Printed circuit board fixture and electronic device

Abstract

The invention relates to a printed circuit board device (10) comprising a printed circuit board (14), a connector socket (20) attached to the printed circuit board (14), and a battery holder (22) for holding a button cell battery (24) vertically to a main extension plane (16) of the printed circuit board (14). The invention is characterized in that the battery holder (22) comprises a first plate (26) for contacting a first terminal of the button cell battery (24) and a second plate (26) for contacting a second terminal of the button cell battery (24), wherein the plates (26) at least partially enclose a holding volume for holding the button cell battery (24); the plates (26) comprise mounting sections (28) by which they are mounted to corresponding mounting elements (30) of the connector socket (20).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a printed circuit board device and an electronic device.

[0002] For electronic vehicle installation devices such as digital tachographs, vehicle data recorders or on-board units, it is necessary to provide battery cell holder systems that ensure that the batteries remain in their intended final mounting position even under vibrations and shocks, thus ensuring a reliable power supply for the vehicle installation device.

[0003] Button cell battery holders designed to hold button cells are often configured for horizontal placement of the cells. Horizontal placement refers to aligning a primary surface of the button cell parallel to a primary surface of a printed circuit board (PCB) to which the battery holder is attached. This results in the battery holder occupying a significant amount of space on the PCB, which is then unavailable for other components on the board.

[0004] Providing a button cell battery holder, even if it holds the button cell vertically, requires additional installation space because it must be securely mounted to the circuit board.

[0005] A common battery holder is described in DE 103 21 250 A1 in combination with a housing for a tachograph. The housing comprises a battery holder and at least one fastening element arranged to attach the battery holder to the housing. The housing allows for the battery to be mounted in a replaceable manner while simultaneously preventing tampering with internal components during battery replacement. When the battery holder is mounted to the housing, the fastening element can only be accessed from inside the housing.

[0006] Digital tachographs also include a connector socket. An example of this connector socket is described in document DE 102 18 891 A1.

[0007] It is an object of the present invention to provide a battery holder that requires less installation space and ensures stable holding of the battery.

[0008] The problem is solved by the subject matter of the independent claims. Advantageous further developments with expedient and not insignificant further embodiments of the invention are specified in the dependent claims, the following description and the drawings.

[0009] A first aspect of the present invention relates to a printed circuit board device. The printed circuit board device comprises a printed circuit board and a connector socket attached to the printed circuit board. The printed circuit board device further comprises a battery holder for holding a button cell battery vertically to a principal extension plane of the printed circuit board. In other words, the battery holder is configured to hold the button cell battery in a so-called vertical position, wherein the button cell battery is arranged perpendicular to the principal extension plane of the printed circuit board. Holding the button cell battery in the vertical position reduces the space required on the principal extension plane of the printed circuit board compared to holding the button cell battery in a horizontal position.

[0010] The battery holder comprises a first metal plate for contacting the first terminal of the button cell battery and a second metal plate for contacting the second terminal of the button cell battery. One of the terminals is a positive terminal and the other is a negative terminal. The principal extent planes of the metal plates are aligned parallel to each other. In other words, each metal plate has its own principal extent plane, and these planes are parallel. Furthermore, the principal extent planes of the metal plates are oriented perpendicular to the principal extent plane of the printed circuit board.

[0011] The metal plates at least partially enclose a holding volume for the button cell battery. In other words, the battery holder is designed to hold the button cell battery within the holding volume, which is at least partially defined by the metal plates. Therefore, the holding volume is located between the metal plates.

[0012] The metal sheets comprise mounting sections by which they are attached to corresponding mounting elements of the connector socket. In other words, the metal sheets are mounted to the connector socket to arrange the metal sheets as described above. The mounting section may be a specific area of ​​the metal sheet shaped for the mechanical connection of the metal sheet to the connector socket. The mounting elements of the connector socket may be designed as parts of a housing of the connector socket, having a shape configured to receive and / or retain the mounting section. The connector socket comprises the mounting elements, each of which is configured to retain the respective mounting section of one of the metal sheets.

[0013] The invention has the advantage that the battery holder, which holds the button cell battery, is securely attached to the circuit board by means of the connector socket. Therefore, it is not necessary to provide a separate battery holder, including mounting elements, to ensure stable attachment of the battery holder to the circuit board. Instead, the provided connector socket is used to secure the battery holder and provide the necessary stability.

[0014] The invention also includes embodiments that provide additional technical advantages.

[0015] According to a further embodiment of the present invention, at least one of the mounting elements of the connector socket provides a guide channel configured to guide the mounting section of the corresponding sheet metal into a defined snap-in position in a snap-in opening of the mounting element of the connector socket. In other words, the connector socket forms at least one guide channel dimensioned such that it guides the mounting section of the corresponding sheet metal into the snap-in opening formed by the mounting element of the connector socket.

[0016] The mounting section of the corresponding metal plate includes a snap-in tab designed to flex as it passes through the guide channel. The snap-in tab is designed to engage in the snap-in opening when it reaches the engagement position within the opening. In other words, the metal plate includes the snap-in tab, which is designed to engage in the snap-in opening to mount the plate to the connector socket. The snap-in tab is designed to flex as it is inserted into and guided along the channel. This design allows the tab to easily engage in the snap-in opening, providing an advantageous method for mounting the metal plate to the connector socket.

[0017] According to a further embodiment of the present invention, at least one of the metal sheets comprises a fastening device configured to attach the sheet to the printed circuit board (PCB) at a corresponding position. The fastening device may also be configured to provide an electrical connection between the sheet and the PCB. The sheet is fastened to the PCB by the fastening device. The fastening device may include a fastening tab on a lower edge of the sheet, which is part of the sheet and bent at a 90-degree angle to the principal plane of extension of the sheet. The fastening device may include pin elements for mounting the sheet to the PCB by means of pin-in-paste or surface-mount device (SMD) mounting. This embodiment has the advantage of providing a direct connection between the sheet and the PCB.

[0018] According to a further embodiment of the invention, at least one of the metal sheets comprises at least one retaining tab projecting from the main plane of extension of the respective sheet into the holding volume. The at least one retaining tab is configured to exert pressure on the button cell battery when the button cell battery is arranged in the holding volume. The at least one retaining tab can be bent outwards from the main plane of extension of the sheet at an angle between 10 and 60 degrees. The at least one retaining tab can be arranged such that the button cell battery bends it when it is inserted into the holding volume along a previously defined mounting direction. The bent retaining tab exerts pressure on the button cell battery in the holding volume. The at least one retaining tab helps to ensure suitable mechanical and electrical contact between the button cell battery and the metal sheet. The metal sheet can comprise several retaining tabs.Each of the metal sheets can encompass at least one of the retaining tabs.

[0019] According to a further embodiment of the present invention, one of the sheets comprises a sheet end section that projects perpendicularly from the main plane of extension of the respective sheet. In other words, the sheet end section is configured to partially enclose the holding volume. The sheet end section is arranged at one end of the respective sheet. The sheet end section can be a region of the sheet that is bent outward from the main plane of extension of the sheet at a 90-degree angle. One axis of the bend can be perpendicular to the main plane of extension of the printed circuit board. The sheet end section is configured to partially enclose the holding volume. The sheet end section is configured to prevent the button cell battery from leaving the holding volume in a direction parallel to the main plane of extension of the respective sheet.The sheet metal end section can also be designed to electrically contact a surface of the button cell battery.

[0020] According to a further embodiment of the present invention, the sheet metal end section comprises an upper tab designed to restrict the movement of the button cell battery away from the circuit board. In other words, the sheet metal end section can comprise the sheet metal end section that includes the upper tab. The upper tab can be bent from an upper edge of the side tab of the sheet metal end section toward the connector socket. The upper tab can at least partially cover an upper surface of the holder volume.

[0021] According to a further embodiment of the present invention, a mounting plane of the mounting section of the sheet metal is arranged parallel to the main extension plane of the sheet metal. In other words, the mounting section has a mounting plane that is parallel to the main extension plane of the sheet metal. Therefore, to mount the sheet metal to the connector socket, the sheet metal is moved along a direction parallel to the main extension plane of the sheet metal.

[0022] According to a further embodiment of the present invention, a mounting plane of the mounting section of the sheet metal is arranged perpendicular to the main extension plane of the sheet metal. In other words, the mounting section of the sheet metal for mounting the sheet metal to the connector socket is perpendicular to the main extension plane of the sheet metal. Therefore, to mount the sheet metal to the connector socket, the sheet metal must be moved along a previously defined mounting direction perpendicular to the main extension plane of the sheet metal.

[0023] According to a further embodiment of the present invention, at least one of the mounting elements of the connector socket is designed as a spacer element for maintaining a previously defined distance between the metal sheets. In other words, the spacer element is designed to hold the metal sheet at the previously defined distance from the other metal sheet. This arrangement allows the creation of the holding volume between the main extension planes of the two metal sheets at the previously defined distance.

[0024] According to a further embodiment of the present invention, the connector socket is designed according to ISO 16844-1. In other words, the connector socket is designed as a connector socket of a digital tachograph as defined in ISO 16844-1.

[0025] A second aspect of the present invention relates to a device comprising a housing and a printed circuit board (PCB) assembly according to the first aspect of the present invention. The PCB assembly is positioned by the housing in a final installation position. The housing may at least partially enclose the PCB assembly.

[0026] According to a further embodiment of the present invention, a wall of the housing is arranged above the battery holder, wherein movement of the button cell battery out of the holding volume of the battery holder is restricted by the wall. The wall can be a rib or an upper wall of the housing. A distance is selected between the circuit board and the wall that prevents the button cell battery from leaving the holding volume of the battery holder.

[0027] According to a further embodiment of the present invention, the device is configured as an electronic vehicle installation device. The device can be configured as a digital tachograph, vehicle data recorder, toll device and / or on-board unit.

[0028] The invention also includes combinations of the features of the described embodiments.

[0029] The following describes an exemplary implementation of the invention. The figures show: Fig. 1 a schematic representation of a printed circuit board device; Fig. 2 a schematic representation of the battery holder that holds the button cell battery; Fig. 3 another schematic representation of the battery holder that holds the button cell battery; Fig. 4 another schematic representation of the battery holder that holds the button cell battery; Fig. 5 a schematic representation of the assembly elements; Fig. 6 a schematic representation of an assembly section of one of the sheets and the corresponding assembly element; and Fig. 7 a schematic representation of a device comprising a printed circuit board device.

[0030] The embodiment described below is a preferred embodiment of the invention. In this embodiment, however, the described components each represent individual features of the invention that are to be considered independently of one another and each further develops the invention independently, and thus can also be considered as components of the invention individually or in a combination other than that shown. Furthermore, the described embodiment can also be supplemented by further features of the invention that have already been described.

[0031] In the figures, elements that provide the same function are marked with identical reference symbols.

[0032] Fig. Figure 1 shows a schematic representation of a printed circuit board device.

[0033] The printed circuit board device 10 can be configured for an electronic device 12, which may be an electronic vehicle installation device. The printed circuit board device 10 can comprise a printed circuit board 14 extending over a skin extension plane 16. Electronic components 18 for operating the electronic device 12 can be mounted on the printed circuit board 14. To provide a communication interface to the electronic components 18, the printed circuit board device 10 can include a connector socket 20. The connector socket 20 can be mounted on the printed circuit board 14. The connector socket (20) can be configured according to ISO 16844-1. To supply power to the electronic components 18, the printed circuit board device 10 can include a battery holder 22 configured to hold a button cell battery 24 vertically in a retaining volume.The battery holder 22 can comprise a first sheet 26 connected to a first terminal of the button cell battery 24, and a second sheet 26 connected to a second terminal of the button cell battery 24. Each of the sheets 26 extends over a respective principal extension plane 50. The principal extension planes 50 of the sheets 26 can be arranged parallel to each other. The principal extension planes 50 of the sheets 26 can be separated by a previously defined distance 52. The principal extension planes 50 of the sheets 26 can be oriented perpendicular to the principal extension plane 16 of the circuit board 14.

[0034] To hold the plates 26 in place, each plate 26 can include a mounting section 28 designed for attaching the plate 26 to corresponding mounting elements 30 of the connector socket 20. The mounting elements 30 can be metallurgically connected to the connector socket 20. One of the mounting sections 28 can include a snap-in tab 32. The snap-in tab 32 can be designed to snap into a snap-in opening 34 of the corresponding mounting element 30 to secure the plate 26 to the connector socket 20. For mounting the plates to the connector socket 20, the mounting elements 30 can provide guide channels 36 designed to guide the mounting sections 28 into their final position during installation. As the mounting section 28 is guided through the guide channel 36, the respective snap-in tab 32 bends.When the snap-in tab 32 reaches a corresponding snap-in opening 34, the snap-in tab 32 snaps into the snap-in opening 34. The guide channels 36 further adjust the orientation of the sheets 26. If a mounting plane of the mounting section 28 is parallel to the main extension plane 50, the sheet 26 must be moved parallel to the main extension plane 50 into the guide channel 36 during installation. If the mounting plane of the mounting section 28 is perpendicular to the main extension plane 50, the sheet 26 must be moved perpendicular to the main extension plane 50 into the guide channel 36 during installation. To adjust the previously defined distance 52 between the sheets 26, one of the mounting elements 30 can be designed as a spacer element 56. The mounting elements 30 can project from a side wall 54 of a housing 38 of the connector socket 20.The mounting elements 30 can be designed to provide an electrical connection to the sheets 26 when the button cell battery 24 needs to be connected to the connector socket 20.

[0035] Each of the sheets 26 can be attached to the printed circuit board 14 by a respective fastening device 40 of the sheet 26. The fastening device 40 can include a fastening tab 58 perpendicular to the main extension plane 50 of the sheet 26 and parallel to the main extension plane 16 of the printed circuit board 14. The fastening device 40 can include pin elements for electrically and / or mechanically fastening the sheet 26 to the printed circuit board 14.

[0036] One of the sheets 26 can include a sheet end section 42 that projects perpendicularly from the principal extension plane 50 of the respective sheet. The sheet end section 42 can include a side tab 44 that can be oriented perpendicular to the principal extension plane 50. The side tab 44 can project toward the other sheet. The side tab 44 can be oriented perpendicular to the principal extension plane 16 of the circuit board 14. An upper tab 46 can extend from an upper edge of the side tab 44. The sheet end section 42 can be configured to restrict movement of the button cell battery 24 in a direction parallel to the principal extension planes 50 of the sheets 26.

[0037] To make contact with the button cell battery 24 and to hold the button cell battery 24 in the holding volume, the metal sheets 26 can include retaining tabs 48. The retaining tabs 48 can be bent outwards from the main extension plane 50 of the respective metal sheet 26 into the holding volume to exert pressure against the button cell battery 24.

[0038] Fig. Figure 2 shows a schematic representation of the battery holder, which holds a button cell battery.

[0039] The button cell battery can be arranged vertically to the main extension plane 16 of the circuit board 14. The retaining tabs 48 of the metal sheets 26 can contact the outer surface and the top surface of the button cell battery.

[0040] Fig. Figure 3 shows another schematic representation of the battery holder that holds the button cell battery.

[0041] Fig. Figure 4 shows another schematic representation of the battery holder that holds the button cell battery.

[0042] Fig. Figure 5 shows a schematic representation of the assembly elements.

[0043] Fig. Figure 6 shows a schematic representation of an assembly section of one of the sheets and the corresponding assembly element.

[0044] The assembly section 28 can include the snap-in tab 32, which is designed to bend as it is guided through the guide channel 36 and then, upon reaching its final position, to snap into the corresponding snap-in opening 34 of the assembly element 30.

[0045] Fig. Figure 7 shows a schematic representation of a device comprising a printed circuit board device.

[0046] The device 10, comprising the circuit board 14, is positioned in a final installation position by the housing 60. A wall 62 of the housing 60 is arranged above the battery holder 22, and the wall 62 restricts movement of the button cell battery 24 out of the holding volume of the battery holder 22.

[0047] Overall, the example shows how the invention provides a battery holder integrated into a connector socket. Reference sign 10 Printed circuit board device 12 electronic device 14 circuit board 16 Main extension plane of the printed circuit board 18 electronic components 20 connector sockets 22 battery holders 24 button cell batteries 26 sheets 28 Assembly section 30 Mounting element 32 Snap-in tabs 34 Snap-in opening 36 guide channels 38 Housing of the connector socket 40 Fastening device 42 Sheet metal end section 44 side flap 46 upper flap 48 retaining tab 50 Main extension plane of the sheet 52 previously defined distance 54 side wall 56 spacer element 58 Mounting tab 60 Housing of the electronic device 62 Wall QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

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

[0000] DE 103 21 250 A1

[0005] DE 102 18 891 A1

[0006]

Claims

[1] Printed circuit board device (10) comprising a printed circuit board (14), a connector socket (20) attached to the printed circuit board (14) and a battery holder (22) for holding a button cell battery (24) vertically to a main extension plane (16) of the printed circuit board (14), characterized by , that - the battery holder (22) comprises a first sheet (26) for contacting a first pole of the button cell battery (24) and a second sheet (26) for contacting a second pole of the button cell battery (24), wherein the main extension planes (50) of the sheets (26) are aligned parallel to each other and perpendicular to the main extension plane (16) of the circuit board (14); - the metal sheets (26) at least partially enclose a holding volume for the button cell battery (24); and - the metal sheets (26) comprise mounting sections (28) by which they are mounted to corresponding mounting elements (30) of the connector socket (20). [2] Printed circuit board device (10) according to claim 1, characterized by , that - at least one of the mounting elements (30) of the connector socket (20) provides a guide channel (36) designed to guide the mounting section (28) of the corresponding sheet (26) into a snap-in opening (34) of the mounting element (30) of the connector socket (20); and - the assembly section (28) of the corresponding sheet (26) includes a snap-in tab (32) designed to bend as the snap-in tab (32) passes through the guide channel (36) and to snap into the snap-in opening (34) when it reaches the snap-in opening (34). [3] Printed circuit board device (10) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by , that - at least one of the sheets (26) comprises a fastening device (40), wherein the sheet (26) is fastened to the circuit board (14) by the fastening device (40). [4] Printed circuit board device (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that - at least one of the sheets (26) comprises at least one retaining tab (48) which projects from the main extension plane (50) of the respective sheet (26) into the holding volume, wherein the at least one retaining tab (48) is designed to exert pressure on the button cell battery (24) in the holding volume. [5] Printed circuit board device (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that - one of the sheets (26) comprises a sheet end section (42) which projects perpendicularly from the main extension plane (50) of the respective sheet (26), wherein the sheet end section (42) is designed to partially enclose the holding volume. [6] Printed circuit board device (10) according to claim 5, characterized by, that the sheet metal end section (42) includes an upper tab (46) designed to restrict movement of the button cell battery (24) away from the circuit board (14). [7] Printed circuit board device (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that a mounting plane of the mounting section (28) of at least one of the sheets (26) is arranged parallel to the main extension plane (50) of the respective sheet (26). [8] Printed circuit board device (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that a mounting plane of the mounting section (28) at least one of the sheets (26) is arranged perpendicular to the main extension plane (50) of the respective sheet (26). [9] Printed circuit board device (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by, that at least one of the mounting elements (30) of the connector socket (20) is designed as a spacer element (56) to maintain a previously defined distance (52) between the sheets (26). [10] Printed circuit board device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the mounting elements (30) are materially bonded to the connector socket (20). [11] Printed circuit board device (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the connector socket (20) is designed in accordance with ISO16844-1. [12] Electronic device (12) comprising a housing (60) and a printed circuit board device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the printed circuit board device (10) is arranged by the housing (60) in a final installation position. [13] Electronic device (12) according to claim 12, characterized by, that a wall (62) of the housing (60) is arranged above the battery holder (22), wherein a movement of the button cell battery (24) out of the holding volume of the battery holder (22) is restricted by the wall (62). [14] Electronic device (12) according to claim 12 or 13, characterized by , that the electronic device (12) is designed as an on-board unit for a vehicle.

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