Electrical assembly and method of installing an electrical assembly

Abstract

The invention relates to an electrical assembly (3) having an assembly housing (1), at least one circuit arrangement (2) accommodated in the assembly housing (1) and an electrical connector (7) having a connection interface (12) electrically and mechanically connected to a corresponding connection region (13) of the circuit arrangement (2). The electrical connector (7) passes through a mounting guide hole (8) of the assembly housing (1). The connection interface (12) of the electrical connector (7) and the connection region (13) of the circuit arrangement (2) are provided to contact in a force-fit manner.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an electrical component having a component housing, at least one circuit configuration and an electrical connector housed within the component housing.

[0002] The present invention also relates to a method for installing electrical components. Background Technology

[0003] Electrical components are typically a collection of electrical or electronic parts. They are often integrated into relatively large systems (such as home appliances, computers, vehicles, or industrial machinery) to perform specific tasks. Typical examples of electrical components are power supply units, control modules, communication modules, and sensor modules. Electrical components generally comprise circuit configurations consisting of electrical components such as resistors, capacitors, coils, diodes, transistors, and integrated circuits (ICs), which are typically arranged on one or more common carrier boards, particularly electrical printed circuit boards (PCBs). Electrical components usually include a housing to secure the electronic components in a prescribed arrangement and to electrically and / or mechanically protect them from external influences.

[0004] In practice, electrical components are typically powered and exchange electrical data signals via electrical connectors that pass through the component housing and must connect to circuitry within the housing. Printed circuit board (PCB) plug-in connectors are commonly used to allow electrical access to circuitry arranged on a printed circuit board from the outside of the component housing. For this purpose, PCB plug-in connectors are soldered to corresponding contact surfaces and / or through-holes in the printed circuit board.

[0005] In practice, mounting electrical connectors on printed circuit boards often proves time-consuming. This is because electrical components and their housings are sometimes designed to be compact to save space and reduce costs. This hinders access to the circuitry, thus impeding the mounting of the electrical connectors. In particular, it is often difficult to first solder the electrical connectors to the printed circuit board and then pass them through the component housing. Therefore, in practice, component housings often have to be designed unfavorably large, or optionally multi-part designs. In the case of multi-part component housings, especially at the connection points of the housing components in the mounting hole area of ​​the electrical connector, there is a risk that sealing requirements, potentially required electromagnetic shielding, and / or mechanical load requirements may no longer be adequately guaranteed.

[0006] This is a situation that needs improvement. Summary of the Invention

[0007] In view of the prior art, the object of the present invention is to provide an electrical component that is easy to install and inexpensive, preferably designed to be compact and robust.

[0008] The present invention is also based on providing a method for installing electrical components that can be implemented in a simple and inexpensive manner, preferably for electrical components having a compact and robust design.

[0009] The features described below relate to advantageous embodiments and variations of the invention.

[0010] An electrical component is provided, comprising a component housing, at least one circuit arrangement housed within the component housing, and at least one electrical connector. The electrical connector has at least one connection interface that is electrically and mechanically connected to a corresponding connection area of ​​the circuit arrangement.

[0011] In principle, electrical components can have any desired number of circuit arrangements, such as exactly one, two, three, four, five, six, or more. The invention is described below with reference to an electrical component having exactly one circuit arrangement; however, this is not intended to be limiting.

[0012] Electrical components may have exactly one electrical connector, or they may have multiple electrical connectors (e.g., two, three, four, five, six, or more). Electrical connectors may be distributed among multiple circuit arrangements; however, a single circuit arrangement may be specified to connect to multiple electrical connectors. The invention is described below by way of example with reference to an electrical component having only a single electrical connector; however, this is not intended to be limiting.

[0013] In particular, it should be emphasized that electrical connectors can also be specified to have both electrical and mechanical connections with multiple circuit arrangements. The electrical connector can then have a corresponding connection interface for each circuit arrangement, or a common connection interface for multiple circuit arrangements. For this purpose, circuit arrangements connected to the common electrical connector are preferably arranged in parallel with each other. However, in principle, angular arrangements up to orthogonal arrangements of the circuit arrangements are also possible.

[0014] According to the present invention, the electrical connector is specified to pass through the mounting guide hole of the component housing.

[0015] One end of an electrical connector (hereinafter referred to as the "connection side end") can be used to further connect the electrical connector to another electrical component or other electrical device to exchange electrical data and / or power signals. For this purpose, it is advantageous to make the connection side end of the electrical connector accessible from outside the component housing, for example, by extending it outwards. In particular, it can be specified that in the installed state of the electrical connector (where the electrical connector is electrically and mechanically connected to the circuit arrangement), the connection side end of the electrical connector is arranged within a mounting guide hole or at least partially arranged outside the component housing.

[0016] The connecting end of the electrical connector may preferably have a connecting interface, such as a plug-in interface, for connecting to a corresponding mating connector (therefore, the electrical connector may preferably be an electrically plug-in connector, and the electrically mating connector may be an electrically mating plug-in connector). However, it may also be specified that the connecting end of the electrical connector has a cable feed or cable socket for direct connection to a cable. Furthermore, it may be specified that the connecting end of the electrical connector directly connects to another circuit arrangement, for example, to circuitry on an electrical printed circuit board. In principle, the electrical connector may provide any desired electrical connection option at its connecting end (in special cases, even a wireless connection option may be provided via an antenna arrangement).

[0017] In particular, if the connection side end of the electrical connector does not protrude outward from the mounting guide hole of the component housing, the mounting guide hole may be optionally closable (e.g., via a cover element) to prevent moisture or contaminants from entering when the electrical connector is not in use.

[0018] According to the present invention, the connection interface of the electrical connector and the connection area of ​​the circuit arrangement are made to contact in a force-fit manner.

[0019] The fact that the connection interface of the electrical connector and the connection area of ​​the circuit layout make contact in a force-fit manner ensures that the electrical connector can be installed in a technically simple manner. In particular, the soldering process of connecting the electrical connector to the circuit layout, which is usually required when installing electrical components, can be omitted, which makes it possible to install the electrical connector even in situations with limited installation space and poor accessibility (such as "blind" installation or installation with poor visibility).

[0020] Preferably, there is no tight contact between the connection area of ​​the circuit arrangement and the connection interface of the electrical connector. In particular, there is preferably no brazing and / or soldering connection between the connection interface and the connection area.

[0021] Alternatively, in addition to the force-fit contact between the connection interface and the connection area, there may also be a form-fit connection, either through the connection interface and the mounting area itself, or through additional measures or means (such as latches and hooks) connecting the electrical connector and the circuit layout.

[0022] Preferably, the connection interface of the electrical connector and the connection area of ​​the circuit arrangement are contacted in such a way that the connection can be released without damage as needed. Preferably, there is no permanent, inseparable connection between the electrical connector and the circuit arrangement.

[0023] In an advantageous improvement of the invention, the connection interface of the electrical connector and the connection area of ​​the circuit arrangement can be specified to be in lateral contact.

[0024] Therefore, a detailed description of "lateral" specifically refers to the longitudinal extension direction of the electrical connector along the longitudinal axis and / or the mounting direction of the electrical connector.

[0025] Therefore, the contact direction or contact force vector of the contact elements of the connection interface and the corresponding contact elements of the connection area are preferably at an angle to the longitudinal axis of the electrical connector or its mounting direction, preferably orthogonal or at least substantially orthogonal. Thus, during installation, the electrical connector can be pushed longitudinally onto the circuit layout, or slid laterally along the electrical components until the final installation state is achieved.

[0026] However, in principle, it can also be specified that the connection interface of the electrical connector and the connection area of ​​the circuit arrangement (or its contact elements) make contact at their end faces. Therefore, it can also be specified that end face contact occurs between the electrical connector and the printed circuit board (as an alternative to or supplement to lateral contact). Within the context of the basic concept of this invention, end face contact can also be performed by force engagement, preferably only by force engagement.

[0027] According to an improvement of the present invention, the connection area of ​​the circuit arrangement may be specified to be at least partially accommodated in the connection interface.

[0028] In the area of ​​the connection interface, the electrical connector can be advantageously inserted into the circuit arrangement, or the circuit arrangement can be partially inserted into the electrical connector. The electrical connector may have a socket suitable for this purpose.

[0029] Electrical connectors are particularly preferably provided with receiving slots for circuit arrangements, preferably at least in the area of ​​the connection interface, into which the connection area of ​​the circuit arrangement can be inserted. This configuration has proven particularly suitable if the circuit arrangement has circuitry arranged on an electrical carrier board (e.g., an electrical printed circuit board), because in this case, the carrier board or electrical printed circuit board can be inserted into the receiving slot of the electrical connector on one side.

[0030] However, the socket for a circuit arrangement does not necessarily have to be in the form of a recess. Holes, etc., may also be suitable for partially accommodating a circuit arrangement. As an example, an electrical connector may be partially in the form of a sleeve in the area of ​​the connection interface.

[0031] According to an improvement of the present invention, the connection areas of the circuit arrangement can be specified to be distributed on two opposite main surfaces of the circuit arrangement, and to contact each of the main surfaces through a connection interface.

[0032] Double-sided contact enables high contact density and is also advantageous for circuits arranged on a carrier board (e.g., a printed circuit board), where double-sided contact is typically an option. However, in principle, it is also possible to specify only single-sided contact between the electrical connector and the circuit arrangement.

[0033] In one configuration of the invention, the connection interface may be specified to have at least one contact element, preferably a spring-loaded design, for connection to the connection area. The (spring-loaded) contact element may be designed to contact a corresponding contact element of the connection area (particularly a contact point of the connection area). Alternatively or additionally, the connection area may also be specified to have a spring-loaded contact element. In particular, one or both connection mating members may have a spring-loaded contact element or at least a partially resilient contact element.

[0034] In principle, the contact elements of the connection interface or connection area can have any desired design. However, it is particularly preferred to provide spring-loaded pins or contact spring sheets connected on one or both sides (for at least one of the two mating parts).

[0035] In a particularly preferred improvement of the invention, the connection interface may be provided with at least one contact spring for connection to the connection area, the contact spring contacting a corresponding contact point of the connection area.

[0036] The contact points of the connection area can preferably be the contact surfaces (contact pads) of electrical conductor tracks or electrical printed circuit boards, or other carrier plates for circuit layout.

[0037] In particular, the combination of the contact springs of the electrical connector on one hand and the contact points of the connection area on the other hand has proven to be particularly suitable for connecting the electrical connector to the circuit layout in a simple manner during installation.

[0038] In one improvement of the invention, the component housing may be specified as a single-piece component.

[0039] The component housing is preferably a sleeve-shaped component or a component with openings on one or both sides. Preferably, the outer shell of the component housing is at least substantially completely closed (especially except for mounting guide holes or other smaller openings, such as ventilation slots, observation openings, etc.). The outer shell of the component housing may have multiple side surfaces corresponding to the geometry of the component housing, such as a single circumferential side surface (in the case of a component housing with a circular or elliptical cross-section) or four side surfaces (in the case of a rectangular cross-section). In principle, the outer shell of the component housing can have any desired cross-section and any desired number of (continuous) side surfaces.

[0040] The component housing can be completely sealed by one or two cover elements. The cover elements can optionally be opened by the user during operation of the electrical component, or can permanently close the component housing after installation. For example, the cover element can also be an electronic component, such as an electronic display and / or input device. For example, the cover element can be an electronic display.

[0041] It can be specified that the component housing is a conductive part, especially a metal part.

[0042] This can advantageously provide electromagnetic shielding for the circuit layout. However, depending on the application, the component housing can also, in principle, be an electrically insulating component, such as a plastic housing.

[0043] In an advantageous improvement of the invention, mounting guide holes may be formed in the closed side surface of the component housing. The mounting guide holes are preferably formed in the form of windows.

[0044] Therefore, mounting guide holes are preferably not located at the connection point between two outer shell components of a multi-component assembly housing. This improves the electromagnetic shielding, sealing, and mechanical robustness of the electrical components.

[0045] Mounting guide holes can have any desired geometry. As an example, mounting guide holes can have a design that is at least substantially circular or rectangular. In principle, any desired polygonal cross-section can be provided.

[0046] Mounting guide holes can also be specially designed to form anti-torsion devices for electrical connectors used for mounting and / or specify a defined mounting orientation.

[0047] Mounting guide holes may optionally have one or more steps or tapered sections in cross-section. However, the profile of the mounting guide hole through the component housing may also be smooth.

[0048] In one improvement of the invention, it may be specified that the electrical connector is fixed to the component housing.

[0049] The electrical connector can be secured to the component housing in any desired manner, particularly (preferably) in a tight manner, such as by welding, brazing, or bonding, connecting the electrical connector (especially the outer conductor contact element of the electrical connector mentioned below) to the component housing, and / or in a form-fit manner (e.g., by locking elements, such as hooks) and / or in a force-fit manner (e.g., pressing the electrical connector into a mounting guide hole). In principle, it can also be specified that the electrical connector is screwed into the mounting guide hole, for example, if the mounting guide hole has internal threads and the electrical connector (e.g., the outer conductor contact element of the electrical connector) has corresponding external threads. Alternatively, it can be specified that only the electrical connector has external threads, wherein the fixation to the component housing is achieved by a connecting nut arranged inside and / or outside the mounting guide hole.

[0050] Preferably, the electrical connector is fixed to the component housing in a manner that prevents torsion, resulting in the lateral forces and torques acting on the connection side end of the electrical connector being advantageously dissipated through the component housing, and the circuit arrangement or the connection between the electrical connector and the circuit arrangement is not damaged.

[0051] In an advantageous improvement of the invention, the mounting guide holes of the electrical connector and component housing may be designed such that the electrical connector can be inserted into the mounting guide holes through the connection interface side end until the final installation state of the connection interface being connected to the circuit arrangement is achieved.

[0052] This advantageously allows the electrical connector to be fully inserted into the component housing from the outside until it contacts the circuit arrangement in the final installed state. Thus, the circuit arrangement can be pre-installed in the component housing, allowing for a particularly compact design of the component housing. In this pre-installed state, the component housing can also optionally be completely closed.

[0053] Mounting guide holes can advantageously guide the installation movement of electrical connectors, which further simplifies the installation process for installers and can prevent installation errors and damage to the circuit layout during the installation process.

[0054] In an advantageous improvement of the invention, electrical connectors and circuit arrangements may be specified to form mutual mechanical codes to specify defined mutual orientations and / or form anti-torsion devices.

[0055] As an example, the electrical connector may have one or more mechanical coding devices in the connection interface or optionally on the outside of the connection interface. The mechanical coding device is preferably a protrusion, such as a coding bar, coding pin, or coding rib. However, the specific configuration of the coding device does not limit the invention. The circuit arrangement, particularly the carrier board or electrical printed circuit board on which the circuit is arranged, may preferably have mechanically mating coding devices, especially (but not limited to) recesses or cutouts, such as longitudinal slots extending in the mounting direction of the electrical connector.

[0056] As long as the mechanical coding device and the mechanically cooperating coding device are arranged eccentrically, the defined mutual orientation can be specified first, and anti-torsion devices can also be provided or improved.

[0057] Anti-torsion measures can also be provided through a form-fit connection between the electrical connector and the circuit arrangement. Specifically, the electrical connector can be precisely pushed laterally onto the circuit arrangement (which can be accommodated, for example, in a receiving slot of the electrical connector as described above), wherein the corresponding supporting surface of the electrical connector (e.g., the contact element carrier mentioned below) directly contacts the corresponding mating surface of the circuit arrangement (particularly the main surface of the carrier board or electrical printed circuit board). In this way, the laterally mounted electrical connector on the circuit arrangement is already protected from torsion, thus requiring no further measures.

[0058] Preferably, an axial end stop may be provided for mounting the electrical connector on the circuit arrangement. The end stop may be specifically formed between the electrical connector and the component housing and / or between the electrical connector and the circuit arrangement. As an example, the end stop may have been formed by a flange portion of the connecting side end of the electrical connector and / or by the length of the aforementioned receiving groove.

[0059] In an advantageous improvement of the invention, the electrical connector may be specified to have an outer conductor contact element.

[0060] The outer conductor contact element can be, in particular, a sleeve-shaped outer conductor contact element that at least substantially surrounds the other components of the electrical connector. The outer conductor contact element can preferably also be the outer housing of the electrical connector.

[0061] The outer conductor contact element of the electrical connector can preferably be directly connected to the mounting guide hole, or directly contact the mounting guide hole on its inner side.

[0062] Specifically, the mechanical fixation between the mounting hole and the electrical connector can be achieved via an outer conductor contact element.

[0063] The outer conductor contact element may have a flange portion through which it can support itself on the outside of the component housing. As long as the mounting guide hole is a stepped design, the outer conductor contact element can be configured accordingly in a complementary manner so that it can preferably be installed in the mounting guide hole with a precise fit.

[0064] In one improvement of the invention, the electrical connector may be specified to have a contact element carrier, particularly an electrically insulating contact element carrier (e.g., made of plastic).

[0065] The contact element carrier may have one or more contact sockets for accommodating and / or securing the electrical contact elements of the electrical connector. The contact sockets may specifically be corresponding contact chambers or slots for the respective contact elements.

[0066] The contact element carrier is preferably housed and secured within the aforementioned outer conductor contact element. For this purpose, a force-fit and / or form-fit connection can be provided between the contact element carrier and the outer conductor contact element, which optionally also ensures anti-torsion between the outer conductor contact element and the contact element carrier. As an example, the contact element carrier may have a mounting pin on its housing surface, which is received in a corresponding mounting socket of the outer conductor contact element, and vice versa.

[0067] The contact element carrier can preferably be designed to protect the contact elements of the electrical connector (especially in the area of ​​the connection interface) from mechanical damage. Therefore, the contact elements of the electrical connector can preferably be arranged entirely within the contact element carrier, especially in the area of ​​the connection interface, and approach, for example, only through the aforementioned receiving groove (laterally) to make contact with the circuit arrangement.

[0068] In one improvement of the invention, the electrical connector may be provided with a shielding element that is electrically and mechanically connected to both the outer conductor contact element and the circuit arrangement. Therefore, the shielding element is preferably disposed between the outer conductor contact element and the contact element carrier.

[0069] Preferably, the shielding element at least partially, and preferably in a sleeve-like manner, covers the contact element carrier.

[0070] Therefore, the outer conductor attachment of the electrical connector to the outer conductor of the circuit arrangement can be achieved via a separate shielding element. However, in principle, the outer conductor attachment can also be achieved directly by connecting the outer conductor contact element of the electrical connector to the circuit arrangement.

[0071] The shielding element is preferably a stamped and bent part.

[0072] The shielding element may have at least one first electrical contact piece, preferably a group of multiple first electrical contacts, connected in a force-fit manner to the outer conductor contact element, and / or at least one second electrical contact piece, particularly the corresponding contact point of the circuit arrangement, especially in the connection area, connected in a force-fit manner to the circuit arrangement. However, if the connection with the outer conductor contact element and / or the circuit arrangement is achieved in a different manner, such as by directly pressing the components together, then in principle, the first and / or second contact pieces, or one or both of the aforementioned contact piece groups, may be omitted.

[0073] According to a preferred variation, the shielding element and the electrical assembly can be contacted by one or more contact clips arranged laterally in an extension of the receiving groove (preferably on both sides of the receiving groove). The contact clips can be formed, in particular, by two opposing second contact pieces.

[0074] According to an improvement of the invention, the circuit arrangement can be specified to have a carrier board, particularly an electrical printed circuit board, and circuitry formed on the carrier board.

[0075] As previously stated, the present invention is particularly advantageous for circuit arrangements with electrical printed circuit boards, because the electrical connectors can be advantageously pushed onto the printed circuit board from the side, especially if the electrical connectors have suitable receiving slots for the electrical printed circuit board.

[0076] In an advantageous improvement of the invention, at least one contact element of the electrical connector may be specified to extend longitudinally along the connector to the connection interface and to make direct contact with the circuit arrangement in the connection area.

[0077] The at least one contact element is preferably formed as a single piece, for example as a stamped and bent part.

[0078] Electrical contact elements can be formed on the connection side end of an electrical connector for further connection to, for example, an electrical conductor of a cable, for direct contact with a connection area of ​​another circuit arrangement, or for contact with a corresponding mating contact element of a mating plug-in connector.

[0079] In principle, this invention is applicable to electrical connectors having any desired number of electrical contact elements. For example, an electrical connector may have exactly one, two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, or more electrical contact elements.

[0080] Within the scope of this invention, in principle, all signal and / or current supply connections are possible. As an example, electrical connectors can be specified for transmitting asymmetrical signals, symmetrical signals, shielded or unshielded transmissions, DC transmissions, single-phase or multi-phase AC transmissions, etc. Electrical connectors can be advantageously adapted to provide any desired current and / or data signals (e.g., for sensor signal processing) to and / or from electrical components.

[0081] In principle, electrical connectors are suitable for any application required throughout the entire field of electrical engineering, and therefore can have any desired design. However, in particular, any connection interface in the connection-side end region of an electrical connector can be in the form of a plug-in interface for connection to a corresponding mating plug-in connector.

[0082] The connection interface or connection-side end of the electrical connector can preferably be at least substantially circular in design. Thus, by way of example, this could be a circular connector that can optionally be secured in a component housing, such as an M8, M12, or M23 circular connector. The invention is particularly advantageously suited to circular connectors, but is not intended to be limited to this geometry.

[0083] In the context of this invention, an electrical component can be any desired electrical component configured for any desired purpose. However, an electrical component can be particularly advantageously a sensor component, such as a sensor signal processing device for a sensor integrated into the electrical component or a separate sensor (e.g., an ultrasonic sensor).

[0084] The present invention also relates to a method for installing electrical components, the method comprising at least the following steps: Provide a component housing and a circuit layout housed within the component housing; Provides an electrical connector having a connection interface for connection to a circuit layout; and Pass the electrical connector through the mounting guide hole in the component housing until the connection interface is electrically and mechanically connected to the corresponding connection area of ​​the circuit layout.

[0085] According to the present invention, the method specifies that the connection interface of the electrical connector and the connection area of ​​the circuit arrangement are in contact in a force-fit manner in the installed state.

[0086] Therefore, it is particularly advantageous that the welding process can be eliminated during installation, which can significantly reduce the cost of installers and the susceptibility to errors in the final installation process.

[0087] This invention also relates to an electrical connector for an electrical component, the connector having a connection interface capable of electrical and mechanical connection to corresponding connection areas of a circuit arrangement of the electrical component, wherein the connector can pass through mounting guide holes in the component housing of the electrical component. The connector is characterized in that the connection interface can contact the connection area of ​​the circuit arrangement in a force-fit manner and / or can contact the connection interface in a force-fit manner through the connection area of ​​the circuit arrangement. The applicant reserves the right to claim protection separately for the electrical connector and the electrical component. Similarly, the applicant reserves the right to claim protection separately for the component housing and / or the circuit arrangement.

[0088] One of the features described in connection with the subject matter of this invention, particularly the electrical components, electrical connectors, or methods according to the invention, can also be advantageously applied to other subjects of the invention. Similarly, advantages associated with one subject matter of the invention can also be understood in relation to other subjects of the invention.

[0089] Furthermore, it should be noted that terms such as “comprising,” “having,” or “with” do not exclude other features or steps. Similarly, terms indicating a singular form, such as “a / an” or “the,” do not exclude multiple features or steps, and vice versa.

[0090] However, in purely explicit embodiments of the invention, it may also be specified that features introduced by the terms "comprising," "having," or "with" are exhaustively enumerated. Therefore, in the context of the invention, one or more feature enumerations can be considered self-contained.

[0091] It should be mentioned that the use of labels such as "first" or "second" is mainly to distinguish the characteristics of various devices or methods, and does not necessarily mean that these characteristics are interdependent or related.

[0092] Furthermore, it should be emphasized that the values ​​and parameters described in this application also include deviations or fluctuations of ±10%, preferably ±5%, more preferably ±1%, and very particularly preferably ±0.1%, or less, of the corresponding specified values ​​or parameters, provided that such deviations are not excluded in practice when implementing the invention. The ranges specified by the starting and ending values ​​also include specifying all numerical values ​​and fractions covered by the range, particularly the starting and ending values ​​and their corresponding averages. Attached Figure Description

[0093] Exemplary embodiments of the present invention will now be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0094] Each figure illustrates a preferred exemplary embodiment, wherein various features of the invention are shown in combination with each other. A feature of one exemplary embodiment can also be implemented separately from other features of the same exemplary embodiment, and can therefore be readily combined by those skilled in the art with features of other exemplary embodiments to form further useful combinations and sub-combinations.

[0095] In the accompanying drawings, elements with the same function have the same reference numerals.

[0096] In the accompanying drawings, each is schematically represented as follows:

[0097] Figure 1 A perspective view of the component housing and the circuit arrangement pre-installed in the component housing of an electrical component according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention is shown;

[0098] Figure 2 It shows that according to Figure 1 A perspective view of the electrical components, wherein electrical connectors are mounted in the component housing and connected to the electrical components;

[0099] Figure 3 It shows that according to Figure 2 A side cross-sectional view of an electrical component with an electrical connector mounted thereon;

[0100] Figure 4 Shown in perspective Figure 2 and Figure 3 Electrical connectors;

[0101] Figure 5 It shows Figure 4 Side view of the electrical connector;

[0102] Figure 6 It shows Figure 4 The main view of the connection interface of the electrical connector;

[0103] Figure 7 It shows Figure 4 electrical connector along Figure 6Lateral section view of section line VII-VII;

[0104] Figure 8 It shows Figure 4 A perspective view of the electrical connector without external conductor contact elements;

[0105] Figure 9 Shown in perspective Figure 4 The shielding element of the electrical connector;

[0106] Figure 10 It shows Figure 4 A perspective view of a single electrical contact element of an electrical connector; and

[0107] Figure 11 A detailed enlarged view of the circuit layout is shown to illustrate the connection areas. Detailed Implementation

[0108] The accompanying drawings illustrate exemplary embodiments of the invention by way of example, and these exemplary embodiments are not intended to be construed as limiting. Exemplary embodiments will now be described with reference to all the accompanying drawings.

[0109] Figures 1 to 3 The component housing 1 of the electrical component 3 and the circuit arrangement 2 housed within the component housing 1 are shown by way of example. As an example, the circuit arrangement 2 has an electrical printed circuit board 4 on which circuitry 5 is formed. Figures 1 to 3 Some electronic components 6 are shown as examples, which may include resistors, coils, capacitors and integrated circuits.

[0110] As an example, the component housing 1 is a single-piece sleeve-shaped metal part. Optionally, a suitable cover element (not shown) may be provided to preferably completely enclose the circuit arrangement 2. The cover element may also optionally be an electronic display and / or input device.

[0111] The circuit arrangement 2 is housed and secured within the component housing 1. Specifically, in the context of the method for mounting the electrical component 3, it can be specified that the circuit arrangement 2, that is, particularly the electrical printed circuit board 4 on which the circuit 5 is formed, has been pre-installed in the component housing 1, such as... Figure 1 As shown. In the case of further installation, the electrical connector 7 can be specified to pass through the mounting guide hole 8 of the component housing 1 until the final installation state (see...). Figure 2 and Figure 3 Electrical connector 7 in Figures 4 to 7 The images are shown separately in different views.

[0112] The mounting guide hole 8 of the component housing 1 is preferably formed in the closed side surface 9 of the component housing 1 in the form of a window. In an exemplary embodiment, the mounting guide hole 8 is a stepped circular hole (however, the contour of the mounting guide hole 8 through the component housing 1 can also be smooth). The electrical connector 7 and the mounting guide hole 8 of the component housing 1 are designed such that the electrical connector 7 can be mounted along the mounting direction M (see...). Figure 2 The connector 7 is fully inserted into the mounting guide hole 8 through the interface side end 10 until it reaches the final mounting state from the outside of the component housing 1. In the final mounting state, the connector 7 is connected to the circuit arrangement 2, which will be described in more detail below.

[0113] In an exemplary embodiment, the electrical connector 7 also has a connection-side end 11 facing away from the connection interface-side end 10, and provides a connection option (not shown in detail) for mating with a plug-in connector. This is preferably a plug-in interface that is accessible from the outside of the component housing 1 (and thus protrudes outward from the mounting guide hole 8 as shown). However, as described above, the connection-side end 11 of the electrical connector 7 can also be configured for a direct connection option for a cable, for example, allowing the cable to be directly connected to the electrical connector 7 and to be mounted together with the electrical connector 7 in the component housing 1.

[0114] It should be emphasized that the electrical connector 7 does not necessarily have to protrude from the mounting guide hole 8 through its connection-side end 11, although this may often be advantageous.

[0115] The electrical connector 7 can be secured to the component housing 1, particularly in a manner that prevents torsion. For this purpose, the electrical connector 7 can be secured to the component housing 1 in a particularly tight manner, for example, by welding, brazing, or adhesive bonding. Press-fit or other force-fit connections and / or form-fit connections (not shown) can also be provided.

[0116] As an example, electrical connector 7 is shown as a circular connector, which represents a particularly advantageous application of the invention, but should not be construed as limiting.

[0117] The electrical connector 7 has a connection interface 12 in the region of the connection interface side end 10. When the electrical connector 7 is in its final installed state, this connection interface 12 is electrically and mechanically connected to the corresponding connection area 13 of the circuit arrangement 2. The connection interface 12 of the electrical connector 7 and the connection area 13 of the circuit arrangement 2 are in contact in a force-fit manner, which will be explained in detail below.

[0118] like Figure 3 As particularly evident, the connection interface 12 of the electrical connector 7 and the connection area 13 of the circuit arrangement 2 are in lateral contact with respect to the longitudinal axis L or mounting direction M of the electrical connector 7. The contact direction K or the force vector of the contact is... Figure 3As shown, and oriented orthogonal to the mounting direction M of the electrical connector 7. For contact, the connection area 13 of the circuit arrangement 2 is accommodated in the connection interface 12. The electrical connector 7 has a receiving slot 14 for the electrical printed circuit board 4 (see details). Figure 7 and Figure 8 A receiving groove 14 is formed in the contact element carrier 15 of the electrical connector 7, and each electrical contact element 16 in the electrical connector 7 is received in a corresponding contact socket 17 or contact chamber. At the connection interface side end 10 of the electrical connector 7, the contact element 16 takes the form of a corresponding contact spring 18, which extends into the connection interface 12 (see details). Figure 6 , Figure 7 and Figure 10 In contrast, at the connection-side end 11 of the electrical connector 7, the contact element 16 is designed to directly contact the mating contact element (not shown) of the mating insert connector (in an exemplary embodiment, each contact element 16 forms a contact pin).

[0119] The contact spring 18 of the contact element 16 contacts the corresponding contact point 19 of the connection area 13, for example, in Figure 1 These contact points can be seen in the image, and... Figure 11 The image is shown in magnified detail. As an example, contact point 19 is a contact surface, contact pad, or conductor path of the printed circuit board 4.

[0120] In the exemplary embodiment shown, the connection areas 13 of the circuit arrangement 2 are distributed on two opposite main surfaces 20 of the electrical printed circuit board 4 to increase contact density. As an example, two contact elements 16 are provided for each main surface 20 of the printed circuit board 4.

[0121] It should be mentioned here that other variations of the resilient contact element 16 may also be provided as alternatives to the illustrated contact spring 18. For example, a contact clip may also be provided such that a single contact element 16 engages around the printed circuit board 4. Spring contact pins may also be provided. It may also be specified that the resilient element for lateral contact is alternatively or additionally provided by the electrical printed circuit board 4.

[0122] The electrical connector 7 and the circuit arrangement 2 form a mutual mechanical code to create defined mutual orientation and / or anti-torsion devices. For this purpose, the contact element carrier 15 has a protruding mechanical coding device 21, which, due to its eccentric arrangement, engages with the corresponding mechanical mating coding device 22 only when the electrical connector 7 is correctly oriented relative to the electrical printed circuit board 4 (see longitudinal slots oriented along the mounting direction M, such as...). Figure 11 (As shown). Otherwise, it would be impossible to fully insert the electrical connector 7 onto the printed circuit board 4.

[0123] The electrical connector 7 also has an outer conductor contact element 23, which simultaneously forms the outer housing of the electrical connector 7 (see details). Figures 4 to 6 The outer conductor contact element 23 has a flange portion 24 through which it can be supported on the outside of the assembly housing 1. The outer conductor contact element 23 is also formed in a complementary manner to the mounting guide hole 8 to allow the electrical connector 7 to be precisely inserted into the mounting guide hole 8. Sealing elements, such as... Figure 7 and Figure 8 The sealing ring 25 shown can optionally be arranged between the outer conductor contact element 23 and the contact element carrier 15.

[0124] Preferably, an anti-torsion device can be provided between the contact element carrier 15 and the outer conductor contact element 23. For this purpose, the contact element carrier 15 has, for example, a mounting pin 26, and the outer conductor contact element 23 has a mounting socket 27, which allows for... Figure 4 and Figure 6 It can be clearly seen in the middle.

[0125] The fixation between the outer conductor contact element 23 and the contact element carrier 15 can be achieved through form fit, force fit, and / or tight fit. As an example, the outer conductor contact element 23 may have claws 28 on the inner shell side to engage with the contact element carrier 15 (see [link to documentation]). Figure 7 ).

[0126] For the outer conductor attachment between the electrical connector 7 and the circuit arrangement 2, according to the exemplary embodiment shown, the electrical connector 7 has a shielding element 29 disposed between the outer conductor contact element 23 and the contact element carrier 15. To better illustrate this, the outer conductor contact element 23 of the electrical connector 7 is... Figure 8 The shielding element 29 is hidden in the middle. Figure 9 It is shown separately in the text.

[0127] As an example, the shielding element 29 is a sleeve-shaped contact plate that is locked onto the contact element carrier 15. For this purpose, the shielding element 29 has a locking portion 30 (see...). Figure 9 The locking portion forms a radial and axial fixation with the existing mounting pin 26 of the contact element carrier 15.

[0128] For electrical connection with the outer conductor contact element 23, the shielding element 29 has a set of first contact tabs 31 arranged in a manner distributed along the outer periphery, wherein, in principle, even a single contact tab 31 is sufficient for contact. Two contact clips 33 laterally surrounding the receiving groove 14 of the electrical connector 7 connect to the electrical printed circuit board 4 or the associated outer conductor contact surface 32 (see [specific details]). Figure 11Electrical contact. Each contact clip 33 is formed by two opposing second contact pieces 31', wherein, in principle, even a single second contact piece 31' is sufficient to make contact with the electrical printed circuit board 4.

[0129] It should be mentioned that shielding element 29 may also be omitted entirely, for example, if outer conductor contact element 23 itself forms a direct contact option for circuit arrangement 2.

Claims

1. An electrical component (3) having a component housing (1), at least one circuit arrangement (2) housed within the component housing (1), and an electrical connector (7) having a connection interface (12) electrically and mechanically connected to a corresponding connection area (13) of the circuit arrangement (2), wherein, The electrical connector (7) passes through the mounting guide hole (8) of the component housing (1), characterized in that: The connection interface (12) of the electrical connector (7) and the connection area (13) of the circuit arrangement (2) are in contact in a force-fit manner.

2. The electrical component (3) according to claim 1, characterized in that: The connection interface (12) of the electrical connector (7) and the connection area (13) of the circuit arrangement (2) are in lateral contact.

3. The electrical component (3) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The connection area (13) of the circuit arrangement (2) is at least partially accommodated in the connection interface (12), wherein, for this purpose, the connection area (13) is preferably arranged in the receiving groove (14) of the electrical connector (7).

4. The electrical component (3) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that: The connection area (13) of the circuit arrangement (2) is distributed on two opposite main surfaces (20) of the circuit arrangement (2) and contacts each of the main surfaces through the connection interface (12).

5. The electrical component (3) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that: The connection interface (12) has at least one contact spring (18) for connection to the connection area (13), the contact spring (18) being in contact with a relevant contact point (19) of the connection area (13), preferably in contact with the electrical conductor track or contact surface of the electrical printed circuit board (4) of the circuit arrangement (2).

6. The electrical component (3) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that: The component housing (1) is a single-piece metal part, preferably a sleeve-shaped part or a part with an opening on one side.

7. The electrical component (3) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that: The mounting guide hole (8) is formed in the form of a window in the closed side surface (9) of the component housing (1).

8. The electrical component (3) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that: The electrical connector (7) is fixed to the component housing (1), particularly to prevent twisting, and preferably in a tight manner.

9. The electrical component (3) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that: The electrical connector (7) and the mounting guide hole (8) of the component housing (1) are designed such that the electrical connector (7) can be inserted into the mounting guide hole (8) through the connection interface side end (10) until it reaches the final installation state from the outside of the component housing (1) where the connection interface (12) is connected to the circuit arrangement (2).

10. The electrical component (3) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that... The electrical connector (7) and the circuit arrangement (2) form a mutual mechanical code to specify a defined mutual orientation and / or form an anti-torsion device.

11. The electrical component (3) according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that: The electrical connector (7) has an outer conductor contact element (23) and a contact element carrier (15) housed in the outer conductor contact element (23).

12. The electrical component (3) according to claim 11, characterized in that: The electrical connector (7) has a shielding element (29), preferably, the shielding element (29) surrounds the contact element carrier (15) in the form of a sleeve, is connected to the outer conductor contact element (23) via at least one first contact piece (31), and is connected to the circuit arrangement (2) via at least one second contact piece (31').

13. The electrical component (3) according to any one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that: The circuit arrangement (2) has a carrier board, particularly an electrical printed circuit board (4), and circuits (5) formed on the carrier board.

14. The electrical component (3) according to any one of claims 1 to 13, characterized in that: The electrical connector (7) has at least one contact element (16) that extends in a single piece along the longitudinal range of the electrical connector (7) to the connection interface (12) and makes direct contact with the circuit arrangement (2) in the connection area (13).

15. A method for installing an electrical component (3), comprising at least the following method steps: Provide a component housing (1) and a circuit arrangement (2) housed in the component housing (1); An electrical connector (7) is provided, the electrical connector (7) having a connection interface (12) for connection to the circuit arrangement (2); The electrical connector (7) passes through the mounting guide hole (8) of the component housing (1) until the connection interface (12) is electrically and mechanically connected to the corresponding connection area (13) of the circuit arrangement (2), characterized in that: The connection interface (12) of the electrical connector (7) and the connection area (13) of the circuit arrangement (2) are in contact in a force-fit manner in the installed state.

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