DE102020202025A1 - Connection element for the electrical connection of printed circuit boards, connection system and use of a connection element - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a connection element (10) for the electrical connection of printed circuit boards and also to a connection system (50). The connecting element (10) has a compressible body (12), a connecting region (14) which is designed to produce a material and / or form-fitting connection between the compressible body (12) and the first printed circuit board (31), and an electrically conductive one Area (16). The electrically conductive area (16) covers the compressible body (12) at least partially and / or is at least partially guided through the compressible body (12), and which is set up to establish an electrical connection between the first contact element (21) on the first Produce printed circuit board (31) and the second contact element (21).

Description

Field of invention

The invention relates to a device for the electrical connection of printed circuit boards, in particular a connection element, a connection system and a use.

background

In the electrical connection of circuit boards, solutions with high mechanical complexity and / or tight tolerances in the design of the plug and / or in their positioning on a circuit board are used in many cases. This can lead to high costs in the design and / or manufacture of the circuit board and / or the connection system. This can lead to comparatively higher costs, particularly when transmitting electrical high-frequency signals.

summary

It is the object of the invention to at least partially overcome the disadvantages of the prior art. This object is achieved by the subject matter of the independent claims. Further developments of the invention emerge from the subclaims and the following description.

One aspect of the invention relates to a connecting element for electrically connecting a first contact element, which is arranged on and / or at least partially in a first printed circuit board, to a second contact element. The connecting element has a compressible body, a connecting area which is designed to produce a material and / or form-fitting connection of the compressible body to the first printed circuit board, and an electrically conductive area which at least partially covers and / or at least partially the compressible body is passed through the compressible body. The electrically conductive area is set up to establish an electrical connection between the first contact element on the first printed circuit board and the second contact element.

The connecting element can be arranged on the first printed circuit board, e.g. by means of SMD technology (SMD: Surface-Mounted Device). Alternatively or additionally, the connecting element can be arranged at least partially in a first printed circuit board, for example by means of conventional soldering technology. In addition to soldering, other techniques can also be used to produce an integral and / or form-fitting connection. The first contact element is arranged on the first circuit board, the second contact element can be arranged on a second circuit board, but can also be arranged on the first circuit board, e.g. in the case of flexible circuit boards.

The connecting element has a compressible body. The compressible body is compressible at least in the z direction. For example, the compressible body can be compressed by at least 25% when a compressive force of 500 gf is applied. The compressible body can be elastic. The compressible body can consist of electrically insulating materials, such as silicone and / or air, and / or at least partially comprise an electrically conductive material. The conductivity of the compressible body can depend on the use of the connecting element; For example, an electrically insulating material can be selected for the transmission of (e.g. at least two) electrically separated signals via the connecting element, or two spatially separated connecting elements are used. For the transmission of larger currents, the compressible body can e.g. have or consist of electrically conductive material.

Furthermore, the connection element has a connection area which is designed to produce a material and / or form-fitting connection between the compressible body and the first printed circuit board. The connection area can be arranged, for example, on an underside of the connection element. The connection area can, depending on the selected material and / or form-fitting connection, have certain preparations. For example, the connection area for a soldered connection can have solder and / or flux. For an adhesive connection, the connection area can have adhesive. Similar measures can be taken for other material and / or form-fitting connections. The connection area can be electrically conductive, but it can also be designed to be electrically insulating.

The connecting element also has an electrically conductive area which at least partially covers the compressible body and / or is at least partially guided through the compressible body. The electrically conductive area can be designed, for example, as a coating, as a film, as a wire (which is guided, for example, within the compressible body), and / or as a further element. The electrically conductive area can be part of the connection area. The electrically conductive area is set up to produce an electrical connection between the first contact element on the first printed circuit board and the second contact element. The connecting element can be designed in a way that in addition to the compressible body an (eg parallel) electrical connection is made. The connecting element can, for example in a mechanically parallel manner, have means for compressing the compressible body, for example a clamp connection and / or a screwed connection. A particularly good and reliable contact can thus be achieved.

In this way, the connecting element can be used to establish an electrical connection which - depending on the design - can also absorb higher currents and / or is set up for high-frequency signals, for example above 1 GHz, e.g. above 5 GHz. The connecting element can contribute to the production of a system that transmits signals in a simple and inexpensive manner, for example between two printed circuit boards.

In some embodiments, the connection area is part of the first contact element, and the electrically conductive area is configured to produce an electrical connection between the connection area and the second contact element. Such a connection can be implemented as a solder connection, for example. The electrically conductive area can be part of the connection area.

In some embodiments, the electrically conductive layer is implemented as a coating on the compressible body. The coating can cover the entire connecting element or be designed as a “strip”. The width of the "stripes" can depend on the use of the connecting element. For example, use for high-frequency signals may require wider “strips” that are spaced further apart. These embodiments are advantageously easy to implement, for example by applying, gluing, spraying, etc. the coating.

In some embodiments, the electrically conductive layer is implemented as a conductor track on the compressible body. This can be done, for example, by etching the compressible body. This allows a predefined pattern with specific dimensions to be created.

In some embodiments, the electrically conductive layer is implemented as a line in the compressible body. The electrically conductive layer can be guided at least partially inside the compressible body.

The various embodiments of the electrically conductive layer can be combined with one another.

In one embodiment, the connecting area takes up only a part, for example a small part, of one side of the connecting element. In particular, the side of the connecting element is designed as an inverted V. A small part of the side of the connecting element can e.g. comprise <20%, <10%, <5% of the side. This embodiment has advantages in the case of SMD assembly, because it can lead to a more uniform soldering distribution and / or to a more reliable connection than is the case, for example, with a larger area.

In one embodiment, the second contact element is arranged on the first printed circuit board or on a second printed circuit board. This is particularly advantageous for curved printed circuit boards in which an additional connection, for example, is to be created.

In some embodiments, the compressible body consists of or comprises a group of materials, the group of materials including the following components: elastomers, for example silicones, rubber, chemically modified rubber, silicone rubber and / or insulating foams.

In some embodiments, the connecting element is set up to transmit signals in a frequency range of more than 100 MHz, in particular of more than 1 GHz. A connecting element can, for example, be used in the mentioned frequency range and have electrical values similar to those of a plug, for example. For example, the insertion loss can be less than 0.5 dB up to a frequency of 6 GHz.

In one embodiment, the connecting element has an additional jacket, the jacket being smaller in the z-direction than the connecting element, the connecting element completely surrounding the connecting element in a direction that is radial to the z-direction, and the jacket being stiffer than the connecting element . This embodiment can contribute to the fact that the connecting element is only stretched radially in a defined manner in relation to the z-direction. In this way, for example, the electrical behavior, especially at high frequencies, can be defined more precisely and / or improved.

Another aspect relates to a connection system for electrically connecting a first contact element, which is arranged on a first printed circuit board, to a second contact element, which is arranged on a second printed circuit board. The connection system has a first printed circuit board, the at least three first contact elements have a second printed circuit board, which have at least three second contact elements, and at least three connecting elements as described above and / or below, which connect the first contact elements to the respectively corresponding one of the second contact elements. Such a connection system can represent a high-quality and inexpensive possibility to produce, in particular, high-frequency connections, which is easy to produce.

In one embodiment, the connection system has a width D between 0.5 mm and 5 mm, in particular 1.25 mm, and a distance d between each two connection elements between 0.5 mm and 5 mm, in particular 1 mm. These proportions or dimensions have proven to be particularly advantageous for the transmission of RF signals up to 6 GHz.

In one embodiment, the connection system has a height H between 0.5 mm and 10 mm and a length L between 1 mm and 20 mm. The dimensioning of height H and length L can, for example, depend on the power to be transmitted. The dimensioning of the height H can also be dependent on the frequency range to be transmitted.

Another aspect of the invention relates to a use of a connection element as described above and / or below or a connection system as described above and / or below for the transmission of electrical high-frequency signals, in particular signals above 1 GHz, in particular above 5 GHz, other electrical signals and / or electrical power.

For further clarification, the invention is described with reference to the embodiments shown in the figures. These embodiments are only to be understood as an example and not as a restriction.

Figure list

• 1 ein Verbindungssystem gemäß einer Ausführungsform in einer schematischen Darstellung;
• 2 ein Verbindungssystem gemäß einer weiteren Ausführungsform in einer schematischen Darstellung;
• 3a und 3b ein Beispiel für eine Vielzahl von Verbindungselementen gemäß einer Ausführungsform in einer schematischen Darstellung;
• 4a und 4b ein Beispiel für ein Verbindungselement gemäß einer weiteren Ausführungsform in einer schematischen Darstellung;
• 5a und 5b ein Beispiel für eine Messvorrichtung für ein Verbindungssystem gemäß einer Ausführungsform in einer schematischen Darstellung;
• 6a und 6b Messergebnisse für eine Ausführungsform nach 3;
• 7a und 7b ein Verbindungselement gemäß einer Ausführungsform;
• 8 ein Verbindungselement gemäß einer weiteren Ausführungsform in einer schematischen Darstellung.

It shows:

• 1 a connection system according to an embodiment in a schematic representation;
• 2 a connection system according to a further embodiment in a schematic representation;
• 3a and 3b an example of a plurality of connecting elements according to an embodiment in a schematic representation;
• 4a and 4b an example of a connecting element according to a further embodiment in a schematic representation;
• 5a and 5b an example of a measuring device for a connection system according to an embodiment in a schematic representation;
• 6a and 6b Measurement results for an embodiment according to 3 ;
• 7a and 7b a connector according to an embodiment;
• 8th a connecting element according to a further embodiment in a schematic representation.

Detailed description of embodiments

1 shows a connection system 50 according to one embodiment. The connection system 50 has a first printed circuit board 31 on which a first contact element 21 (not visible) under an arrangement of three connecting elements 10 is arranged. Between the fasteners 10 there is a defined gap 17th with a distance d (see 3a and 4a) between the fasteners 10 . The fasteners 10 exhibit a compressible body 12th each with an electrically conductive area 16 , of each of the compressible bodies 12th at least partially covered. The electrically conductive areas 16 are electrical with the stripline 35 or GND (ground) connected. The strip line can be designed as a microstrip line. The number of fasteners 10 can depend on the number of partial lines that make up the stripline (s) 35 exist, that is, the number of fasteners 10 can also be greater than three. The electrically conductive layer 16 is in the embodiment as a coating of the compressible body 12th executed. The connection area 14th takes only a part, namely a small part, of an underside of the connecting element 10 a. This connection area 14th is designed as a tip surface of an inverted V in this embodiment. The fasteners 10 can for example at this connection area 14th with the first circuit board 31 be soldered and / or glued (and / or connected in some other way with a material fit and / or a form fit). The connection with a second contact element 21 (not visible) on the underside of the second circuit board 32 can by pressing the second circuit board 32 in the direction of the arrow 25th on the first circuit board 31 be accomplished.

2 shows a connection system 50 according to a further embodiment. the 2 is the embodiment of 1 very similar. However, there are differences in the execution of the Connecting element 10 that as a single connector with three electrically conductive areas 16 and corresponding defined gap 17th is executed. Furthermore, the connecting element 10 designed higher. This is the electrically conductive area 16 as a conductor track on the compressible body 12th executed. The number of electrically conductive areas 16 can depend on the number of partial lines that make up the stripline (s) 35 exist, ie the number of electrically conductive areas 16 can also be greater than three.

3a and 3b show an example of a variety of fasteners 10 (three connecting elements are shown 10 ) according to one embodiment in a schematic representation. The fasteners 10 each have an electrically conductive area 16 , in this embodiment with a width D of 1 mm. Between the electrically conductive area 16 there are corresponding defined gaps 17th , in this embodiment with a width d of 1.25 mm. These dimensions have proven to be particularly advantageous for the transmission of RF signals up to 6 GHz. A height H of each connector 10 can for example be between 0.5 mm and 10 mm and a length L of a connecting element 10 can vary between 1 mm and 20 mm, for example. The dimensioning of height H and length L can, for example, depend on the power to be transmitted. The dimensioning of the height H can also be dependent on the frequency range to be transmitted. 3b further shows schematically how the connecting elements 10 on the first contact elements 21 are arranged. The arrangement can be implemented by means of a material and / or form-fitting connection, for example by soldering and / or by gluing the connecting elements 10 on the contact elements 21 .

4a and 4b show an example of a fastener 10 according to a further embodiment in a schematic representation. The connecting element 10 has three electrically conductive areas 16 on, in this embodiment with a width D of 1 mm. Between the electrically conductive areas 16 there are corresponding defined gaps 17th , in this embodiment with a width d of 1.25 mm. A height H of each connector 10 can for example be between 0.5 mm and 10 mm and a length L of a connecting element 10 can vary between 1 mm and 20 mm, for example. The dimensioning of height H and length L can, for example, depend on the power to be transmitted. The dimensioning of the height H can also be dependent on the frequency range to be transmitted. 4b shows schematically how the connecting element 10 on the first contact elements 21 are arranged. The arrangement can be implemented by means of a material and / or form-fitting connection, for example by soldering and / or by gluing the connecting element 10 on the contact elements 21 .

5a shows schematically an embodiment of a measuring device for a connection system 50 according to one embodiment in a plan view. 5b shows the embodiment in a side view. It's a first circuit board 31 shown; under which a second printed circuit board 32 arranged. The first circuit board 31 has a first contact element on its underside 21 on, the second circuit board 32 has a second contact element 22nd on. Between the contact elements 21 and 22nd , each on the printed circuit boards 31 and 32 , is a connector 10 arranged. The first contact element 21 can be designed in pairs and is, for example, each via a via, with one of the striplines 35 connected via a feed point 41 be applied with high frequency signals. This creates an electrical connection between the striplines 35 on the first circuit board 31 and the contact element 22nd manufactured. The circuit boards 31 and 32 are by means of screws 38 tied together. Through the screws 38 becomes a distance d between the circuit boards 31 and 32 manufactured. This becomes the compressible body 12th of the connecting element 10 compressed and thus ensures a reliable connection between the contact elements 21 and 22nd Printed circuit boards 31 and 32 .

6a and 6b show measurement results for an embodiment 5a and 5b . A reference line (in 6a and 6b shown dotted) the measurement results for a connection of the circuit boards 31 and 32 by means of a stripline, over a frequency range between 0 and about 6 GHz. 6a shows the measurement results, namely for the attenuation, for a connection of the printed circuit boards 31 and 32 by means of a connecting element 10 and a distance d between the circuit boards of d = 1 mm (see 5b) . 6b shows the measurement results for a distance d = 3 mm. The measurement results clearly show the high quality of the connection, even for high frequencies.

7a shows a connector 10 according to one embodiment. The connecting element 10 consists of several individual elements. An electrically conductive area 16 is not shown for clarity of illustration. 7b shows an additional coat 19th . The coat 19th is smaller in the z-direction than the connecting element 10 . The coat 19th surrounds the connecting element 10 in a direction that is radial to the z-direction. The coat 19th is stiffer than the connecting element 10 . This embodiment can contribute to the fact that the connecting element is only stretched radially in a defined manner in relation to the z-direction. In this way, for example, the electrical behavior, in particular at high frequencies, can be defined more precisely and / or improved.

8th shows a connector 10 according to a further embodiment. The connecting element 10 electrically conductive areas of different widths 16 on. For example, the conductive areas 16 on the left side of the connector 10 better suited for the transmission of high frequencies than the conductive areas shown on the right 16 that are suitable for lower frequencies, for example. In particular, the conductive areas shown on the right 16 have different dimensions than specified, for example, in the descriptions above; because these conductive areas 16 are not necessarily suitable for high frequency transmission.

Claims (14)

Connection element (10) for the electrical connection of a first contact element (21), which is arranged on and / or at least partially in a first printed circuit board (31), to a second contact element (22), the connection element (10) having: a compressible body (12), a connection area (14) which is designed to produce a material and / or form-fitting connection between the compressible body (12) and the first printed circuit board (31), and an electrically conductive area (16) which at least partially covers the compressible body (12) and / or is at least partially guided through the compressible body (12), and which is set up to establish an electrical connection between the first contact element (21) on the first printed circuit board (31) and the second contact element (21). Connecting element (10) after Claim 1 wherein the connection area (14) is part of the first contact element (21) and the electrically conductive area (16) is set up to establish an electrical connection between the connection area (14) and the second contact element (22). Connecting element (10) after Claim 1 or 2 , wherein the electrically conductive layer (16) is designed as a coating of the compressible body (12). Connecting element (10) after Claim 1 or 2 , wherein the electrically conductive layer (16) is designed as a conductor track on the compressible body (12). Connecting element (10) after Claim 1 or 2 , wherein the electrically conductive layer (16) is designed as a line in the compressible body (12). Connecting element (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the connecting region (14) only occupies a part, for example a small part, of one side of the connecting element (10), and in particular the side of the connecting element (10) is designed as an inverted V. Connecting element (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the second contact element (22) is arranged on the first printed circuit board (31) or on a second printed circuit board (32). Connecting element (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the compressible body (12) consists of a group of materials or comprises these materials, the group of materials comprising the following components: elastomers, for example silicone, rubber, chemically modified rubber, silicone Rubber and / or insulating foams. Connecting element (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the connecting element (10) is set up to transmit signals in a frequency range of more than 100 MHz, in particular of more than 1 GHz. Connecting element (10) according to one of the preceding claims, with an additional jacket (19), wherein the jacket (19) is smaller in the z-direction than the connecting element (10), the connecting element (10) in a direction which is radial to the z-direction, completely surrounds, and the jacket (19) is stiffer than the connecting element (10). Connection system (50) for electrically connecting a first contact element (21), which is arranged on a first printed circuit board (31), to a second contact element (22), which is arranged on a second printed circuit board (32), having the connection system (50) : a first printed circuit board (31) which has at least three first contact elements (21), a second printed circuit board (32) which has at least three second contact elements (22), and at least three connecting elements (10) according to one of the preceding claims, which connect each of the first contact elements (21) to the respectively corresponding one of the second contact elements (22). Connection system (50) according to Claim 11 , wherein a width (D) of a connecting element (10) between 0.5 mm and 5 mm, in particular 1.25 mm, and a distance (d) between two Connecting elements (10) between 0.5 mm and 5 mm, in particular 1 mm. Connection system (50) according to Claim 11 or 12th , wherein a height (H) of a connecting element (10) is between 0.5 mm and 10 mm and a length (L) of a connecting element (10) is between 1 mm and 20 mm. Use of a connecting element (10) according to one of the Claims 1 until 10 or a connection system (50) according to one of the Claims 11 until 13th for the transmission of electrical high-frequency signals, in particular signals above 1 GHz, in particular above 5 GHz, other electrical signals and / or electrical power.

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