Mass connection to an electronic component

Abstract

The invention relates to an assembly comprising at least one line-carrying element (4) and at least one electrical component (1), wherein the line-carrying element (4) is positioned on a mechanically stable support (2) and the electrical component (1) bears against a surface different from the contact surface (3) between the line-carrying element (4) and the mechanically stable support (2), wherein the line-carrying element (4) has at least one electrically conductive section (5) which projects beyond the mechanically stable support (2) and is in electrically conductive contact with the electrical component (1). The invention also relates to a method for producing such an assembly.

Description

Technical area

[0001] The invention relates to an assembly comprising at least one conductor-carrying element and at least one electrical component, wherein the conductor-carrying element is positioned on a mechanically stable support and the electrical component rests on a surface different from the contact surface between the conductor-carrying element and the mechanically stable support. Furthermore, the invention relates to a method for producing the assembly. State of the art

[0002] Automotive and similar applications utilize various electrical components that are subjected to recurring mechanical stress due to their intended use. Therefore, the electrical components must be overmolded with stabilizing fillers to prevent the penetration of objects and fluids and to prevent damage to the electrical components due to mechanical disturbances. This is particularly relevant for printed circuit boards, such as those used in various control units.

[0003] A well-known component that is permanently protected by overmolding, particularly of the PCB (Printed Circuit Board), is a pressure sensor that can, for example, use the piezo effect to determine the pressure acting on a piezo element.

[0004] For overmolding, the respective component can be overmolded with a plastic, resin, or other material. The overmolding material is heated and then injected around the respective component, which is placed in a suitable mold or enclosed in a suitable housing. The heated material has a sufficiently low viscosity to enclose the component to be overmolded without damage. Once the temperature drops, the material solidifies, creating a durable protection for the overmolded component.

[0005] A particular disadvantage of the methods and procedures known in the prior art for overmolding electrical components is that there is usually insufficient electrical potential connection between the metallic housing of the overmolded component and the conductor-carrying elements, such as the PCB or an alternatively used plastic material with structured conductor tracks. This is particularly disadvantageous because electrostatic discharges (ESD) can occur during the assembly of mounting interfaces, which can lead to damage to the components themselves or adjacent electrical components. Description of the invention, task, solution, advantages

[0006] Therefore, the object of the present invention is to provide an assembly which, on the one hand, has sufficient protection against mechanical damage and fluids acting on the assembly and, at the same time, has sufficient protection of the electrical components against electrostatic discharge.

[0007] The problem with regard to the assembly is solved by an assembly having the features of claim 1.

[0008] An embodiment of the invention relates to an assembly with at least one line-carrying element and at least one electrical component, wherein the line-carrying element is positioned on a mechanically stable support and the electrical component rests on a surface different from the contact surface between the line-carrying element and the mechanically stable support, wherein the line-carrying element has at least one electrically conductive section which projects beyond the mechanically stable support and is in electrically conductive contact with the electrical component.

[0009] A conductor-carrying element is understood to be, in particular, a so-called printed circuit board (PCB) or a plastic material with one or more structured conductor tracks. Such PCBs are widely known in the art and are used to implement simple and complex circuits and to contact various electrical / electronic components. An electrical component can be understood to be any electrical component. In the case of the invention, it is a component used in motor vehicles. Particularly preferably, this is a pressure sensor enclosed in a metallic housing.

[0010] The mechanically stable support is preferably formed by a molded body, for example made of plastic, which is designed to accommodate the PCB and simultaneously form a recess into which the electrical component can be inserted. The mechanically stable support can form a type of framework over individual sections, such as arms, angles, or other surfaces, which can be overmolded with the overmold material and accommodate the relevant components, thus creating a compact component.

[0011] The electrically conductive section is, in particular, a tab, which is a metallic section of the PCB or the conductor-carrying element, or a metallically coated plastic extension. The tab can be used to create an electrical connection between the housing of the electrical component and the PCB or the conductor-carrying element, thus providing potential equalization between the two elements.

[0012] The tab, as part of the conductor-carrying element, is positioned in the basic position, the so-called zero position. For assembly, the tab is either moved into a specific position using a hold-down device, or the electrical component is positioned relative to the tab in such a way that contact is achieved. Preferably, the tab is moved in a positive or negative direction from its zero position and permanently fixed in the final position, where contact is achieved, using the overmolding material.

[0013] Finally, the tab is deflected from its neutral position, preferably by means of a force, and brought into electrically conductive contact with the electrical component. By overmolding or molding with a plastic, the tab is permanently fixed when the plastic cools or hardens.

[0014] It is particularly advantageous if the electrical component and the conductor-carrying element are enclosed with a common overmolding or are cast together.

[0015] It is also advantageous if the overmolding is formed by an overmolding material made of plastic.

[0016] A preferred embodiment is characterized in that the electrical component is positioned relative to the line-carrying component in such a way that the conductive section is deflected out of its basic position, its zero position, and is in contact with the electrical component, preferably the housing of the electrical component, and forms an electrically conductive contact.

[0017] According to the invention, the electrical component is preferably formed by a pressure sensor that is housed in a metallic housing. One or more conductive sections, tabs, can be provided, which are part of the PCB or the line-carrying element. The line-carrying element is placed on a mechanically stable support, a molded body, which positions the line-carrying element relative to the electrical component and increases the mechanical stability of the line-carrying element. The molded body preferably forms a receiving space for the electrical component and, at the same time, a receptacle for the line-carrying element, so that both components are firmly positioned relative to one another. The molded part can be made of plastic, for example.

[0018] During assembly, the electrical component, or rather the housing of the electrical component, comes into positive and / or material-locking and / or force-locking contact with the mechanically stable support. For this purpose, the support has surfaces that face the electrical component.

[0019] It is also preferable if the cavities formed during assembly between the electrical component and the conductor-carrying element, as well as the mechanically stable support, are completely filled with the overmolding material. Alternatively, the cavities can be filled with a casting material. This ensures secure positioning of the components relative to one another and provides mechanical protection against external influences, especially fluids.

[0020] Furthermore, it is advantageous if the electrically conductive section of the conductor-carrying element is formed from a metallic material or a plastic element provided with a metallic coating. The key property of the electrically conductive section is to create an electrically conductive connection. The means used for this purpose can be adapted to the intended application and can be produced either from an electrically conductive material itself or from a material provided with an electrically conductive coating.

[0021] Furthermore, it is advantageous if the electrically conductive section is in electrically conductive contact with a protective unit, which counteracts damage to the components electrically connected to it due to electrostatic discharges. This protective unit serves in particular to divert unwanted currents, such as those that can arise from electrostatic discharges. This is intended to prevent damage to the sometimes sensitive components due to overvoltage events.

[0022] The problem with regard to the method is solved by a method having the features of claim 8.

[0023] An embodiment of the invention relates to a method for producing an assembly according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the electrical component is positioned relative to the line-carrying element and to the mechanically stable support, wherein the at least one electrically conductive section is brought into contact with the electrical component by means of a mechanical bending and is locally fixed in this contact, wherein the line-carrying element, the mechanically stable support and the electrical component are subsequently over-molded with an over-molding material, wherein the at least one electrically conductive section is permanently fixed in electrically conductive contact with the electrical component by the curing of the over-molding material.

[0024] The mechanically stable support, which is formed from a molded part, accommodates the cable-carrying element on the one hand and the electrical component on the other. The molded part is designed accordingly for this purpose and has receptacles for these. The electrically conductive section is brought into its final position either by pressing the electrical component into the molded part or by a hold-down device provided in an assembly device, in which position a secure electrically conductive contact with the electrical component is established. In this position, the elements of the assembly are held by suitable holding devices and a suitable plastic is injected or the elements are cast in a suitable plastic. As the plastic hardens, the viscosity continues to decrease until the plastic becomes completely rigid and the elements positioned relative to one another in the assembly device are permanently connected to one another.In particular, the electrically conductive section is permanently electrically connected to the electrical component from this point onwards.

[0025] It is also advisable to deflect the electrically conductive section, preferably between 0.1 mm and 0.3 mm from its zero position, to create an electrically conductive contact with the electrical component. This prevents excessive mechanical deformation of the electrically conductive section and minimizes the stresses that occur.

[0026] Furthermore, it is advantageous if the electrically conductive section is bent from its zero position either by applying a force toward the electrical component, or by applying a force in the opposite direction from its zero position, triggered by the electrical component. Both approaches are possible, and the more advantageous approach should be selected depending on the specific design of the individual elements.

[0027] Advantageous further developments of the present invention are described in the subclaims and in the following description of the figures. Short description of the drawings

[0028] The invention is explained in detail below using exemplary embodiments with reference to the drawings. In the drawings: Fig. 1 a sectional view through a mechanically stable support with a line-carrying element and two electrically conductive sections, whereby the electrical component is not yet shown in its final position, Fig. 2 a sectional view according to Fig. 1, wherein the electrical component is shown in its final assembly position, in which both electrically conductive sections are deflected from their zero position, Fig. 3 a view according to Fig. 2, wherein no cavities are formed laterally between the element forming the mechanically stable support and the electrical component, Fig. 4 a sectional view with the elements according to Fig. 2, where in contrast to Fig. 2 the two electrically conductive sections are deflected from their zero position towards the electrical component by means of hold-down devices, Fig. 5 a sectional view according to Fig. 4, wherein the components are overmolded by an overmold material and all components are permanently fixed in the position shown relative to each other, and Fig. 6 a sectional view according to Fig. 2, wherein the components are overmolded with an overmolding material and all components are permanently fixed to one another in the position shown. Preferred embodiment of the invention

[0029] The Fig. Figure 1 shows the electrical component with reference number 1, which in this particular case is a pressure sensor. Furthermore, the mechanically stable support 2 is shown, which in the embodiment of the Fig. 1 is designed as a plastic molded part. Reference number 4 represents the line-carrying element, which in the embodiment of the Fig. 1 is formed by a PCB. The contact surface 3 is formed between the PCB 4 and the molded part 2. Reference numeral 5 indicates an electrically conductive section which is in conductive connection with the line-carrying element 4. In Fig. 1 shows two such electrically conductive sections 5, which are opposite each other and project beyond the mechanically stable support 2.

[0030] The support 2 forms a receiving space 6 into which the electrical component 1 is inserted. The electrically conductive sections 5 protrude beyond this receiving space 6. When the electrical component 1 is now pushed into the receiving space 6, the electrical component 1 comes into contact with the electrically conductive sections 5, thus creating an electrically conductive connection between the PCB 4 and the electrical component 1.

[0031] The molded part 2 has Fig. 1 has a circumferential contact surface 7 against which the electrical component 1 rests when it has reached its final assembly position. This defines the insertion depth of the electrical component 1 into the molded part 2 and achieves a reproducible positioning of the electrical component 1 relative to the molded part 2.

[0032] Fig. 2 shows a figure which, in terms of the elements used, is the same as Fig. 1. The reference symbols are therefore as in Fig. 1 is used. The electrical component 1 is inserted into the receiving area 6 and, with an upper flank, rests against the contact surface 7 of the molded part 2. The electrically conductive sections 5 are deflected upwards from their zero position by the housing of the electrical component 1 and thus come to rest on the electrical component 1 with a prestress generated by the deflection and form the contact surface 8. This creates an electrically conductive connection between the PCB 4 and the electrical component 1.

[0033] Fig. 3 shows a largely identical embodiment as Fig. 2. The only difference is that a positive connection is also created between the electrical component 1 and the vertically extending sections 9 of the molded part 2, which form the receiving space 6, after the electrical component is inserted. If the receiving space 6 is designed as a press fit relative to the electrical component 1, a force-locking connection can also be formed at the contact surface 10 between the electrical component 1 and the molded part 2.

[0034] Fig. Figure 4 shows an alternative embodiment in which the electrically conductive sections 5 are pressed against the electrical component 1 by means of holding-down devices 11. The electrically conductive sections 5 are thus moved in the opposite direction to the deflection direction of the Fig. 2 and Fig. 3 deflected. Furthermore, counterholders 12 are shown, which support the molded part 2 and the electrical component 1 from below and, in conjunction with the hold-down devices 11, create a stationary and stable positioning of the individual elements.

[0035] Fig. 5 shows a grouping identical to Fig. 4, whereby the elements are now overmolded with a material 13, thus creating a durable connection between the individual elements. The electrically conductive sections 5 are bent downward from their zero position and are in contact with the electrical component 1.

[0036] Fig. 6 shows the embodiment of the Fig. 2 to 4, wherein all elements are overmolded with a material 13, thus creating a durable connection between the individual elements. The electrically conductive sections 5 are bent upward from their zero position and are in contact with the electrical component 1.

[0037] The different features of the individual embodiments can also be combined with each other. The embodiments of the Fig. 1 to 6 are not restrictive in nature and serve to clarify the inventive concept. List of reference symbols 1 electrical component 2 mechanically stable support / molded part 3 Contact surface 4 conductor-carrying element / PCB 5 electrically conductive section 6 Recording room 7 Contact surface 8 Contact surface 9 vertical sections 10 Contact surface 11 hold-down clamp 12 counterholders 13 Material for overmolding

Claims

[1] Assembly with at least one line-carrying element (4) and at least one electrical component (1), wherein the line-carrying element (4) is positioned on a mechanically stable support (2) and the electrical component (1) rests on a surface different from the contact surface (3) between the line-carrying element (4) and the mechanically stable support (2), characterized by that the line-carrying element (4) has at least one electrically conductive section (5) which projects beyond the mechanically stable support (2) and is in electrically conductive contact with the electrical component (1). [2] Assembly according to claim 1, characterized by that the electrical component (1) and the line-carrying element (4) are enclosed by a common overmolding (13) or are cast together. [3] Assembly according to one of the preceding claims, characterized bythat the overmolding (13) is formed by an overmolding material made of plastic. [4] Assembly according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the electrical component (1) is positioned relative to the line-carrying component (4) in such a way that the conductive section (5) is deflected out of its basic position, its zero position, and is in contact with the electrical component (1), preferably the housing of the electrical component (1), and forms an electrically conductive contact. [5] Assembly according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the cavities formed between the electrical component (1) and the line-carrying element (4) as well as the mechanically stable support (2) during assembly are completely filled with the overmolding material (13). [6] Assembly according to one of the preceding claims, characterized bythat the electrically conductive section (5) of the line-carrying element (4) is formed from a metallic material or is formed by a plastic element provided with a metallic coating. [7] Assembly according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the electrically conductive section (5) is in electrically conductive contact with a protective unit which counteracts damage to the components electrically connected to it by electrostatic discharges. [8] Method for producing an assembly according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the electrical component (1) is positioned relative to the line-carrying element (4) and to the mechanically stable support (2), characterized bythat the at least one electrically conductive section (5) is brought into contact with the electrical component (1) by means of a mechanical bending and is fixed locally in this contact, wherein the line-carrying element (4), the mechanically stable support (2) and the electrical component (1) are subsequently over-molded with an over-molding material (13), wherein the at least one electrically conductive section (5) is permanently fixed in electrically conductive contact with the electrical component (1) by the curing of the over-molding material (13). [9] Method according to claim 8, characterized by that the electrically conductive section (5) is preferably deflected between 0.1 mm and 0.3 mm from its zero position in order to create an electrically conductive contact with the electrical component (1). [10] Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized bythat the electrically conductive section (5) is either bent from its zero position by the application of a force towards the electrical component (1), or the electrically conductive section (5) is bent from its zero position in the opposite direction by a force triggered by the electrical component (1).

Images