Connectors for electrically connecting two circuit boards

Abstract

A connector (30) for electrically connecting two printed circuit boards (10, 20) comprises a first connection part (40) and a second connection part (70) mechanically interacting with the first connection part. The first connection part (40) comprises a first base section (50) and a first spring section (60). The first base section (50) has a first bottom wall (51) with a first lower surface (58) spanning a plane (XY) for attachment to a first printed circuit board (10). The plane is defined by a first direction (X), in which the two printed circuit boards (10, 20) face each other in the connected state, and a second direction (Y) perpendicular to the first direction. The first spring section (60) comprises two resiliently mounted first wall sections (64) opposite each other in the second direction (Y). The second connection part (70) comprises a second base section (80) and a second spring section (90).The second base section (80) has a second bottom wall (81) with a second lower surface (88) in the plane (XY) for attachment to a first circuit board (20). The first spring section (90) comprises two resiliently mounted second wall sections (94) opposite one another in the second direction (Y), which are configured to sandwich the second wall sections (94) along a third direction (Z) perpendicular to the plane (XY). The first and second wall sections (64, 94) each comprise a first and second contact section (65, 95), respectively, which are configured to interact by mutual locking when connecting the two terminal parts (40, 70).The first and second contact sections (65, 95) have a different extent (L6, L7) in the first direction (X), so that a contact fixed by the contact sections (65, 95) in the engaged state each has a play in the first direction (X).

Description

Technical area

[0001] Various aspects relate to a connector for connecting two printed circuit boards, for example, strip-shaped. In particular, some aspects relate to connectors for flexible LED strips for ambient lighting in glass roofs or for connecting to switchable glass panes in vehicles. Technical background

[0002] LED strips are used, for example, in vehicle roof systems to achieve the desired indirect lighting and / or various visual effects. The LED strips can be more or less flexible, but in particular rigid-flexible (FR-4 circuit boards, e.g. in combination with intermediate polyimide films), carrier material that functions as a circuit board, on which arrays of LEDs are positioned in a wired manner and operated by drivers / control devices that are also provided there. Such LED strips are also used to create atmospheric lighting scenarios on transparent roof elements of vehicles, in particular motor vehicles, etc., which is also referred to as "ambient light". The lighting elements corresponding to the LED strips can, for example, be integrated in the edge area of ​​the transparent roof element or glass cover in the roof system. The light is emitted from the sides, e.g.For example, the light is coupled into suitable pane levels of the roof system via prisms, so that optical structures incorporated into the glass pane scatter the light and thus become visible to the vehicle occupants.

[0003] The LED strips usually only have a very small installation space available. The height of the installation space perpendicular to the glass surface can be as low as 1.9 to 2 mm, for example. The height of the circuit board of the LED strip can be as little as 0.8 - 1 mm, for example. The flat strips must also follow the curvatures or curves of the installation space in the roof area. The power supply and control (via a bus, e.g. LIN bus) of the LED strips is handled by a cable harness, the cable harness connector of which is brought into contact with a connector (so-called header) in the area of ​​the LED strips. The LED strips can extend over the entire length of the glass cover in the frame area. However, this length can significantly exceed the length of the LED strips, so that several modules are often plugged together. Conventionally, the plugging direction is parallel to the plane of the circuit board.

[0004] For installation in the installation space, the previously assembled modules or LED strips are then mounted together in a subsequent step, e.g., in a direction perpendicular to the circuit board surface onto the prisms and thus onto the glass cover (pane). Positioning is achieved using, among other things, positioning pins that are formed on the glass cover in the area of ​​the prisms and extend perpendicular to the glass surface and thus also perpendicular to the circuit board plane. During assembly, these positioning pins fit into positioning openings provided in the circuit boards of the LED strips. Due to the low installation space height, the LED strips subsequently mounted on the prisms can usually no longer be moved on site in the roof system in a longitudinal direction parallel to the circuit board plane and the plug-in direction.

[0005] The consequence may be significant restrictions for the assembly or replacement of modules: in this case, these can hardly be joined using the currently available connectors due to the limited installation space on the glass cover in the roof system of the vehicle itself, and also cannot be replaced individually if this becomes necessary after a period of use, for example in the event of a light source failure or degradation.

[0006] The LED strips are generally connected lengthwise along the opposing end faces of the printed circuit boards. SMT connectors (SMT: Surface Mounted Technology, also SMD: Surface Mounted Devices) are commonly used for this connection. In this case, mechanically connectable connecting parts of the SMT connectors are soldered or bonded to conductor pads on both sides. These are pushed into each other and snap into place during assembly. An example can be found in the datasheet for the SMT connector Kyocera 70-9159-001-401 / 402-006. This is a board-to-board connector system of the 9159 series from KYOCERA AVX, which is used specifically in the field of solid-state lighting (SSL) and enables the mating of printed circuit boards in one plane (horizontal-to-horizontal).These SMT connectors allow for minimizing gaps and connecting boards butt-to-butt, although a tolerance range may also be possible. The connector system comprises two connecting parts that slide into each other linearly. However, these add an additional 1.2 mm to the overall height of the PCB assembly in addition to the board thickness, so that the assembly and installation height are already similarly dimensioned, i.e., approximately 2 mm. Thus, such a connector system is also subject to the limitations described above in tight, particularly flat, installation spaces.

[0007] Based on known connector systems of the type described, there is therefore a need for a connector which solves the aforementioned problems and, in particular, enables the modules to be joined and detached from one another on site in the roof system of a vehicle.

[0008] The document WO 2011 / 025534 A1 discloses a connector assembly for two circuit boards equipped with, for example, LEDs. Each connector assembly comprises a first contact module and a second contact module that are electrically connected to one another. The electrically conductive parts are each accommodated in a module housing that, in the case of the first contact module, is positioned slightly recessed from one edge of the first circuit board and, in the case of the second contact module, is positioned slightly protruding from the edge of the second circuit board, thereby achieving vertical alignment during connection. The first contact module provides a socket, and the second contact module provides a plug that is received in the socket. The housing of one module comprises a receiving space that accommodates part of the second contact module.The contacts are U-shaped and positioned in the receiving space to specifically accommodate a contact of the other contact module. This contact of the other contact module extends outward from the front of the corresponding module housing. These represent knife- or pin-like contacts that are configured to be inserted vertically or horizontally into the receiving space and the U-shaped contacts of the first module housing. The contacts of the two modules have mutually facing projections, so that electrical contact is established between the projections.

[0009] US 2008 / 0 153 318 A1 discloses a connector assembly mounted on a plate member for establishing an electrical connection with a second connector assembly mounted on a second plate member. Each of the connector assemblies has a contact comprising a first portion and a second portion spaced apart from each other by a predetermined distance. The predetermined spacing of each contact is configured and arranged to receive the second portion of the corresponding other contact. The first and second portions of the first connector assembly and the first and second portions of the second connector assembly are pivotally mounted for the purpose of interconnecting each other.

[0010] The document DE 20 2013 105 726 U1 discloses a single-pole electrical connector with hermaphroditic contact elements for electrically connecting LED circuit boards. The connector comprises a base section with a connection area for connection to a circuit board, a first and a second contact arm, both of which are arranged on the base section and extend essentially parallel to one another away from the base section. The first contact arm forms a contact surface of the first contact arm on its inner side facing the second contact arm, and the second contact arm has an inclined section extending from the base section toward the first contact arm, adjoining which section is parallel to the first contact arm and forms a contact surface of the second contact arm.When two such electrical connectors are connected, the second contact arm of one connector is clamped between the first and second contact arms of the other electrical connector. Presentation of various aspects

[0011] Aspects of the invention that meet the above-mentioned need relate to a connector for electrically connecting two circuit boards that are opposite one another at their ends. The connector comprises a first connection part and a second connection part that mechanically interacts with the first connection part to establish the electrical connection. The first connection part can be provided for attachment to a first circuit board and the second connection part can be provided for attachment to a second circuit board, expediently close to opposite end edges of the two circuit boards to enable mutual engagement and connection of the two connection parts. The two connection parts are each preferably one-piece and made of electrically conductive material, e.g. a metal, in particular a copper alloy. The latter can be completely or partially surface-treated or coated.The circuit boards can be flexible LED strips, but also other types of circuit boards, such as rigid circuit boards with a substrate made of FR4 material. According to non-limiting embodiments, the proposed connectors can be arranged on circuit boards comprising a rigid-flexible material, in particular a combination of FR4 composite layers and polyimide films. Since aspects of the invention are particularly directed toward use in tight installation spaces, connectors for circuit boards or circuit board assemblies in vehicles, particularly in the roof systems of motor vehicles, are preferred. Vehicles here also include trucks, construction machinery, ships, aircraft, or spacecraft.

[0012] The first connection part and the second connection part are preferably made of the same material. Subsequently applied insulation or insulation in the form of a housing is not excluded. The first connection part and the second connection part have a similar basic structure: The first connection part comprises a first base section and a first spring section. The base section is used for attachment to the respective circuit board and for a stable structure, while the spring section serves to establish the secure mechanical and electrical contact. The first base section has a first bottom wall with a first lower surface spanning a plane (XY plane) for attachment, in particular soldering, to a first main surface of the first of the two circuit boards. Instead of soldering, other material-locking, force-locking, or form-fitting joining techniques can also be used, such as bonding or gluing using electrically conductive materials. The first lower surface (or even the entire component) can be coated with gold (e.g. plating).

[0013] In the case of attachment to the respective first printed circuit board, said plane corresponds to its main surface (in the case of flexible printed circuit boards, only a flat local area on the end face is considered here). The plane is defined by a first direction (X direction), in which the two printed circuit boards face each other when connected, and a second direction (Y direction) perpendicular to the first direction. In the case of LED strips, the X direction generally corresponds to their longitudinal direction. The first spring section comprises two spring-mounted first wall sections opposite each other in the second direction (Y).

[0014] The second connection part similarly comprises a second base section and a second spring section. The second base section has a second bottom wall with a second lower surface spanning the same plane (XY plane) in the installed state for attachment, in particular soldering, to a second main surface of the corresponding second circuit board. Here, too, the second spring section comprises two spring-mounted second wall sections opposite each other in the second direction (Y direction).

[0015] With regard to the two connecting parts, the spring-loaded first wall sections are now configured to accommodate the spring-loaded second wall sections between them along a third direction (Z direction) that is perpendicular to the plane (XY plane). This means in particular that the mutual distances between the wall sections in the first connecting part and in the second connecting part in the second direction (Y direction) are adjusted such that the two second wall sections fit between the two first wall sections. Any deflection (spring tension) of the wall sections required for this purpose (of the first wall sections outwards in the Y direction and / or of the second wall sections inwards in the Y direction) can be accepted. The first connecting part can therefore be referred to as female and the second connecting part as male.The fact that the insertion direction can in particular lie in the third direction, i.e. the Z direction perpendicular, for example, to the main surface of the two circuit boards, does not prevent the second wall sections from being inserted along the first direction (the X direction) if necessary. According to exemplary embodiments, the second wall sections can in particular also be inserted along a combination of the Z and X directions, i.e. from an inclined spatial direction. In principle, the entire XZ plane is available for inserting the second wall sections into the first wall sections. As described at the beginning, however, due to tight installation space and the fact that the circuit boards are already fixed in the X direction, only the Z direction may be available for joining.

[0016] It should also be noted that aspects of the invention allow for greater tolerance in the insertion direction. This also makes it possible to establish the connection from spatial directions that are inclined relative to the XZ plane.

[0017] According to aspects of the invention, the first wall sections each comprise a first contact section and the second wall sections each comprise a second contact section. In each case, one of the first contact sections is designed to interact with a corresponding one of the second contact sections when the two connection parts are connected by mutual locking. This can mean, for example, that when the second wall sections are received between them by the first wall sections, an elastic outward deflection of the elastically mounted first wall sections and / or an elastic inward deflection of the elastically mounted second wall sections initially occurs (because the wall distances are dimensioned accordingly), after which a mechanical relief occurs when the contact sections meet within the wall sections.Due to the mechanical release, one contact section engages with the opposite contact section, creating a stable mechanical contact and thus securing the opposing wall sections. This keeps the wall sections in position, but a force is required to release the connection.

[0018] It should be noted that at least one of the connection parts can be arranged in particular on a printed circuit board, in particular a flexible printed circuit board (FPCB) of an LED strip, such as an LED strip, and can be connected there to a conductor track.

[0019] Aspects of the invention now provide that the first contact sections and the second contact sections have a different extent in the first direction (X-direction), so that a contact fixed by the contact sections in the engaged state each has a play in the first direction (X-direction).

[0020] This clearance, present on the sides of both contact pairs of spring-loaded wall sections, allows the connecting parts, which are essentially opposite each other in the first direction (X direction), to have a tolerance in their mutual alignment during the connection. In particular, when joining, for example, in the third direction (Z direction), one connecting part can be aligned at an angle to the X direction within the XY plane (assuming, for example, that the other connecting part is positioned exactly along the X direction).In this case, the positions of the contact sections of one connection part projected onto the X-direction are different due to the inclined alignment, but this is compensated for by the contact sections extended in the X-direction on one side, because the opposite contact section can be moved within these contact sections without the locked connection having to be released.

[0021] At a larger angle of mutual alignment, the contacting wall sections also spread apart, thus increasing the corresponding spring tension. This can potentially exert a force on the two connecting parts, forcing them back into a straight alignment along the first direction (X-direction). The features according to the invention can thus even lead to self-adjustment.

[0022] This tolerance of mutual alignment in the XY plane can be used temporarily during assembly to make this process more fault-tolerant, or it can be used to allow a connection of printed circuit boards that permanently allows an angle in the mutual in-situ alignment, thus increasing flexibility in assembly design.

[0023] A further advantage is that the efficient contact of the contact sections is improved, especially when joining the connecting parts in the third direction (Z-direction). By extending the extent of one contact section in the X-direction, the probability of the contact sections meeting each other during joining increases as they approach each other in the Z-direction. This not only provides a greater tolerance for the joining process, but also makes it more reliable and efficient overall.

[0024] The proposed plug-in connection therefore creates the overall possibility of providing the joining direction parallel to the assembly direction, for example when the circuit boards are those of modules of an LED strip that are attached to a glass cover of a vehicle roof. In this case, even if the LED modules are mounted and, as described above, can no longer be moved in the longitudinal direction ("X-direction") because they are more or less fixed in this direction by positioning holes that interact with associated positioning pins on the glass cover when aligning the LEDs to opposite light coupling prisms, an individual module can be detached in isolation from the previously connected module, for example in order to replace it. This can be done on-site in the limited space of the roof system, i.e.For example, the glass cover or other components do not need to be removed from the roof for this purpose.

[0025] The improved tolerance achieved by the aspects of the invention, in combination with the possible joining direction perpendicular to the circuit board plane (in the Z direction), particularly supports the described application situation in vehicle roof systems: in the case of ambient lighting, the preferably strip-like circuit boards can be mounted and fixed on the glass cover in the vehicle roof at the positions determined by the positioning pins and prisms. A mutual mechanical connection therefore only serves to ensure a secure electrical connection, while the mutual spatial positioning is already roughly established. This allows for tolerances and lower requirements for mechanical loads that would exist if the strips were laid freely and unattached. The mechanical loads are also absorbed here by the attachment to the glass cover and in the installation space.For example, by securing the circuit boards longitudinally (X-direction) to the glass cover, accidental loosening of the connection in this direction is less likely. Therefore, the requirements for such mechanical structures that mutually lock the circuit boards, which in particular prevent movement in the X-direction and which are present in the resilient locking mechanism of the connector according to the exemplary embodiments, can be somewhat lower. Therefore, locking with play is also possible.

[0026] As described above, locking with play in the X-direction allows for limited deviations in the mutual alignment of the connecting parts in the XY plane. Furthermore, the play in the X-direction also allows for a tolerance for the gap size between the front edges of the circuit boards. One reason why such tolerances (in rotation and translation) are actually necessary is, on the one hand, that the position of the prisms can vary slightly due to the precision of the manufacturing process. For example, the prisms are glued to the panel in strips. The assembly accuracy must then be compensated between the individual strips. On the other hand, the strips should be universally applicable. This means that the angle between the two end faces can vary from pair of LED strips to pair of LED strips.According to the invention, these differences are to be compensated for by the proposed connector, with a joining direction perpendicular to the circuit board plane or to the plane of the lower surface of the connecting parts intended for soldering or similar. This allows, for example, a curved curve to be approximated by the nevertheless straight sections of the LED strips.

[0027] For example, the connecting parts allow for a joining process in the Z direction with simultaneous tolerance compensation of + / - 0.5 mm in the X direction, + / - 0.25 mm in the Y direction, and a rotation of 6° around an axis in the Z direction. This flexibility allows for versatile use and combination of the LED boards. The tolerances can be achieved using the elastically deformable spring arms. The recesses (below, Ref. 72) and radii (R1 to R4) shown in the specific examples also reduce deformation and thus damage to the parts. This allows a larger tolerance window to be covered without damaging the parts.

[0028] According to one embodiment of the plug connector, the first contact sections of the first connection part are each formed by a projection or a recess or depression formed in the respective first wall section, while the second contact sections of the second connection part are each formed by a recess or depression or projection formed in the respective second wall section and provided complementarily to the opposite first contact section. In other words, a projection in one spring-mounted wall section is opposite a depression or recess in the other spring-mounted wall section in the Y direction in order to achieve the locking interaction. One advantage arises, for example, from the fact that the largest possible contact surface can be achieved in the contact section if the shapes are exactly complementary.Furthermore, the inclined surfaces at the edge of the recess or projection can create a self-adjusting effect, because the wall sections are pulled into the locked position under spring pressure when the recess and projection at least partially overlap during joining. The recess can be created by punching, while the projection or recess can be created by deep drawing, for example.

[0029] According to a further development of the exemplary embodiment of the plug connector, a respective recess or depression has a first extension (L6) in the first direction (X direction), and the opposite projection has a second extension (L7) in the first direction (X direction), wherein the first extension (L6) is greater than the second extension (L7). For the wall section in which the recess or depression is elongated in the first direction (X direction), it may additionally or alternatively have a first extension (L6) in the first direction (X direction) and a third extension (h8) in the third direction (Z direction), wherein the first extension (L7) is greater than the third extension (h8), so that the recess or depression has an elongated shape in the first direction (X direction). This represents a particularly simple implementation of the contact sections.

[0030] It should be noted that the contact section which is shorter in the X-direction can, for example, have the same extension in the X-direction and in the Z-direction, but does not have to.

[0031] Furthermore, the projection is preferably formed on the side of the first wall section of the female first connection part, and the recess or depression is formed on the side of the second wall section of the male second connection part. This prevents a front end of the second wall section from striking and damaging rearward sections of a spring arm of the first connection part during oblique joining (deviation in the XY plane or rotation in the alignment) when inserted between the first wall sections. Instead, the projection is then touched, and the corresponding spring arm is spread.

[0032] According to a further development, the first and second spring-mounted wall sections extend in the third direction (Z direction) and are opposite each other in the second direction (Y direction). Therefore, in the unloaded state, the spring-mounted wall sections extend parallel to each other.

[0033] A further exemplary embodiment provides that, in order to form a U-shaped profile in the corresponding base section, first side walls extend in the third direction (Z direction) on opposite sides of the first bottom wall in the first connecting part. Alternatively or additionally, second side walls can also extend in the third direction (Z direction) on opposite sides of the second bottom wall in the second connecting part. The U-shaped profile gives the respective base section stability and the necessary rigidity against stresses in the Z direction, which are exerted on the adjoining spring section, which generally protrudes in the Z direction, and are transferred to the base section as a leverage force.

[0034] An embodiment based on this provides that the first spring section has two first spring arms, each extending from a corresponding one of the first side walls of the first base section, preferably in the X-direction. Additionally or alternatively, it can be provided that the second spring section also has two second spring arms, each extending from a corresponding one of the second side walls of the second base section, preferably in the X-direction. The spring arms each enable the resilient mounting of the wall sections with the contact sections. Because the spring arms extend from the side walls extending in the Z-direction, they can continue this Z-alignment in the X-direction, for example, all the way to the wall sections, and are therefore also relatively stiff in the Z-direction and relatively easier to deflect resiliently in the Y-direction.

[0035] A further exemplary embodiment based on this provides that the spring-mounted first wall sections form a distal end of the first spring arms and are connected to the first side walls via first, at least partially inwardly inclined wall sections. Alternatively or additionally, the spring-mounted second wall sections can also form a distal end of the second spring arms and be connected to the second side walls via second, at least partially inwardly inclined wall sections. The at least partially inwardly inclined wall sections enable a small mutual spacing of the wall sections in the Y-direction, while the base section is enabled to have a large-area solder connection due to the comparative extension in the Y-direction, which improves the stability of the attachment to the circuit board.

[0036] Furthermore, the at least partially inwardly inclined wall sections allow a limited elasticity of the spring section in the Z direction. A force acting in the Z direction, for example on the spring-mounted wall sections at the distal end, can be transmitted via the at least partially inwardly inclined wall sections to the side walls of the base section in such a way that this force results in a slight deformation of the side walls in the Y direction (outwards if the force acts upwards in the Z direction, inwards if it acts downwards). However, during joining, a force acting in the Y direction will generally be more dominant, pushing the side walls outwards. In addition, the arm (spring element) of the female part rests on the circuit board in question in the Z direction and therefore no large Z forces are introduced into the side wall.

[0037] A further embodiment provides that a height (h2) in the third direction (Z direction) of the first, at least partially inwardly inclined wall sections is reduced compared to a height (h1) of the first side walls and compared to a height (h3) of the spring-mounted first wall sections in the third direction (Z direction). Alternatively or additionally, a height (h7) in the third direction (Z direction) of the second, at least partially inwardly inclined wall sections can also be reduced compared to a height (h6) of the second side walls and compared to a height (h5) of the spring-mounted second wall sections in the third direction (Z). This structure leads to a further increased elasticity of the spring arms in the Z direction (which, however, is still lower than in the Y direction).

[0038] A further embodiment provides that in the first connecting part, a section of the base wall which is extended in the first direction (X-direction) is separated from a section of the respective spring arm by a cutout in the base wall on each of the two opposite sides in the second direction (Y-direction). In this case, a distal end of the cutout is preferably rounded with a radius of curvature (R2). The cutouts on both sides of the base wall extend the length of the spring arms in the X-direction without changing the overall length of the respective connecting part. This gives the spring arms more elasticity, especially in the Y-direction. At the same time, the base wall and in particular its lower surface, which e.g.The base plate, which serves as a soldering surface for connecting to the surface of the respective circuit board, is given a greater length in the X-direction and especially toward the front of the spring arms, so that a lever force acting in the Z-direction can be effectively counteracted. By appropriately positioning a front edge of the base plate, the lever arm is shortened despite the extension of the spring arms.

[0039] The rounding, preferably with the radius of curvature, which can completely close the end of the cut, takes into account the considerable local stress forces that act on the base section from the deflected spring arm during joining. This measure reduces the maximum stress forces.

[0040] Alternatively or additionally, in the second connecting part, a section of the base wall that is extended in the first direction (X direction) can also be separated from a section of the respective spring arm by a notch in the base wall on each of the two opposite sides in the second direction (Y direction). Here, too, a distal end of the notch is preferably rounded with a radius of curvature (R4). The advantages are the same as described above.

[0041] According to a further embodiment, it can be provided that, in the case of the first connecting part, a width (b1) of the first connecting part defined by the first side walls in the second direction (Y direction) is larger by a factor of 1.25 to 4.0 than a width (b2) defined by the first resiliently mounted wall sections. Alternatively or additionally, in the case of the second connecting part, a width (b4) of the second connecting part defined by the second side walls in the second direction (Y direction) can be larger by a factor of 1.5 to 8.0 than a width (b3) defined by the second resilient wall sections.

[0042] According to a further embodiment, it can be provided that, especially in the second connecting part, the two spring-mounted first wall sections are connected to each other by a third bottom wall, the lower surface of which preferably extends in the same plane as the lower surface of the second bottom wall. The third bottom wall is separated from the second bottom wall by a recess.

[0043] The third base wall creates a U-shaped profile in the area of ​​the second wall sections. This gives the distal end of the second spring arms more stability, particularly when joining the connecting parts. Furthermore, the third base wall prevents the four wall sections from threading into each other incorrectly during joining. Because the third base wall is separated from the second base wall of the base section by a recess, the elasticity imparted by the spring arms is at least partially retained. The wall sections forming the side walls of the U-profile are still spring-mounted and can bend individually in the Y direction under the application of force around a boundary line to the third base wall, or can be deflected together with the base wall in the Y direction.

[0044] The recess between the base walls also ensures that a certain elasticity of the spring arms is maintained in the Z direction.

[0045] Because the second and third bottom walls preferably extend in the same plane, an arrangement on the printed circuit boards can be enabled, for example, in which the second bottom wall enables attachment (e.g., soldering) of the second connection part to the associated second printed circuit board, while the third bottom wall rests on the main surface of the other, first printed circuit board during or after joining. As a result, vertical alignment of the two printed circuit boards to one another is enabled during joining, and an end point for joining the second connection part to the first connection part in the Z direction is also realized.

[0046] A further embodiment provides that, specifically in the first connecting part, both a fourth extension (L4) of the base section or the first bottom wall in the first direction (X-direction) and a fifth extension (L2) of the first spring section or the first spring arms in the first direction (X-direction) amount to more than half of a total length (L1) of the first connecting part in the first direction (X-direction).

[0047] Aspects of the invention also provide a circuit board assembly for a roof system of a vehicle, comprising: a first circuit board; a second circuit board arranged at the front of the first circuit board; and a connector according to one of the preceding aspects or embodiments, wherein the first connection part is arranged on a first surface of the first circuit board and the second connection part is arranged on a second surface of the second circuit board, and both connection parts are locked together with their respective spring-mounted wall sections or contact sections.

[0048] Further aspects relate to a roof system of a vehicle comprising such a printed circuit board arrangement.

[0049] Further advantages, features, and details of the various aspects emerge from the claims, the following description of preferred embodiments, and the drawings. In the figures, like reference numerals designate like features and functions.

[0050] According to one embodiment, the connecting parts of the plug connection are configured to permit, in the connected state, a mutual rotation of the two circuit boards about at least one of the axes by an angle of 1° or more, preferably 2° or more, more preferably 5° or more, more preferably 10° or more, without the connection being released by the rotation. Such rotations are particularly possible if the plug connection at least has elastic elements that are suitable for determining a holding force. The specified angles enable optimal spatial positioning of the connected circuit boards, e.g., in the roof system of a vehicle. Short description of the drawings

[0051] They show: Fig. 1 shows a perspective view of a connector according to an embodiment, in the state mounted and assembled on respective printed circuit boards which can form modules of an LED strip; Fig. 2 shows a side view of a first connection part (female, “socket”) of the connector made of Fig. 1; Fig. 3: a top view of the first connecting part from Fig. 2; Fig. 4 in a side view a second connection part (male, “plug”) of the connector from Fig. 1; Fig. 5: a top view of the second connecting part from Fig. 4; Fig. 6: in a cross-sectional view in a plane defined by the width and height directions (XZ plane) as in Fig. 1 interlocking distal ends or wall sections of the connecting parts; Fig. 7 like Fig. 6, but with schematically shown rest positions of the wall sections without deflection, in superposition; Fig. 8 shows a schematic representation of a roof system of a motor vehicle with the connector according to. Fig. 1-7 connected circuit boards.. Preferred embodiment(s) of the invention

[0052] In the following description of a preferred embodiment, it should be noted that the present disclosure of the various aspects is not limited to the details of the construction and arrangement of the components as shown in the following description and in the figures. All embodiments, even those not shown in the figures, can be practiced or carried out in various ways. It should also be noted that the phraseology and terminology used herein is used for the purpose of specific description only and should not be construed as such by one skilled in the art.Furthermore, in the following description, the same reference numerals in the figures denote the same or similar features or objects, so that in some cases a repeated detailed description of the same is omitted in order to maintain the compactness and clarity of the illustration.

[0053] In the Fig. 1 shows a perspective view of a connector 30 according to one exemplary embodiment as part of a printed circuit board assembly 1. The connector 30 has a first connection part 40 and a second connection part 70. The first connection part 40 is female or configured as a socket and is arranged on a first main surface 12 of a first printed circuit board 10. The second connection part 70 is male or configured as a plug and is arranged on a second main surface 22 of a second printed circuit board 20. The printed circuit boards 10, 20 can be LED strips without limiting the generality.

[0054] The first and second connection parts 40 and 70 are each formed from a flat metal piece that is cut to size and then bent or deep-drawn. The material of the flat metal piece can be a copper alloy. Contact and soldering surfaces can be gold-plated.

[0055] The first connecting part 40 comprises a first base section 50 and a first spring section 60. The first base section 50 has a substantially U-shaped profile in cross-section. It is formed by a first bottom wall 51 and two side walls 52a, 52b adjoining it laterally and opposite each other in a width direction (Y-direction).

[0056] Similarly, the second connector part 70 comprises a second base section 80 and a second spring section 90. The second base section 80 has a substantially U-shaped profile in cross-section. It is formed by a second bottom wall 81 and two side walls 82a, 82b laterally adjoining it and opposite each other in a width direction (Y-direction). The two base sections 50, 80 serve, among other things, for attaching the corresponding connector parts 40, 70 to the main surfaces 12, 22 of the corresponding printed circuit boards 10, 20.

[0057] The Fig. 2 and Fig. 3 show the first connecting part 40 in side view and top view, while the Fig. 4 and Fig. 5 shows the second connecting part 70 in side view and top view.

[0058] The first bottom wall 51 of the base section 50 of the first connection part 40 is substantially flat and has a lower surface 58, which is soldered, for example, to establish an electrically conductive connection to a connection pad (not shown) on the first main surface 12 of the first circuit board 10. Like the first main surface 12, the lower surface 58 in this case defines a first direction (X direction) and a second direction (Y direction), which span an XY plane. The first direction (X direction) is defined as the longitudinal direction of the circuit boards 10, 20, and the second direction (Y direction) as the width direction of the circuit boards 10, 20. The mutually facing end faces or edges of the circuit boards 10, 20 extend in the width direction (Y direction).The first side walls 52a, 52b adjoin the bottom wall 51 on both sides thereof, but are bent by 90° to extend in a plane perpendicular to the XY plane. In particular, the side walls 52a, 52b extend in a third direction perpendicular to the XY plane, the Z direction.

[0059] First spring arms 68a, 68b, which form the first spring section 60, extend from the first base section 50 in the X direction, each extending from the first side walls 52a, 52b. Starting from the first side walls 52a, 52b, the first spring arms 68a, 68b comprise wall sections 62 that continue the first side walls 52a, 52b in the Y direction, further first inwardly inclined sections 63, and spring-mounted first wall sections 64 that adjoin them. The spring-mounted first wall sections 64 form a distal end of the respective spring arms 68a, 68b. The first side walls 52a, 52b, the wall sections 62 that continue the first side walls 52a, 52b, and the spring-mounted wall sections 64 each extend parallel to one another and are located opposite one another in the Y direction. The first inwardly inclined sections 63 are inclined by approximately 45° relative to the adjacent wall sections 62, 64.The wall sections 62, 63, 64 are divided by corresponding bending sections 66, 67. An upper edge 45 of the first side walls 52a, 52b, as well as the first spring arms 68a, 68b, is the same height across all sections. The overall height h1 of the first connecting part 40, measured from the lower surface 58 to the upper edge 45, is, for example, between 1.0 and 1.9 mm. The corresponding overall height h6 (see . Fig. 4) of the second connecting part 70 is preferably identical in each case.

[0060] Due to the first inwardly inclined sections 63, the spring-mounted first wall sections 64 are positioned relatively closely opposite each other. In the unloaded resting state of the spring arms 68a, 68b, a width b2 measured in the width direction (Y-direction) in the region of these first wall sections 64 is significantly smaller than a width b1 measured in the same direction in the base section 50.

[0061] The wall sections 62 continuing the side walls 52a, 52b, as well as the adjoining inwardly inclined wall sections 63, are recessed in their vertically lower region, so that their height h2 is less than the overall height h1 and also less than a height h3 of the spring-mounted first wall sections 64. This maintains a certain elasticity in the Z direction in the spring arms 68a, 68b. Furthermore, the wall sections 62 continuing the side walls 52a, 52b are separated from the bottom wall 51 by recesses 69 extending in the X direction, so that a section 55 is formed in the bottom wall 51 that is expanded in the X direction or projects forwards. To avoid local stress maxima at the end of the recesses 69, these are rounded with a radius of curvature R2. The same applies to a rear corner of the recesses in the lower area of ​​the wall sections 62, 63, see radius of curvature R1.

[0062] Due to this design, the center of gravity of the first connection part 40 in the top view (XY plane) is in the area of ​​the bottom wall 51. The center of gravity is therefore in the soldering area, allowing better control of positioning during assembly on the circuit board and overall more precise positioning of the parts. Due to the geometry supported on the first main surface 12 by the extended section 55 of the bottom wall 51, a locking force of contact sections formed in the wall sections 64 can be easily overcome, so that the first connection part 40 is not permanently deformed. Furthermore, this prevents the parts from tipping over during the soldering process.

[0063] Due to the described structure, the base section 50 has a length L4 in the X-direction that overlaps with a length L2 of the spring arms 68a, 68b of the spring section 60. In the exemplary embodiment, both the length L4 and the length L2 amount to more than half the total length L1 of the first connecting part 40.

[0064] The opposing, spring-mounted first wall sections 64 each have first contact sections 65, which are designed as projections on the inside, i.e., facing one another. Viewed from the outside, the wall sections 64 have corresponding recesses, which, however, are not important. The projections are located opposite one another at exactly the same position in the Y-direction. A distance L3 between a center point of the respective projection and the nearest bending section 66, measured in the X-direction, is selected to be as small as possible, e.g., equal to or less than a length L7 (or the diameter) that the projection has in the X-direction. The projections or first contact sections 65 can be rotationally symmetrical in the first connection part 40.

[0065] The second connection part 70 has a fundamentally similar structure. The second bottom wall 81 of the second base section 80 is substantially flat and has a lower surface 88, which is soldered to the second main surface 12 of the first circuit board 10, for example, to establish an electrically conductive connection to a connection pad (not shown). Like the second main surface 12, the lower surface 88 in this case defines a first direction (X direction) and a second direction (Y direction), which span the XY plane. Since the circuit boards 10 and 20, or at least their end-face regions, usually lie in a common plane, these directions coincide between the first connection part 40 and the second connection part.The second side walls 82a, 82b adjoin the bottom wall 81 on both sides thereof, but are also bent by 90° in order to extend in the third direction perpendicular to the XY plane, the Z direction.

[0066] From the second base section 80, second spring arms 98a, 98b extend in the X direction, each starting from the second side walls 82a, 82b (here, however, immediately bending inward), forming the second spring section 90. The second spring arms 68a, 68b comprise, starting from the second side walls 82a, 82b, second inwardly inclined sections 93 and adjoining resiliently mounted second wall sections 94. The resiliently mounted second wall sections 94 form a distal end of the respective spring arms 98a, 98b. The second side walls 82a, 82b and the resiliently mounted second wall sections 94 each extend parallel to one another and are located opposite one another in the Y direction. The second inwardly inclined sections 93 are inclined by approximately 30° relative to the adjacent second wall sections 64 or second side walls 82a, 82b.The adjacent second wall sections 64 and the second side walls 82a, 82b are divided by corresponding bending sections 96, 97.

[0067] An upper edge 75 of the second side walls 82a, 82b, as well as the second spring arms 98a, 98b, is no longer the same height across all sections of the second connecting part 70. The overall height h6 of the second connecting part 70, measured from the lower surface 88 to the upper edge 75, is, for example, between 1.0 and 1.9 mm. A corresponding overall height h5 (see Fig. 4) in a distal portion of the second connecting part 70 may be somewhat smaller.

[0068] Due to the first inwardly inclined sections 93, the spring-mounted second wall sections 94 are positioned relatively close to each other. In the unloaded resting state of the spring arms 98a, 98b, a width b3 measured in the width direction (Y-direction) in the region of these second wall sections 94 is significantly smaller than a width b4 measured in the same direction in the second base section 80.

[0069] Similar to the first connecting part 40, the inwardly inclined wall sections 63 forming the spring arms 98a, 98b in the second connecting part 70 are also recessed in their vertically lower region, so that their height h7 is less than the overall height h1 and also less than a height h5 of the spring-mounted second wall sections 94. This maintains a certain elasticity in the Z direction in the spring arms 98a, 98b. Furthermore, here too, the inwardly inclined wall sections 92 continuing the side walls 82a, 82b are separated from the bottom wall 81 by cutouts 99 extending in the X direction, although not as pronounced as in the first connecting part 40, so that a section 85 that is widened in the X direction or projects forwards is formed in the bottom wall 81. In order to avoid local stress maxima at the end of the incisions 99, these are rounded with a radius of curvature R4.The same applies to a rear corner of the recesses in the lower area of ​​wall sections 93, see radius of curvature R3. The reason for this design is the same as stated above.

[0070] However, in the second connecting part 70, unlike the first connecting part 40, the spring-mounted wall sections 94 are connected by a third bottom wall 91, see Fig. 5, and a length (not shown) of the spring portion is significantly greater than in the first connection part. Due to a lower surface 918 of the third bottom wall 91, the front region of the thus widely projecting spring arms 98a, 98b can come to rest on the first main surface 12 of the opposite first circuit board 10 during joining, in order to support alignment and simplify the joining process, see. Fig. 1. The third bottom wall 91 is separated from the second bottom wall by a recess 72 to ensure elasticity of the second spring portion 90.

[0071] A further difference between the first connecting part 40 and the second connecting part 70 is a second contact section 95, which is formed in each of the spring-mounted second wall sections 94 as a recess in the respective outwardly facing surface (and on the rear side as a projection, which is also not important here).

[0072] As shown in the cross-section of the Fig. 6, which shows the joined first and second wall sections 64, 94, the second contact sections 95 are formed as depressions in the respective outwardly directed surface of the second wall sections 94 and the first contact sections 65 are formed as projections in the inwardly directed surface of the first wall sections 64, whose 3D shape essentially matches, so that the mutual contact is as large as possible. The U-profile of the second spring section 90 of the second connection part 70 formed by the second spring arms 98a, 98b and the third bottom wall 91 is in the third direction (Z direction), ie in the Fig. 6 from above, between the first spring arms 68a, 68b of the first spring section 60 to establish a mechanical and electrical connection.

[0073] Due to a spring tension of the first and second spring arms 68a, 68b, 98a, 98b, the first contact sections 65 and the second contact sections 95 engage with each other when they are brought into contact (overlapping) with each other. Fig. 7 shows in comparison to Fig. 6 a cross-section in which the wall sections 64 and 94 are shown superimposed on each other in their rest positions.

[0074] As in the Fig. 4, however, a length L6 of the second contact sections 95 in the X-direction is significantly greater than the corresponding length L7 of the first contact sections 65 (cf. Fig. 2). Also, the length L7 of the second contact sections 95 in the X-direction is greater than a height h8 thereof in the third direction (the Z-direction). This means that the second contact sections 95 are elongated in the X-direction. The first contact sections 65, which are shorter in the X-direction, can therefore have a slight play as projections within the elongated recesses of the second contact sections 95. The Fig. The gap S shown in Figure 1 between the front edges of the printed circuit boards 10, 20 can thus be varied tolerantly. This allows for a tolerance in the mutual positioning of the two connecting parts 40, 70. At the same time, the recess (second contact section 95), which is extended in the X direction, enables quick location due to the projection (first contact section) being moved accordingly in the Z direction during joining.

[0075] In the Fig.Figure 8 shows a schematic representation of a vehicle roof or roof system 100 of a motor vehicle not otherwise shown in detail. The illustration shows a panoramic roof 200 comprising a cover element 200' permanently installed in the frame or body of the motor vehicle, as well as a cover element 200" adjustable therein. The two cover elements are designed as vehicle windows. Alternatively, only one continuous, large cover element can be provided, occupying the area of ​​the two cover elements with the vehicle windows (corresponding to the cover elements 200' and 200"), which accordingly comprises only one vehicle window and is also permanently installed. Alternatively, a single, continuous, adjustable cover element is also possible. The panoramic roof 200 or the cover elements 200', 200" are enclosed in a frame of the roof.Two strip-shaped circuit boards 10, 20, which are equipped with LEDs, for example, are installed in the frame in such a way that they can couple the light emitted by the LEDs into the respective cover element. The two circuit boards 10, 20 are further electrically and mechanically connected to each other by the connector 30 described above.

[0076] It should be noted that the proposed connector is not limited to the specific application in the roof system of motor vehicles described above, but can also be used in other cases of vehicles where little installation space is available, such as in aircraft or ships, or in buildings or technical devices that are immobile per se, etc. An application even in static environments such as living spaces or offices is not excluded. LIST OF REFERENCE SYMBOLS: 1 PCB layout 10 first circuit board 12 Main surface (circuit board) 20 second circuit board 22 Main surface (circuit board) 30 electrical connectors (e.g. SMT) 40 first connector (female) 45 upper edge of vertical (to the PCB plane) walls 50 Base section (U-shaped), at the first connecting part 51 first floor wall 52a,b first side walls 55 extended section of the first floor wall 58 lower surface of the first floor wall (defines XY plane) 60 spring section, on the first connecting part 62 wall sections continuing side walls 63 first inwardly inclined wall sections 64 first resilient wall sections 65 first contact section (projection) 66 bending section 67 Bending section 68a,b first spring arms 70 second connector (male) 75 upper edge of vertical (to the PCB plane) walls 80 Base section (U-shaped), on the second connecting part 81 second floor wall 82a,b second side walls 85 extended section of the second floor wall 88 lower surface of the second floor wall (defines XY plane) 90 spring section, on the second connecting part 91 third floor wall 93 second inwardly inclined wall sections 94 second resilient wall sections 95 second contact section (recess) 96 bending point 97 bending point 98a,b second spring arms 99 lower surface of the third floor wall (e.g. in XY plane) 100 Roof system of a motor vehicle 200 panoramic roof 200', 200" cover elements X Longitudinal direction, also of the circuit boards Y width direction, also of the circuit boards Z Perpendicular to the PCB plane (preferred joining direction) b1-b4 widths in Y direction h1-h8 heights in Z direction L1-L6 lengths in X-direction R1-R4 radii of curvature S gap

Claims

[1] Connector (30) for electrically connecting two printed circuit boards (10, 20) lying opposite one another at their ends, in particular for connecting to an LED strip, comprising: a first connection part (40) and a second connection part (70) mechanically cooperating therewith for establishing the electrical connection; wherein the first connecting part (40) comprises a first base portion (50) and a first spring portion (60), - wherein the first base section (50) has a first bottom wall (51) with a first lower surface (58) spanning a plane (XY) for attachment, in particular soldering, to a first main surface (12) of a first printed circuit board (10), - wherein the plane is defined by a first direction (X), in which the two circuit boards (10, 20) face each other in the connected state, and a second direction (Y) perpendicular to the first direction; and - wherein the first spring portion (60) comprises two resiliently mounted first wall portions (64) opposite one another in the second direction (Y); wherein the second connecting part (70) comprises a second base portion (80) and a second spring portion (90), - wherein the second base section (80) has a second bottom wall (81) with a second lower surface (88) spanning the same plane (XY) in the installed state for attachment, in particular soldering, to a second main surface (22) of a second printed circuit board (20), - wherein the second spring portion (90) comprises two resiliently mounted second wall portions (94) opposite one another in the second direction (Y); wherein the resiliently mounted first wall portions (64) are configured to sandwich the resiliently mounted second wall portions (94) along a third direction (Z) perpendicular to the plane (XY); wherein the first wall sections (64) each comprise a first contact section (65) and the second wall sections (94) each comprise a second contact section (95), wherein one of the first contact sections (65) is designed to cooperate with a corresponding one of the second contact sections (95) when connecting the two connection parts (40, 70) by mutual locking; wherein the first contact sections (65) and the second contact sections (95) have a different extent (L6, L7) from one another in the first direction (X), so that a contact fixed by the contact sections (65, 95) in the engaged state each has a play in the first direction (X). [2] Connector (30) according to claim 1, wherein the first contact sections (65) are each formed by a projection formed in the respective first wall section (64) or a recess or depression formed therein, and the second contact sections (95) are each formed by a recess or depression or projection formed in the respective second wall section (94) and provided complementarily to the opposite first contact section (65). [3] Connector (30) according to claim 2, wherein a respective recess or depression in the first direction (X) has a first extension (L6) and the opposite projection in the first direction (X) has a second extension (L7), wherein the first extension (L6) is greater than the second extension (L7); and / or a respective recess or depression has a first extension (L6) in the first direction (X) and a third extension (h8) in the third direction (Z), wherein the first extension (L7) is greater than the third extension (h8), so that the recess or depression has an elongated shape in the first direction (X). [4] Connector (30) according to one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the first and second resiliently mounted wall portions (64, 94) extend in the third direction (Z) and are opposite in the second direction (Y). [5] Connector (30) according to one of claims 1 to 4, wherein to form a U-shaped profile - in the first connecting part (40), first side walls (52a, 52b) extend in the third direction (Z) on opposite sides of the first bottom wall (51); and / or - in the second connecting part (70), second side walls (82a, 82b) extend in the third direction (Z) on opposite sides of the second bottom wall (81). [6] Connector (30) according to claim 5, wherein the first spring portion (60) has two first spring arms (68a, 68b) each extending from a corresponding one of the first side walls (52a, 52b) of the first base portion (50), wherein and / or the second spring portion (90) has two second spring arms (98a, 98b) each extending from a corresponding one of the second side walls (82a, 82b) of the second base portion (80). [7] Connector (30) according to claim 6, wherein the resiliently mounted first wall sections (64) form a distal end of the first spring arms (68a, 68b) and are connected to the first side walls (52a, 52b) via first, at least partially inwardly inclined wall sections (62, 63); and / or the spring-mounted second wall sections (94) form a distal end of the second spring arms (98a, 98b) and are connected to the second side walls (82a, 82b) via second, at least partially inwardly inclined wall sections (93). [8] Connector (30) according to claim 7, wherein a height (h2) in the third direction (Z) of the first, at least partially inwardly inclined wall sections (63) is reduced in comparison to a height (h1) of the first side walls (52a, 52b) and in comparison to a height (h3) of the spring-mounted first wall sections (64) in the third direction (Z); and / or a height (h7) in the third direction (Z) of the second, at least partially inwardly inclined wall sections (93) is reduced in comparison to a height (h6) of the second side walls (82a, 82b) and in comparison to a height (h5) of the spring-mounted second wall sections (94) in the third direction (Z). [9] Connector (30) according to one of claims 6 to 8, wherein a section (55) of the base wall (51) which is widened in the first direction (X) is separated on the two opposite sides in the second direction (Y) by a respective notch (69) in the base wall (51) from a section (62) of the respective spring arm (68a, 68b), wherein preferably a distal end of the incision (69) is rounded with a radius of curvature (R2); and / or a section (85) of the base wall (81) which is widened in the first direction (X) is separated on the two opposite sides in the second direction (Y) by a respective notch (99) in the base wall (81) from a section (92) of the respective spring arm (98a, 98b), wherein preferably a distal end of the incision (99) is rounded with a radius of curvature (R4). [10] Connector (30) according to one of claims 5 to 9, wherein a width (b1) of the first connecting part (40) defined by the first side walls (52a, 52b) in the second direction (Y) is larger by a factor of 1.25 to 4.0 than a width (b2) defined by the first spring-mounted wall sections (64); and / or in the case of the second connecting part (70), a width (b4) of the second connecting part (70) defined by the second side walls (82a, 82b) in the second direction (Y) is a factor of 1.5 to 8.0 greater than a width (b3) defined by the second resilient wall sections (94). [11] Connector (30) according to one of claims 1 to 10, wherein in the second connecting part (70), the two spring-mounted first wall sections (64) are connected to one another by a third bottom wall (91), the lower surface (98) of which preferably extends in the same plane as the lower surface (88) of the second bottom wall (81); wherein the third bottom wall (91) is separated from the second bottom wall (81) by a recess (72). [12] Plug connector (30) according to one of claims 6 to 9, wherein in the first connection part (40) both a fourth extension (L4) of the first base section (50) or the first bottom wall (51) in the first direction (X) and a fifth extension (L2) of the first spring section (60) or the first spring arms (68a, 68b) in the first direction (X) are more than half of a total length (L1) of the first connection part (40) in the first direction (X). [13] Printed circuit board arrangement (1) for a roof system (100) of a vehicle, comprising a first circuit board (10); a second circuit board (20) arranged at the end face of the first circuit board (10); and a connector (30) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the first connection part (40) is arranged on a first surface (12) of the first circuit board (10) and the second connection part (70) is arranged on a second surface (22) of the second circuit board (20), and both connection parts (40, 70) are locked together with their respective spring-mounted wall sections (64, 94) or contact sections (65, 95). [14] Roof system (100) of a vehicle, comprising a printed circuit board assembly (1) according to claim 13.

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