PCB CONNECTOR FOR A PRINTED CIRCUIT BOARD

Description

Technical area

[0001] The invention relates to a connector for a printed circuit board that can be releasably attached to the printed circuit board. The connector is particularly suitable for connecting the printed circuit board to an optical fiber. State of the art

[0002] Due to the increasing digitalization and miniaturization of products and processes and the resulting ever-increasing volumes of data, the need for space-saving and cost-effective data connections that enable high data transmission rates is also growing. Since fiber optic cables are particularly well-suited to transmitting very high data rates, their use as a data transmission medium is becoming increasingly attractive. Fiber optic cables are usually connected via connector systems, allowing the fiber optic cable to be detachably connected either to another fiber optic cable or to a semiconductor circuit board. For the connection to the semiconductor circuit board, board connectors are generally used, which are permanently connected to the semiconductor circuit board, for example, by soldering.The permanent connection of the semiconductor board allows for easy assembly as well as a precise and resilient arrangement of the board connector on the semiconductor board, so that the light transmission through the board connector can be ensured.

[0003] US 2015 / 341066 A1 discloses a snap-mount optoelectronic module. The module comprises a frame, a cover, and a module lock. The frame includes two or more post blocks, each defining a module lock receptacle. The cover is configured to at least partially enclose an internal assembly and include a recess for the module lock. The module lock includes pivot pins and a locking portion. The pivot pins are received in the module lock receptacles so that the module lock can be configured in an unlocked position and a locked position. In the unlocked position, the locking portion is disengaged from the module lock recess. In the locked position, the locking portion engages the module lock recess to retain the cover relative to the frame.

[0004] DE 10 2006 040076 A1 discloses a fiber optic connector provided with a receiving opening for the end of a fiber optic cable and a locking device. The locking device locks the end of the fiber optic cable in the receptacle and secures it against unintentional release during pre-assembly. To release the locking device, the locking device includes an actuating element that is freely accessible from outside the fiber optic connector and designed to be transferable into an actuating position. In the actuating position, the locking of the fiber optic cable is released.

[0005] WO 02 / 23235 A2 discloses an optical fiber socket and an optical fiber plug, as well as an optical fiber socket assembly. The optical fiber socket has a socket housing that has a receiving chamber for receiving an associated optical fiber plug, and a locking device for locking the optical fiber plug received in the receiving chamber. The locking device is provided with an electrically conductive portion that is in physical contact with an electrically conductive counterpart of the inserted optical fiber plug, forming an electrical contact. Furthermore, the optical fiber socket has a connecting piece that is electrically conductively connected to the electrically conductive portion of the locking device and that extends laterally out of the socket housing.According to the optical fiber socket assembly, the optical fiber socket is arranged on a printed circuit board having an electrically conductive contact portion that is in physical contact with the part of the connector projecting from the socket housing, forming an electrical contact.

[0006] US 2020 / 241214 discloses a fiber optic connector assembly connected at one end to a retainer on a printed circuit board and inserted into a backplane adapter located adjacent to a backplane. A spring is slidably attached to the retainer and also to a housing of the fiber optic connector assembly. The housing of the fiber optic connector assembly can be inserted into the backplane adapter using passive alignment features. A fiber optic ferrule in the fiber optic connector assembly is biased in a forward direction by the spring in a spring plunger. At the same time, the spring allows movement of the spring plunger within the housing to accommodate movement of the printed circuit board relative to the backplane adapter.

[0007] Due to the increasing scarcity of raw materials and the ever-increasing demand for more sustainable products, the permanent attachment of the PCB connector comes with several disadvantages. For example, the permanent connection significantly complicates the recycling of both the semiconductor board and the PCB connector, as the components cannot be completely separated from one another. However, removable attachments of the PCB connector to the semiconductor board have the disadvantage that the PCB connector can become accidentally detached from the semiconductor board. Furthermore, manufacturing tolerances of the semiconductor board or the PCB connector can result in the PCB connector having a certain amount of movement relative to the semiconductor board, which significantly impairs the light-conducting connection intended to be created with the PCB connector.

[0008] US 2020 / 127396 A1 discloses an electrical connector and a method for connecting an electrical conductor to a board, in particular to a printed circuit board, comprising a housing which can be electrically connected to an electrical connection element or conductor on a connection side of the electrical connector. The housing contains one or more contacts on a contact side of the electrical connector for establishing electrical contact with one or more mating contacts of the printed circuit board. A locking pin assembly extends through an opening in the printed circuit board when the connector is mounted on the board and can move from a retracted release position to an extended locking position in which its diameter on the side of the opening facing away from the housing is larger than the diameter of the opening in the printed circuit board.The housing comprises at least one actuating device that moves relative to the housing. The locking pin arrangement comprises at least two functional elements that are movable relative to one another.

[0009] DE 10 2019 210235 A1 discloses a direct connector for establishing an electrical connection between a conductor and a metallized through-hole of a printed circuit board. The direct connector comprises a fastening element and a contact with at least one first contact arm. The first contact arm is designed to electrically connect the conductor to the metallized through-hole. The fastening element can assume a fastening position and a release position, wherein the fastening element is designed to fasten the direct connector to the metallized through-hole in the fastening position. Description of the invention

[0010] It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a connector for printed circuit boards which can be detachably connected to the printed circuit board and which overcomes at least one disadvantage mentioned in the prior art.

[0011] The object of the invention is achieved by a connector according to the features of the independent claim. Further advantageous embodiments can be found in the dependent claims, the description, and the drawings.

[0012] A connector according to the invention for a printed circuit board has a connector housing. The connector housing has at least one fastening arm. The connector according to the invention furthermore has a securing unit. The fastening arm has at least one first fastening element which can be detachably connected to a first connecting element on the printed circuit board. The first fastening element is preferably arranged at a free end of the fastening arm. The first fastening element can be, for example, a latching hook. The first connecting element can be, for example, a latching receptacle or a latching opening. However, it is also possible for the first fastening element to be designed as a latching opening and the first connecting element as a latching hook. The securing unit is arranged on the connector housing so that it can move between a release position and a locking position.The connection between the first fastening element and the first connecting element can be created and / or released by deflecting the fastening arm. The securing unit blocks the deflection of the fastening arm in the locked position. The connection between the first fastening element and the first connecting element can therefore not be created and / or released when the securing unit is arranged in the locked position. The securing unit releases the deflection of the fastening arm in the release position. The connection between the first fastening element and the first connecting element can therefore be created and / or released when the securing unit is arranged in the release position.

[0013] The locking unit is movable in a direction of movement parallel to a plug-in axis between the release position and the locking position. In this context, the plug-in axis can be understood as an imaginary directional axis along which the connector must be moved relative to a mating connector in order to connect the connector to the mating connector. Furthermore, the direction of movement along which the locking unit is movable between the release position and the locking position is arranged parallel to one of the largest sides of the printed circuit board.

[0014] The connector housing has a guide element that extends away from the connector housing parallel to the plug-in axis. The guide element can be designed, for example, as a guide pin. The securing unit has a guide opening, wherein the guide element is arranged at least partially within the guide opening. The guide element is preferably arranged within the guide opening both in the release position and in the locking position. With the aid of the guide element, which is arranged within the guide opening, it can be ensured that the movement of the securing unit between the release position and the locking position is guided, thus preventing, for example, wedging of the securing unit.

[0015] Using the connector according to the invention, it is possible to create a detachable yet reliable connection between the connector and a printed circuit board in a simple manner and with few components. Thanks to the securing unit, which can be moved between the locking position and the release position, the connector can be detached from the printed circuit board at any time, provided that the connector is intended to be removed from the printed circuit board. Since both the assembly and disassembly of the connector are non-destructive and reversible, there is the additional option of designing individual components of the connector replaceable, as these are more easily accessible due to the detachable connection of the connector to the printed circuit board.Although the connector according to the invention is particularly suitable for connecting the printed circuit board to an optical fiber, the connector can also be used for electrical data lines, such as high-frequency lines, which are to be connected to the printed circuit board.

[0016] The securing unit can have at least one fixing element, which in the locked position is connected to a receiving element on the fastening arm. The fixing element can be designed, for example, as a fixing pin, and the receiving element can be designed, for example, as a receiving opening, in particular in the form of an elongated hole. In the locked position, the fixing pin is preferably arranged within the receiving opening. In the released position, the fixing pin is preferably arranged outside the receiving opening. The fixing pin and the receiving opening preferably extend perpendicular to a deflection direction in which the fastening arm can be deflected.

[0017] The connector housing can have at least one positioning element that can be inserted into a positioning opening in the printed circuit board. The positioning element can be designed, for example, as a positioning pin. The positioning opening preferably has a complementary shape to an outer contour of the positioning element, so that the connector has the smallest possible range of movement when the positioning element is arranged in the positioning opening. It is particularly advantageous if the positioning element and the fixing element are arranged parallel to one another.

[0018] The connector housing can have at least one stop element. The printed circuit board can be clamped between the first fastening element and the stop element. The stop element can be designed, for example, as a stop surface. By clamping the printed circuit board between the first fastening element and the stop element, the connector is fixedly positioned on the printed circuit board. If the connector housing has a positioning element, it is particularly advantageous if the positioning element is arranged on the stop element.

[0019] The connector housing can have a second fastening element that can be connected to a second connecting element on the printed circuit board. The second fastening element is preferably arranged, in an installed state, on a base side of the connector housing facing the printed circuit board. The second fastening element can be aligned with the positioning element, wherein the alignment is preferably arranged parallel to the plug-in axis. The second fastening element can be connected to the second connecting element in such a way that the base side of the connector housing is prestressed against the printed circuit board. This can be achieved, for example, by designing the second fastening element as a spring-elastic latching hook and the second connecting element as a latching opening.

[0020] The connector housing can have two fastening arms, each with a first fastening element. Preferably, each fastening arm has a first fastening element, which can be connected to a first connecting element of the printed circuit board. The fastening arms can be deflected, preferably in opposite directions, to create and / or release the connection between the first fastening elements and the first connecting elements. The fastening arms can particularly preferably be moved toward or away from each other. The two fastening arms are preferably arranged in a plane perpendicular to the plug-in axis. If the connector housing has a second fastening element, the fastening arms preferably form an isosceles triangle with the second connecting element, with the legs of the triangle being formed between each fastening arm and the second fastening element.

[0021] The printed circuit board can be clamped between the fastening arms. This can be achieved, for example, in that the fastening arms are pretensioned against one another when the first fastening elements are connected to the first connecting elements. For example, the first fastening elements can be designed as latching hooks and the first connecting elements as latching openings. The first connecting elements can be at a distance from one another that is different from the distance between the first fastening elements and, in particular, can be at a greater distance. If the first fastening elements are connected to the first connecting elements, both fastening arms cannot be moved back to their rest position due to the different distance, so that both fastening arms exert a force on the printed circuit board that clamps the printed circuit board.To further improve the clamping of the circuit board between the mounting arms, the stop element can be arranged at least partially between the mounting arms. In this way, the preload of the mounting arms can be additionally utilized to further clamp the circuit board between the stop element.

[0022] The fastening arms can be connected to one another by means of a connecting section. The fastening arms are preferably connected to the connecting section at ends arranged opposite the free ends. The connecting section can be used to achieve, in particular, uniform preload of both fastening arms onto the circuit board. Furthermore, the connecting section can be designed to be flexible, so that the fastening arms can be moved apart by pressing on the connecting section.

[0023] The securing unit can have a projection element that, in the locked position, exerts a compressive force on the connecting portion, prestressing the fastening arms against each other. The projection element preferably extends away from the securing unit and can be designed, for example, as a wedge. The projection element can, for example, elastically deform the connecting portion, wherein the tension resulting from the elastic deformation prestresses the fastening arms against each other.

[0024] The mounting arm may be arranged on a rear side of the connector housing that is opposite to a mating side of the connector housing.

[0025] This not only ensures a secure, fixed connection between the connector and the circuit board, but also makes the fuse unit easily accessible.

[0026] Furthermore, further advantages and features of the present invention will become apparent from the following description of preferred embodiments. The features described there and above can be implemented individually or in combination, provided the features do not contradict each other. The following description of the preferred embodiments is made with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the drawings: Figure 1 shows a three-dimensional exploded view of a first embodiment of a connector according to the invention; Figure 2 shows a three-dimensional view of the first embodiment of the connector according to the invention, wherein a securing unit is arranged in a release position; Figure 3 shows a three-dimensional view of the first embodiment of the connector according to the invention, wherein the securing unit is arranged in a locking position; Figure 4 shows a sectional view of the first embodiment of the connector according to the invention; Figure 5a shows a plan view of the first embodiment of the connector according to the invention, wherein the securing unit is arranged in the release position; and Figure 5b shows a plan view of the first embodiment of the connector according to the invention, wherein the securing unit is arranged in the locking position.

[0027] Figure 1shows a first embodiment of the connector 1 according to the invention in a three-dimensional exploded view. The connector 1 can be detachably attached to a printed circuit board 2 and essentially serves to connect the printed circuit board 2 to a mating connector (not shown). The connector 1 has a connector housing 3 and a fuse unit 5. The connector housing 3 has two fastening arms 4, each having a first fastening element 6. The fastening arms 4 are arranged on a rear side 21 of the connector housing 3 opposite the plug-in side 20. Furthermore, the fastening arms 4 are connected to one another at one end via a connecting section 17. In the present embodiment, the first fastening elements 6 are designed as latching hooks. The first fastening elements 6 can be connected to first connecting elements 7 on the printed circuit board 2.In the present embodiment, the first connecting elements 7 are designed as latching openings. The latching hooks are guided through the latching openings to connect to the latching openings and latched to the printed circuit board 2 at the edges of the latching openings. To connect the first fastening elements 6 to the first connecting elements 7, the fastening arms 4 are deflected. In the present embodiment, the two fastening arms 4 are deflected away from each other and perpendicular to a plug-in axis y. The connector housing 3 has a second fastening element 15 consisting of a two-wing latching hook on a base side 19. The latching hooks are designed such that the connector housing 3 is preloaded with its base side 19 against the printed circuit board 2 when the second fastening element 15 is connected to the second connecting element 16.The second fastening element 15 can be releasably connected to a second connecting element 16 in the printed circuit board 2. The second connecting element is also designed as a latching opening. The first fastening elements 6 on the fastening arms 4 and the second fastening element 15 are arranged in the shape of an isosceles triangle. The connector housing 3 has a positioning element 13 on the base side 19 that can be arranged in a positioning opening 14 in the printed circuit board 2. The positioning element is aligned with the second fastening element 15 in a direction that runs parallel to the plug-in axis y. The positioning element 13 is arranged on a stop element 12 of the connector housing 3.

[0028] The securing unit 5 can be attached to the connector housing 3 so that it can move between a locking position and a release position. To enable trouble-free movement between the release position and the locking position, the connector housing 3 has a guide element 10, which is partially arranged in a guide opening 11 on the securing unit 5. The guide element 10 extends parallel to the plug-in axis y from the rear side 21 of the connector housing 3. In the present embodiment, the securing unit 5 has two fixing elements 8 in the form of fixing pins, which, in the locking position, are connected to receiving elements 9 on the fastening arms 4. In the present embodiment, the receiving elements 9 are designed as receiving openings. In the locking position, the fixing pins are arranged within the receiving openings. In the release position, the fixing pins are arranged outside the receiving openings.

[0029] Figure 2 shows a three-dimensional view of the first embodiment of the plug connector 1 according to the invention, wherein the securing unit 5 is arranged in the release position. The fixing elements 8 are arranged in alignment with the receiving elements 9. However, the fixing elements 8 are arranged outside the receiving elements 9, so that the fastening arms 4 can be deflected in the release position. In the view shown, the plug connector 1 is detachably connected to the first connecting elements 7 and the second connecting element of the printed circuit board 2 via the first fastening elements 6 and the second fastening element. However, by deflecting the fastening arms 4 again, the detachable connection of the first fastening elements 6 to the first connecting elements 7 can be easily released.

[0030] Figure 3shows a three-dimensional view of the first embodiment of the plug connector 1 according to the invention, wherein the securing unit 5 is arranged in the locked position. The fixing elements 8 are connected to the receiving elements 9. In this way, the securing unit 5 blocks any deflection of the fastening arms 4 in the locked position. The securing unit 5 has a projection element 18, which in the present embodiment is designed as a wedge. The projection element 18 protrudes from the securing unit 5 in the direction of the connecting section 17. In the locked position, the projection element 18 is pressed against the connecting section 17, so that the connecting section 17 is elastically deformed. The elastic deformation and the associated mechanical stress prestresses the two fastening arms 4 against one another.This results in the circuit board 2 being clamped between the mounting arms 4, enabling the connector 1 to be fixedly secured to the circuit board 2. Furthermore, the connector 1 is pressed against the circuit board 2 by the clamping.

[0031] Figure 4shows a sectional view of the first embodiment of the plug connector 1 according to the invention, wherein the sectional plane runs perpendicular to the plug-in axis and through both fastening arms 4. The securing unit 5 is arranged in the locked position, so that the fixing elements 8 are connected to the receiving elements. Deflection of the fastening arms 4 is thus blocked. By guiding the securing unit 5 via the guide opening 11 on the guide element 10, the securing unit 5 can be additionally stabilized, so that even in the event of greater forces that can act on the fastening arms 4 or the securing unit 5, it is ensured that the fixing elements 8 do not detach from the receiving elements 9. Due to the tension generated by the projection element 19 in the connecting section 17, the printed circuit board 2 is not only clamped between the fastening arms 4, but also pressed against the stop element 12.

[0032] Figures 5a and 5bshow views of the first embodiment of the connector 1 according to the invention. The base side 19 is facing away from the viewer. For a better overview, the connecting section has been removed. Figure 5a the safety unit 5 is in the release position, while in Figure 5b The fuse unit 5 is arranged in the locked position. The connector housing has a retaining web 22 that has a plurality of retaining elements. The retaining web 22 is arranged in a recess 23 in the fuse unit 5, with the release position and the locked position of the fuse unit 5 being defined by the arrangement of the retaining elements on the retaining web 22. LIST OF REFERENCE SYMBOLS

[0033] 1Connector 2Printed circuit board 3Connector housing 4Mounting arm 5Securing unit 6First fastening element 7First connecting element 8Fixing element 9Receiving element 10Guide element 11Guide opening 12Stop element 13Positioning element 14Positioning opening 15Second fastening element 16Second connecting element 17Connecting section 18Protrusion element 19Base side 20Mating side 21Rear side 22Retaining web 23Recess

Claims

1. Plug-in connector (1) for a printed circuit board (2), comprising a plug-in connector housing (3) with at least one fastening arm (4) and a securing unit (5), wherein the fastening arm (4) has at least one first fastening element (6), which can be releasably connected to a first connecting element (7) on the printed circuit board (2), the securing unit (5) is arranged on the plug-in connector housing (3) movably between a release position and a locking position, the connection between the first fastening element (6) and the first connecting element (7) can be created and / or released by deflecting the fastening arm (4), the securing unit (5) blocks the deflection of the fastening arm (4) in the locking position, the securing unit (5) enables the deflection of the fastening arm (4) in the release position, characterized in that the securing unit (5) can be moved between the release position and the locking position in a movement direction which runs parallel to a plug-in axis (y) along which the plug-in connector can be connected to a mating plug-in connector and parallel to a largest side of the printed circuit board (2), the plug-in connector housing (3) has a guide element (10) which extends away from the plug-in connector housing (3) parallel to the plug-in axis (y), is arranged at least partially within a guide opening (11) in the securing unit (5) and guides the movement of the securing unit between the release position and the locking position.

2. Plug-in connector (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein the securing unit (5) has at least one fixing element (8), which is connected to a receiving element (9) on the fastening arm (4) in the locking position.

3. Plug-in connector (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the plug-in connector housing (3) has at least one positioning element (13), which can be inserted into a positioning opening (14) in the printed circuit board (2).

4. Plug-in connector (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the plug-in connector housing (3) has at least one stop element (12) and the printed circuit board (2) can be clamped between the first fastening element (6) and the stop element (12).

5. Plug-in connector (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the plug-in connector housing (3) has a second fastening element (15), which can be connected to a second connecting element (16) on the printed circuit board (2).

6. Plug-in connector (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the plug-in connector housing (3) has two fastening arms (4) each with a first fastening element (6), which first fastening elements can each be connected to a first connecting element (7) of the printed circuit board (2), wherein the fastening arms (4), for producing and / or releasing the connection, can be deflected in opposite directions.

7. Plug-in connector (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein the printed circuit board (2) can be clamped between the fastening arms (4).

8. Plug-in connector (1) according to Claim 6 or 7, wherein the fastening arms (4) are connected to each other by means of a connecting section (17).

9. Plug-in connector (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein the securing unit (5) has a projection element (18), which exerts a pressing force on the connecting section (17) in the locking position, the pressing force preloading the fastening arms (4) relative to each other.