherein two holding elements are arranged in the first section and only a single holding element is arranged in the second section (or vice versa). Four-point holding or holding with even more holding elements is also conceivable. Lateral holding allows a particularly large mountable or functionally usable surface of the printed circuit board (for example also for the arrangement of electrical connections).

[0068] As already explained above, printed circuit board sides are to be understood as radially outwardly pointing, in particular non-mountable, end sides of the printed circuit board (in the case of a rectangular printed circuit board there are therefore four such end sides which are oriented transversely to the surface normal of the printed circuit board plane).

[0069] The printed circuit board can be held, for example, in the first or second section, for example, clamped or clamped between the holding elements. This results in particularly easy assembly and disassembly (for example for maintenance purposes).

[0070] In a development, it is provided that the housing has a first housing layer and a second housing layer, wherein the housing interior is surrounded by the first housing layer and the second housing layer, wherein the first housing layer has a first section of the inner wall, wherein the second housing layer has a second section of the inner wall.

[0071] As a result, the printed circuit board can be advantageously assembled particularly easily and cost-effectively in the housing interior and can be removed from the housing, for example, for maintenance purposes or for repair, thereby improving the durability of the connector (for example, a defective printed circuit board and / or a defective housing layer can be replaced in an easier way). The printed circuit board can, for example, be first assembled or placed in or on the first housing layer during assembly. Subsequently, the second housing layer can be coupled or connected to or fastened to the first housing layer while constructing the housing interior.

[0072] The retaining element can be arranged, for example, at or in the first housing layer and / or at or in the second housing layer. It is also possible to provide exactly one retaining element or a plurality of retaining elements in each housing layer.

[0073] It can also be provided that the retaining element penetrates the first housing layer and / or the second housing layer from the outside and is arranged in the region of the first or second section of the inner wall.

[0074] The second housing layer can be constructed, for example, independently of the first housing layer. In principle, it is also possible that the first housing layer and the second housing layer are designed integrally (ie, cannot be loosened from each other in a non-destructive manner). In this case, the first housing layer and the second housing layer can be connected to each other, for example, by a film hinge.

[0075] The first housing layer and / or the second housing layer can be made of, for example, one or more plastics, such as polyamide (PA), polypropylene (PP) or can include the plastic. The one or more plastics can be filled with glass fibers, such as PA6 GF30 or PA6 GF35, etc. In principle, it is also possible that at least one of the housing layers includes metal, wood, ceramic or other materials or is made mostly of these.

[0076] In a development, it is provided that the housing has a third housing layer, wherein the third housing layer is arranged at least in sections on a first outer side of the first housing layer, wherein the retaining element is formed integrally with the third housing layer and projects into the housing interior.

[0077] This advantageously results in the housing being able to have different functional sections and thus being able to be optimized for the intended use. The first housing layer can then be designed, for example, from a relatively hard, dimensionally stable material (e.g. PA or PE, etc., optionally also filled with glass fibers), which imparts greater mechanical stability to the housing. The third housing layer can, for example, have a relatively soft material, which is, for example, comfortable and non-slip for the operator to hold, feels warm and soft even at cold ambient temperatures of, for example, -20°C or -40°C, which cushions the energy of the impact when the connector falls, etc. The design of the retaining element with a third housing layer can advantageously reduce the effort in manufacturing the housing. This can also advantageously result in a durable connection between the first housing layer and the third housing layer. This advantageously increases the life and therefore the durability of the housing.

[0078] As an alternative or in addition, it is provided that the housing has a fourth housing layer, wherein the fourth housing layer is arranged at least in sections on a second outer side of the second housing layer, wherein the retaining element is formed integrally with the fourth housing layer and projects into the housing interior.

[0079] The advantages described above with regard to the combination of the first and third housing layers apply generically to the fourth housing layer (and the second housing layer).

[0080] The third and / or fourth housing layer can, for example, contain or consist of, in particular more than 50%, a material selected from the group consisting of rubber, rubber, silicone, thermoplastic elastomer, thermoplastic polyamide elastomer, thermoplastic copolyester elastomer, polyurethane-based thermoplastic elastomer or a material having a similar physical effect.

[0081] In a development, it is provided that the housing has a first support element in the first section, which first support element faces the second section, wherein the first support element is spaced apart from the second section and / or from a second support element of the second section in a force-free state of the housing.

[0082] The spacing advantageously causes that when assembling the housing consisting of the first and second housing layers, the two housing layers can always be assembled to form a housing in a fixed, sealed manner (for example, by an intermediate layer of a sealing element), without gaps, etc., independent of processing tolerances. In the force-free state of the assembled housing (in which the connector is, for example, operated by a user), the first support element therefore does not collide with other elements in the interior space of the housing and therefore does not "hard stop (aufblock)". At the same time, the (preferably only small) spacing advantageously causes that (especially static) forces acting on the housing along the plane of the printed circuit board (for example, when the connector is run over by a vehicle) that would squeeze the housing together are relieved by the first support element (and the second section or the second support element). Therefore, such forces do not act on the printed circuit board. In this way, the printed circuit board is advantageously protected from damage caused by mechanical effects. Furthermore, in the event of external forces, the housing, in particular with its, for example, hollow housing interior, is advantageously protected from collapse by the first supporting element (however, the housing is also protected from collapse even in the case of a housing interior that is filled or foamed, for example with a soft and / or porous material).

[0083] For example, it can be provided that the first supporting element extends substantially (+ / -30°) parallel to the printed circuit board plane. This results in a particularly reliable support of the housing in its housing interior and, if forces act (substantially) parallel to the printed circuit board plane, particularly good protection against damage to the printed circuit board. In this case, the plane in which the components of the printed circuit board are mounted can preferably be considered to be the printed circuit board plane.

[0084] For example, it can be provided that the spacing between the first support element and the second section and / or the second support element is in the range between 0.05 mm and 4 mm, preferably in the range between 0.1 mm and 2 mm. In this way, the spacing is large enough on the one hand to enable a sufficiently good assembly of the housing layers to form the housing even with production tolerances of the housing layers (e.g. while maintaining small gap dimensions, high tightness, etc.), and at the same time, the housing interior is supported by means of the first support element even with relatively low forces acting on the housing, and thus prevents the introduction of (excessive) forces into the printed circuit board and / or prevents a collapse of the housing interior.

[0085] As an alternative or in addition, it is provided that the housing has a second supporting element which faces the first section, wherein the second supporting element is spaced apart from the first section or from the first supporting element of the first section in the force-free state of the housing.

[0086] The advantages described above with respect to the first support element apply in spirit to the second support element.

[0087] The second supporting element can extend, for example, substantially (+ / −30°) parallel to the printed circuit board plane.

[0088] The distance between the second supporting element and the first section and / or the first supporting element can lie, for example, in the range between 0.05 mm and 4 mm, preferably in the range between 0.1 mm and 2 mm.

[0089] It goes without saying that exactly one first supporting element or exactly one second supporting element can be provided. However, a plurality of first or second supporting elements (for example two or three or four or five or even more first or second supporting elements) can also be provided. It goes without saying that the end sides of the housing layers facing each other (between which, for example, a sealing element can also be arranged) are preferably not considered to be the first or second supporting element.

[0090] In an improved embodiment, it is provided that the distance between the first support element and the second section and / or the second support element is constructed in such a way that when a force exceeding 1000 N, preferably exceeding 500 N, particularly preferably exceeding 200 N and very particularly preferably exceeding 100 N acts on the housing along the plane of the printed circuit board, the first support element is in mechanical contact with the second section and / or the second support element.

[0091] This advantageously results in the printed circuit board being protected from excessive external forces on the housing or from decoupling the printed circuit board by dissipating such forces via the first support element and / or the housing. At the same time, the housing is protected from (too severe) deformations or even collapses in the event of such forces. This advantageously protects the (in particular hollow) housing interior from temporary or permanent leaks, for example due to damage to housing layers that have torn apart and / or sealing elements arranged between the housing layers.

[0092] As an alternative or additional solution, it is provided that the distance between the second support element and the first section and / or the first support element is constructed in such a way that when a force exceeding 1000 N, preferably exceeding 500 N, particularly preferably exceeding 200 N and very particularly preferably exceeding 100 N acts on the housing along the plane of the printed circuit board, the second support element is in mechanical contact with the first section and / or the first support element.

[0093] The advantages described above with respect to the first support element apply in spirit to the second support element.

[0094] In an improved embodiment, it is provided that the retaining element, in particular more than 50%, has or is formed from the following material, which is selected from the group consisting of: raw rubber, rubber, silicone, thermoplastic elastomer (TPE), thermoplastic polyamide elastomer (TPE-A), thermoplastic copolyester elastomer (TPE-C), polyurethane-based thermoplastic elastomer (TPE-U) or a material with similar physical effects.

[0095] This results in a particularly good mechanical decoupling of the printed circuit board from the housing, or a particularly good damping of mechanical influences acting on the printed circuit board, especially with a small buffer distance or small dimensions of the holding element. In addition, this advantageously results in a particularly easy and cost-effective processing of the holding element and thus of the connector. The holding element can be produced or manufactured, for example, using an injection molding process.

[0096] As an alternative or in addition, it is provided that the retaining element has a Shore A hardness of at most 60, preferably at most 50, particularly preferably at most 45.

[0097] This advantageously results in particularly good damping of mechanical influences acting on the printed circuit board even with only small dimensions of the holding element (for example a small damping distance).

[0098] In an improved scheme, it is provided that the connector is designed to be electrically connected to a household socket or a mating connector of a vehicle (for example, a Type 1 connector, a Type 2 connector, a Combo connector, a CHAdeMO connector, a Tesla supercharging station connector, a household plug connector, a CCE connector, etc.) or to a mating connector of an energy supply device (for example, a Type 1 connector, a Type 2 connector, a Combo connector, a CHAdeMO connector, a Tesla supercharging station connector, a household plug connector, a CCE connector, etc.).

[0099] This makes it possible for the connector to provide, for example, a charging cable or supply cable in the form of a charging plug, with which, for example, a motor vehicle can be charged with current from different infrastructure connections, or with which electrical loads can be supplied with current from the vehicle. Due to the low weight of the printed circuit board and the damped holding or mechanically decoupled holding of the printed circuit board from the housing, the connector can assume the functions that are otherwise implemented in an ICCB (“In Cable Control Box”) arranged outside the connector in the connection line. The connector thus advantageously makes it possible to provide a particularly light, space-saving and cost-effective supply cable while meeting all necessary sealing and impact resistance requirements.

[0100] In an improved embodiment, it can be provided that the first (and / or second) housing layer has a guide structure for assembling the printed circuit board in or on the first (or second) housing layer, wherein the guide structure extends from the first (and / or second) section of the inner wall in the direction of the second (or first) housing layer.

[0101] The guide structure can be designed, for example, to couple the printed circuit board to the holding element or to guide it into the holding element when it is assembled in the housing interior. The guide structure and the holding element can be designed relative to one another, for example, such that in the (force-free) state of the connector in which the printed circuit board is coupled to the holding element or is held by the holding element, there is (no longer) mechanical contact between the guide structure and the printed circuit board.

[0102] This advantageously results in a particularly easy and positionally secure assembly of the printed circuit board at or in the holding element, or a particularly easy and positionally secure coupling or holding between the holding element and the printed circuit board.

[0103] In an improved embodiment, it can be provided that the first (and / or second) housing layer has a first (or second) stop which protrudes from the first (or second) section of the inner wall in the direction of the printed circuit board, in particular by at least 0.5 mm, preferably at least 1 mm and very particularly preferably at least 2 mm, wherein the first (or second) stop is spaced apart from the printed circuit board in the force-free state of the connector, in particular by at least 0.5 mm, preferably at least 1 mm and particularly preferably at least 2 mm.

[0104] As a result, advantageously in the force-free state of the connector and / or in the case of small mechanical effects on the connector (e.g. vibrations during normal driving of the vehicle or in the case of a fall from a height of, for example, less than 25 cm or less than 50 cm), the stop does not transmit mechanical influences to the printed circuit board via direct contact with the printed circuit board (e.g. no vibrations, collisions, etc.). In this case, the printed circuit board is (preferably only) held by the retaining element or a plurality of retaining elements of the retaining element. At the same time, it is advantageously caused that in the case of a long-term high force action (e.g. rolling over the connector or a support of the connector under a large weight, i.e., a force of, for example, more than 100 N, more than 200 N, more than 500 N, or more than 1000 N) and / or a short-term very high force action (e.g. a fall from a height of more than 1 m or more than 1.5 m), the printed circuit board can abut against the first (and / or second) stop and thereby prevent a plastic (no longer reversible) deformation of the retaining element. Furthermore, if the retaining element is designed such that it penetrates the housing from the outside into the housing interior, the stop can advantageously prevent the printed circuit board from being pressed out of the housing interior by means of the retaining element (if necessary together with the third and / or fourth housing layer). This can, for example, dispense with a complex shape design of the retaining element, in which case the retaining element would have to have, for example, a form-fitting back engagement in the region of the housing interior in order to prevent such pressing. This advantageously facilitates the manufacture of the connector.

[0105] According to a second aspect of the present invention, a supply cable is proposed for electrically connecting a vehicle to an energy supply device that provides electrical energy and / or to a load that requires electrical energy.

[0106] The supply cable has a connector as described above. The supply cable also has a connecting line, which is electrically connected or can be electrically connected to the connector. The supply cable can also have a further connector, which is arranged or can be arranged at the other end of the connecting line.

[0107] This advantageously provides a particularly cost-effective, lightweight, easily producible, easily repairable, stable and reliable charging cable. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0108] Additional features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following description of exemplary embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings, which, however, should not be construed as limiting the present invention.

[0109] It shows:

[0110] Figure 1A schematic image showing a supply cable;

[0111] FIG. 2 shows a schematic cross section of a printed circuit board arrangement in a connector from the prior art;

[0112] Figure 3 shows a schematic exploded view of a connector for a supply cable;

[0113] Figure 4a shows a schematic cross section of a connector of a supply cable;

[0114] Figure 4b The printed circuit board is shown before being held by the holding element. Figure 4a A detailed cutout of a connector;

[0115] Figure 4c A printed circuit board from FIG. 1 is shown with the printed circuit board held by the holding element. Figure 4a A detailed cutout of a connector;

[0116] Figure 5 Shown from Figure 4a A schematic three-dimensional and partially open top view of a connector;

[0117] Figure 6a shows a schematic perspective view of the first and third shell layers;

[0118] Figure 6b Shown from Figure 6a A schematic perspective view of a third shell layer;

[0119] FIG. 6 c shows a schematic three-dimensional appearance of a housing of a connector having a first, a second, a third and a fourth housing layer. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0120] Figure 1 A vehicle 12 is schematically shown, which is, for example, a hybrid vehicle or an electric vehicle and has an energy store 11. The energy store 11 is to be charged, for example, by an energy supply device 16. Figure 1 In the case shown in , the energy supply device 16 can be, for example, a wall box that can be charged with a three-phase AC voltage or a continuous voltage source, such as a household socket such as a fuse socket, which can, for example, be charged in a single phase. A supply cable 10 is provided to connect the energy supply device 16 and the energy storage device 11 or the vehicle 12.

[0121] The supply cable 10 has a primary connector 14 and a secondary connector 15, wherein Figure 11 shows different variants of the secondary connector 15. In the context of this application, the connectors 14, 15 are collectively referred to as connectors. For sealing solutions and for printed circuit boards 50 of the connectors 14, 15 (see, for example Figure 3 ) is not important for the retention of the primary connector 14 or the secondary connector 15. However, for better comprehensibility of the text of the present application, the connectors 14, 15 can sometimes be more precisely designated as primary connectors 14 or secondary connectors 15. There is a supply line or connection line 13 between the (primary) connector 14 and the (secondary) connector 15. The (primary) connector 14 is used to be electrically connected to the vehicle 12 and in particular to the energy storage device 11. The (secondary) connector 15 is used to be connected to different types of energy supply devices 16 or loads 19 according to its design. In the case where the (secondary) connector 15 is set up for connection to the load 19 (shown here in the shape of a hair dryer as an example), the (secondary) connector 15 can be, for example, a fuse socket. In this case, electrical energy is extracted from the vehicle 12 or its energy storage device 11. It goes without saying that the electrical load can also be an electrical network, so that electrical energy can be fed back from the vehicle 12 into the electrical network. In this case, a fuse plug or a type 2 charging plug for plugging into a wall box can be used as the (secondary) connector 15, for example. Furthermore, it goes without saying that the electrical load can also be another vehicle, which is supplied with current or electrical energy from the vehicle 12. In this case, the (secondary) connector 15 can be designed similarly to the (primary) connector 14, for example.

[0122] The (primary) connector 14 has a vehicle connection 4 which is provided for an indirect or direct detachable wireless or wired electrical connection to the vehicle 12 or the energy store 11 .

[0123] In the embodiment shown, the (primary) connector 14 also has an additional connection 5, via which a wireless and / or wired electrical connection can be established directly or indirectly in a detachable manner with an additional coupling 6 of the connecting line 13. In an alternative embodiment, the additional connection 5 and the additional coupling 6 can be omitted, so that the connecting line 13 is directly attached to the (primary) connector 14 and cannot be separated from it in a non-destructive manner.

[0124] In the embodiment shown, the supply cable 10 can be coupled to different types of (secondary) connectors 15. Each (secondary) connector 15 has an infrastructure connection 1 and a cable connection 2, wherein the infrastructure connection 1 is configured to be electrically connected to an energy supply device 16 or a load 19. The cable connection 2 is used to connect to a connecting line 13. The connecting line 13 has a coupling 3 for this purpose, wherein the coupling 3 and the cable connection 2 can be releasably connected electrically. Therefore, by only disconnecting the connection between the coupling 3 and the cable connection 2, the (secondary) connector 15 can be easily and cost-effectively replaced. In principle, it goes without saying that the following supply cable 10 can also be conceived, in which the (secondary) connector 15 is non-releasably connected to the connecting line 13 (that is to say: cannot be releasably connected in a non-destructive manner).

[0125] exist Figure 1 The upper right in the middle shows that the infrastructure connection 1 can also be designed, by way of example, for connection to a load 19, for example by means of the infrastructure connection 1 or the (secondary) connector 15 being designed as a fuse socket or as an AC socket. Figure 1 The middle right part shows that the infrastructure connection 1 of the (secondary) connector 15 can, in an alternative design, be a type 2 connection for connection to a charging post or a wall box (in this case, for example, current can flow from the infrastructure connection 1 to the vehicle 12 or from the vehicle 12 to the infrastructure connection 1). Figure 1 The lower right center shows by way of example that the infrastructure connection 1 of the (secondary) connector 15 can be a safety plug for connection to a household socket in an alternative embodiment (here, for example, current can also be passed from the infrastructure connection 1 to the vehicle 12 or from the vehicle 12 to the infrastructure connection 1). A (secondary) connector 15 for connection to another vehicle is also possible in principle, but is not shown here.

[0126] In the present embodiment, the connecting line 13 has only an electrical conductor between the connector 3 and the additional connector 6, which establishes an electrical connection between the connector 3 and the additional connector 6. Such an electrical conductor is, for example, a copper conductor or an aluminum conductor, or it is made of another material with high electrical conductivity and has an electrical insulation. All electrical conductors are bundled together and preferably have a common sheath, which serves as an electrical insulation on the one hand and as a mechanical protection on the other hand. Preferably, Figure 1In the connection line 13, no active or passive electrical components are provided. All logic components or logic components (such as microprocessors, application-specific integrated circuits, etc.) and in particular active or passive electrical components are part of the (primary) connector 14 and / or part of the (secondary) connector 15. As a result, the connection line 13 can be advantageously manufactured at low cost. In the present embodiment, the ICCB (In-Cable Control-Box) can therefore be explicitly omitted. As a result, the supply cable 10 can still be provided at low cost, compactly, easily, space-savingly and lightly in terms of weight, despite its adaptability shown here (different (secondary) connectors 15 are optionally coupleable). In addition to reducing weight and cost and maneuverability, omitting the ICCB also reduces complex quality inspections and load tests, because it is not necessary to protect the sensitive electronic components of the ICCB to, for example, prevent being run over by other vehicles, such as trucks. As a result, the risk of tripping to personnel is also advantageously reduced. It goes without saying that in other exemplary embodiments an ICCB can be provided which is then arranged, for example, in the connecting line 13 .

[0127] FIG2 shows a cross section of a connector 14, 15 for supplying a cable 10 from the prior art. The connector 14, 15 has a housing 20, which encloses a housing interior 40. Outside the housing 20 there is an external environment 41, which can be the environment, for example. A printed circuit board 50 is arranged in the housing interior 40. The printed circuit board 50 is arranged in two guide grooves 70 on the inner wall of the housing 20 that are opposite to each other and in this way is directly exposed to impacts or vibrations acting on the housing 20.

[0128] In the schematically illustrated manner, the printed circuit board 50 has two components here which are designed as THT components 55 (THT=“Through Hole Technology”).

[0129] Figure 3 Schematically, an exploded view of a (primary) connector 14 is shown, wherein the structure of a (secondary) connector 15 can be substantially similar to that of the (primary) connector 14, but this is not necessary. In the following, no clear distinction is made between the (primary) connector 14 and the (secondary) connector 15, but connectors 14, 15 are generally referred to, which can therefore be a (primary) connector 14 and / or a (secondary) connector 15.

[0130] The connectors 14, 15 can be suitable or configured for electrical connection with a household socket and / or a mating connector of the vehicle 12 and / or a mating connector of the energy supply device 16 and / or a load 19 requiring electrical energy. A type 2 connector is shown here by way of example, but the connectors 14, 15 do not have to be limited to this type.

[0131] The connector 14, 15 has a housing 20 with a housing interior 40. The housing interior 40 is exemplarily a hollow housing interior 40, that is to say: the housing interior is not, in particular not mainly or even completely filled with foam material or plastic. The housing 20 has an inner wall 60, which delimits the housing interior 40, wherein the inner wall 60 has a first section 61 and a second section 62 opposite the first section 61.

[0132] In this exemplary embodiment, the shell 20 has at least one first shell layer 21 and a second shell layer 22 which is independent of the first shell layer 21 in this exemplary embodiment, wherein the shell interior space 40 is surrounded by the first shell layer 21 and the second shell layer 22, wherein the first shell layer 21 has a first section 61 of the inner wall 60, and wherein the second shell layer 22 has a second section 62 of the inner wall 60.

[0133] In principle, a one-piece embodiment is also conceivable in which the two housing layers 21 , 22 are connected, for example, by a film hinge or the like.

[0134] The connectors 14, 15 furthermore have a printed circuit board 50. The printed circuit board 50 here has, by way of example, an electrical and / or electronic circuit 31. The connectors 14, 15 furthermore have at least one retaining element 85 for the printed circuit board, wherein the printed circuit board 50 is provided with a plurality of retaining elements 85. Figure 1 In the first section 61 of the first housing layer 21, two retaining elements 85 are visibly shown, another retaining element 85 or further retaining elements 85 can (not visible here, but see for example Figure 4a , Figure 5 The at least one retaining element 85 is hereby provided as an example for holding the printed circuit board 50 in a fixed position (in the fully assembled state of the connectors 14, 15). The retaining elements 85 (hereby as an example: all retaining elements 85) comprise an elastically reversible material, or the retaining elements 85 are formed predominantly (more than 50%) or completely from an elastically reversible material. In the fully assembled state (see Figure 4a , Figure 5 ), the printed circuit board 50 is held in the housing interior 40 by means of at least one holding element 85. Figure 3 , Figure 4a , Figure 5In the illustrated embodiment, the clamping-type holding by means of the holding element 85 is shown only by way of example (and in the completely assembled state of the connectors 14, 15). By holding the printed circuit board 50 by means of the holding element 85 described above, mechanical actions acting on the housing 20 are advantageously transmitted only in a damped manner to the printed circuit board 50. This advantageously reduces the risk of premature functional impairment or damage to the printed circuit board 50.

[0135] The printed circuit board 50 (in the fully assembled state of the connectors 14, 15) is held in the housing interior 40 by means of the holding element 50 in such a way that the printed circuit board 50 is mechanically decoupled from the housing 20. As a result, mechanical influences (e.g., impacts, vibrations, etc.) acting on the housing 20 are not transmitted directly to the printed circuit board 50 but only in a damped manner.

[0136] In the present embodiment, the printed circuit board 50 is held in the housing interior 40 by means of at least one holding element 85 in such a way that the printed circuit board 50 has no direct mechanical contact with the inner wall 60 of the housing 20 or with an element formed integrally with the inner wall 60 of the housing 20. This leads to a further improvement in the mechanical decoupling of the printed circuit board 50 from the housing 20 and reduces the risk of damage to the printed circuit board 50 due to collisions, vibrations, etc.

[0137] In the present exemplary embodiment, at least one retaining element 85 (here: two visible retaining elements 85 ) is arranged in or on the inner wall 60 , here in the first section 61 .

[0138] The retaining element 85 has a recess 86 in this example. The recess is designed as a slot 87 or as a retaining element groove in this example. The printed circuit board 50 is arranged with the printed circuit board edge 58 in the recess 86. The printed circuit board is held in the recess 86 in a clamped manner in this example (see also Figure 4a ).

[0139] As shown here by way of example, it can be provided that the holding element 85 holds the printed circuit board 50 only laterally, in particular at the printed circuit board sides 56 , and in particular does not penetrate a through-opening of the printed circuit board 50 .

[0140] It can be provided that the retaining element 85 penetrates through the inner wall 60 from the external environment 41 of the connector 14, 15 into the housing interior 40, wherein the retaining element 85 in particular seals the housing interior 40 with respect to the external environment 41 (see in particular Figure 4a , Figure 5 , Figure 6a , Figure 6b ).

[0141] However, it can also be provided that the holding element 85 is arranged directly in the housing interior 40, for example, at or in the inner wall 60 of the housing 20. In this case, the holding element 85 can be designed, for example, as a separate component assembled on the inner wall 60. However, the holding element 85 can also be designed in one piece with the inner wall 60. For this purpose, the holding element can be designed in one piece with the inner wall 60, for example, in a 2K injection molding process, without, for example, contact with the external environment (see in particular Figure 4a , Figure 5 , Figure 6a , Figure 6b ).

[0142] The holding element 85 (here: two visible holding elements 85) has an introduction funnel 88 on its side facing the printed circuit board 50. The introduction funnel has a V-shape here by way of example. This facilitates the correct coupling of the printed circuit board 50 to the holding element 85. The holding element 85 thus has a mouth-like shape.

[0143] The retaining elements 85 (here: two visible retaining elements 85) can, for example, protrude by at least 1 mm, preferably by at least 3 mm, from the inner wall 60 into the housing interior 40. Preferably, the retaining elements 85 extend into the housing interior 40 in a range between 1 mm and 2.5 cm from the inner wall 60 or from the point at which the retaining elements 85 are connected to the housing layer.

[0144] exist Figure 3 It can also be seen that the first housing layer 21 (here) has a guide structure for assembling the printed circuit board 50 in or at the first housing layer 21. The guide structure is constructed in the form of two mutually opposite guide grooves 70. The guide structure or the guide groove 70 here extends from the first section 61 of the inner wall 60 in the direction of the second housing layer 22. The guide structure can, for example, have a small interference relative to the width of the printed circuit board 50, so that the printed circuit board 50 can be easily displaced (for example, pushed) to its target position in a guided manner. As an alternative or additional solution, it is also conceivable that the guide structure is constructed at the second housing layer 22.

[0145] The guide structure in the form of a guide groove 70 can be designed, for example, to couple the printed circuit board 50 with the retaining element 85 or to introduce it into the retaining element 85 (here: into two adjacent retaining elements 85 spaced apart from each other) by means of the guide structure when the printed circuit board 50 is assembled in the housing interior 60. The guide structure and the retaining elements 85 can be designed, for example, relative to one another, such that in the (force-free) state of the connector, in which the printed circuit board 50 is coupled to a retaining element 85 (or to a plurality of retaining elements 85) or is retained by a retaining element 85 (or by a plurality of retaining elements 85), there is (no longer) any mechanical contact between the guide structure and the printed circuit board 50. In this way, the assembly of the printed circuit board 50 (for example, the correct and positionally secure coupling of the printed circuit board 50 to the retaining element 85) is facilitated and at the same time the printed circuit board is mechanically decoupled from the housing 20 in the assembled state.

[0146] The holding element 85 can, for example, in particular more than 50% have or be formed from a material selected from the group consisting of rubber, rubber, silicone, thermoplastic elastomer (TPE), thermoplastic polyamide elastomer (TPE-A), thermoplastic copolyester elastomer (TPE-C), polyurethane-based thermoplastic elastomer (TPE-U) or a material with a similar physical effect. Alternatively or additionally, it can be provided that the holding element 85 has a Shore A hardness of at most 60, preferably at most 50, particularly preferably at most 45.

[0147] exist Figure 3It can also be recognized that the connectors 14, 15 have, by way of example, at least one connector unit 23 arranged in the housing 20 at the connector side 27 of the housing 20, which is used to connect to the vehicle 12 or the energy supply device 16 or the load 19. In addition, a connector unit-sealing element 25 is provided, which, by way of example, surrounds the connector unit 23 in a circumferential manner. The connector unit 23 preferably has a plug connector (e.g., at least one male contact element and / or at least one female contact element), which is configured to be electrically contacted with a mating plug connector. It goes without saying that the connector unit 23 can also be arranged transversely to the longitudinal direction L (axial direction) or the longitudinal axis of the housing 20. The connector unit can be configured, for example, as a safety plug, an AC plug, etc., so that this type of connector 15 can be configured to be connected to a normal household socket or an AC socket, etc. Therefore, the connector side 27 can also be understood as the connector end of the housing 20. A line side 28 is provided at the end of the housing 20 opposite to the connector side 27. At the line side 28, the line element 17 of the housing 20 penetrates through the housing 20 from the housing interior 40 of the housing 20 into the external environment 41 or the external space of the housing 20, in this case by way of example. Here, the external environment 41 or the external space is, for example, a space or surroundings or environment in which an operator can grip the connectors 14, 15. The line element 17 can be, for example, a connecting line 13. Likewise, the line element 17 can be, for example, a cable head, to which the connecting line 17 can be connected. In addition, the line element 17 can electrically contact the connector 3 or the additional connector 6. In principle, the connector 3 or the additional connector 6 can also be a line element 17, which penetrates through the housing 20 from the housing interior 40 into the external space or the external environment 41 of the housing 20, or is in direct contact with the external space 41, for example. In addition, a line element sealing element 26 is provided, which surrounds the line element 17 in a circumferential manner in this case by way of example.

[0148] The longitudinal direction L of the connector 14, 15 and thus the housing 20 extends from the connection side 27 to the line side 28. Since the connector 14, 15 has a curved housing shape as an example, the longitudinal direction L is also not a straight line, but follows the curved housing shape, i.e. is curved. For the connection unit 23 and the line element 17, the longitudinal direction L is in particular the center axis. The radial direction R is oriented perpendicular to the longitudinal direction L. The rotation direction U surrounds the longitudinal direction L.

[0149] Furthermore, the housing 20 has a sealing element 24, which is arranged between the first housing layer 21 and the second housing layer 22. The sealing element 24 is designed to seal the housing interior 40 relative to the external environment 41 of the housing 20, for example by means of a sealing section 33. The sealing element 24 here, for example, abuts both the first housing layer 21 and the second housing layer 22 (in the sealing section 33) at least in sections. Preferably, it is provided that the sealing element 24 abuts against the first housing layer 21 along more than 30% of its length, preferably more than 50% of its length, and / or abuts against the second housing layer 22 along more than 30% of its length, preferably more than 50% of its length.

[0150] In the present exemplary embodiment, the sealing element 24 is designed in one piece. The sealing element is designed here in an annular closed manner, for example, but other shapes, such as a horseshoe shape, are also conceivable. The sealing element 24 has here, for example, a Shore A hardness of at most 80, preferably at most 60 and very particularly preferably at most 45. For example, a Shore A hardness of 30 or 35 or 40 or 45 can be provided.

[0151] In the present embodiment, the first housing layer 21 has, by way of example, a receiving region or receiving section 30, which is designed here merely by way of example in the form of a groove 31. The receiving section 30 extends slightly below the end side (here: outer wall) of the first housing layer 21 that faces the second housing layer 22. The receiving section 30 is defined here in such a way that the outer wall of the first housing layer 21 projects beyond the inner wall that delimits the groove 31, for example by a maximum of 2 mm, preferably by a maximum of 1 mm. In the assembled state of the housing 20, the sealing element 24 is arranged on or in the receiving region 30, here: in the groove 31.

[0152] The printed circuit board 50 is hereby arranged completely in the housing interior 20 (in the fully assembled state of the housing 20, see, for example, FIG. 4). The printed circuit board 50 hereby has, for example, an electrical and / or electronic circuit 51. For example, it can be provided that the printed circuit board 50 has dimensions, wherein the length is at least 2 cm and, for example, is in the range between 2 cm and 18 cm, preferably, for example, is in the range between 4 cm and 15 cm, and, for example, is 8 cm or 10 cm or 12 cm, and wherein the width is at least 1.5 cm and, for example, is in the range between 1.5 cm and 12 cm, preferably, is in the range between 2.5 cm and 8.5 cm, and, for example, is 3 cm or 4 cm or 5 cm or 6 cm or 7 cm or 8 cm.

[0153] The printed circuit board 50 has at least one SMD component 52 (SMD=“Surface Mounted Device”), such as an integrated circuit, a sensor, a resistor, a capacitor and / or a coil, etc.

[0154] The SMD component 52 can also be, for example, a relay 53 or a transformer 54, wherein the transformer 54 generates a voltage in the range of 7 V to 25 V, preferably in the range of 13 V to 20 V, from a mains voltage applied to the connectors 14, 15 (for example in the range of 100 V to 130 V or in the range of 210 V to 260 V or in the range of 330 V to 410 V).

[0155] The relay 53 can have a mass in the range of, for example, between 10 g and 70 g, preferably between 20 g and 45 g. In an alternative embodiment, the relay can be designed, for example, only as a THT component (not shown here).

[0156] The transformer can have, for example, a mass in the range between 10 g and 70 g, preferably between 15 g and 40 g. In an alternative embodiment, the transformer can be designed, for example, only as a THT component (not shown here).

[0157] The printed circuit board 50 is hereby populated on both sides by way of example. Hereby by way of example, at least one SMD component 52 is respectively arranged on both sides of the printed circuit board 50 , wherein in particular at least one SMD component 52 is arranged on each side of the printed circuit board 50 .

[0158] If we can better Figure 4a and Figure 5As can be seen in the figure, in the assembled state of the housing 20, the printed circuit board 50 is held in a clamped manner between the first housing layer 21 and the second housing layer 22 along the clamping direction K, wherein the clamping holding of the printed circuit board 50 is achieved by means of holding elements 85 which are arranged opposite one another. Advantageously, in this exemplary embodiment, a screwed or integrally bonded connection of the printed circuit board 50 to one or both housing layers 21, 22 can be omitted, wherein at the same time, a fixed positional fastening of the printed circuit board 50 in the housing 20 is nevertheless achieved. At the same time, this advantageously achieves a damping and / or mechanical decoupling of pressure effects, impacts or vibrations acting on the housing 20 (e.g., from the outside space or the external environment 41, for example, due to a fall or vibrations in a vehicle or the connectors 14, 15 being driven over or run over by a vehicle, etc.) with respect to the printed circuit board 50 arranged in the housing interior 40. By holding the printed circuit board 50 by means of at least one holding element 85, a decoupling is also advantageously achieved from, for example, compressive or tensile stresses caused by heat or from, for example, mechanical loads on the printed circuit board 50 via the housing interior 40. This advantageously enables the use of SMD components 52, which remain within the specifications of the mechanical loads of the connectors 14, 15 during the life of the connectors 14, 15 without failure. In addition, this advantageously enables the absence of the need to cast (SMD-) components on the printed circuit board 50 in order to protect these (SMD-) components from mechanical effects on the printed circuit board 50. This enables the printed circuit board 50 to be manufactured cost-effectively and easily, and the circuit 51 can be constructed more compactly and smaller than the case where it is (mainly) equipped with THT components. Particularly advantageously, this also enables the printed circuit board 50 to be equipped with one or more relays 54 and / or power supply components or transformers 54 in an SMD construction manner, which have a significantly higher weight than, for example, simple resistors, capacitors or coils.

[0159] Figure 4a A schematic cross section of a housing 20 of a connector 14 , 15 is shown.

[0160] Figure 4b The printed circuit board 50 is shown before being held by the holding element 85. Figure 4a Detailed cutout of connectors 14 and 15.

[0161] Figure 4c The printed circuit board 85 held by the holding element 85 is shown. Figure 4a Detailed cutout of connectors 14 and 15.

[0162] The following describes Figure 4a , Figure 4b and Figure 4c .

[0163] Figure 4a It is shown that the housing 20 here has, by way of example, a third housing layer 81, wherein the third housing layer 81 is arranged at least in sections on the first outer side 45 of the first housing layer 21. The housing 20 here also has, by way of example, a fourth housing layer 82, wherein the fourth housing layer 82 is arranged at least in sections on the second outer side 46 of the second housing layer 22.

[0164] The third housing layer 81 and the fourth housing layer 82 can be made of a soft material or a material softer than the first housing layer 21 and the second housing layer 22, for example. The third housing layer 81 and the fourth housing layer 82 can have, as a material (especially more than 50%), for example, raw rubber, rubber, silicone, thermoplastic elastomer (TPE), thermoplastic polyamide elastomer (TPE-A), thermoplastic copolyester elastomer (TPE-C), polyurethane-based thermoplastic elastomer (TPE-U) or a material with similar physical effects. As an alternative or additional solution, the material can have a Shore A hardness of up to 60, preferably up to 50, and particularly preferably up to 45. In this way, the connectors 14, 15 can have, for example, particularly good anti-slip properties for the operator, and the connector can also buffer collisions on its outer side.

[0165] The connectors 14, 15 have at least one retaining element 85 in the first section 61 of the inner wall 65 and also at least one retaining element 85 in the second section 62 of the inner wall 65. The printed circuit board 50 is held in the housing interior 40 at two mutually opposite printed circuit board sides 56 between the retaining elements 85 of the first section 61 and the retaining elements of the second section 62. Here: clamping is used as an example.

[0166] As in Figure 5 As can be better seen in , the connectors 14, 15 can, for example, have two retaining elements 85 spaced apart from one another in the longitudinal direction L in the first section 61 of the first housing layer 21, and a single retaining element 85 in the second section 62 of the second housing layer 22. All three retaining elements 85 retain the printed circuit board 50 in a clamping manner. This results in a three-point suspension of the printed circuit board 50 in the retaining elements 85.

[0167] As shown here by way of example, at least one retaining element 85 of the third housing layer 81 can be formed integrally with the third housing layer 81. As shown here by way of example, the retaining element can extend into the housing interior 40 (starting from the first outer side 45 of the first housing layer 21 and penetrating the first housing layer 21).

[0168] As shown here by way of example, at least one retaining element 85 of the fourth housing layer 82 can be formed integrally with the fourth housing layer 82. As shown here by way of example, the retaining element can extend into the housing interior 40 (starting from the second outer side 46 of the second housing layer 22 and penetrating the second housing layer 22).

[0169] The retaining element 85 shown here by way of example therefore penetrates through the inner wall 60 from the external environment 41 of the connectors 14, 15 into the housing interior 40. The retaining element 85 can seal the housing interior 40 from the external environment 41, for example.

[0170] The third housing layer 81 and the fourth housing layer 82 include one of the materials described above or similar materials, in particular a soft and / or elastically reversible material, so that in addition to good anti-slip properties for the operator and shock absorption from the outside of the housing 20, the printed circuit board 50 is also particularly well mechanically decoupled and / or cushioned from the housing 20 by means of at least one retaining element 85.

[0171] exist Figure 4a In addition, a guide structure in the form of a guide groove 70 can be seen. In addition, in the region of the two shown retaining elements 85 (in Figure 4a The stop 71 can be seen in the figure above and below. The stop 71 can be designed, for example, in a continuous manner with the guide structure. Like the retaining element 85, the stop 71 has an introduction funnel 88 and a recess 86, which is designed here in the form of a retaining element groove or slot 87. The stop 71 is spaced apart from the printed circuit board 50 in the force-free state of the connectors 14, 15. Figure 4a , Figure 4b and Figure 4c This can be well identified in .

[0172] In other words, it can be provided that the first (and / or second) housing layer 21, 22 has a stop 71 which projects from the first (or second) section 61, 62 of the inner wall 60 in the direction of the printed circuit board 50. The stop 71 can, for example, project from the inner wall 60 in the direction of the printed circuit board 50 by at least 0.5 mm, preferably by at least 1 mm, and very particularly preferably by at least 2 mm. The stop 71 is spaced apart from the printed circuit board 50 in the force-free state. This spacing can, for example, be at least 0.5 mm, preferably at least 1 mm, and particularly preferably at least 2 mm.

[0173] Since the state before the printed circuit board 50 is coupled to the holding element 85 is shown here, Figure 4bIt is particularly well shown that the bottom of the recess 86 of the retaining element 85 has a first spacing d1 from the inner wall 60. The other bottom of the stop recess of the stop 71 has a second spacing d2 from the inner wall 60. The other bottom of the stop recess of the stop 71 is shown with a dashed line because it is arranged behind the retaining element 85 in the image plane.

[0174] Here, before the printed circuit board 50 is coupled to or coupled to the holding element 85, the first distance d1 is greater than the second distance d2, for example, by at least 0.1 mm or at least 15%. Before the printed circuit board 50 is assembled, the first distance d1 is greater than the second distance d2, for example, in the range between 0.2 mm and 4 mm, preferably in the range between 0.4 mm and 2 mm.

[0175] Figure 4c (like Figure 4a ) shows the coupling state of the printed circuit board 50 and the holding element 85. Here, the printed circuit board 50 is clamped and held in the first housing layer 21. Figure 4c between the holding element 85 shown in FIG. 1 and the holding element 85 on the opposite housing layer 22 (see also FIG. 1 ). Figure 4a ). It can be clearly seen that the bottom of the recess 86 has been displaced in the direction of the inner wall 60 along the clamping direction K and has already approached slightly the other bottom of the stop recess of the stop 71. Due to the elastically reversible material of the retaining element 85, the retaining element is slightly compressed. As a result, the retaining element (together with the retaining element 85 arranged on the opposite housing layer 22, see Figure 4a , which retaining element is also slightly compressed) to hold the printed circuit board 50. After the printed circuit board 50 is coupled to the retaining element 85 or coupled to the retaining element, the first distance d1 is still greater than the second distance d2 (see Figure 4a and Figure 4c ), for example, by at least 0.05 mm or by at least 15% or by at least 10%. After the printed circuit board 50 is assembled, the first spacing d1 is, for example, in the range between 0.1 mm and 3 mm greater than the second spacing d2, preferably in the range between 0.2 mm and 1 mm. The fixed holding of the printed circuit board 50 in the radial direction R and in the longitudinal direction L can be caused, for example, by friction forces between the printed circuit board side 56 and the recess 86, in particular with the bottom of the recess, and / or by friction forces between the printed circuit board edge 58 and the walls of the recess 86. The fixed holding of the printed circuit board 50 in the radial direction R can be further improved by the walls of the recess 86, because these walls surround the printed circuit board edge 58 on both sides in the present exemplary embodiment.

[0176] In this way, in the force-free state or in the case of only low forces acting on the housing 20 , the printed circuit board 50 is mechanically decoupled from the housing 20 .

[0177] However, if a greater force is applied (for example, when the connector 14, 15 is run over by a vehicle), the retaining element 85 can be pressed so hard that the printed circuit board 50 comes into contact with the stop 71. This advantageously results in that the retaining element 85 does not deform plastically and can therefore permanently mechanically decouple the printed circuit board 50 from the housing 20 or can dampen mechanical effects. At the same time or in addition, the stop 71 can prevent the printed circuit board 50 from exerting such a strong force on the retaining element 85 that the retaining element is pressed outwards through the first or second housing layer 21, 22 and the third or fourth housing layer 81, 82 can also be released from the first or second housing layer 21, 22. A separate back connection of the retaining element 85 with respect to the through-opening in the first or second housing layer 21, 22 can thus be omitted, which simplifies the production of the retaining element 85 and / or the third or fourth housing layer 81, 82.

[0178] In addition, Figure 4a , it can be seen that the housing 20 has a first support element 75 in the first section 61, which faces the second section 62. The housing 20 also has a second support element 76, which faces the first section 61. The first support element 75 extends substantially (+ / -30°) parallel to the printed circuit board plane E. The first support element here extends, by way of example, from the first housing layer 21 or from the first section 61. The second support element 76 extends substantially (+ / -30°) parallel to the printed circuit board plane E. The second support element here extends, by way of example, from the second housing layer 22 or from the second section 62.

[0179] In the force-free state of the housing 20 , the first support element 75 is spaced apart from the second support element 76 by a third distance d3. The distance or third distance d3 is preferably in the range between 0.05 mm and 4 mm, preferably between 0.1 mm and 2 mm.

[0180] On the one hand, the two support elements 75, 76 should enable easy assembly of the housing layers 21, 22 to one another, so that a sealed and gap-free housing 20 is produced. At the same time, the support elements 75, 76 should come into contact with one another (“hard stop”) as soon as greater forces act on the housing 20 from the external environment 41, for example, along the printed circuit board plane E or in the direction of the support elements 75, 76. The mechanical contact of the support elements 75, 76 with one another protects the hollow housing 20, for example, from collapse, and protects the printed circuit board 50 from having to absorb such forces.

[0181] It goes without saying that the first support element 75 can also be in contact with the second section 22 or can be (slightly) spaced apart from the second section 62 in the force-free state, if, for example, there is no second support element 76. In the same way, the second support element 76 can be (slightly) spaced apart from the first section 61 in the force-free state and can be in contact with the first section 61 when a force acts on the housing 20, if, for example, the first support element 75 is not provided.

[0182] The spacing or third spacing d3 between the first supporting element 75 and the second supporting element 76 (or the second section 62 / the first section 61) can be configured, for example, such that when a force acting on the housing 20 substantially (+ / -30°) along the printed circuit board plane E exceeds 1000 N, preferably exceeds 500 N, particularly preferably exceeds 200 N, and very particularly preferably exceeds 100 N, the first supporting element 75 is in mechanical contact with the second section 62 and / or the second supporting element 76.

[0183] Similar considerations (forces acting on the housing 20 substantially (+ / -30°) along the printed circuit board plane E exceeding 1000 N, preferably exceeding 500 N, particularly preferably exceeding 200 N and very particularly preferably exceeding 100 N) also apply to the possible spacing between the second support element 76 and the first section 61, so that the second support element 76 is in mechanical contact with the first section 61 and thus protects the housing 20 from collapse and protects the printed circuit board 50 from damage.

[0184] The first and / or second supporting element 75 , 76 furthermore advantageously prevents a plastic deformation of the retaining element 85 or a retaining element 85 or retaining elements 85 from being pressed through from the housing interior 40 into the external environment 41 .

[0185] Figure 5 Shown from Figure 4a Schematic three-dimensional and partially open top view of a connector.

[0186] It can be clearly seen that two holding elements 85 are arranged in the first section 61 of the inner wall 60, which are spaced apart from one another in the longitudinal direction L (here: by the width of the holding element 85), and that a single holding element 85 is arranged in the second section 62 of the inner wall, which is located between the two holding elements 85 of the first section 61 as viewed in the longitudinal direction L. In this way, the printed circuit board 50 is held in a three-point supported manner by the three holding elements 85. The printed circuit board is held here in a clamped manner in the clamping direction K between the holding elements 85.

[0187] The guide groove 70 can also be clearly seen. In the force-free state of the connectors 14 , 15 shown here, the guide groove is also spaced apart from the printed circuit board 50 , like the stop 71 of the first and second housing layers 21 , 22 .

[0188] In this way, the printed circuit board 50 is optimally mechanically decoupled from the housing 20 by means of the retaining element 85. Due to the lateral retention of the printed circuit board 50, the printed circuit board 50 has a particularly large surface for mounting components, and the conductor track guides are also not hindered by the penetration for retaining the printed circuit board 50 by means of screws, snap-fits or the like.

[0189] Figure 6a Shown from Figure 4a and Figure 5 Schematic perspective view of the first housing layer 21 and the third housing layer 81 of the connector 14, 15. The guide structure in the form of two guide grooves 70 as well as the stop 71 and the first support element 75 can be particularly well seen here. The printed circuit board 50 can be easily inserted into the guide groove 70 for coupling with the holding element 85 and then pushed in the direction of the holding element 85 (here: clamping direction K). This allows easy and positionally secure assembly, but also secure and non-destructive disassembly of the printed circuit board 50.

[0190] Figure 6b Shown from Figure 6a Schematic perspective view of the third housing layer 81. It can be clearly seen how the two retaining elements 85 are constructed in one piece with the third housing layer 81. The retaining elements 85 extend from the wall of the third housing layer 81 in the direction of the housing interior 40 (see FIG. Figure 6a The two retaining elements can, for example, protrude between 2 mm and 25 mm from the wall of the third housing layer 82 (for example, measured from the base point to the retaining surface or the bottom in the introduction funnel 88 ).

[0191] 6c shows a schematic three-dimensional appearance of a housing 20 of a connector 14, 15 having a first, second, third and fourth housing layer 21, 22, 81, 82. It can be clearly seen that the third housing layer 81 and the fourth housing layer 82 are arranged in the gripping area of ​​the connector 14, 15. The use of a soft and non-slip material for the third and fourth housing layers 81, 82 can improve the user-friendliness (for example in wet conditions) and also bring about shock absorption from the outside if the connector 14, 15 falls to the ground, for example.

[0192] The two housing halves (on the one hand the first and third housing layers 21, 81 and on the other hand the second and fourth housing layers 22, 82) can be connected to one another, for example, by means of a screw connection to form a housing 20. In this way, a housing 20 is provided which is particularly easy to assemble and to disassemble for repair or maintenance purposes. This advantageously increases the durability of the connectors 14, 15.

[0193] Figure 1 The supply line 10 shown in FIG. 1 can have one or both of the connectors 14 , 15 described above.

Claims

1. A connector (14, 15) for a supply cable (10), the supply cable (10) being used to electrically connect a vehicle (12) to an energy supply device (16) providing electrical energy and / or to a load (19) requiring electrical energy, the connector (14, 15) comprising: - a housing (20) with a housing interior space (40), a printed circuit board (50), the printed circuit board (50) having in particular an electrical and / or electronic circuit (31), - a holding element (85) for the printed circuit board, in, The housing (20) has an inner wall (60), and the inner wall (60) defines an inner space (40) of the housing. The inner wall (60) comprises a first section (61) and a second section (62) opposite to the first section (61). The retaining element (85) comprises an elastically reversible material, or the retaining element (85) is mostly or completely formed of an elastically reversible material, The printed circuit board (50) is held, in particular clamped, in the housing interior (40) by means of the holding element (85).

2. A connector according to any one of the preceding claims, in, The printed circuit board (50) is held in the housing interior (40) by means of the holding element (85) in such a way that the printed circuit board (50) is mechanically decoupled from the housing (20). and / or The printed circuit board (50) is held in the housing interior (40) by means of the holding element (85) in such a way that the printed circuit board (50) has no direct mechanical contact with the inner wall (60) of the housing (20) or that the printed circuit board (50) has no direct mechanical contact with an element that is integrally formed with the inner wall (60) of the housing (20).

3. A connector according to any one of the preceding claims, in, The holding element (85) holds the printed circuit board (50) laterally, in particular only, at the printed circuit board side (56) and in particular does not penetrate a through-opening of the printed circuit board (50).

4. A connector according to any one of the preceding claims, in, The retaining element (85) has a recess (86), in particular a slot (87) or a retaining element groove, The printed circuit board (50) is arranged with a printed circuit board edge (58) in the recess (86) and is held in the recess (86) in a clamped manner, in particular.

5. A connector according to any one of the preceding claims, in, The retaining element (85) is arranged in or at the inner wall (60), and / or wherein the retaining element (85) penetrates through the inner wall (60) from the external environment (41) of the connector (14, 15) into the inner space (40) of the housing, The retaining element (85) seals the housing interior (40) in particular with respect to the external environment (41).

6. A connector according to any one of the preceding claims, in, The connector (14, 15) has at least one retaining element (85) in a first section (61) of the inner wall (60), The connector (14, 15) has at least one retaining element (85) in the second section (62) of the inner wall (60), The printed circuit board (50) is held in the housing interior (40) at two mutually opposite printed circuit board sides (56), in particular clamped between a holding element (85) of the first section (61) and a holding element (85) of the second section (62).

7. A connector according to any one of the preceding claims, in, The housing (20) comprises a first housing layer (21) and a second housing layer (22) which is in particular independent of the first housing layer (21). The housing inner space (40) is surrounded by the first housing layer (21) and the second housing layer (22). wherein the first housing layer (21) comprises a first section (61) of the inner wall (60), The second housing layer (22) comprises a second section (62) of the inner wall (60).

8. Connector according to the preceding claim, in, The housing (20) has a third housing layer (81), wherein the third housing layer (81) is arranged at least in sections on a first outer side (45) of the first housing layer (21), wherein the retaining element (85) is constructed integrally with the third housing layer (81) and extends into the housing interior space (40); and / or The housing (20) has a fourth housing layer (82). wherein the fourth housing layer (82) is arranged at least in sections on the second outer side (46) of the second housing layer (22), The retaining element (85) is designed integrally with the fourth housing layer (82) and projects into the housing interior (40).

9. A connector according to any one of the preceding claims, in, The housing (20) has a first support element (75) in the first section (61), the first support element (75) facing the second section (62), wherein the first support element (75) extends in particular substantially (+ / - 30°) parallel to the printed circuit board plane (E), wherein the first support element (75) is spaced apart from the second section (62) and / or from a second support element (76) of the second section (62) in a force-free state of the housing (20), In this case, the spacing is in particular in the range between 0.05 mm and 4 mm, preferably in the range between 0.1 mm and 2 mm. and / or The housing (20) has a second supporting element (76), the second supporting element (76) faces the first section (61), wherein the second support element (76) extends in particular substantially (+ / - 30°) parallel to the printed circuit board plane (E), wherein the second supporting element (76) is spaced apart from the first section (61) or from the first supporting element (75) of the first section (61) in a force-free state of the housing (20), In this case, the distance lies in particular in the range between 0.05 mm and 4 mm, preferably in the range between 0.1 mm and 2 mm.

10. Connector according to the preceding claim, in, The spacing between the first support element (75) and the second section (62) and / or the second support element (76) is configured such that, when a force acting on the housing (20) along the printed circuit board plane (E) exceeds 1000 N, preferably exceeds 500 N, particularly preferably exceeds 200 N, the first support element (75) comes into mechanical contact with the second section (62) and / or the second support element (76), and / or The spacing between the second supporting element (76) and the first section (61) and / or the first supporting element (75) is constructed in such a way that when a force acting on the housing (20) along the printed circuit board plane (E) exceeds 1000N, preferably exceeds 500N, and particularly preferably exceeds 200N, the second supporting element (76) comes into mechanical contact with the first section (61) and / or the first supporting element (75).

11. A connector according to any one of the preceding claims, in, In particular, more than 50% of the retaining element (85) comprises or is formed from a material selected from the group consisting of rubber, rubber, silicone, thermoplastic elastomer (TPE), thermoplastic polyamide elastomer (TPE-A), thermoplastic copolyester elastomer (TPE-C), polyurethane-based thermoplastic elastomer (TPE-U), and / or The retaining element (85) has a Shore A hardness of at most 60, preferably at most 50, particularly preferably at most 45.

12. A connector according to any one of the preceding claims, in, The connectors (14, 15) are designed to be electrically connected to a household socket or a mating connector of a vehicle (12) or to a mating connector of an energy supply device (16).

13. A supply cable (10) for electrically connecting a vehicle (12) to an energy supply device (16) providing electrical energy and / or to a load (19) requiring electrical energy, the supply cable (10) comprising: - A connector (14, 15) according to any one of the preceding claims; - a connecting line (13) electrically connected to the connector (14).

Images