Plug-in contact pin for connecting electrical contact holes of at least two printed circuit boards of a printed circuit board unit, printed circuit board unit, electronic device, intermediate body and method for assembling a printed circuit board unit

Abstract

A plug connector pin (18) for connecting electrical contact holes of at least two printed circuit boards of a printed circuit board assembly, in particular for a printed circuit board assembly for an electronic device, especially for a vehicle, a printed circuit board assembly, an electronic device, an intermediate body for a printed circuit board assembly, and a method for assembling a printed circuit board assembly are described. The plug connector pin (18) has a first plug section (38a) at a first end (36a) of two ends (36a, 36b) and a second plug section (38b) at a second end (36b) of the two ends (36a, 36b). The first plug section (38a) and the second plug section (38b) are electrically connected by means of a connecting section (40) of the plug connector pin (18). At least the connecting section (40) runs along a straight pin axis (34) of the plug connector pin (18).On the side of the first plug-in section (38a) facing away from the first end (36a), at least one first stop (44) is arranged, which projects beyond the first plug-in section (38a) in at least one direction perpendicular to the pin axis (34). On the side of the second plug-in section (38b) facing away from the second end (36b), at least one second stop (50, 52) is arranged, which projects beyond the second plug-in section (38b) in at least one direction perpendicular to the pin axis (34). At least one second stop (50, 52) on the side of the second plug-in section (38b) facing away from the second end (36b) projects beyond at least one first stop (44) on the side of the first plug-in section (38a) facing away from the first end (36a) in at least one direction perpendicular to the pin axis (34).

Description

Technical area

[0001] The invention relates to a plug contact pin for connecting electrical contact holes of at least two printed circuit boards of a printed circuit board unit, in particular for a printed circuit board unit for an electronic device, in particular for a vehicle, wherein the plug contact pin has a first plug-in portion at a first end of two ends and a second plug-in portion at a second end of the two ends, the first plug-in section and the second plug-in section are electrically connected by means of a connecting section of the plug-in contact pin, wherein at least the connecting section runs along a straight pin axis of the plug contact pin.

[0002] Furthermore, the invention relates to a printed circuit board unit for an electronic device, in particular an electronic control device, in particular for a vehicle, having at least two printed circuit boards which are arranged opposite one another at a distance from one another and between which at least a section of at least one intermediate body is arranged, and having at least one electrically conductive plug contact pin which electrically conductively connects an electrical contact hole of a first printed circuit board of the at least two printed circuit boards to an electrical contact hole of a second printed circuit board of the at least two printed circuit boards.

[0003] Furthermore, the invention relates to an electronic device, in particular an electronic control device, in particular for a vehicle, comprising at least one housing and at least one printed circuit board unit, in particular a printed circuit board unit according to the invention which is arranged in the at least one housing, with at least two printed circuit boards which are arranged opposite one another at a distance from one another and between which at least a section of at least one intermediate body is arranged, and with at least one electrically conductive plug contact pin which electrically conductively connects an electrical contact hole of a first printed circuit board of the at least two printed circuit boards to an electrical contact hole of a second printed circuit board of the at least two printed circuit boards.

[0004] Furthermore, the invention relates to an intermediate body for a printed circuit board unit, in particular a printed circuit board unit according to the invention, in particular for a printed circuit board unit for an electronic device, in particular for a vehicle, wherein the intermediate body has at least one main section which is designed to be arranged between two printed circuit boards of the printed circuit board unit.

[0005] Furthermore, the invention relates to a method for assembling a printed circuit board unit, in particular a printed circuit board unit according to the invention, in particular a printed circuit board unit for an electronic device, in particular for an electronic control unit, in particular for a vehicle, in which at least one plug-in contact pin is plugged with a first plug-in section, which is located at a first end of two ends, into an electrical contact hole of a first printed circuit board of the printed circuit board unit and with a second plug-in section, which is located at a second end of its two ends, into an electrical contact hole of a second printed circuit board of the printed circuit board unit, wherein an electrically conductive connection is established between the contact hole of the first printed circuit board and the contact hole of the second printed circuit board with the at least one plug-in contact pin. State of the art

[0006] From DE 101 59 113 A1 a printed circuit board arrangement is known, comprising at least a first printed circuit board and a further printed circuit board, wherein connecting means are arranged between the printed circuit boards, which allow a fixing of the printed circuit boards in a predetermined position relative to one another, wherein the connecting means is a connecting frame which is equipped with at least one contact bridge which allows an electrical connection of the printed circuit boards to one another.

[0007] The object of the invention is to design a plug contact pin, a printed circuit board unit, an electronic device, an intermediate body, and a method of the type mentioned above, with which an improved printed circuit board unit can be realized. In particular, the printed circuit board unit can be manufactured more simply and reliably. Disclosure of the invention

[0008] The object is achieved according to the invention in the plug contact pin in that at least one first stop is arranged on the side of the first plug section facing away from the first end, which first stop projects beyond the first plug section in at least one direction perpendicular to the pin axis, on the side of the second plug-in section facing away from the second end, at least one second stop is arranged, which projects beyond the second plug-in section in at least one direction perpendicular to the pin axis, wherein at least one second stop on the side of the second plug-in section facing away from the second end projects beyond at least one first stop on the side of the first plug-in section facing away from the first end in at least one direction perpendicular to the pin axis.

[0009] According to the invention, a straight plug-in contact pin is realized, which can be inserted into corresponding contact holes of the respective circuit board at both ends by means of respective plug-in sections. An electrical connection is established between the plug-in sections and thus between the corresponding contact holes by means of the connecting section.

[0010] With the aid of at least one stop, a limit can be realized that can abut against a corresponding edge of another component to which the plug contact pin is connected. Depending on the orientation of the at least one stop, the limit can be used to limit the insertion depth of the plug contact pin into corresponding through-holes of an intermediate body of the printed circuit board unit, or to limit the insertion depth of the corresponding plug section into a corresponding contact hole of one of the printed circuit boards.

[0011] Advantageously, at least one stop can be implemented as a step. In this way, the stop can be implemented, in particular, on a collar.

[0012] Advantageously, at least one stop can face the connecting section. In this way, the at least one stop can abut against a channel edge region surrounding the channel opening of the corresponding feedthrough channel. This can limit the insertion depth of the plug contact pin into the feedthrough channel.

[0013] Alternatively or additionally, at least one stop can be directed toward the respective end. In this way, the at least one stop can abut a hole edge region surrounding the corresponding contact hole for the corresponding plug-in section in the corresponding circuit board. This can limit the insertion depth of the plug-in section into the contact hole.

[0014] At least one second stop on the side of the second plug-in section facing away from the second end projects beyond at least one first stop on the side of the first plug-in section facing away from the first end in at least one direction perpendicular to the pin axis. In this way, the at least one first stop can be guided through a feedthrough channel, whereas the at least one second stop abuts the channel edge and thus prevents the plug-in contact pin from being guided further into the feedthrough channel.

[0015] In an advantageous embodiment, two stops can be arranged radially opposite one another with respect to the pin axis next to at least one of the plug-in sections on the side of the corresponding plug-in section facing away from the corresponding end. In this way, the plug-in contact pin can be evenly supported by the stops on radially opposite sides against the corresponding component, in particular against a printed circuit board and / or against an intermediate body.

[0016] Alternatively or additionally, at least one stop can advantageously extend partially in the circumferential direction relative to the pin axis. This allows for a larger support surface. Advantageously, at least one stop can extend over the entire circumference.

[0017] In a further advantageous embodiment, at least one of the stops can be realized on a collar portion extending from radially inside to radially outside with respect to the pin axis. In this way, two stops can be realized on a collar portion on axially opposite sides with respect to the pin axis.

[0018] Advantageously, the collar section can be part of the connecting section. This makes it easier to manufacture the plug contact pin.

[0019] In a further advantageous embodiment, at least one collar section can be arranged on the side of at least one of the plug-in sections axially remote from the corresponding end with respect to the pin axis, which collar section has at least one stop, in particular at least one outer stop, on its side axially remote from the corresponding end, and at least one further stop, in particular at least one inner stop, on its side axially remote from the corresponding end.

[0020] The implementation of two stops on axially opposite sides of a collar section has the advantage that one of the stops, in particular the outer stop, can abut a hole edge area surrounding the contact hole of the corresponding circuit board into which the corresponding plug-in section is inserted, whereas the other stop, in particular the inner stop, can abut a channel edge surrounding the corresponding channel opening of the feed-through channel through which the plug-in contact pin is inserted. In this way, the collar section can be used to create a spacer with which the channel opening side of the main section and the corresponding opposite circuit board can be kept at a predetermined distance.

[0021] The prefixes "outer" and "inner" in connection with the stops refer to their axial position relative to the respective pin axis relative to the connecting section of the respective plug contact pin. The outer stops face axially away from the connecting section and face the adjacent end of the plug contact pin. The inner stops face axially away from the connecting section and face the adjacent end of the plug contact pin.

[0022] Advantageously, the plug contact pin can be configured to pass its first end through the corresponding through-channel of at least one intermediate body of the at least one printed circuit board unit. In this way, the plug contact pin can be inserted into a through-channel provided in the intermediate body.

[0023] Advantageously, the extension of the plug contact pin in at least one direction perpendicular to the pin axis between at least one stop, in particular at least one inner stop, in particular between a collar section with at least one stop, on the side of the second plug section axially remote from the second end and the first end of the plug contact pin can be smaller than the extension of the through-channel in at least one corresponding direction perpendicular to a channel axis of the through-channel. In this way, the part of the plug contact pin between the first end and the corresponding stop can be inserted into the through-channel.

[0024] Advantageously, the extension of the plug contact pin in at least one direction perpendicular to the pin axis between at least one stop, in particular at least one inner stop, on the side of the second plug section axially remote from the second end and the second end of the plug contact pin can be at least partially greater than the extension of the through-channel in at least one corresponding direction perpendicular to a channel axis of the through-channel. In this way, it can be prevented that the area between the at least one corresponding stop and the second end of the plug contact pin can be guided through the through-channel.

[0025] Furthermore, the object is achieved according to the invention in the printed circuit board unit in that the at least one plug contact pin is a plug contact pin according to the invention.

[0026] Advantageously, the printed circuit board unit can comprise at least one intermediate body with a main section which is arranged between the first printed circuit board and the second printed circuit board and which has at least one through-channel open at both ends, through which the at least one plug contact pin passes and which has a first channel opening at its first open end and a second channel opening at its second open end.

[0027] The feed-through channel stabilizes the position and / or shape of the at least one plug contact pin. The at least one plug contact pin is also protected from the environment. Furthermore, the at least one intermediate body can serve alone or in conjunction with the at least one plug contact pin as a spacer that keeps the first circuit board and the second circuit board at a stable distance. The at least one intermediate body improves the mechanical and electrical connection of the contact holes in the first circuit board to the contact holes in the second circuit board, in particular makes it more stabilized and / or more reliable. The circuit board unit is improved as a whole. Furthermore, the at least one intermediate body can absorb at least some of the mechanical forces that act between the first circuit board and the second circuit board.

[0028] Advantageously, the first channel opening can be aligned with a contact hole in the first circuit board, and the second channel opening can be aligned with a contact hole in the second circuit board. In this way, the plug contact pin can lead in a straight line from the contact hole in the first circuit board through the corresponding through-channel into the contact hole in the second circuit board. The circuit boards and the intermediate body can thus be assembled in a straight line along an assembly axis. A channel opening is aligned with the corresponding contact hole when a channel axis of the through-channel runs axially to a contact hole axis of the corresponding contact hole. A channel opening and a contact hole are aligned when they are in a line.

[0029] Advantageously, one surface of the first circuit board and one surface of the second circuit board can be arranged opposite one another. In this way, several contact holes can be distributed along the circuit boards.

[0030] Advantageously, the at least two circuit boards can be arranged in parallel. This allows the overall circuit board unit to be implemented in a more space-saving manner.

[0031] Advantageously, at least one of the circuit boards can be flat. This allows the circuit board assembly to be more compact.

[0032] Advantageously, at least one of the contact holes can be a contact hole extending through the corresponding circuit board and open on both surfaces of the circuit board. In this way, a corresponding plug-in section of the at least one plug-in contact pin can be inserted through the contact hole.

[0033] The plug-in section is the section of a plug-in contact pin with which it is inserted into the corresponding contact hole. The plug-in section establishes an electrically conductive contact between the plug-in contact pin and an electrically conductive region of the circuit board surrounding the contact hole, in particular a wall section and / or hole edge region. Advantageously, an electrically conductive region associated with at least one contact hole can be connected to at least one conductor track of the corresponding circuit board.

[0034] Advantageously, at least one contact hole can be surrounded by a wall section having an electrically conductive surface, in particular an electrically conductive material, such as metal. Alternatively or additionally, a hole edge region surrounding an opening of the contact hole can have an electrically conductive surface, in particular an electrically conductive material, such as metal.

[0035] Advantageously, at least one region of the at least one main section surrounding the at least one through-channel of the at least one intermediate body, in particular the entire at least one main section, can have electrically insulating properties, in particular be made of electrically insulating material, in particular plastic. In this way, the at least one plug contact pin can be electrically insulated from the at least one main section.

[0036] Advantageously, the at least one feedthrough channel can be straight. This allows the at least one plug contact pin to be guided through more easily.

[0037] The electronic device can advantageously be used in vehicles, in particular motor vehicles. The electronic device can advantageously be used in land vehicles, in particular passenger cars, trucks, buses, motorcycles, drones, mobile robots, or the like, aircraft, in particular flying drones, and / or watercraft, in particular (underwater) drones or the like. The electronic device can also be used in vehicles and / or machines that can be operated autonomously or at least semi-autonomously. However, the electronic device is not limited to vehicles. It can also be used in stationary operation, in robotics, and / or in machines, in particular construction or transport machines, such as cranes, excavators, or the like.

[0038] When this description refers generally to electronic components, this may also include electrical components.

[0039] Advantageously, the electronic device can be a so-called zone controller (zone control unit). A zone controller can, in particular, transmit data from sensors and peripheral devices and / or supply power to systems in a vehicle. Alternatively, the electronic device can advantageously be configured as another electronic control device or as an electronically operating detection device, in particular as a camera, in particular a windshield camera, front camera, or the like, a LiDAR system, a radar system, an ultrasound system, or the like. Electronic devices, in particular control devices, zone controllers, detection devices, or the like, can be arranged at various locations in a vehicle, in particular in the interior, cargo area, engine compartment, or in an exterior area.

[0040] The terms "first" and "second" in connection with the printed circuit boards, components of the printed circuit boards, components of the intermediate body, and components of the plug contact pins serve to better distinguish them. The components that face or are associated with the first printed circuit board in the assembled printed circuit board unit are referred to as "first." The components that face or are associated with the second printed circuit board are referred to as "second."

[0041] Advantageously, the at least one plug contact pin can be arranged in the at least one through-channel while maintaining a radial play with respect to an imaginary axis, in particular with respect to a pin axis of the at least one plug contact pin and / or a channel axis of the at least one through-channel.

[0042] With the help of the play, at least one intermediate space, in particular at least one gap, can be created between the radially outer side of the at least one plug contact pin with respect to the axis and the radially inner side of the circumferential wall of the at least one feed-through channel. The gap can contain gas, in particular air. In this way, the at least one plug contact pin can be better insulated, in particular electrically insulated, from the at least one intermediate body. In addition, the gas can flow in the gap. In this way, heat conduction can be improved. Furthermore, the play can be used to improve the installation tolerance, so that assembly can be simplified. Due to the play, the at least one plug contact pin can be inserted through the at least one feed-through channel more easily, in particular with little force.

[0043] Advantageously, the pin axis and the channel axis can run axially or parallel to each other or coincide when the plug contact pin is installed. In this way, the at least one plug contact pin can be inserted straight into the at least one feedthrough channel.

[0044] Advantageously, a dimension of the at least one plug contact pin in at least one direction perpendicular to a pin axis of the at least one plug contact pin can be at least partially smaller than a dimension of the at least one through-channel in the at least one corresponding direction perpendicular to a channel axis of the at least one through-channel. In this way, a clearance can be realized between the at least one plug contact pin and the at least one through-channel.

[0045] Advantageously, the at least one plug contact pin and the at least one through-channel can have identical cross-sectional shapes, at least in sections. In particular, the at least one plug contact pin and the at least one through-channel can have, at least in sections, an angular cross-section, in particular a rectangular or square cross-section, a round cross-section, an oval cross-section, an elongated oval cross-section, or a different cross-section. In this way, the at least one plug contact pin can be guided more effectively in the through-channel.

[0046] Advantageously, at least one of the circuit boards can be arranged at a predetermined distance from a channel opening side of the main section of the at least one intermediate body facing the corresponding circuit board, wherein the channel opening side is the side of the main section on which the channel openings facing the circuit board are located. In this way, an intermediate space, in particular a gap, can be created between the at least one circuit board and the main section. Gas, in particular air, can be present in the intermediate space. In this way, insulation, in particular electrical and / or thermal insulation, between the at least one intermediate body and the at least one circuit board can be improved. Furthermore, assembly tolerance can be improved. Gas, in particular air, can flow in the intermediate space. In this way, cooling can also be improved.

[0047] Advantageously, the distance between the at least one printed circuit board and the channel opening side of the main section can be predetermined by a collar portion of the at least one plug contact pin. In this way, the distance can be easily predetermined. Advantageously, the collar portion can extend outside the corresponding feedthrough channel between the corresponding channel opening side and the printed circuit board.

[0048] A channel opening side is the side of the main portion of the at least one intermediate body on which one of the channel openings is located at the open end of the at least one through-channel.

[0049] Advantageously, the at least one main section of the at least one intermediate body can have a plurality of through-channels, each open at both ends, in particular straight ones. Several plug contact pins can be guided separately through several through-channels. In this way, several electrical connections can be realized.

[0050] Advantageously, the at least one through-channel can have a constant cross-section over its length, in particular a constant cross-section in shape and / or dimensions. A constant cross-section of the at least one through-channel facilitates the passage of the at least one plug-in contact pin.

[0051] Advantageously, the at least one through-channel can have, at least in sections, a channel wall that is continuous around its entire circumference relative to its channel axis. With a continuous channel wall, the plug contact pin arranged in the at least one through-channel can be circumferentially supported and / or protected from the environment, in particular insulated.

[0052] Advantageously, the at least one through-channel can have, at least in sections, a quadrangular, in particular rectangular or square, round, oval, elongated oval, or similar cross-section. By specifying a quadrangular, in particular rectangular or square, round, or elongated oval cross-section, the cross-section of the at least one through-channel can be adapted to a corresponding cross-section of the at least one plug contact pin. In this way, the passage of the plug contact pin can be improved. Furthermore, the arrangement of the at least one plug contact pin can be improved. In particular, the realization of a clearance between the plug contact pin and the channel wall of the at least one through-channel can be realized.

[0053] Advantageously, the main section of the at least one intermediate body can have at least one flat channel opening side, on which one of the at least two channel openings of the at least one through-channel open at both ends is located. A flat channel opening side can be easily arranged, in particular, parallel to a flat circuit board.

[0054] Advantageously, the at least one through-channel can have an imaginary channel axis that runs perpendicular to a corresponding channel opening side of the at least one main section, at least on the side of one of the channel openings. A channel axis running perpendicular to the channel opening side of the main section of the at least one intermediate body facilitates the assembly of the intermediate body with the circuit boards and the at least one plug-in contact pin.

[0055] Advantageously, the main section of the at least one intermediate body can have two channel opening sides on opposite sides, on each of which one of the at least two channel openings of the through-channel is located, wherein the two channel opening sides run parallel to each other.

[0056] The imaginary channel axes define the course of the corresponding through-channel. The channel axis is the longitudinal axis of the through-channel, especially of a straight through-channel. The channel axis can run through the center of the through-channel.

[0057] Channel opening sides running parallel to one another on opposite sides of the main section of the at least one intermediate body simplify the parallel arrangement of the circuit boards on opposite sides of the main section.

[0058] Furthermore, the object is achieved in the electronic device in that the electronic device has at least one plug contact pin according to the invention. The plug contact pin according to the invention allows for the realization of an improved electronic device. The electronic device can thus be manufactured more simply and reliably.

[0059] Furthermore, the object is achieved with the intermediate body in that the at least one main section has at least one straight through-channel, open at both ends, which is designed to pass through at least one plug-in contact pin according to the invention. The intermediate body according to the invention allows for the realization of an improved printed circuit board unit. The printed circuit board unit can thus be manufactured more simply and reliably.

[0060] Furthermore, the object is achieved in the method in that an electrically conductive connection is established between the contact hole of the first circuit board and the contact hole of the second circuit board using at least one plug contact pin according to the invention.

[0061] Advantageously, an intermediate body of the printed circuit board unit can be arranged on the first printed circuit board in such a way that a corresponding channel opening of at least one straight through-channel of the intermediate body, open at both ends, is aligned with the contact hole for the at least one plug contact pin on the side of the first printed circuit board.

[0062] Subsequently, the at least one plug contact pin according to the invention can be inserted with its first end first from the side of the intermediate body facing away from the first printed circuit board into a corresponding channel opening of the feed-through channel and guided into the feed-through channel and the at least one plug contact pin according to the invention can be inserted with its first end first into the contact hole of the first printed circuit board.

[0063] Subsequently, the second circuit board can be moved to the side of the intermediate body facing away from the first circuit board in such a way that the second end of the at least one plug contact pin according to the invention is inserted into the corresponding contact hole of the second circuit board, which is aligned with the corresponding channel opening of the feed-through channel.

[0064] Overall, the at least one plug contact pin can be easily, reliably, and securely positioned and held between the two circuit boards using the intermediate body and the at least one through-channel contained therein. Using the at least one second stop, a distance between the second circuit board and the intermediate body can be specified. This makes assembly easier and more reliable. This also impacts the quality of the circuit board unit.

[0065] Advantageously, the at least one plug contact pin can be inserted into the corresponding through-channel of the intermediate body until at least a first outer stop of the at least one plug contact pin, which is located on a side of a first plug section of the plug contact pin, in particular a first collar section of the plug contact pin, axially remote from the first end with respect to a pin axis of the at least one plug contact pin, rests against a hole edge region of the first printed circuit board surrounding the corresponding contact hole, wherein the first outer stop projects beyond the first plug section in at least one direction perpendicular to the pin axis. In this way, the insertion depth of the plug section into the contact hole can be limited. This can prevent the plug section from being pushed too far into the contact hole or even through the contact hole.

[0066] Advantageously, the at least one plug contact pin can be inserted into the corresponding through-channel of the intermediate body until at least one inner stop of the plug contact pin, which is located on a side of a second plug-in section, in particular a second collar section of the plug contact pin, axially remote from the second end with respect to a pin axis of the at least one plug contact pin, bears against a channel edge region of the intermediate body surrounding a corresponding channel opening of the corresponding through-channel, wherein the at least one inner stop projects beyond the sections of the at least one plug contact pin axially between the at least one inner stop and the first end in at least one direction perpendicular to the pin axis. In this way, the insertion depth of the plug contact pin into the through-channel can be limited.This prevents the plug contact pin from being pushed too far into the feed-through channel or even through the feed-through channel.

[0067] Advantageously, the at least one plug contact pin can be arranged in the at least one through-channel while maintaining a radial clearance relative to a pin axis of the at least one plug contact pin and / or relative to a channel axis of the corresponding through-channel. In this way, an intermediate space, in particular a gap, can be created. Gas, in particular air, can be present in the intermediate space. In this way, insulation, in particular electrical insulation, between the at least one plug contact pin and the intermediate body can be improved. Furthermore, the intermediate space can serve as an assembly tolerance.

[0068] Advantageously, the second circuit board can be moved towards the intermediate body until at least one second outer stop of the at least one plug contact pin, which is located on a side of a second plug section of the at least one plug contact pin, in particular a second collar section of the at least one plug contact pin, axially remote from the second end with respect to a pin axis of the at least one plug contact pin, rests against a hole edge region of the second circuit board surrounding the corresponding at least one contact hole, wherein the at least one second outer stop projects beyond the second plug section in at least one direction perpendicular to the pin axis.

[0069] Furthermore, the features and advantages presented in connection with the plug contact pin according to the invention, the printed circuit board unit according to the invention, the electronic device according to the invention, the intermediate body according to the invention, and the method according to the invention, and their respective advantageous embodiments, apply to one another accordingly and vice versa. The individual features and advantages can, of course, be combined with one another, whereby further advantageous effects can arise that go beyond the sum of the individual effects. Short description of the drawings

[0070] Further advantages, features, and details of the invention will become apparent from the following description, in which exemplary embodiments of the invention are explained in more detail with reference to the drawings. Those skilled in the art will expediently consider the features disclosed in the drawings, the description, and the claims in combination individually and combine them to form useful further combinations. The figures show schematically: Fig. 1 a vehicle with an electronic control device having a printed circuit board unit with an intermediate body; Fig. 2 an exploded view of the printed circuit board unit from the Fig. 1; Fig. 3 a longitudinal section through the printed circuit board unit from the Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 in a sectional plane through plug contact pins of the printed circuit board unit; Fig. 4 a longitudinal section through the printed circuit board unit from the Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 in a sectional plane through positioning elements of the printed circuit board unit; Fig. 5 a top view of the printed circuit board unit from the Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 with viewing direction onto a first circuit board; Fig. 6 a top view of the printed circuit board unit from the Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 with viewing direction onto a second circuit board; Fig. 7 a side view of the printed circuit board unit from the Fig. 1 and Fig. 2, in which the two circuit boards are not shown; Fig. 8 a longitudinal section of the intermediate body of the printed circuit board unit from the Fig. 1 and Fig. 2; Fig. 9 a detailed view of the side view from the Fig. 7 of the printed circuit board unit; Fig. 10 a plug contact pin of the printed circuit board unit from the Fig. 1 and Fig. 2.

[0071] In the figures, identical components are provided with identical reference symbols. Embodiment(s) of the invention

[0072] In the Fig. Figure 1 shows a vehicle 10 with an electronic device 12, exemplified in the form of a zone control unit. The electronic device 12 can be used to control functions of the vehicle 10.

[0073] The electronic device 12 has a Fig. 1 and a printed circuit board unit 14. The printed circuit board unit 14 is arranged in the housing. The printed circuit board unit 14 and its components are shown in different perspectives, detailed views and assembly phases in the Fig. 2 to 10 shown.

[0074] The printed circuit board unit 14 comprises a first printed circuit board 16a and a second printed circuit board 16b. The first printed circuit board 16a and the second printed circuit board 16b are arranged opposite one another at a distance from one another. The first printed circuit board 16a and the second printed circuit board 16b are arranged parallel to one another. The first printed circuit board 16a and the second printed circuit board 16b are electrically connected to one another by means of a plurality of plug contact pins 18. An intermediate body 20 is arranged between the first printed circuit board 16a and the second printed circuit board 16b.

[0075] The designations "first" and "second" in connection with the circuit boards 16a and 16b, in connection with components of the circuit boards 16a and 16b, in connection with components of the intermediate body 20, and in connection with components of the plug contact pins 18 serve to improve differentiation. The components that face or are assigned to the first circuit board 16a in the assembled circuit board unit 14 are designated "first." Their reference numerals are additionally provided with the suffix "a." The components that face or are assigned to the second circuit board 16b are designated "second." Their reference numerals are additionally provided with the suffix "b."If properties are described which apply to both a corresponding first component and the corresponding second component, the suffix “first” or “second” before the designation of the component and the suffix “a” or “b” after the reference symbol of the component are occasionally omitted below.

[0076] The first circuit board 16a is, for example, a power supply circuit board. The second circuit board 16b is, for example, a processor circuit board. The first circuit board 16a and the second circuit board 16b each carry a plurality of electrical components 22, of which Fig. 2 For the sake of clarity, only two are indicated.

[0077] The first circuit board 16a is flat. The second circuit board 16b is also flat.

[0078] The first circuit board 16a has a plurality of first contact holes 24a. Furthermore, the first circuit board 16a has, for example, a plurality of first positioning holes 26a. The second circuit board 16b has a plurality of second contact holes 24b. Furthermore, the second circuit board 16b has, for example, a plurality of second positioning holes 26b. For the sake of clarity, only some of the respective contact holes 24 and the respective positioning holes 26 are provided with reference numerals in the figures.

[0079] In the exemplary embodiment shown in the figures, the first contact holes 24a and the second contact holes 24b are identical in terms of shape, extent, arrangement, and function. In other exemplary embodiments not shown, the first contact holes 24a and / or the second contact holes 24b may also be different. The number of first contact holes 24a and second contact holes 24b may also be different.

[0080] In the exemplary embodiment shown in the figures, a total of 30 contact holes 24 are arranged on each of the circuit boards 16 in a group in three rows with 10 columns each. The rows extend along three straight lines (not shown). The lines run parallel to one another at equal distances. The columns also extend along respective straight lines (also not shown) that run parallel to one another at equal distances. Overall, the imaginary envelope of the group of contact holes 24, viewed perpendicular to the corresponding circuit board 16, has a rectangular, elongated shape.

[0081] The contact holes 24 have, as for example in Fig. 5, a rectangular cross-section. The long side of the rectangular cross-section runs parallel to the lines along which the three rows of contact holes 24 extend. Each contact hole 24 has a corresponding contact hole axis 28. For the sake of clarity, only a portion of the contact hole axes 28 are shown in the figures and provided with reference numerals. The contact hole axes 28 of the contact holes 24 of the same circuit board 16 run parallel to one another. When the circuit board unit 14 is assembled, the contact hole axes 28 of the first contact holes 24a of the first circuit board 16a run parallel to the contact hole axes 28 of the second contact holes 24b of the second circuit board 16b.When the printed circuit board unit 14 is mounted, in the embodiment shown, the contact hole axes 28 of the first contact holes 24a of the first printed circuit board 16a run axially to the respective opposite contact hole axes 28 of the second contact holes 24b of the second printed circuit board 16b.

[0082] The respective opposite first contact holes 24a and second contact holes 24b are electrically connected to one another via a respective plug contact pin 18. In this way, the respective opposite first contact holes 24a and second contact holes 24b correspond.

[0083] In the following, one of the contact holes 24 is described as an example for all first contact holes 24a and all second contact holes 24b of the embodiment.

[0084] The contact hole 24 extends through the circuit board 16. The contact hole 24 has a wall surrounding the contact hole axis 28. The wall of the contact hole 24 is formed by the material of the circuit board 16 surrounding the contact hole 24. The surface of the wall of the contact hole 24 is provided with an electrically conductive material, for example, metal. Furthermore, a hole edge region 30, which surrounds the opening of the contact hole 24 on the side facing the intermediate body 20, is provided with an electrically conductive surface. The electrically conductive surfaces of the wall and the hole edge region 30 of the contact hole 24 are electrically conductively connected to one another and to a corresponding conductor track of the circuit board 16 (not shown in the figures). For the sake of clarity, only some of the hole edge regions 30 are provided with reference numerals in the figures.

[0085] Furthermore, in the exemplary embodiment shown, the first positioning holes 26a and the second positioning holes 26b are identical in terms of shape, extent, arrangement, and function. In other exemplary embodiments, the first positioning holes 26a and / or the second positioning holes 26b may also be different. One of the positioning holes 26 is described below as an example for all first positioning holes 26a and all second positioning holes 26b.

[0086] Each circuit board 16 has a total of four positioning holes 26. The four positioning holes 26 are arranged at the corners of an imaginary rectangle, viewed perpendicular to the corresponding circuit board 16, outside the group of corresponding contact holes 24. The positioning holes 26 each extend through the corresponding circuit board 16.

[0087] Each positioning hole 26 has a positioning hole axis 32. For the sake of clarity, only a portion of the positioning hole axis 32 is shown in the figures. The positioning hole axes 32 of the positioning holes 26 of the same circuit board 16 run parallel to one another. When the circuit board unit 14 is mounted, the positioning hole axes 32 of the first positioning holes 26a of the first circuit board 16a run parallel to the positioning hole axes 32 of the second positioning holes 26b of the second circuit board 16b. When the circuit board unit 14 is mounted, in the exemplary embodiment shown, the positioning hole axes 32 of the first positioning holes 26a of the first circuit board 16a run axially to the respectively opposite positioning hole axes 32 of the second positioning holes 26b of the second circuit board 16b.

[0088] The positioning holes 26 each function as a combination of a counter-positioning element and a counter-fixing element. The positioning holes 26 are therefore counter-positioning elements. Furthermore, the positioning holes 26 are counter-fixing elements.

[0089] The printed circuit board unit 14 of the illustrated embodiment has enough plug-in contact pins 18 to electrically connect all first contact holes 24a of the first printed circuit board 16a to corresponding second contact holes 24b of the second printed circuit board 16b. For example, the printed circuit board unit 14 has thirty plug-in contact pins 18.

[0090] In the illustrated embodiment, the plug contact pins 18 are identical in shape, dimensions, and function. In the following, all plug contact pins 18 are described using one of the plug contact pins 18 as an example.

[0091] The plug contact pin 18 is straight. The plug contact pin 18 has an imaginary, straight pin axis 34. The plug contact pin 18 is made of a single piece. The plug contact 18 is made of an electrically conductive material, for example, metal.

[0092] Each plug contact pin 18 has a first plug-in section 38a at a first end 36a and a second plug-in section 38b at a second end 36b. In the illustrated embodiment, the first plug-in section 38a and the second plug-in section 38b are identical in shape, dimensions, and function. The plug-in sections 38a and 38b are spring-elastic elements that are elastically deformable in a direction perpendicular to the pin axis 34. In this way, the first plug-in section 38a and the second plug-in section 38b can be inserted into the respective contact holes 24a and 24b under mechanical tension.

[0093] The first plug-in section 38a and the second plug-in section 38b are electrically connected by means of a connecting section 40.

[0094] Viewed in the direction of the pin axis 34, the connecting section 40 has a rectangular cross-section. In a direction perpendicular to the pin axis 34, the dimension of the connecting section 40 is constant. In the illustrated embodiment, the direction with constant dimension of the connecting section 40 extends, with the plug contact pin 18 mounted, in the direction of the columns of the arrangement of the contact holes 24 of the respective printed circuit boards 16, in the Fig. 2 to 7 perpendicular to the plane of the drawing and in the Fig. 5 and Fig. 6 vertically. In the other direction perpendicular to the pin axis 34 and perpendicular to the direction with the constant extension, the extension of the connecting portion 40 varies along the pin axis 34.

[0095] In addition to the first plug-in section 38a on the side axially facing the second plug-in section 38b with respect to the pin axis 34, the plug-in contact pin 18 has a first collar section 42. The first collar section 42 is part of the connecting section 40. The first collar section 42 extends symmetrically on sides radially opposite each other with respect to the pin axis 34, from radially inside to radially outside. The first collar section 42 extends in a direction perpendicular to the pin axis 34 and perpendicular to the direction in which the connecting section 40 has the constant extension. In the figures, the first collar section 42 extends vertically and horizontally in the plane of the drawing.

[0096] The side of the first collar portion 42 axially facing the first plug-in portion 38a forms a first outer stop 44 on each axially opposite side. The first outer stops 44 are each implemented as steps relative to the axially adjacent area of ​​the first plug-in portion 38a. The two first outer stops 44 each project beyond the first plug-in portion 38a in a direction perpendicular to the pin axis 34.

[0097] The prefixes "outer" and "inner" in connection with stops 44, 50, and 52 refer to their axial position relative to the connecting section 40 of the plug contact pins 18 with respect to the respective pin axis 34. The outer stops 44 and 50 face axially away from the connecting section 40 and toward the adjacent end 36 or 36b of the plug contact pin 18. Inner stops 52, explained further below, face axially toward the connecting section 40 and away from the adjacent end 36b of the plug contact pin 18.

[0098] The side of the first collar section 42 axially remote from the first plug-in section 38a forms a step radially inward on axially opposite sides of the pin axis 34.

[0099] The first collar portion 42 has a constant radial extent with respect to the pin axis 34, namely a width 46. The radially outer sides of the first outer stops 44 are at the same distance from the pin axis 34. The width 46 of the first collar portion 42 is greater than an extent, namely a width 47, of the first plug-in portion 38a.

[0100] In addition to the second plug-in section 38b on the side axially facing the first plug-in section 38a with respect to the pin axis 34, the plug-in contact pin 18 has a second collar section 48. The second collar section 48 is part of the connecting section 40. The second collar section 48 extends symmetrically on sides radially opposite with respect to the pin axis 34, from radially inside to radially outside. The second collar section 48 extends in a direction perpendicular to the pin axis 34 and perpendicular to the direction in which the connecting section 40 has the constant extension. In the figures, the second collar section 48 extends vertically and horizontally in the plane of the drawing.

[0101] The side of the second collar portion 48 axially facing the second plug-in portion 38b forms a second outer stop 50 on axially opposite sides. The two second outer stops 50 each project beyond the second plug-in portion 38b in a direction perpendicular to the pin axis 34.

[0102] The side of the second collar portion 48 axially remote from the second plug-in portion 38b forms a second inner stop 52 on each axially opposite side of the pin axis 34. The second inner stops 52 each project beyond the second plug-in portion 38b in a direction perpendicular to the pin axis 34.

[0103] The second collar section 48 has a constant radial extent with respect to the pin axis 34, namely a width 54. The width 54 of the second collar section 48 is greater than the width 46 of the first collar section 42. The second outer stops 50 and the second inner stops 52 project beyond the corresponding first outer stops 44 on the same outer side of the plug contact pin 18 in a direction perpendicular to the pin axis 34. An extent, namely a width 55, of the second plug-in section 38b is smaller than the width 54 of the second collar section 48. In the exemplary embodiment shown, the width 55 of the second plug-in section 38b corresponds to the width 46 of the first plug-in section 38a. A width 55 of the connecting portion 40 is smaller than the width 54 of the second collar portion 48 and smaller than the width 46 of the first collar portion 42. The width 55 of the connecting portion 40 is approximately the same as the width 46 of the first plug-in portion 38a.

[0104] The intermediate body 20 comprises a main section 56, a plurality of through-channels 58, and a plurality of first positioning elements 60a and second positioning elements 60b. The intermediate body 20 is made of an electrically insulating material, for example, plastic. The intermediate body 20 is formed in one piece. The main section 56 is cuboid-shaped overall.

[0105] In the embodiment shown, the through-channels 58 are identical in shape and dimensions.

[0106] Each through-channel 58 runs straight. Each through-channel 58 has an imaginary, straight channel axis 62. Channel axis 62 extends, for example, in the middle of the respective through-channel 58. Each through-channel 58 is open at its opposite ends. At one open end, each through-channel 58 has a first channel opening 64a and at another open end, a second channel opening 64b. The through-channels 58 extend between two opposite side surfaces of the main section 56, which are referred to below as the first channel opening side 66a and the second channel opening side 66b. The first channel openings 64a are located on the first channel opening side 66a. The second channel openings 64b are located on the second channel opening side 66b. The first channel opening side 66a and the second channel opening side 66b are flat. The first channel opening side 66a and the second channel opening side 66b run parallel to each other.The channel axes 62 run perpendicular to the channel opening sides 66a and 66b.

[0107] In total, the intermediate body 20 has thirty feedthrough channels 58. The channel openings 64, namely 64a and 64b, are arranged identically in terms of their distribution on the respective channel opening side 66, namely 66a and 66b, respectively. Viewed in the direction of the channel axes 62, the channel openings 64 on the respective channel opening side 66 are arranged correspondingly to the corresponding contact holes 24 of the corresponding printed circuit board 16.

[0108] The channel openings 64 on the respective channel opening side 66 are arranged in a group in three rows with 10 columns each. The rows extend along imaginary straight lines parallel to one another at the same distance. The distance corresponds to the distance between the rows of the groups of contact holes 24 on the circuit boards 16. Likewise, the columns extend along respective imaginary straight lines parallel to one another at the same distance. The distance corresponds to the distance between the columns of the groups of contact holes 24 on the circuit boards. Overall, the envelope of the respective group of channel openings 64 has a rectangular, elongated shape when viewed perpendicular to the corresponding channel opening side 66.

[0109] The feed-through channels 58 each have a rectangular cross-section that is constant over their length, viewed in the direction of their channel axis 62. The long sides of the rectangular cross-section extend in the direction of the lines that define the three rows of the respective group of channel openings 64. The shape of the cross-section of the feed-through channels 58 corresponds to the shape of the cross-section of the plug contact pins 18 in the region of the first collar section 42. An extension, namely a width 68, of the feed-through channels 58 on their long side perpendicular to the channel axis 62 is greater than the width 46 of the plug contact pins 18 perpendicular to the respective pin axis 34 in the region of the first collar section 42. Furthermore, the width 68 of the feed-through channels 58 on their long side perpendicular to the channel axis 62 is smaller than the corresponding width 54 of the plug contact pins 18 perpendicular to the respective pin axis 34 in the region of the second collar section 48.

[0110] The through-channels 58 each have a continuous channel wall extending circumferentially relative to the channel axis 62. The channel wall is formed by the material of the main section 56 surrounding the respective through-channel 58. The channel openings 64 are each surrounded by a channel edge region 70. The channel edge regions 70 are formed by the material of the main section 56.

[0111] The intermediate body 20 has four first positioning elements 60a on the first channel opening side 66a. The first positioning elements 60a are identical in terms of their shape and dimensions. On the second channel opening side 66b, the intermediate body 20 has four second positioning elements 60b. The second positioning elements 60b are identical in terms of their shape and dimensions. The second positioning elements 60b differ from the first positioning elements 60a only in their axial length relative to a respective positioning element axis 72.

[0112] The positioning elements 60 are located on the respective channel opening side 66 and extend away from it in the direction of the channel axes 62. The positioning element axes 72 run perpendicular to the corresponding channel opening side 66. The positioning element axes 72 run parallel to each other and parallel to the channel axes 62 of the through-channels 58. The free ends of the positioning elements 60 are respective areas of action with respect to positioning and fixation. The areas of action of the positioning elements 60 are accessible from the respective channel opening side 66.

[0113] In the following, the identical features of the first positioning elements 60a and the second positioning elements 60b are first explained using one of the positioning elements 60.

[0114] The positioning element 60 has an elongated shape. The positioning element 60 can be described as pin-like. The positioning element 60 has a shaft 74 and a fixing head 76. The shaft 74 is fixedly connected, for example, in one piece, to the main section 56 at one end.

[0115] The cross-sectional shape of the shaft 74 corresponds to the cross-sectional shape of the positioning hole 26 of the corresponding printed circuit board 16 assigned to the positioning element 60. The outer diameter 75 of the shaft 74 is smaller than the inner diameter 81 of the assigned positioning hole 26.

[0116] At its end facing away from the main section 56, the shaft 74 merges into the fixing head 76. The fixing head 76 forms a fixing element. The free end of the fixing head 76 forms the free end of the positioning element 60.

[0117] The outer diameter 79 perpendicular to the positioning element axis 72 at the widest point of the fixing head 76, one of its sides facing the shaft 74, is larger than the inner diameter 81 of the associated positioning hole 26 of the corresponding printed circuit board 16. The side of the fixing head 76 facing the main section 56 forms a locking stop 77. The locking stop 77 runs, for example, perpendicular to the positioning element axis 72 from radially inside to radially outside. The locking stop 77 continuously surrounds the positioning element axis 72.

[0118] On the side axially remote from shaft 74, fixing head 76 has a gap 78. Gap 78 is located centrally in fixing head 76. Gap 78 extends in the axial direction. Gap 78 is open toward the free end of fixing head 76. Gap 78 is also open on sides radially opposite to positioning element axis 72. The sections of fixing head 76 on opposite sides of gap 78 can be elastically moved toward one another. In this way, the outer circumference of fixing head 76 can be reduced. The outer circumference of fixing head 76 can be elastically reduced such that it fits through the respectively assigned positioning hole 26.

[0119] The fixing head 76 has insertion bevels 80 at its free end. The insertion bevels 80 are realized by means of an outer diameter that tapers towards the free end of the corresponding positioning element 60. The radially outer side of the fixing head 76 has a conical shape that tapers towards the free end. The outer diameter 83 of the fixing head 76 corresponds to the outer diameter 75 of the shaft 74. The outer diameter 83 of the fixing head 76 at its free end is smaller than the inner diameter 81 of the corresponding positioning hole 26.

[0120] An axial length 82a of the shaft 74 of the first positioning elements 60a relative to the positioning element axis 72 is adapted to the thickness 84 of the correspondingly assigned first circuit board 16a. The thickness 84 of the first circuit board 16a and the second circuit board 16b are identical. The axial length 82a of the shaft 74 of the first positioning elements 60a between the first channel opening side 66a and the respective fixing head 76 is, within a tolerance of less than 2 mm, for example, as large as the thickness 84 of the first circuit board 16a. The shaft 74 is thus completely received in the corresponding first positioning hole 26a on the side of the first circuit board 16a.

[0121] An axial length 82b of the shaft 74 of the second positioning elements 60b relative to the positioning element axis 72 is adapted to the thickness 84 of the correspondingly assigned first printed circuit board 60b. The axial length 82b of the shaft 74 of the second positioning elements 60b between the second channel opening side 66b and the respective fixing head 76 is greater than the thickness 84 of the second printed circuit board 16b. The axial length 82b of the shaft 74 of the second positioning elements 60b corresponds to the thickness 84 of the second printed circuit board 16b plus an axial height 86 of the second collar portion 48 of the plug contact pins 18. The shaft 74 can thus bridge the distance 88 between the second channel opening side 66b of the intermediate body 20 and the second printed circuit board 16b.

[0122] The positioning elements 60 are, as shown in the Fig. 5 and Fig. 6, are arranged at the corners of an imaginary rectangle, viewed in the direction of the channel axes 62 or perpendicular to the respective channel opening side 66a or 66b. The arrangement and spacing of the positioning elements 60 on the corresponding channel opening side 66 correspond to the arrangement and spacing of the contact holes of the correspondingly assigned printed circuit board 16. The feed-through channels 58 are located within the respective imaginary rectangle spanned by the corresponding positioning elements 60. The arrangement and spacing of the positioning elements 60 relative to the arrangement and spacing of the channel openings 64 correspond to the arrangement and spacing of the positioning holes 26 relative to the arrangement and spacing of the contact holes 24 of the correspondingly assigned printed circuit board 16.

[0123] In the illustrated embodiment, the arrangement and spacing of the first positioning elements 60a on the first channel opening side 66a and the arrangement and spacing of the second positioning elements 60b on the second channel opening side 66b are identical. The positioning element axes 72 of the first positioning elements 60a on the first channel opening side 66a extend axially to the positioning element axes 72 of the respectively opposite second positioning elements 60b on the second channel opening side 66b.

[0124] The main section 56 of the intermediate body 20 is, as shown for example in the Fig. 3 and Fig. 4, arranged between the first circuit board 16a and the second circuit board 16b.

[0125] The first channel opening side 66a of the main section 56 abuts the first circuit board 16a while maintaining a tolerance distance, which can also be zero. The tolerance distance can be in the millimeter range. The tolerance distance can be less than two mm. The first channel opening side 66a can also abut directly against the first circuit board 16a.

[0126] The shafts 74 of the first positioning elements 60a extend through the respective first positioning holes 26a of the first circuit board 16a. The fixing heads 76 are located on the side of the first circuit board 16a facing away from the main section 56, outside the respective first positioning holes 26a. The respective locking stops 77 rest against the areas of the first circuit board 16a surrounding the first positioning holes 26a on the side facing away from the main section 56. The first positioning elements 60a position the intermediate body 20 on the first circuit board 16a. The fixing heads 76 fix the first circuit board 16a relative to the intermediate body 20.

[0127] The first channel openings 64a of the first feedthrough channels 58 are each aligned with the corresponding first contact holes 24a of the first circuit board 16a.

[0128] The first plug-in sections 38a of the plug-in contact pins 18 are each inserted into the corresponding first contact holes 24a of the first circuit board 16a. On the side facing away from the second circuit board 16b, the first plug-in sections 38a protrude from the first circuit board 16a.

[0129] The first outer stops 44 of the first collar sections 42 of the plug contact pins 18 each rest on the hole edge regions 30 of the corresponding first contact holes 24a.

[0130] The second circuit board 16b runs parallel to the second channel opening side 66b of the main section 56. The second circuit board 16b is arranged at a predetermined distance 88 from the second channel opening side 66b. A gap 92 is formed between the second circuit board 16b and the main section 56. The gap 92 forms an air gap in which air can circulate.

[0131] The distance 88 between the second circuit board 16b and the second channel opening side 66b is predetermined by the second collar sections 48 of the plug contact pins 18. The second collar sections 48 extend outside the respective feedthrough channels 58 between the second channel opening side 66b and the second circuit board 16b. The predetermined distance 88 corresponds to the axial height 86 of the second collar sections 48 relative to the pin axes 34. The axial height 86 of the second collar sections 48 is the axial distance between the second outer stop 50 and the second inner stop 52.

[0132] The shafts 74 of the second positioning elements 60b extend through the respective second positioning holes 26b of the second circuit board 16b. The fixing heads 76 are located on the side of the second circuit board 16b facing away from the main section 56, outside the respective second positioning holes 26b. The respective locking stops 77 rest against the areas of the second circuit board 16b surrounding the second positioning holes 26b on the side facing away from the main section 56. The second positioning elements 60b position the intermediate body 20 on the second circuit board 16b. The fixing heads 76 fix the second circuit board 16b relative to the intermediate body 20.

[0133] The second channel openings 64b of the second feedthrough channels 58 are each aligned with the corresponding second contact holes 24b on the side of the second circuit board 16b.

[0134] The second plug-in sections 38b of the plug-in contact pins 18 are each inserted into the corresponding second contact holes 24b of the second circuit board 16b. On the side facing away from the first circuit board 16a, the second plug-in sections 38b protrude from the second contact holes 24b of the second circuit board 16b.

[0135] The second outer stops 50 of the second collar sections 48 of the plug contact pins 18 each rest on the hole edge regions 30 of the corresponding second contact holes 24b.

[0136] The second inner stops 52 of the second collar sections 48 each rest on the channel edge regions 70 of the corresponding through-channels 58 of the main section 56.

[0137] The plug contact pins 18 each extend through one of the feedthrough channels 58. The pin axes 34 of the plug contact pins 18 and the channel axes 62 of the corresponding feedthrough channels 58 coincide when the plug contact pins 18 are installed.

[0138] The second collar sections 48 are located outside the through-channels 58. The connecting sections 40 are located inside the through-channels 58. The first collar sections 42 are located largely or entirely inside the respective through-channels 58. The first outer stops 44 are located at an axial tolerance distance with respect to the respective pin axis 34, which can also be zero, to the first channel opening side 66a outside the respective through-channels 58. If the tolerance distance is zero, the first outer stops 44 can be at the level of the first channel opening side 66a.

[0139] Each of the plug contact pins 18 is arranged in the corresponding through-channel 58 while maintaining a radial clearance relative to a respective pin axis 34 of the corresponding plug contact pin 18. In the assembled state, the pin axis 34 coincides with the channel axis 62 of the corresponding through-channel 58.

[0140] The plug contact pins 18 electrically connect the first contact holes 24a of the first circuit board 16a to the second contact holes 24b of the second circuit board 16b. A respective electrically conductive contact is established between the plug contact pin 18 and the electrically conductive hole edge region 30 of the corresponding circuit board 16a or 16b surrounding the respective contact hole 24a or 24b via the first plug sections 38a and the second plug sections 38b.

[0141] The plug contact pins 18 arranged in the feed-through channels 58 are each supported circumferentially by the respective circumferentially connected channel walls and are protected and insulated from the environment and from adjacent plug contact pins 18, i.e. also from the adjacent plug contact pins 18.

[0142] The method for assembling the printed circuit board unit 14 is explained in more detail below.

[0143] First, the intermediate body 20 is moved with the first channel opening side 66a first in the direction of a Fig. 2 shown imaginary mounting axis 90 to the surface of the first circuit board 16a.

[0144] The mounting axis 90 extends perpendicular to the surface of the first printed circuit board 16a, perpendicular to the first channel opening side 66a, and perpendicular to the second channel opening side 66b. Accordingly, the positioning hole axes 32 of the first positioning holes 26a, the contact hole axes 28 of the first contact holes 24a, the positioning element axes 72 of the first positioning elements 60a, and the channel axes 62 of the feedthrough channels 58 extend parallel to the mounting axis 90.

[0145] The intermediate body 20 is aligned so that the first positioning elements 60a are aligned with the respective first positioning holes 26a. The alignment can be performed before moving the intermediate body 20, for example, in the corresponding assembly tool.

[0146] The intermediate body 20 is then pressed against the first circuit board 16a so that the first positioning elements 60a slide into the first positioning holes 26a. The insertion bevels 80 at the free ends of the first positioning elements 60a facilitate the insertion of the fixing heads 76 into the respective first positioning holes 26a. The intermediate body 20 is positioned on the first circuit board 16a by means of the four first positioning elements 60a.

[0147] When inserted into the first positioning holes 26a, the fixing heads 76 of the first positioning elements 60a are resiliently compressed in a direction transverse to the positioning element axis 72. On the side of the first circuit board 16a facing away from the main section 56, the fixing heads 76 return to their original shape. The fixing heads 76 are thus automatically activated with regard to fixing as soon as they leave the corresponding first positioning holes 26a. The locking stops 77 of the fixing heads 76 rest against the area surrounding the first positioning holes 26a on the side of the first circuit board 16a facing away from the main section 56. This prevents the first positioning elements 60a from sliding back out of the respective first positioning holes 26a. The interaction of the fixing heads 76 with the corresponding first positioning holes 26a fixes the intermediate body 20 to the first circuit board 16a.

[0148] In the position of the intermediate body 20 on the first circuit board 16a predetermined by the interaction of the first positioning elements 60a with the first positioning holes 26a, the first channel openings 64a of the feedthrough channels 58 are aligned with the corresponding first contact holes 24a of the first circuit board 16a.

[0149] Subsequently, the plug contact pins 18 are inserted, each with their first ends 36a leading, from the second channel opening side 66b of the intermediate body 20 into the corresponding second channel openings 64b of the through-channels 58. The plug contact pins 18 are guided in the respective through-channels 58. After leaving the through-channels 58, the first plug sections 38a of the plug contact pins 18 reach the first contact holes 24a of the first printed circuit board 16a. In doing so, the first plug sections 38a are elastically compressed transversely to the pin axis 34.

[0150] In the illustrated embodiment, all through-channels 58 and all first contact holes 24a are populated with plug-in contact pins 18. In other embodiments not shown, only a portion of the through-channels 58 can be individually populated with plug-in contact pins 18. In this way, individual electrical connections can be realized between the first circuit board 16a and the second circuit board 16b.

[0151] The first plug-in sections 38a of the plug-in contact pins 18 are each inserted into the corresponding through-channels 58 until the corresponding first outer stops 44 rest against the first hole edge regions 30 of the first printed circuit board 16a surrounding the corresponding first contact holes 24a.

[0152] At this insertion depth of the plug contact pins 18, the second inner stop 52 rests against the channel edge region 70 of the intermediate body 20 surrounding the second channel opening 64b of the corresponding feed-through channel 58.

[0153] The second circuit board 16b is then moved toward the second channel opening side 66b of the intermediate body 20, facing away from the first circuit board 16a. The second circuit board 16b and the intermediate body 20 with the first circuit board 16a are moved toward one another, for example, using the assembly tool, such that the second contact holes 24b are aligned with the second channel openings 64b, the second positioning elements 60b are aligned with the corresponding second positioning holes 26b, and the positioning hole axes 32 of the second positioning holes 26b and the contact hole axes 28 of the second contact holes 24b run parallel to the assembly axis 90.

[0154] By moving the second circuit board 16b and the intermediate body 20 with the first circuit board 16a toward each other, the respective second ends 36b of the plug contact pins 18 are inserted into the respective second contact holes 24b of the second circuit board 16b. In doing so, the second plug sections 38b are elastically compressed transversely to the pin axis 34.

[0155] Furthermore, when moving toward each other, the second positioning elements 60b of the intermediate body 20 are each inserted into the corresponding second positioning holes 26b of the second circuit board 16b. The insertion process is analogous to the insertion process of the first positioning elements 60a into the first positioning holes 26a, as described above.

[0156] The second circuit board 16b and the intermediate body 20 with the first circuit board 16a are moved towards each other until the second outer stops 50 of the plug contact pins 18 rest against the hole edge regions 30 of the second circuit board 16b surrounding the second contact holes 24b.

[0157] In this final position, the second circuit board 16b is arranged at the predetermined distance 88 from the main section 56 of the intermediate body 20.

[0158] In the final position of the second circuit board 16b, the fixing heads 76 of the second positioning elements 60b are automatically activated in cooperation with the second positioning holes 26b of the second circuit board 16b, analogous to the fixing heads 76 of the first positioning elements 60a with the first positioning holes 26a, as described above. The second circuit board 16b is fixed to the second circuit board 16b by means of the fixing heads 76 of the second positioning elements 60b.

[0159] In the fully assembled printed circuit board unit 14, the mechanical connection between the first printed circuit board 16a and the second printed circuit board 16b is mechanically stabilized by the intermediate body 20. The intermediate body 20 reduces the mechanical stress on the plug contact pins 18. Furthermore, the plug contact pins 18 are reliably and stably kept spaced apart from one another. This reliably improves the electrical insulation between the plug contact pins 18. The interaction of the intermediate body 20 with the plug contact pins 18, in particular the first outer stops 44, the second outer stops 50, and the second inner stops 52, determines the distance between the first printed circuit board 16a and the second printed circuit board 16b. QUOTES CONTAINED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents submitted by the applicant was generated automatically and is included solely for the convenience of the reader. This list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] DE 101 59 113 A1

[0006]

Claims

[1] Plug contact pin (18) for connecting electrical contact holes (24a, 24b) of at least two printed circuit boards (16a, 16b) of a printed circuit board unit (14), in particular for a printed circuit board unit (14) for an electronic device (12), in particular for a vehicle (10), wherein the plug contact pin (18) has a first plug-in section (38a) at a first end (36a) of two ends (36a, 36b) and a second plug-in section (38b) at a second end (36b) of the two ends (36a, 36b), the first plug-in section (38a) and the second plug-in section (38b) are electrically connected by means of a connecting section (40) of the plug-in contact pin (18), wherein at least the connecting section (40) extends along a straight pin axis (34) of the plug-in contact pin (18), characterized by , that on the side of the first plug-in section (38a) facing away from the first end (36a), at least one first stop (44) is arranged, which projects beyond the first plug-in section (38a) in at least one direction perpendicular to the pin axis (34), on the side of the second plug-in section (38b) facing away from the second end (36b), at least one second stop (50, 52) is arranged, which projects beyond the second plug-in section (38b) in at least one direction perpendicular to the pin axis (34), wherein at least one second stop (50, 52) on the side of the second plug-in section (38b) facing away from the second end (36b) projects beyond at least one first stop (44) on the side of the first plug-in section (38a) facing away from the first end (36a) in at least one direction perpendicular to the pin axis (34). [2] Plug contact pin according to claim 1, characterized bythat next to at least one of the plug-in sections (38a, 38b) on the side of the corresponding plug-in section (38a, 38b) facing away from the corresponding end (36a, 36b) two stops (50, 52) are arranged radially opposite each other with respect to the pin axis (34). [3] Plug contact pin according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by that at least one of the stops (44, 50, 52) is realized on a collar portion (42, 48) which extends from radially inside to radially outside with respect to the pin axis (34). [4] Plug contact pin according to one of the preceding claims, characterized bythat on the side of at least one of the plug-in sections (38b) axially remote from the corresponding end (36b) with respect to the pin axis (34), at least one collar section (48) is arranged, which has at least one stop (50), in particular at least one outer stop (50), on its side axially facing the corresponding end (36b), and at least one further stop (52), in particular at least one inner stop (52), on its side axially remote from the corresponding end (36b). [5] Printed circuit board unit (14) for an electronic device (12), in particular an electronic control device (12), in particular for a vehicle (10), with at least two printed circuit boards (16a, 16b) which are arranged opposite one another at a distance from one another and between which at least one section (56) of at least one intermediate body (20) is arranged, and with at least one electrically conductive plug contact pin (18) which electrically conductively connects an electrical contact hole (24a) of a first printed circuit board (16a) of the at least two printed circuit boards (16a, 16b) to an electrical contact hole (24b) of a second printed circuit board (16b) of the at least two printed circuit boards (16a, 16b), characterized by that the at least one plug contact pin (18) is a plug contact pin (18) according to one of claims 1 to 4. [6] Electronic device (12), in particular an electronic control device (12), in particular for a vehicle (10), comprising at least one housing (13) and at least one printed circuit board unit (14) arranged in the at least one housing (13), wherein the at least one printed circuit board unit (14) comprises at least two printed circuit boards (16a, 16b) arranged opposite one another at a distance from one another and between which at least one section (56) of at least one intermediate body (20) is arranged, and at least one electrically conductive plug contact pin (18) which electrically conductively connects an electrical contact hole (24a) of a first printed circuit board (16a) of the at least two printed circuit boards (16a, 16b) to an electrical contact hole (24b) of a second printed circuit board (16b) of the at least two printed circuit boards (16a, 16b), characterized bythat the electronic device (12) has at least one plug contact pin (18) according to one of claims 1 to 4. [7] Intermediate body (20) for a printed circuit board unit (14), in particular for a printed circuit board unit (14) for an electronic device (12), in particular for a vehicle (10), wherein the intermediate body (20) has at least one main section (56) which is designed to be arranged between two printed circuit boards (16a, 16b) of the printed circuit board unit (14), characterized by that the at least one main section (56) has at least one straight through-channel (58) open at both ends, which is designed to pass through at least one plug contact pin (18) according to one of claims 1 to 4. [8] Method for assembling a printed circuit board unit (14), in particular a printed circuit board unit (14) for an electronic device (12), in particular for an electronic control unit, in particular for a vehicle (10), in which at least one plug-in contact pin (18) is inserted with a first plug-in section (38a), which is located at a first end (36a) of two ends (36a, 36b), into an electrical contact hole (24a) of a first printed circuit board (16a) of the printed circuit board unit (14) and with a second plug-in section (38b), which is located at a second end (36b) of its two ends (36a, 36b), into an electrical contact hole (24b) of a second printed circuit board (16b) of the printed circuit board unit (14), wherein with the at least one plug-in contact pin (18) an electrically conductive connection is established between the contact hole (24a) of the first printed circuit board (16a) and the contact hole (24b) of the second printed circuit board (16b) is produced, characterized bythat an electrically conductive connection is established between the contact hole (24a) of the first circuit board (16a) and the contact hole (24b) of the second circuit board (16b) using at least one plug contact pin (18) according to one of claims 1 to 4.

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