Electronic arrangement

Abstract

Electronic arrangement (1) comprising a contact strip (2) with an insulating body (3) and at least two contact elements (4a, 4b) fixedly arranged on the insulating body (3) and at least one rigid-flexible printed circuit board (5) with at least one rigid section (6a) and at least one flexible section (6b), wherein the rigid-flexible printed circuit board (5) is electrically connected to the contact elements (4a, 4b) via a direct press-fit connection between the rigid section (6a) of the rigid-flexible printed circuit board (5) and a respective first contact section (I) of the contact elements (4a, 4b) and wherein the rigid section (6a) of the rigid-flexible printed circuit board (5) is connected to the insulating body (3) of the contact strip (2) via at least one positioning element (7).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to an electronic arrangement comprising a contact strip with an insulating body and at least two contact elements fixedly arranged on the insulating body and at least one rigid-flexible printed circuit board with at least one rigid section and at least one flexible section. State of the art

[0002] In this context, a "rigid-flex printed circuit board" (PCB) is understood to be a PCB that has at least two sections: at least one rigid section and at least one flexible section. The rigid section is rigid and has at least two layers on which conductive traces are arranged. The flexible section is flexible and extends from the rigid section. For example, if the rigid-flex PCB has two rigid sections, the flexible section connects them.

[0003] In recent years, the use of rigid-flex printed circuit boards (PCBs) in electrical and electronic assemblies has increased significantly. Rigid-flex PCBs offer numerous advantages in terms of installation space and design. They combine rigid and flexible materials, enabling three-dimensional installation. This allows them to be used in complex and compact enclosures where conventional rigid PCBs would not fit. By integrating flexible sections, rigid-flex PCBs can reduce the overall weight of an assembly, which is particularly important in weight-sensitive applications such as aerospace and portable devices. Rigid-flex PCBs also eliminate the need for additional connectors and cables between rigid PCBs.This reduces the number of connection points, increasing reliability and improving signal transmission. Furthermore, the combination of rigid and flexible areas allows designers to create complex circuits that can adapt to various shapes and geometries. This opens up new possibilities for innovative and compact designs. By reducing the number of connection points and integrating flexible materials, rigid-flex printed circuit boards (PCBs) can better absorb mechanical stresses and are more resistant to vibration and shock. Rigid-flex PCBs can simplify assembly processes because they require fewer components and connections. This can shorten production time and reduce overall costs.

[0004] Overall, rigid-flex printed circuit boards offer an excellent solution for applications where space, weight, and reliability are crucial factors.

[0005] The object of the invention is to provide an electronic arrangement with at least one rigid-flexible printed circuit board, which is characterized by a particularly simple and reliable design. Description of the invention

[0006] The problem is solved by an electronic arrangement with the features according to claim 1.

[0007] According to the invention, the electronic arrangement comprises a contact strip with an insulating body and at least two contact elements fixedly arranged on the insulating body, and at least one rigid-flexible printed circuit board with at least one rigid section and at least one flexible section. According to the present invention, the rigid-flexible printed circuit board is electrically connected to the contact elements via a direct press-fit connection between the rigid section of the rigid-flexible printed circuit board and a respective first contact section of the contact elements.

[0008] Furthermore, according to the invention, the rigid section of the rigid-flexible printed circuit board is connected to the insulating body of the contact strip via at least one positioning element.

[0009] In this context, a "rigid-flex printed circuit board" (PCB) is understood to be a PCB that has at least two sections: at least one rigid section and at least one flexible section. The rigid section is rigid and has at least two layers on which conductive traces are arranged. The flexible section is flexible and extends from the rigid section. For example, if the rigid-flex PCB has two rigid sections, the flexible section connects them.

[0010] In this context, a "press-fit connection" refers to a "press-fit connection." The contact element, more precisely the second contact section of the contact element, is preferably designed as a contact clamp that is directly inserted or pressed into a corresponding receiving opening on the rigid section of the rigid-flex printed circuit board. The receiving opening is located directly in the rigid section of the rigid-flex printed circuit board.

[0011] A "direct connection" is understood to mean a connection between the first contact section of the respective contact element and the rigid section of the rigid-flexible printed circuit board, without any further intermediate component.

[0012] The electronic arrangement according to the invention is characterized in particular by a simple, space-saving and cost-optimized, mechanically stable and reliable connection between the contact strip and the rigid-flex circuit board. Due to the deliberately simplified design of the electronic arrangement, it can also be manufactured in a simple manner.

[0013] In a preferred embodiment, a second contact section of each contact element is electrically connected to a printed circuit board. However, a second contact section of each contact element can also be designed as a plug-in element for connection with a correspondingly designed mating element.

[0014] The electrically conductive connection between the respective second contact section of the contact elements and the circuit board can be made, for example, via a soldered connection.

[0015] The positioning element is preferably designed as a pin extending perpendicular to the insulating body of the contact strip with respect to a longitudinal extent of the insulating body.

[0016] It is particularly advantageous for the pin to have at least one locking element, such as a snap lock. This serves to additionally secure the rigid-flexible circuit board in the area of ​​the rigid section.

[0017] Preferably, the respective first contact section of the contact elements is designed as a contact clamp and a corresponding receiving opening for receiving the respective contact clamp is directly formed in the rigid section of the rigid-flexible printed circuit board.

[0018] Preferably, a corresponding receiving opening for receiving the positioning element is formed directly in the rigid section of the rigid-flexible printed circuit board.

[0019] Furthermore, the insulating body is preferably firmly connected to the circuit board via at least one connecting element.

[0020] In an advantageous embodiment of the present invention, the connecting element and the positioning element are formed in one piece, namely as a single part. However, a multi-part embodiment, i.e., a separate embodiment of the positioning element and the connecting element, is equally conceivable. Description of the characters Fig. Figure 1 shows a section of a schematic side view of a first embodiment of an electronic arrangement. Fig. Figure 2 shows a schematic front view of a first embodiment of an electronic arrangement according to Fig. 1. Fig. Figure 3 shows a section of a schematic side view of a second embodiment of an electronic arrangement. Fig. Figure 4 shows a section of a schematic side view of a third embodiment of an electronic arrangement. Fig. Figure 5 shows a section of a schematic side view of a fourth embodiment of an electronic arrangement. Fig. Figure 6 shows a schematic front view of a fourth embodiment of an electronic arrangement according to Fig. 5.

[0021] In Fig. 1, Fig. 2, Fig. 3, Fig. 4, Fig. 5 to Fig. Figure 6 shows an exemplary electronic arrangement 1 according to the present invention in different views or details.

[0022] The electronic arrangement 1 comprises a contact strip 2 and a rigid-flexible printed circuit board 5.

[0023] The contact strip 2 has an insulating body 3 and at least two contact elements 4a, 4b fixedly arranged on the insulating body 3.

[0024] In the present embodiments, the rigid-flexible printed circuit board 5 has two rigid sections 6a and a flexible section 6b extending between the rigid sections, as shown in the illustrations according to Fig. 1, Fig. 2, Fig. 3, Fig. 4, Fig. 5 to Fig. 6 shows only a rigid section 6a and a part of the flexible section 6b.

[0025] The contact elements 4a, 4b each have a first contact section I and a second contact section II. The contact elements 4a, 4b are each firmly arranged on the insulating body 3 in such a way that they extend through it, so that the respective first contact section I protrudes from the insulating body 3 on a first side and the respective second contact section II protrudes from the insulating body 3 on a second side, namely a side opposite the first side.

[0026] The rigid section 6a of the rigid-flexible printed circuit board 5 is electrically connected to the first contact sections I of the respective contact elements 4a, 4b via a direct press-fit connection.

[0027] Furthermore, the rigid section 6a of the rigid-flexible circuit board 5 is connected to the insulating body 3 of the contact strip 2 via a positioning element 7.

[0028] In the rigid section 6a of the rigid-flexible printed circuit board 5, corresponding receiving openings are provided for direct contact with the contact elements 4a, 4b and for connection with the positioning element 7.

[0029] In Fig. 1 and Fig. Figure 2 shows a first embodiment of the electronic arrangement 1, in which the second contact section II of the respective contact element 4a, 4b is electrically connected to a circuit board 8 via a soldered connection.

[0030] In the first embodiment of the electronic arrangement 1, the positioning element 7 is designed as a pin 9, which extends perpendicular to the longitudinal extent of the insulating body 3 of the contact strip 2.

[0031] A locking element 10 is formed on the pin 9, which fixes the rigid section 6a of the rigid-flexible circuit board 5 accordingly to the positioning element.

[0032] The receiving opening for receiving the positioning element 7 in the rigid section 6a of the rigid-flexible circuit board 5 serves as a locking opening for the locking element 10, in which it automatically locks or snaps into place when the rigid section 6a of the rigid-flexible circuit board 5 is pressed onto the contact elements 4a, 4b, thus eliminating the need for additional mechanical fixing of the rigid-flexible circuit board 5, e.g. by screwing.

[0033] In the second embodiment of the electronic arrangement 1 according to Fig. 3 is the second contact section II of the respective contact element 4a, 4b which is also electrically connected to a circuit board 8 via a soldered connection.

[0034] In this embodiment, the insulating body 3 of the contact strip 4 is attached to the circuit board 8 via several connecting elements 11. In this embodiment, the positioning element 7 and the connecting elements 11 are each designed as separate components.

[0035] In the third embodiment of the electronic arrangement 1 according to Fig. 4 is the second contact section II of the respective contact element 4a, 4b which is also electrically connected to a circuit board 8 via a soldered connection.

[0036] In contrast to the second embodiment, in the third embodiment the positioning element 7 and the connecting element 11 are designed as a single, one-piece component. The connecting element 11 is realized by a rivet-like part of the component; the positioning element 7 is realized by a pin-like part of the component opposite the rivet-like part.

[0037] In Fig. 5 and Fig. Figure 6 shows a fourth embodiment of the electronic arrangement. In this version, the respective second contact sections II of the contact elements 4a, 4b are not connected to a circuit board 8, but are designed as plug-in elements for connection with a correspondingly designed counterpart element. Reference sign 1 Electronic arrangement 2 contact strip 3 insulating bodies 4a, 4b Contact element 5 Rigid-flex printed circuit board 6a Rigid section 6b Flexible section 7 Positioning element 8 circuit boards 9 pen 10 locking elements 11 Connecting element I First contact section (of a contact element) II Second contact section (of a contact element)

Claims

Electronic arrangement (1) comprising: a contact strip (2) with an insulating body (3) and at least two contact elements (4a, 4b) fixedly arranged on the insulating body (3); and at least one rigid-flexible printed circuit board (5) with at least one rigid section (6a) and at least one flexible section (6b), wherein the rigid-flexible printed circuit board (5) is electrically connected to the contact elements (4a, 4b) via a direct press-fit connection between the rigid section (6a) of the rigid-flexible printed circuit board (5) and a respective first contact section (I) of the contact elements (4a, 4b); and wherein the rigid section (6a) of the rigid-flexible printed circuit board (5) is connected to the insulating body (3) of the contact strip (2) via at least one positioning element (7). Electronic arrangement (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that a respective second contact section (II) of the contact elements (4a, 4b) is electrically connected to a circuit board (8). Electronic arrangement (1) according to claim 1 , characterized in that a respective second contact section (II) of the contact elements (4a, 4b) is designed as a plug-in element. Electronic arrangement (1) according to claim 1, 2 or 3, characterized in that the positioning element (7) is designed as a pin (9) extending normal to the insulating body (3) in relation to a longitudinal extent of the insulating body (3) of the contact strip (2). Electronic arrangement (1) according to claim 4, characterized in that at least one locking element (10) is provided on the positioning element. Electronic arrangement (1) according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the respective first contact section (I) of the contact elements (4a, 4b) is designed as a contact clamp and that a corresponding receiving opening for receiving the respective contact clamp is directly formed in the rigid section (6a) of the rigid-flexible circuit board (5). Electronic arrangement (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a corresponding receiving opening for receiving the positioning element (7) is directly formed in the rigid section (6a) of the rigid-flexible printed circuit board (5). Electronic arrangement (1) according to claim 2 or one of claims 4 to 7, characterized in that the insulating body (3) is firmly connected to the circuit board (8) via at least one connecting element (11). Electronic arrangement (1) according to claim 7, characterized in that the connecting element (11) and the positioning element (7) are formed in one piece, namely as one part.

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