Electronic assembly

Abstract

The invention relates to an electronic assembly (1), comprising two carrier bodies (3, 4) for electronic components, which carrier bodies are to be electrically conductively connected to one another at contact points (5). According to the invention, a compressible elastic electrically conductive contact element (6) is arranged at the respective contact points (5) on one carrier body (3) and a corresponding contact element (15) is arranged on the other carrier body (4). An electrically conductive incompressible shielding frame (9) surrounding the contact points (5) is arranged between the two carrier bodies (3, 4). The two carrier bodies (3, 4) are interlockingly joined together in such a way that the compressible elastic electrically conductive contact elements (6) arranged on one carrier body (3) are electrically conductively connected to the corresponding contact elements (15) arranged on the other carrier body (4), and the shielding frame (9) is electrically conductively connected to a ground connection (14) of the electronic assembly (1).

Description

[0001] Description

[0002] Electronic assembly

[0003] The invention relates to an electronic assembly according to the preamble of claim 1.

[0004] Electronic assemblies mounted on printed circuit boards (PCBs) are used in a variety of applications. Often, two such PCBs, designed to hold electronic components or electrical conductors, must be electrically connected to transmit energy, signals, or information between the electronic components of the assembly or to other assemblies.

[0005] In this context, US patent 11,469,554 B2 discloses a press-fit connector for assemblies with signal-conducting elements and ground shields, in which contact pins pressed onto a printed circuit board are surrounded by a flexible shielding frame as contact elements.

[0006] The invention is based on the objective of providing an electronic assembly according to the preamble of claim 1, in which the electrical contacting of two carrier bodies, in particular designed as printed circuit boards, is realized in a simple and reliably reproducible manner.

[0007] This problem is solved in an electronic assembly with the features of claim 1.

[0008] Advantageous embodiments of the invention are part of the further claims. According to the invention, the electronic assembly for realizing a reliably reproducible electrical contact between two carrier bodies, in particular designed as printed circuit boards for electronic components, has a solderless electrical connection at the respective contact points provided for the electrically conductive connection of the two carrier bodies, realized by means of compressible elastic electrically conductive contact elements.

[0009] For this purpose, at least one of the two carrier bodies is equipped with a compressible, elastic, electrically conductive contact element at the respective contact points intended for the electrically conductive connection of the two carrier bodies, and a corresponding contact element is arranged on the other carrier body. These corresponding contact elements arranged on the other carrier body can also be designed as compressible, elastic, electrically conductive contact elements, or as electrically conductive contact surfaces or contact pads, or as electrically conductive contact sections on a conductor track.

[0010] Furthermore, an electrically conductive, incompressible shielding frame, enclosing the contact points and acting as a spacer, is arranged between the two support bodies. This electrically conductive, incompressible shielding frame consists, for example, of an electrically conductive metal such as copper or spring steel, or of an electrically conductive plastic. In particular, the electrically conductive, incompressible shielding frame can also have separating webs that divide each of the two contact points, at least in a partial area.

[0011] The height of the electrically conductive, incompressible shielding frame arranged between the two carrier bodies can be selected depending on the compressibility of the compressible, elastic, electrically conductive contact elements. In particular, the height of the electrically conductive, incompressible shielding frame can correspond to the total height of the compressible, elastic, electrically conductive contact elements at the respective contact points in their maximally compressed state. For example, if the compressible, elastic, electrically conductive contact elements are compressible up to a height of 1 mm and one such elastic, electrically conductive contact element is arranged at each contact point on one of the two carrier bodies, the height of the electrically conductive, incompressible shielding frame can also be selected to be 1 mm.

[0012] The two carrier bodies of the electronic assembly are joined together with the electrically conductive incompressible shielding frame arranged between them in such a form-fitting manner that the compressible elastic electrically conductive contact elements arranged on one carrier body are electrically connected to the corresponding contact elements arranged on the other carrier body and the electrically conductive incompressible shielding frame is electrically connected to a ground connection of the electronic assembly.On the one hand, when the two carrier bodies of the electronic assembly are joined together, the mutual pressing of the two carrier bodies also exerts a corresponding pressure on the compressible elastic electrically conductive contact elements at the respective contact points, whereby these compressible elastic electrically conductive contact elements can be compressed up to the height specified by the height of the electrically conductive incompressible shielding frame, resulting in sufficient physical contact and thus a reliable electrical connection between the contact elements at the respective contact points of the two carrier bodies.On the other hand, when the two carrier bodies of the electronic assembly are joined together, the electrically conductive incompressible shielding frame is electrically connected to a ground connection arranged on one of the two carrier bodies, which can be designed as a conductor surface or as a conductor track, and / or electrically connected to a ground connection projecting over one of the two carrier bodies, which can be designed as a metallic ground plate.

[0013] In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the two support bodies each have receiving openings for positive-locking assembly, into which fastening elements engage. Such fastening elements can be, for example, screws, snap hooks, or fastening clips.

[0014] In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the electrically conductive, incompressible shielding frame arranged between the two support bodies is positively connected to one of the two support bodies. For this purpose, the electrically conductive, incompressible shielding frame is, in particular, glued or soldered onto one of the two support bodies, whereby the electrically conductive, incompressible shielding frame is already fixed when the two support bodies are joined together.

[0015] Alternatively, the electrically conductive incompressible shielding frame can also be inserted between the two carrier bodies before they are joined, without a positive connection to one of the carrier bodies, and is then fixed when the two carrier bodies are positively joined or when they are pressed together.

[0016] The number of compressible elastic electrically conductive contact elements on the two carrier bodies is specified according to the requirements of the electronic components to be contacted on the two carrier bodies and the area available for this purpose on the two carrier bodies.

[0017] In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the compressible elastic electrically conductive contact elements comprise a compressible elastic base body made of a compressible elastic plastic material, a compressible elastic silicone material, a compressible elastic rubber material, or a compressible elastic foam material. This compressible elastic base body is provided with an electrically conductive coating, for example, a gold-based coating applied to the compressible elastic base body. The contact elements have a predetermined base body height and a thin, electrically conductive coating applied thereto. For example, copper foil-wrapped and gold-coated silicone foams are provided as the foam core in such compressible elastic electrically conductive contact elements.

[0018] Due to the positive-locking connection of the two carrier bodies of the electronic assembly and the resulting pressure on the compressible, elastic, electrically conductive contact elements, these contact elements are consequently compressible. The compressibility of the contact elements can be determined by appropriately selecting the material of the base body. For example, they can be compressed by up to 60% of their height, resulting in a maximum compression of approximately 1 mm.

[0019] In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the compressible, elastic, electrically conductive contact elements are designed as SMD components (Surface Mounted Devices) which are applied to at least one of the two carrier bodies, preferably designed as printed circuit boards, using SMT technology or an SMT process, in particular by soldering or bonding them to at least one of the two carrier bodies, preferably designed as printed circuit boards. The SMT process enables automated, precise assembly of the compressible, elastic, electrically conductive contact elements designed as SMD components using a pick-and-place machine, and thus also efficient production of the carrier bodies, preferably designed as printed circuit boards, and consequently also of the electronic assembly.The compressible elastic electrically conductive contact elements are thereby precisely positioned on the respective carrier body, preferably designed as a printed circuit board, and in particular soldered onto it; that is, the positioning and dimensions of the compressible elastic electrically conductive contact elements can be determined very accurately and with high reproducibility.

[0020] Advantageously, in the electronic assembly of a vehicle according to the invention, a consistent, automated, and reproducible electrically conductive connection between the two carrier bodies, preferably designed as printed circuit boards, is provided with high quality. Furthermore, a high-quality shielding of the electronic components of the electronic assembly, required for many applications, is also simultaneously achieved.

[0021] Furthermore, the invention also includes combinations of the features of the described embodiments.

[0022] An embodiment of the invention is described in more detail below with reference to the drawing. The drawing shows:

[0023] Fig. 1 shows a schematic perspective view of a section of the electronic assembly;

[0024] Fig. 2 shows a schematic perspective view of a section of the electronic assembly before joining two carrier bodies of the electronic assembly designed as printed circuit boards;

[0025] Fig. 3 shows a schematic perspective view of a section of the electronic assembly during the joining of two carrier bodies of the electronic assembly designed as printed circuit boards; Fig. 4 shows a schematic sectional view of a section of the electronic assembly after the joining of two carrier bodies of the electronic assembly designed as printed circuit boards.

[0026] The embodiment described below is a preferred embodiment of the invention. In this embodiment, the described components each represent individual features of the invention that can be considered independently of one another. Each of these features further develops the invention independently and can therefore be considered part of the invention individually or in a combination other than that shown. Furthermore, the described embodiment can also be supplemented by other features of the invention already described.

[0027] In the figures, functionally identical elements are each provided with the same reference symbols.

[0028] The electronic assembly 1 shown in Figures 1 to 4 is intended, for example, to be used in a vehicle as an antenna unit or antenna module for transmitting and receiving high-frequency signals and thus for high-speed data transmission. The electronic assembly 1, which includes, for example, a housing 2 designed as a plastic enclosure, is attached to a component of the vehicle by means of a suitable mounting. At least two carrier bodies 3, 4, designed as printed circuit boards (PCBs), are arranged in the housing 2 of the electronic assembly 1 to accommodate various electronic components of the antenna unit 1. These electronic components of the antenna unit 1 must be shielded against interference, for which purpose an electrically conductive shielding frame 9, made of, for example, metal, is provided.The two circuit boards 3, 4 of the antenna unit 1 must be electrically connected to each other at specific contact points 5. In the schematic perspective view of a section of the antenna unit 1 according to Figure 1, it can be seen that compressible, elastic, electrically conductive contact elements 6 are applied as SMD components to one of the circuit boards 3 at the respective intended contact points 5 of the two circuit boards 3, 4 of the antenna unit 1. These components are applied to the circuit board 3, in particular using SMT technology with the aid of a pick-and-place machine, and are soldered onto the circuit board 3. For example, several compressible, elastic, electrically conductive contact elements 6 are arranged linearly one after the other on the circuit board 3, corresponding to the number of intended contact points 5, and are soldered onto this circuit board 3.On the other circuit board 4, contact surfaces 15 or contact pads are provided as corresponding contact elements at the respective intended contact points 5.

[0029] The compressible elastic electrically conductive contact elements 6 each consist of a compressible base body 7, for example, a compressible plastic material as a foam core with a width of approximately 2 mm and a height of approximately 2 mm. A thin conductive coating 8, particularly gold-based, is applied to this compressible base body 7. For example, the plastic material of the foam core of the compressible elastic electrically conductive contact elements 6 can be compressed by up to 60% when appropriate pressure is applied to the surface of the compressible elastic electrically conductive contact elements 6, i.e., its height can be reduced accordingly.

[0030] The incompressible, electrically conductive shielding frame 9, arranged between the two circuit boards 3, 4 and attached to circuit board 3, for example by soldering or by insertion, is electrically connected to the ground plane 14 formed on circuit board 4 and thus to the ground of the antenna unit 1. Furthermore, receiving openings 12, 13 are formed in both circuit boards 3, 4, into which fastening elements 11, for example designed as fastening screws, can engage for the positive-locking joining of the two circuit boards 3, 4 and for their connection to the housing 2 of the antenna unit 1.

[0031] Figures 2 and 3 show that the incompressible, electrically conductive shielding frame 9, which surrounds the contact points 5, has connecting webs 10 in a partial area. These webs separate two adjacent contact points 5 and the compressible, elastic, electrically conductive contact elements 6 provided at these contact points 5. Fastening elements 11, designed, for example, as fastening screws, are inserted from the underside 16 of the circuit board 3 into the receiving openings 12, 13 in the two circuit boards 3, 4 to form-fit the two carrier bodies 3, 4 together. When the two circuit boards 3, 4 are joined, tightening the fastening elements 11, designed, for example, as fastening screws, presses the two circuit boards 3, 4 together with the shielding frame 9 arranged between them.The pressure exerted on the two circuit boards 3 and 4 also compresses the compressible, elastic, electrically conductive contact elements 6 provided at the contact points 5. This causes the compressible, elastic, electrically conductive contact elements 6 to come into contact with the corresponding contact surfaces 15 on the circuit board 4, thereby establishing an electrically conductive connection to the contact surfaces 15. In other words, the two circuit boards 3 and 4 of the antenna unit 1 are thus electrically connected to each other at the respective contact points 5, as desired.The height of the incompressible, electrically conductive shielding frame 9 is selected according to the design of the compressible, elastic, electrically conductive contact elements 6 and, in particular, based on the compressibility of the compressible, elastic, electrically conductive contact elements 6. This ensures that a defined contact of the electrically conductive contact elements 6 is established on the respective corresponding contact surfaces 15, and thus a defined electrically conductive connection between the two circuit boards 3, 4 is achieved. The height of the incompressible, electrically conductive shielding frame 9 is specifically chosen to be as large as the height of the compressible, elastic, electrically conductive contact elements 6 in their maximally compressed state.

[0032] In the sectional view of a section of the antenna unit 1 according to Figure 4, it can be seen that the two circuit boards 3, 4 are positively connected to each other by means of the fastening elements 11, which are inserted into and tightened in the receiving openings 12, 13 of the two circuit boards 3, 4 and are arranged between them. Figure 4 also shows in particular that the compressed, compressible, elastic, electrically conductive contact elements 6 with their conductive coating 8 lie flush against the circuit board 4 and thereby reliably make electrical contact with it at the intended contact points 5 with a solderless connection.

[0033] Overall, this example demonstrates how an electronic assembly according to the invention can be used in a vehicle to receive and / or transmit high-frequency signals as an antenna unit. Reference numeral list

[0034] 1 Electronic assembly

[0035] 2 Housing 3 First carrier body / first circuit board

[0036] 4 second carrier body / second circuit board

[0037] 5 contact points

[0038] 6 contact elements

[0039] 7 Base body / foam core Contact elements 8 Conductive coating Contact elements

[0040] 9 shielding frames

[0041] 10 connecting bridges

[0042] 11 Fasteners

[0043] 12 mounting openings for first carrier body / first circuit board; 13 mounting openings for second carrier body / second circuit board

[0044] 14 Mass area

[0045] 15 contact surfaces

[0046] 16 Underside of the first carrier body / first circuit board

Claims

Patent claims 1. Electronic assembly (1) comprising two carrier bodies (3, 4) for electronic components to be electrically connected to each other at contact points (5), characterized in that a compressible elastic electrically conductive contact element (6) is arranged at the respective contact points (5) on one carrier body (3) and a corresponding contact element (15) is arranged on the other carrier body (4), that an electrically conductive incompressible shielding frame (9) enclosing the contact points (5) is arranged between the two carrier bodies (3, 4), and that the two carrier bodies (3, 4) are joined together in such a form-fitting manner,that the compressible elastic electrically conductive contact elements (6) arranged on one carrier body (3) are electrically connected to the corresponding contact elements (15) arranged on the other carrier body (4) and the shielding frame (9) is electrically connected to a ground connection (14) of the electronic assembly (1).

2. Electronic assembly (1) according to claim 1 , characterized in that the compressible elastic electrically conductive contacting elements (6) consist of a compressible elastic base body (7) and an electrically conductive coating (8) applied to the compressible elastic base body (7).

3. Electronic assembly (1) according to claim 2, characterized in that the compressible elastic electrically conductive contacting elements (6) have a compressible elastic base body (7) made of compressible foam as a foam core or of compressible plastic or of compressible silicone or of compressible rubber.

4. Electronic assembly (1) according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the compressible elastic electrically conductive contacting elements (6) are applied as SMD components in SMT technology on at least one carrier body (3).

5. Electronic assembly (1) according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the corresponding contacting elements (15) arranged on the other carrier body (4) are designed as compressible elastic electrically conductive contacting elements or as electrically conductive contact surfaces (15) or as contact sections on a conductor track.

6. Electronic assembly (1) according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the electrically conductive incompressible shielding frame (9) has separating dividing bridges (10) at least in a partial area between two contact points (5).

7. Electronic assembly (1) according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the electrically conductive incompressible shielding frame (9) is positively connected to one of the two carrier bodies (3, 4).

8. Electronic assembly (1) according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the electrically conductive incompressible shielding frame (9) is electrically connected to a ground connection (14) arranged on one of the two support bodies (3, 4) and / or to a ground connection projecting beyond one of the two support bodies (3, 4).

9. Electronic assembly (1) according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the two support bodies (3, 4) have receiving openings (12, 13) into which fastening elements (11) engage for positive joining of the two support bodies (3, 4).

10. Electronic assembly (1) according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the two carrier bodies (3, 4) are designed as printed circuit boards.

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