Device and PCB terminal for measuring current

Abstract

The invention relates to technology for measuring an electrical current. One aspect of the invention relates to a device (200) having a first and a second connection (102, 104), to which at least one respective conductor can be electrically connected. The device (200) has at least one first connection contacting point (112) and at least one second connection contacting point (114) which are designed for electrical and mechanical connection to a printed circuit board (20), and the device (200) also has a shunt resistor (108) with at least one first shunt contacting point (116) and at least one second shunt contacting point (118). The at least one first shunt contacting point (116) is arranged adjacent to the at least one first connection contacting point (112). The at least one second shunt contacting point (118) is arranged adjacent to the at least one second connection contacting point (114).

Description

[0001] Description

[0002] Device and circuit board terminal for current measurement

[0003] The present invention relates to a technique for measuring an electric current. In particular, a printed circuit board clamp and a device that can be mounted on a printed circuit board are disclosed.

[0004] In current technology, PCB terminals enable the simple and safe transmission of signals, data, and power to the printed circuit board. They are suitable for a wide range of applications, such as measuring current between two points on the board.

[0005] However, since a printed circuit board (PCB) contains sensitive electronic circuits and traces with small cross-sections, the integrity and safety of the PCB are not always guaranteed by using PCB terminals. For example, the measuring current carried between the two points on the PCB can damage the PCB or its components.

[0006] To reduce the risk of damage and enable accurate measurements even of large currents, the measuring current can be diverted via a shunt resistor, and only the voltage drop between two points on the circuit board is measured. For example, patent EP 3042407 B1 teaches a battery module comprising a plurality of battery cells, a circuit board, a terminal connector for outputting a voltage from the plurality of battery cells, and a shunt circuit arranged on one side of the circuit board of the battery module opposite the side of the circuit board facing the battery cells, in order to conduct current from the plurality of battery cells to the terminal connector, wherein the shunt circuit is arranged on a lateral section of the circuit board extending over the edge of one of the inner walls of the housing.The terminal connector is welded to the shunt at a first shunt weld point, the first shunt weld point being accessible from above the multitude of battery cells.

[0007] However, combining a shunt resistor with the available PCB terminals to redirect current while the component is mounted on a circuit board is mechanically complex and often impossible. For example, adding a shunt resistor to the side of the PCB next to the terminals increases the surface area occupied by the entire component, which can be challenging when mounted. Furthermore, this does not address the initial problem of the current load on the circuit board. Adding a shunt resistor away from the terminals also requires additional wiring and electrical connections, complicating the PCB assembly and increasing the risk of failure.Adding the shunt resistor to the opposite side of the circuit board and connecting it to protruding pins of the circuit board terminal requires a complicated multi-stage manufacturing process and is not possible if only one side of the circuit board is accessible.

[0008] It is therefore the object of the invention to remedy this situation. This object is achieved by the features of the independent claim. Advantageous embodiments and further developments of the invention are specified in the dependent claims.

[0009] Exemplary embodiments of the invention, which can be optionally combined with one another, are disclosed below with partial reference to the figures. In particular, features mentioned in the context of the device can also be implemented accordingly for the printed circuit board terminal itself, for example by means of a correspondingly shaped recess. Furthermore, the printed circuit board terminal can include any feature mentioned in the context of the device and can be configured to perform any step mentioned herein.

[0010] According to one aspect, a device for measuring an electric current is provided. The device comprises a first terminal and a second terminal, to each of which at least one conductor can be electrically connected. The device further comprises at least one first terminal contact point and at least one second terminal contact point, which are configured for electrical and mechanical connection to a printed circuit board. Within the device, the first terminal is electrically connected to the at least one first terminal contact point, and the second terminal is electrically connected to the at least one second terminal contact point. The at least one first terminal contact point is spatially separated from the at least one second terminal contact point.The device further comprises a shunt resistor with at least one first shunt contact point and at least one second shunt contact point. The at least one first shunt contact point is electrically connected to the at least one second shunt contact point via the shunt resistor. The at least one first shunt contact point is located adjacent to the at least one first connection point. The at least one second shunt contact point is located adjacent to the at least one second connection point.

[0011] Electric current can be direct current or alternating current.

[0012] The device can be used to measure the current flowing through the terminals without the current actually flowing through the traces of the printed circuit board (PCB). A relatively large current flows between the two terminals (e.g., screw terminals) via the shunt resistor. This allows the PCB to measure the current in a shunt circuit.

[0013] The two terminals (e.g., terminal blocks) can have an input and an output (e.g., input and output terminals) for conductors (typically a single-core cable, i.e., a single-core cable with strands or wire). The device can be designed, for example, due to the terminal contact points, to be soldered to the printed circuit board.

[0014] The features of the device, apart from the shunt resistor, can function independently as a printed circuit board terminal (also referred to simply as a "terminal"). In some embodiments of the device, the adjacent arrangement allows for a connection between the terminal and the shunt resistor.

[0015] Due to the pairwise adjacent contact points (with regard to connection and shunt resistance), no or almost no portion of the current to be measured flows through conductor tracks of the circuit board.

[0016] In this context, "adjacent" can mean that there are no other contact points and / or conductor tracks in between. The shunt resistor can therefore have at least two shunt contact points (for example, two pins), whereby the at least one first shunt contact point can be located directly adjacent to, in spatial proximity to, or near the at least one first terminal contact point. The at least one second shunt contact point can be directly adjacent to, in spatial proximity to, or near the at least one second terminal contact point.

[0017] In each embodiment, in the assembled state, due to the pairwise proximity, the at least one first shunt contact point can be electrically connected to the at least one first connection contact point, and the at least one second shunt contact point can be electrically connected to the at least one second connection contact point.

[0018] Since the connection points (e.g. terminal pins) and the shunt contact points (e.g. shunt pins) on the circuit board are directly electrically connected in pairs, embodiments of the device can fulfill the principle of four-wire measurement, i.e., there is no distortion of the measurement by connection resistances.

[0019] The device can also be designed to be used optionally as a printed circuit board terminal without a shunt resistor or with a different shunt resistor, for example by removing or replacing the shunt resistor.

[0020] Embodiments of the invention enable higher current measurements, more accurate measurements, space savings through the combination of a shunt resistor and a circuit board terminal in a single device, automation of certain processes (for example, the assembly of the circuit board with the device), avoidance of unnecessary wiring, and / or increased scalability. The device can be a measuring unit of an energy meter, for example, in accordance with one version of the Measuring Instruments Directive (MID, i.e., the European Union's Measuring Instruments Directive 2014 / 32 / EU or a successor regulation). Alternatively or additionally, the current can be 2 A, 4 A, 6 A, 10 A, 16 A, 20 A, 25 A, 32 A, 35 A, 50 A, 63 A, 80 A, 100 A, 125 A, or more, or be within a range limited by any two of the aforementioned values.The standardized design of the printed circuit board terminal for various current measurement applications can reduce unit manufacturing costs and enable faster production.

[0021] The shunt resistor can be a stamped and bent part. For example, the shunt contact points can be stamped out and bent at a 90-degree angle to protrude from the mounting surface.

[0022] Exemplary embodiments of the device can be mounted on the printed circuit board (PCB) by first mounting the shunt resistor on the PCB according to the shunt contact points. Then, the PCB terminal is mounted according to the connection contact points on the PCB, preferably by an automated assembly machine. Since the shunt contact points are each adjacent to one of the connection contact points, the PCB terminal can be mounted over the shunt resistor. This means that one mounting area on the PCB and / or the mounting surface of the PCB terminal (facing the PCB) can completely encompass one mounting area of ​​the shunt resistor.

[0023] Exemplary embodiments of the device can therefore include a terminal block for a printed circuit board (PCB) into which the shunt resistor can be inserted between the contact points of the PCB terminal block, so that when the contact points are soldered, the input of the PCB terminal block is directly connected to the input of the shunt resistor and the output of the PCB terminal block is directly connected to the output of the shunt resistor – i.e., point-by-point and not via a conductor trace. The voltage drop, as a measurement signal for the current, can be tapped between these two points on the PCB for current measurement.

[0024] This makes it possible to integrate a wide variety of shunt resistors into the fixtures using a standardized PCB terminal block in automated production. Mounting the shunt resistor within the terminal block is no longer necessary.

[0025] Preferably, the device is also mechanically attached to the circuit board via the contact points. This allows the electrical and mechanical assembly to be completed in a single manufacturing step. Since the contact points of the terminal and shunt resistor coincide in pairs, mounting the device on the circuit board by soldering (manually or automatically by wave soldering) is simplified.

[0026] The distance between the at least one first shunt contact point and the at least one second shunt contact point can be many times greater than the distance between the at least one first connection contact point and the at least one first shunt contact point. Alternatively or additionally, the distance between the at least one first shunt contact point and the at least one second shunt contact point can be many times greater than the distance between the at least one second connection contact point and the at least one second shunt contact point. Alternatively or additionally, the distance between the at least one first connection contact point and the at least one second connection contact point can be many times greater than the distance between the at least one first connection contact point and the at least one first shunt contact point.Alternatively or additionally, the distance between the at least one first connection contact point and the at least one second connection contact point can be many times greater than the distance between the at least one second connection contact point and the at least one second shunt contact point.

[0027] Due to the negligible or minimal conductor lengths between the paired adjacent shunt and connection contact points, the measurement of high currents is made possible, for example for the DC charging of an electrical energy storage device.

[0028] The contact points can include pins, optionally studs, which are designed to be inserted into through-holes in the printed circuit board and soldered for electrical and mechanical connection to the printed circuit board.

[0029] Mechanical connection is possible via contact points (e.g., pins).

[0030] The contact points can include solder pads designed for surface mounting to provide electrical and mechanical connections to the printed circuit board. The contact points can be implemented as surface-mount devices (e.g., SMD packages) of the terminal.

[0031] The shunt resistor can be positioned between the spatially separated first and second connection contact points.

[0032] The device may include a housing. The terminals may be arranged on a terminal side of the housing, and the contact points may protrude from a mounting side of the housing opposite the terminal side. Alternatively or additionally, the housing may have a recess between the at least one first terminal contact point and the at least one second terminal contact point for receiving the shunt resistor.

[0033] Each of the at least two terminals can accommodate at least one clampable conductor for electrical connection.

[0034] The device can also include one terminal per connection, whereby the conductor (e.g. wire) can be clamped in each terminal.

[0035] The at least one first connection contact point can comprise several first connection contact points, optionally arranged in a series. Alternatively or additionally, the at least one second connection contact point can comprise several second connection contact points, optionally arranged in a series. Alternatively or additionally, the at least one first shunt contact point can comprise several first shunt contact points, optionally arranged in a series parallel to the several first connection contact points. Alternatively or additionally, the at least one second shunt contact point can comprise several second shunt contact points, optionally arranged in a series parallel to the several second connection contact points.

[0036] The multiple contact points can each be arranged in a row with a uniform spacing to the next contact point in the row. Adjacent connection and shunt contact points can be arranged in two adjacent and parallel rows. Alternatively or additionally, the connection and shunt contact points are offset from each other by half a spacing length in the direction of the parallel rows.

[0037] The device may further include the printed circuit board. The printed circuit board may have a common first solder joint for the adjacent first shunt and connection contact points. Alternatively or additionally, the printed circuit board may have a common second solder joint for the adjacent second shunt and connection contact points.

[0038] According to another independent aspect of this technology, a printed circuit board (PCB) terminal block is provided for measuring an electric current. The PCB terminal block comprises a first terminal and a second terminal, to each of which at least one conductor can be electrically connected. Furthermore, the PCB terminal block comprises at least one first terminal contact point and at least one second terminal contact point, which are configured for electrical and mechanical connection to a printed circuit board. Within the PCB terminal block, the first terminal is electrically connected to the at least one first terminal contact point, and the second terminal is electrically connected to the at least one second terminal contact point. The at least one first terminal contact point is spatially separated from the at least one second terminal contact point.The PCB terminal block has a recess for receiving a shunt resistor. The recess is designed to accommodate the shunt resistor outside the PCB terminal block. This allows the shunt resistor to be inserted into the recess, preferably without tools and without opening the PCB terminal block.

[0039] Integrating the shunt resistor into the recess minimizes the space required, allowing for a more compact device design. Furthermore, a uniform PCB terminal block design can be used for various shunt resistors.

[0040] The recess is advantageously located on a mounting surface of the PCB terminal block, so that, in the mounted state, the shunt resistor is protected and inaccessible between the PCB terminal block and the PCB. In the aforementioned device and / or the aforementioned PCB terminal block, the recess can have a geometry (for example, a rim and / or at least one spring-loaded locking tab) that allows the shunt resistor (for example, its edge) to snap positively into the recess. Alternatively or additionally, the shunt resistor (for example, its shunt contact points) can be frictionally clamped between the connection contact points.

[0041] This ensures the shunt resistor is securely held in the recess, preventing it from loosening during assembly. Furthermore, there is no risk of it being lost as a loose component, especially if the device is rotated during assembly, as the shunt resistor snaps into place with a positive locking mechanism or is frictionally clamped. This can also simplify handling. The installation of the shunt resistor is simplified because no additional fasteners are required.

[0042] The invention and its technical context are explained in more detail below with reference to the figures. It should be noted that the invention is not limited to the embodiments shown. In particular, unless explicitly stated otherwise, it is also possible to extract aspects of the concepts illustrated in the figures and combine them with other elements and findings from the present description and / or figures. It should be emphasized that the figures, and especially the depicted dimensions, are only schematic. Identical reference numerals denote the same objects, so that explanations from other figures may be consulted for further clarification.

[0043] They show schematically:

[0044] Figure 1 shows a perspective view of an embodiment of a terminal for a printed circuit board,

[0045] Figure 2 shows a side view of the embodiment of the printed circuit board clamp,

[0046] Figure 3 shows an exemplary side view of the embodiment of the printed circuit board terminal in the assembled state without a shunt resistor, for example for low measuring currents; Figure 4 shows a perspective view of the embodiment of the printed circuit board terminal with a shunt resistor, i.e., an embodiment of a device for measuring an electric current, for example for large measuring currents.

[0047] Figure 5 shows an exemplary view of a partially populated printed circuit board after assembly with an embodiment of the shunt resistor for measuring the electric current and before assembly with the embodiment of the printed circuit board terminal for supplying and removing the current.

[0048] Figure 6 shows an exemplary top view of the embodiment of the device for measuring electric current in the assembled state, i.e. after fitting with shunt resistor and circuit board terminal,

[0049] Figure 7 shows an exemplary side view of the embodiment of the device for measuring electric current, and

[0050] Figure 8 shows an exemplary front view of the embodiment of the device for measuring electric current in the assembled state.

[0051] Figure 1 shows an exemplary perspective view of an embodiment of a two-pole printed circuit board terminal 100 for mounting on a printed circuit board (not shown here). The terminal (e.g., the device) is generally designated by the reference numeral 10.

[0052] The PCB terminal block 100 can be mounted on a printed circuit board. For this purpose, the PCB terminal block 100 can be mechanically and electrically connected to the printed circuit board, for example by soldering. For example, connection points 112 and 114 of the PCB terminal block 100 each have at least one pin protruding from a mounting surface of the PCB terminal block 100.

[0053] The circuit board terminal 100 can accommodate two conductors at the respective terminals 102 and 104, which, for example, supply and discharge the current to be measured.

[0054] For low currents, the current to be measured can be passed through the circuit board for evaluation. However, for high currents, this can damage the circuit board and is detrimental in terms of reliability, operational safety, and power efficiency.

[0055] While in a conventional use of a printed circuit board terminal the electric current to be measured flows between two points across the printed circuit board, the printed circuit board terminal 100 has a recess 101 on the mounting surface, at least between the connection contact points 112 and 114 of the printed circuit board terminal 100. A shunt resistor can be inserted into this recess 101, so that the current measurement can be based, for example, on a voltage drop between the connection contact points 112 and 114 on the printed circuit board.

[0056] Advantageously, the shunt resistor can be inserted in the recess 101 outside the circuit board terminal 100, so that the circuit board terminal 100 does not have to be opened.

[0057] Furthermore, the shunt resistor can optionally be inserted into the recess 101. This allows the use of a shunt resistor with a resistance value and / or a conductor cross-section that corresponds to a predefined measuring range of the voltage drop and / or current (i.e., the expected current) between the conductors connected to terminals 102 and 104 on the printed circuit board. This enables the use of the same PCB terminals 100 for different printed circuit boards (especially those with different evaluation units for measuring the voltage drop) and different current measuring ranges. This contributes to resource-efficient manufacturing of the PCB terminals 100.

[0058] Figure 2 schematically shows a side view of a terminal 100 (e.g. the terminal from Figure 1) for a printed circuit board (not shown here) with an exemplary recess 101.

[0059] Figure 3 shows a side view of a terminal 100 (e.g. the terminal from Figure 1 or 2) for a printed circuit board 20 in the mounted state.

[0060] To prevent a high current from flowing through circuit board 20 during measurement, another device, such as a shunt resistor, must be installed. Since the circuit board terminal 100 is already mounted on circuit board 20, it is technically difficult to mount another device in the same location unless it is mounted on the other side of circuit board 20. The other side of circuit board 20 is not always accessible, and even if it is, mounting another component in the same location is difficult and could even damage circuit board 20.

[0061] Figure 4 shows an exemplary perspective view of an embodiment of a device according to one aspect of the invention for measuring an electric current. The device is generally designated by reference numeral 200.

[0062] The device 200 comprises a first terminal 102 and a second terminal 104, distinct from the first terminal 102, to each of which at least one conductor (e.g., with a solid wire or stranded wires) can be electrically connected. Each terminal 102 and 104 can each include a conductor receiving space (hereinafter referred to as a receiving area) in the housing of the printed circuit board terminal 100 for receiving a free end of the conductor, optionally with a ferrule.

[0063] Each terminal 102 and 104 can each include a clamping mechanism, generally designated by reference numeral 110, for the reversible electrical and mechanical connection of the at least one conductor to the respective terminal. Accordingly, each terminal 102 and 104 can be a terminal block.

[0064] As shown by way of example in Fig. 4, the clamping mechanism 110 can comprise a lever which is pivotably mounted on the housing of the printed circuit board terminal 100 between an open position and a closed position. In the closed position, the lever transmits a force to a clamping element of the clamping mechanism, whereby, as the lever moves into the closed position, the clamping element engages in the conductor receiving space to electrically contact and mechanically clamp an inserted conductor. As shown in Fig. 4, the lever can have an actuating surface designed to facilitate the pivoting movement by a finger or a tool.

[0065] Alternatively or additionally, the clamping mechanism 110 can be used to

[0066] The clamping mechanism is arranged in the housing of the printed circuit board terminal 100 and includes a clamping device. The clamping device can have several elements that fix the electrical conductor in the receiving area from multiple sides by mechanical tension. For example, the clamping force of a screw can be transferred over a surface area to the conductor via a metal plate (e.g., as a screw clamp).

[0067] Alternatively or additionally, the clamping mechanism 110 can incorporate a contact spring (e.g., for a push-in terminal or spring-loaded terminal). Optionally, the contact spring can be moved into an open position by means of an actuating push button. In the open position, one edge of the contact spring can be sufficiently far from the conductor to facilitate insertion or removal. When the actuating push button is released, the contact spring springs back into its closed position and exerts a spring force (preload) on the conductor, thereby achieving both electrical contact and securing against tensile forces, e.g., when the conductor or the PCB terminal is subjected to mechanical stresses such as vibrations or tensile forces.Preferably, one end of the contact spring, which rests against the conductor due to the spring force, forms an acute angle with the longitudinal direction of the conductor, so that the end, acting as a ramp, is pressed into the open position against the spring force when the conductor is received, and is tilted with the conductor when it is received to secure it against tensile forces.

[0068] The device 200 further comprises at least one first connection point 112 and at least one second connection point 114, which are configured for electrical and mechanical connection to a printed circuit board 20. Within the device 200, the first connection 102, with a cross-section sufficient for the measuring current, is electrically connected to the at least one first connection point 112. The second connection 104 is electrically connected to the at least one second connection point 114. The at least one first connection point 112 is spatially separated from the at least one second connection point 114.

[0069] The first connection contact point and the second connection-

[0070] The contact point includes pins, optionally prongs, designed to engage in

[0071] Through-holes of the printed circuit board 20 are inserted and soldered for electrical and mechanical connection to the printed circuit board 20. The first connection point 112 and / or the second connection point 114 can each comprise one or more pins. By way of example, Figure 4 shows that the first connection point 112 and the second connection point 114 each comprise three pins.

[0072] The device 200 further comprises a shunt resistor 108 with at least one first shunt contact point 116 and at least one second shunt contact point 118. The at least one first shunt contact point 116 is electrically connected to the at least one second shunt contact point 118 via the shunt resistor 108. The first shunt contact point 116 and the second shunt contact point 118 can each comprise one or more pins, preferably the same number of pins as at each connection contact point 112 and 114. By way of example, Figure 4 shows that the first shunt contact point 116 and the second shunt contact point 118 each comprise three pins.

[0073] In one variant of the embodiment, the first shunt contact point 116 and the second shunt contact point 118 may comprise more pins, the same number of pins, or fewer pins than the first terminal contact point 112 and the second terminal contact point 114.

[0074] The at least one first shunt contact point 116 is arranged adjacent to the at least one first connection contact point 112. The at least one second shunt contact point 118 is arranged adjacent to the at least one second connection contact point 114. The pair of contact points 112 and 116, as well as the pair of contact points 114 and 118, can be electrically connected to form a contact point by wave soldering. The conductor cross-section at the contact point can be selected according to the measuring current by the number of pins.

[0075] The device 200 can further comprise a housing 120. The terminals 102 and 104 are arranged on a terminal side of the housing 120. The contact points 112, 114, 116 and 118 protrude from a mounting side (mounting surface) of the housing 120 opposite the terminal side. Alternatively or additionally, the housing 120 of the device 200 has a recess 101 between the at least one first terminal contact point 112 and the at least one second terminal contact point 114 for receiving the shunt resistor 108.

[0076] As schematically shown in Figure 4, the distance 106 or direct contact, optionally even a frictional or positive connection, between the connection contact point 112 (or 114) and the shunt contact point 116 (or 118) is small. "Small" here can mean that the distance is many times smaller than an edge length or diagonal (e.g., of the mounting surface) of the PCB terminal 100. This small distance 106—or even direct contact—allows for a compact arrangement of the contact points and / or a more compact design of the PCB terminal 100 and the PCB 20. Furthermore, the small distance 106 or direct contact enables their pairwise electrical connection to be more secure, reliable, and with lower resistance. This allows the corresponding pair of contact points to be connected securely and stably, which increases the accuracy and / or reliability of the current measurement.

[0077] Figure 5 schematically shows a top view of an exemplary printed circuit board 20 during the step-by-step assembly with an embodiment of the device 200 for measuring an electric current. In the state shown in Figure 5, only the shunt resistor 108 is mounted in a first step.

[0078] The shunt resistor 108 can be located in the fully assembled state (as shown in Figure 6) between a surface of the circuit board 20 and a surface (the mounting surface) of the housing 120 of the device 200.

[0079] In one variant of each embodiment, the shunt resistor can be mounted on a second component side of the printed circuit board 20, opposite a first component side of the printed circuit board 20 where the circuit board terminal 100 is mounted. In this case, Figure 5 shows the view of the second component side. The crossed circles indicate pins of the contact points 112 and 114, which protrude from the second component side of the printed circuit board 20. For each variant, Figure 5 schematically shows the spatial arrangement of the first connection contact points 112 adjacent to the first shunt contact points 116, as well as the spatial arrangement of the second connection contact points 114 adjacent to the second shunt contact points 118.

[0080] The measuring current flows in the shunt resistor 108 and not on the circuit board 20. This makes a reliable measurement of the current possible.

[0081] Figure 6 shows an exemplary top view of an embodiment of a device 200 for measuring an electric current in its assembled state. The measuring current can flow from the first terminal 102 to the first terminal contact point 112 and to the first shunt contact point 116, and through the shunt resistor 108 to the second shunt contact point 118 and to the second terminal contact point 114, exiting from the second terminal 104. Alternatively or additionally, the direction of the measuring current can also be reversed.

[0082] Figure 7 shows an exemplary side view of an embodiment of a device 200 for measuring an electric current. The device 200 can include a recess 101 (e.g., in the housing 120) in which the first connection point 112 and the second connection point 114 are arranged. The recess 101 can further accommodate the shunt resistor 108 such that the first shunt connection point 116 is located next to the first connection point 112 and the second shunt connection point 118 is located next to the second connection point 114.

[0083] As can be seen from the embodiment of the device 200 described above – for example, in Figures 4, 5 and 7 – a printed circuit board terminal 100 can be connected to an optional shunt resistor 108 in a single step during assembly. The current thus does not flow via the conductor tracks of the printed circuit board 20 and instead flows directly from the terminal 100 (input side) through the shunt resistor 108 to the terminal 100 (output side).

[0084] Figure 8 shows an exemplary front view of an embodiment of a

[0085] Device 200 for measuring an electric current in the assembled state. In this view, the protruding shunt contact points 116 and

[0086] 118 behind the protruding connection contact points 112 and 114, respectively. This means that the multiple pins of each contact point are aligned in a row (in the x-direction) and the different pins of the paired contact points are aligned (in the y-direction). This allows for a homogeneous current density in the solder joint.

[0087] Although the invention has been described with reference to exemplary embodiments, it is apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications can be made and equivalents can be used as substitutes. Furthermore, many modifications can be made to adapt the teaching of the invention to a particular situation or material. Consequently, the invention is not limited to the disclosed

[0088] The embodiments are not limited, but include all embodiments that fall within the scope of the attached patent claims.

[0089] Reference symbol list

[0090] 20 circuit boards

[0091] 100 PCB terminal blocks for current measurement, in short: terminal blocks

[0092] 101 Recess for shunt resistor

[0093] 102 First connection, for example first terminal block

[0094] 104 Second connection, for example second terminal block

[0095] 106 Small gap or positive fit

[0096] 108 Shunt resistance

[0097] 110 Clamping mechanism, for example with lever

[0098] 112 First connection contact points, for example first connection pins

[0099] 114 Second connection contact points, for example second connection pins

[0100] 116 First shunt contact points, for example, first shunt pins

[0101] 118 Second shunt contact points, for example, second shunt pins

[0102] 120 cases

[0103] 200 Device for measuring current

Claims

1. Device (200) for measuring an electric current, comprising: a first terminal (102) and a second terminal (104), to each of which at least one conductor can be electrically connected; at least one first terminal contact point (112) and at least one second terminal contact point (114), which are designed for electrical and mechanical connection with a printed circuit board (20), wherein within the device (200) the first terminal (102) is electrically connected to the at least one first terminal contact point (112) and the second terminal (104) is electrically connected to the at least one second terminal contact point (114), and wherein the at least one first terminal contact point (112) is spatially separated from the at least one second terminal contact point (114);and a shunt resistor (108) with at least one first shunt contact point (116) and at least one second shunt contact point (118), wherein the at least one first shunt contact point (116) is electrically connected via the shunt resistor (108) to the at least one second shunt contact point (118), wherein the at least one first shunt contact point (116) is arranged adjacent to the at least one first connection contact point (112) and the at least one second shunt contact point (118) is arranged adjacent to the at least one second connection contact point (114).

2. Device (200) according to claim 1, wherein a distance between the at least one first shunt contact point (116) and the at least one second shunt contact point (118) is many times greater than a distance between the at least one first connection contact point (112) and the at least one first shunt contact point (116) and / or wherein a distance between the at least one first shunt contact point (116) and the at least one second shunt contact point (118) is many times greater than a distance between the at least one second connection contact point (114) and the at least one second shunt contact point (118) and / or wherein a distance between the at least one first connection contact point (112) and the at least one second connection contact point (114) is many times greater than a distance between the at least one first connection contact point (112) and the at least one first shunt contact point (116),and / or wherein the distance between the at least one first connection contact point (112) and the at least one second connection contact point (114) is many times greater than the distance between the at least one second connection contact point (114) and the at least one second shunt contact point (118).

3. Device (200) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the contact points (112; 114; 116; 118) comprise pins, optionally studs, which are designed to be inserted into through-holes of the printed circuit board (20) and soldered for electrical and mechanical connection to the printed circuit board (20).

4. Device (200) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the contact points (112; 114; 116; 118) comprise solder pads designed for surface mounting for electrical and mechanical connection to the printed circuit board (20).

5. Device (200) according to one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the shunt resistor (108) is arranged between the spatially separated first and second connection contact points (112, 114).

6. Device (200) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the device (200) comprises a housing (120), wherein the connections are arranged on a connection side of the housing (120) and the contact points (112; 114; 116; 118) protrude on a mounting side of the housing (120) opposite the connection side, and / or wherein the housing (120) has a recess (101) between the at least one first connection contact point (112) and the at least one second connection contact point (114) for receiving the shunt resistor (108).

7. Device (200) according to one of claims 1 to 6, wherein at least one conductor can be clamped into each of the at least two terminals (102; 104) for electrical connection.

8. Device (200) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the at least one first connection contact point (112) comprises several first connection contact points (112) which are optionally arranged in a series, and / or wherein the at least one second connection contact point (114) comprises several second connection contact points (114) which are optionally arranged in a series, and / or wherein the at least one first shunt contact point (116) comprises several first shunt contact points (116) which are optionally arranged in a series parallel to the several first connection contact points (112), and / or wherein the at least one second shunt contact point (118) comprises several second shunt contact points (118) which are optionally arranged in a series are arranged parallel to the several second connection contact points (114).

9. Device (200) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, further comprising the printed circuit board (20), wherein the printed circuit board (20) has a common first solder joint for the adjacent first shunt and connection contact points (112; 116), and / or wherein the printed circuit board (20) has a common second solder joint for the adjacent second shunt and connection contact points (114; 118).

10. Printed circuit board terminal (100) for measuring an electric current, comprising: a first terminal (102) and a second terminal (104), to each of which at least one conductor can be electrically connected; at least one first terminal contact point (112) and at least one second terminal contact point (114), which are designed for electrical and mechanical connection to a printed circuit board (20), wherein within the printed circuit board terminal (100) the first terminal (102) is electrically connected to the at least one first terminal contact point (112) and the second terminal (104) is electrically connected to the at least one second terminal contact point (114), and wherein the at least one first terminal contact point (112) is spatially separated from the at least one second terminal contact point (114);and a recess (101) for receiving a shunt resistor (108), wherein the recess (101) is designed to receive the shunt resistor (108) outside the printed circuit board terminal (100).

11. Device (200) according to claim 6 or printed circuit board clamp (100) according to claim 10, wherein the recess (101) has a geometry that allows the shunt resistor (108) to be positively engaged in the recess (101) and / or wherein the shunt contact points (116, 118) can be frictionally clamped between the connection contact points (112, 114).

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