Plug-in system for electrically connecting an electronic module to an electrical actuator connection

Abstract

Plug-in system for electrically contacting an electronic module (1) with an electrical actuator connection (2), wherein the electronic module (1) has a printed circuit board (10) whose first side faces the electrical actuator connection (2) and which has through-holes (14) at predetermined locations from the first side to a second side opposite the first side, and wherein at least one electrical contact element (12) is provided adjacent to each through-hole (14) which is guided through the printed circuit board (10) from the first side to the second side and is attached thereto, and which projects outwards to the second side at a distance (A), and wherein the electrical actuator connection (2) has at least one electrical contact means (22) which is located on a first actuator side which faces the first side of the printed circuit board (10),In a first final step (S1) of assembly, the component is guided through the through-hole (14) and then protrudes through the through-hole (14) to the second side of the circuit board (10) and is adjacent to a corresponding electrical contact element (12), so that each electrically contactable contact pair (12, 22) is formed from an electrical contact element (12) and an electrical contact means (22), and - which can be electrically contacted with the actuator on a second actuator side, which is opposite the first actuator side, - the plug-in system has a front connector (5) with a receiving area (51) for each of the electrically contactable contact pairs (12, 22), - wherein the front connector (5) is plugged onto the contact pairs (12, 22) in a second final step (S2) of assembly after the first final step (S1) of assembly.

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a plug-in system for electrically contacting an electronic module with an electrical actuator connection according to the preamble of claim 1.

[0002] Vehicle functions, such as automatic transmissions, lighting, and engine functions, are controlled by electronic control units (ECUs), for example, electronic transmission control units and similar ECUs. Electronic control units are constantly trending towards lower prices while maintaining or increasing their functionality. At the same time, their complexity is growing, necessitating the further development of existing solutions or the implementation of innovative concepts. Maintaining high quality standards throughout this process remains crucial.

[0003] In current series applications for mechatronic control units, dummy plug connections are avoided whenever possible, and more complex designs are used instead. If a dummy plug connection—that is, a dummy plug on the module side and the corresponding dummy socket on the actuator side—is unavoidable, then elaborate concepts regarding tolerances and plug-in reliability must be implemented, which are generally not cost-effective. Furthermore, testability is critical with these systems, as it must be demonstrated that the plug-in function is fulfilled at all times.

[0004] Therefore, an object of the invention is to provide a novel plug-in system for electrically connecting an electronic module to an electrical actuator connection. This object is achieved according to the invention by the features of the independent claims. Advantageous embodiments are the subject of the dependent claims.

[0005] A plug-in system is proposed for electrically connecting an electronic module to an electrical actuator connection. The electronic module comprises a printed circuit board (PCB) whose first side faces the electrical actuator connection. The PCB has through-holes at predetermined locations from the first side to a second side opposite the first side. Adjacent to each through-hole, at least one electrical contact element is provided, extending through the PCB from the first side to the second side and attached to it, projecting outwards at a distance from the second side.The electrical actuator connection has at least one electrical contact element which, in a first assembly step, is guided through the through-hole on a first actuator side facing the first side of the circuit board and then projects through the through-hole to the second side of the circuit board, adjacent to a corresponding electrical contact element, so that each electrically contactable contact pair is formed from an electrical contact element and an electrical contact element. The electrical contact element can be electrically contacted with the actuator on a second actuator side, which is opposite the first actuator side.

[0006] The proposed connector, in which the contacts from both the electronic module and the electrical actuator connection are on a single visible side, provides improved verifiability, ensuring that all connections are present. Furthermore, functionality can be easily tested.

[0007] In one embodiment, the plug system has a front plug with a receiving area for each of the electrically contacted contact pairs, wherein the front plug is plugged onto the contact pairs in a second end step of assembly after the first end step of assembly.

[0008] The front connector serves to protect the otherwise open electrical connection of the contact pairs. It also serves to provide a secure electrical contact between the electrical contact element and the electrical contact medium through its receiving area.

[0009] Advantageously, each receiving area of ​​the front connector is designed such that, after the front connector is plugged in, each of the electrically contacted contact pairs is pressed together to establish electrical contact. By providing a receiving area for each contact pair that presses the contact pairs together, a secure and permanent electrical contact between the contact pairs can be established.

[0010] In one embodiment, an actuator housing is further provided into which the electronic module can be inserted for contact with the electrical actuator connection, and in which the electrical actuator connection is arranged. The at least one electrical contact element of the actuator and the corresponding through-hole of the circuit board are arranged such that the at least one electrical contact element is guided through the through-hole when the electronic module is mounted in the actuator housing.

[0011] If the plug-in system is provided in an actuator housing, then the electrical actuator connection is advantageously attached there, thus defining the position of the through-holes in the circuit board, which is inserted into the actuator housing for electrical contact and plugged onto the electrical actuator connection.

[0012] In one embodiment, a holding means is also provided which holds the at least one electrical contact means in such a way that a part of it protrudes towards the first side of the circuit board to a predetermined length.

[0013] The holding device serves as a kind of housing for the electrical actuator connection, which also fixes the position of the electrical contact elements and thus facilitates assembly.

[0014] In one embodiment, the retaining element is attached to a region of the actuator housing and holds the at least one electrical contact element such that a portion of it protrudes towards the first side of the printed circuit board. The attachment to the actuator housing defines, or allows for the predetermination of, the position of the electrical contact elements and thus the through-holes in the printed circuit board. To enable penetration through the printed circuit board, the electrical contact elements must protrude from the retaining element.

[0015] In one embodiment, the electrical contact means have a length corresponding to the length of the electrical contact elements, and, after the first final step, the electrical contact means protrude from the second side of the printed circuit board at the same distance as the electrical contact elements. A reliable electrical contact can be established by ensuring the most complete possible overlap of the contact element and the contact means.

[0016] Furthermore, a method for electrically contacting an electronic module with an electrical actuator connection via a described plug-in system is provided, wherein the electrical contact means of the actuator are inserted in the first final step into the corresponding through-holes of the circuit board of the electronic module until they protrude to the second side of the circuit board and are adjacent to a corresponding electrical contact element.

[0017] In one embodiment, the electronic module is guided towards the electrical actuator connection in order to insert the electrical contact means of the actuator into the corresponding through-holes of the electronic module when plugging it in.

[0018] In one embodiment, after the first final step, a front connector with a receiving area for each electrically contacted contact pair is plugged onto the contact pairs in a second final step.

[0019] Providing the connector in the visible area simplifies assembly and also the ability to check for completeness, absence of defects and existing electrical contact.

[0020] Further features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following description of exemplary embodiments of the invention, with reference to the figures in the drawing, which shows details of the invention, and from the claims. The individual features can be implemented individually or in any combination in a variant of the invention.

[0021] Preferred embodiments of the invention are explained in more detail below with reference to the accompanying drawing. Fig. 1 and Fig. Figure 2 shows a schematic representation of a plug-in system for electrically contacting an electronic module with an electrical connection of an actuator according to the state of the art. Fig. 3 to Fig. Figure 5 shows a schematic representation of a plug-in system for electrically contacting an electronic module with an electrical connection of an actuator according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0022] In the following figure descriptions, identical elements or functions are marked with the same reference symbols.

[0023] In current series applications for electronic or mechatronic control units, dummy plug connections are avoided whenever possible, and more complex designs are used instead. If a dummy plug connection is nevertheless necessary and unavoidable, then sophisticated concepts regarding tolerances and plug-in reliability must be implemented, as previously described.

[0024] In Fig. 1 and Fig. Figure 2 is a schematic representation of a plug-in system for the electrical contacting of an electronic module. 1 with an electrical actuator connection 2This is a dummy plug connection, in which a dummy plug is used. 13 on the module side, i.e., on the electronics module 1 , and the corresponding blind coupling 21 are present on the actuator side. The blanking plug 13 This is based on the process used during the assembly of the electronic module. 1 non-visible side of the electronic module 1 arranged, i.e., on the side facing the actuator. The blanking plug 13 is used for electrical contact with the electrical actuator connection 2 , more precisely, the blind coupling 21 , plugged in. The electronic module is usually 1 into an actuator housing 4 introduced, in which the blind coupling 21 is arranged in such a way that it is not possible to access the dummy plug from the side instead of from above or from the front. 13 or the blind coupling 21to see. The electrical contact 12 in the dummy plug 13 So, the blind coupling is used more or less blindly. 21 on the actuator side, for example, on corresponding counter-contact springs 20 Attached. At the other end of the counter-contact springs 20 are the electrical connections 201 These are intended for the actuator. They usually protrude from the actuator housing. 4 out and are equipped with corresponding electrical contacts 3 The connecting wires are attached to the actuator. Since the connection is made more or less blindly, it is particularly important to allow as little or no tolerance as possible, otherwise the electrical contact may fail.

[0025] Since it is complex to keep the tolerances sufficiently small and to guarantee the secure connection, i.e., to ensure that the corresponding contact elements are properly aligned, in Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 the electrical contacts 12 and the counter-contact springs 20 , interlock, the previously presented novel plug-in system will now be demonstrated using the Fig. 3 to Fig. 5 described, which overcomes these problems.

[0026] Fig. 3 to Fig. 5 show an electronic module 1 , which is housed in an actuator casing 4 intended electrical actuator connection 2 to be electrically contacted. Fig. Figure 3 shows the plug-in system, more precisely the electronic module. 1 and the one in an actuator housing 4 intended electrical actuator connection 2 in an unassembled state. The arrow between the electronic module 1 and electrical actuator connection 2 indicates that the electronic module 1 in the first final step S1 the mounting on the electrical actuator connection 2 is inserted. Fig. 4 shows the state after the first end step S1 , in the electronic module 1 and electrical actuator connection 2 are connected to each other. A front connector is also needed here. 5 in a second final step S2 the assembly via the open contact pairs 12 , 22 inserted, which is represented by the arrow. In Fig. 5 shows a fully assembled connector according to an embodiment in which an electronic module 1 and electrical actuator connection 2 are connected to each other and have a front connector 5 about the contact pairs 12 , 22 is inserted to ensure a reliable electrical connection.

[0027] As in Fig. 3 to Fig. The electronic module shown in section 5 1 a circuit board 10 with electrical or electronic components arranged on it 11Furthermore, this version has three through-openings. 14 provided which are holes passing through the circuit board 10 from a first one, the actuator or actuator connection 2 facing side to an opposite second side of the circuit board 10 are formed. Furthermore, each is in close proximity to or adjacent to a passageway. 14 each an electrical contact element 12 provided. The electrical contact elements 12 These are, for example, stamped identical parts or round pins and are inserted directly into the circuit board. 10 e.g. pressed in or soldered.

[0028] The electrical actuator connection 2 points to its circuit board 10 at least one electrical contact element at the end facing the direction of travel. 22 on, each of which has a through-opening 14from the actuator side when applying the electronic module 1 on the electrical actuator connection 2 is carried out. In the Fig. 3 to Fig. The 5 shown embodiments are three electrical contact means. 22 provided so that each of the passage openings 14 with a contact pair that can be electrically connected 12 , 22 is equipped with it. Regardless of the number of electrical contact elements. 22 is any electrical contact device 22 so that in addition to an electrical contact element 12 on the module side of the electronics module 1 positioned. Thus, both the electrical contact elements are 12 as well as the electrical contact means 22 on the visible side of the circuit board 10 , i.e., on the side facing away from the actuator. Also the electrical contact means. 22They can be designed as stamped components or round pins. The electrical contact elements 22 After being inserted through the corresponding opening, they protrude. 14 preferably at the same distance A from the second side of the circuit board 10 , i.e., the side facing away from the actuator, like the electrical contact elements 12 Thus, the contact pairs overlap. 12 , 22 Completely. However, they can also have a smaller overlap if a reliable electrical contact is ensured.

[0029] The length L2 the electrical contact means 22 This therefore advantageously corresponds to the length L1 the electrical contact elements 12 The length L1 the electrical contact elements 12 is the sum of the length in which the electrical contact elements 12 from the circuit board 10stand out, i.e., the distance A in Fig. 4, and at least the width B the circuit board 10 The electrical contact means 22 do not necessarily have to be completely equipped with the electrical contact elements 12 They must be in overlap as long as the overlap is sufficient to establish a stable electrical contact.

[0030] The electrical connections 201 or the other end of the electrical contact means 22 , i.e., the end that points towards the actuator can be connected by means of appropriate contacts 3 how connecting wires are attached to the actuator. At these contacts 3 Stranded wires can be connected, for example, by crimping, and then led to the actuator, e.g., to sensors or valves.

[0031] A holding agent is advantageous. 23 provided that the electrical contact means 22It holds in position and serves as a kind of plug. The electrical contact means 22 protrude towards the electronic module 1 from the holding agent 23 at least far enough out that they pass through the corresponding opening. 14 can be plugged in and positioned at a distance from the side of the circuit board 10 , i.e., protrude from the side facing away from the actuator, in order to make electrical contact with the electrical contact elements 12 to be able to enter. The holding agent 23 is made of non-electrically conductive material, for example, plastic. The holding agent 23 can be solvable with electrical contact materials 22 It must be connected so that it can be exchanged.

[0032] A front connector is advantageous. 5 provided for, each with a recording area 51 for each contact pair made of electrical contact element 12and through an adjacent passageway 14 plugged electrical contact medium 22 features the front connector 5 , more precisely the recording areas 51 will be via the contact pairs 12 , 22 plugged in, so that the electrical contact between the respective contact pairs is established. 12 and 22 is reliably produced. This is advantageously achieved by the absorption area 51 is designed so that when placed on the respective contact pairs 12 , 22 These are pressed together in such a way that they touch, thus establishing electrical contact. This means that the recording areas... 51 are slightly narrower than the thickness of the contact pairs 12 , 22 including any gap that may exist between them. The front connector 5 It serves to close the otherwise open electrical connection between the contact pairs. 12 , 22to protect. It also serves to protect the recording area. 51 a secure electrical contact between electrical contact elements 12 and electrical contact medium 22 to provide.

[0033] In Fig. 3 to Fig. 5 is an actuator housing 4 shown in which the electrical actuator connection 2 and the holding agent 23 are provided. The electronic module 1 is used for electrical contact and with the electrical actuator connection 2 forward-pointing electrical contact elements 12 into the actuator housing 4 introduced so that the electrical contact means 22 through the passage openings 14 are carried out or pushed through, and thus in addition to those directly at the through-openings 14 arranged electrical contact elements 12 from the passage openings 14emerge and protrude from it. Depending on the design, such an electrical contact may already be established, and there is no described front connector. 5 necessary. If a front connector 5 If provided for, it can be designed in such a way that it connects with the second side of the circuit board. 10 e.g., locked in place by means of snap hooks or in some other way with the circuit board 10 It can be detachably connected to prevent it from falling off.

[0034] Suitable means, such as snap hooks, can also be used to ensure that the holding device 23 firmly in the actuator housing 4 remains stuck. Thus, the position of the holding device determines 23 and thus the electrical contact means 22 the location of the passageways 14 in the circuit board 10 defined, since these must be arranged in such a way that the electrical contact means 22when installing through the through-openings 14 can be guided, ideally without causing stress on the components. The holding device 23 can be solved with the actuator housing 4 It must be connected so that it can be replaced. The holding agent 23 is in the figures of the circuit board 10 facing and in the actuator housing 4 intended. However, in other versions, the circuit board may also be affected. 10 turned away, i.e., outside the actuator housing 4 be planned.

[0035] The actuator housing can be, for example, a gearbox housing or another electronic or mechatronic control unit.

[0036] Due to the visible side, i.e., the second side of the circuit board 10 , during assembly (in the first final step) S1 ) arranged electrical contact elements 12 and electrical contact devices 22A visual inspection for completeness and correct arrangement of the contacts is possible, including using AOI (automated optical inspection). A simple electrical test, such as a continuity test, can also be performed to verify the electrical contact.

[0037] The advantage of the invention lies in its cost-effective design consisting of a maximum of only three components, namely the electrical contacts. 12 with the through-openings 14 the circuit board 10 on the module side, the contact unit or the electrical actuator connection 2 the actuator side, and the front connector 5 as needed.

[0038] Furthermore, the components can be easily assembled. First, the electronic module is 1 with the electrical actuator connection 2 off-facing electrical contact elements 12 on the module side into the actuator housing 4, if present, introduced. The electrical contacting means 22 On the actuator side, they then appear in a first final assembly step. S1 through the passage openings 14 the circuit board 10 so that they then pass next to the electrical contact elements 12 lie and protrude on the second side of the circuit board 10 at a distance A out. In a second final assembly step S2 will the front connector 5 , more precisely, its recording areas 51 , on the contact pairs 11 , 22 plugged in, so that each contact pair 11 , 22 from electrical contact element 12 and electrical contact medium 22 in a recording area 51 It is clamped. This ensures a secure electrical connection of the electronic module, protected from external influences. 1 with the electrical actuator connection 2guaranteed.

[0039] This arrangement allows for different contact configurations, particularly with varying numbers of contact pairs, at no or minimal additional cost. 12 , 22 very easy to represent without the electronic module 1 It needs to be significantly modified. There may be fewer or different contacts in the electrical actuator connection. 2 They are mounted on the actuator side. The through-holes 14 the circuit board 10 in the electronics module 1 Some parts will then remain empty.

[0040] The proposed novel connector ensures and even improves the quality of the connector system, as testability is guaranteed, for example, through electrical continuity testing and / or optical inspection with AOI. Furthermore, a reduction in defective parts, returned goods on the production line, etc., can be achieved. Reference symbol list 1 electronic module 10 circuit boards 11 electrical components 12 electrical contact element 13 dummy plugs 14 passageways 2 electrical actuator connections 20 counter-contact springs 201 electrical connections 21 Blind coupling 22 electrical contact medium 23 Holding devices 3 electrical contacting 4 actuator housings 5 front connectors 51 recording areas A distance B Wide circuit board L1 Length of 12 L2 length of 22 S1, S2 assembly steps

Claims

[1] Plug-in system for electrically connecting an electronic module (1) to an electrical actuator connection (2), wherein - the electronic module (1) comprises a printed circuit board (10) whose first side faces the electrical actuator connection (2), and which has through-holes (14) at predetermined locations from the first side to a second side opposite the first side, and wherein at least one electrical contact element (12) is provided adjacent to each through-hole (14) which is guided through the printed circuit board from the first side to the second side and is attached to it, and which projects outwards to the second side at a distance (A), and wherein - the electrical actuator connection (2) has at least one electrical contact means (22), - which is guided through the through-hole (14) on a first actuator side, which faces the first side of the circuit board (10), in a first final step (S1) of the assembly and then protrudes through the through-hole (14) to the second side of the circuit board (10) and is adjacent to a corresponding electrical contact element (12), so that each electrically contactable contact pair (12, 22) is formed from an electrical contact element (12) and an electrical contact means (22), and - that is electrically contactable with the actuator on a second actuator side, which is opposite the first actuator side. [2] Plug-in system according to claim 1, wherein the plug-in system has a front plug (5) with a receiving area (51) for each of the electrically contactable contact pairs (12, 22), wherein the front plug (5) is plugged onto the contact pairs (12, 22) in a second end step (S2) of the assembly after the first end step (S1) of the assembly. [3] Plug-in system according to claim 2, wherein each receiving area (51) of the front plug (5) is formed such that, after plugging in the front plug (5), each of the electrically contactable contact pairs (12, 22) is pressed together in such a way that they have an electrical contact with each other. [4] Plug-in system (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein an actuator housing (4) is further provided into which the electronic module (1) can be inserted for contact with the electrical actuator connection (2), and in which the electrical actuator connection (2) is arranged, wherein the at least one electrical contact means (22) of the actuator and the corresponding through-opening (14) of the circuit board (10) are arranged such that the at least one electrical contact means (22) is guided through the through-opening (14) when the electronic module (1) is mounted in the actuator housing (4). [5] Plug-in system according to one of the preceding claims, wherein a holding means (23) is further provided which holds the at least one electrical contact means (22) such that a part of it projects out towards the first side of the circuit board (10) to a predetermined length (L2). [6] Plug-in system according to claims 4 and 5, wherein the retaining means (23) is attached to a region of the actuator housing (4) and holds the at least one electrical contact means (22) such that a part of it protrudes towards the first side of the circuit board (10). [7] Plug-in system according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the electrical contact means (22) have a length (L2) which corresponds to the length (L1) of the electrical contact elements (12), and wherein after the first end step (S1) the electrical contact means (22) protrude from the second side of the printed circuit board (10) at the same distance (A) as the electrical contact elements (12). [8] Method for electrically contacting an electronic module (1) with an electrical actuator connection (2) via a plug-in system according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the electrical contact means (22) of the actuator are inserted in the first final step (S1) into the corresponding through-holes (14) of the printed circuit board (10) of the electronic module (1) until they protrude to the second side of the printed circuit board (10) and are adjacent to a corresponding electrical contact element (12). [9] Method according to claim 8, wherein the electronic module (1) is guided in the direction of the electrical actuator connection (2) in order to insert the electrical contact means (22) of the actuator into the corresponding through-holes (14) of the electronic module (1) when plugging it in. [10] Method according to claim 8 or 9, wherein after the first final step (S1) a front connector (5) with a receiving area (51) for each electrically contactable contact pair (12, 22) is plugged onto the contact pairs (12, 22) in a second final step (S2).

Images