WO2003009422A1

WO2003009422A1 - Device for connecting and contacting a printed circuit board and plug

Info

Publication number: WO2003009422A1
Application number: PCT/EP2002/007505
Authority: WO
Inventors: Gerhard Fehle; Hannes Abenthung; Peter Moser; Gerhard Kottek
Original assignee: Electro-Terminal Gmbh & Co Kg
Priority date: 2001-07-16
Filing date: 2002-07-05
Publication date: 2003-01-30
Also published as: EP1436860A1; EP1436860B1; DE50208164D1; DE10134563A1

Abstract

The invention relates to a device (1) for mechanically connecting and electrically contacting a printed circuit board (2) to at least two electrical conductors (5a, 5b), comprising a first plug part (3) that is fixed to the printed circuit board (2), at least two first electrical contact elements (6a, 6b), which are assigned to the first plug part (3) and which are connected in an electrically conductive manner to at least one electrical component (18) on the printed circuit board (2). The inventive device also comprises a second plug part (4), which corresponds with the first plug part (3) and is mechanically connected to the electrical conductors (5a, 5b), and comprises at least two second contact elements (7a, 7b), which correspond with the first contact elements (6a, 6b) and are connected in an electrically conductive manner to the electrical conductors (5a, 5b). This results in improving the mechanical connection and electrical contacting of a printed circuit board to at least two electrical conductors.

Description

Device for connecting and contacting a circuit board and plug

The invention relates to a device for mechanically connecting and electrically contacting a circuit board with at least two electrical conductors and a plug.

There are a number of requirements for the mechanical connection and electrical contacting of a printed circuit board with electrical conductors. On the one hand, reliable contacting is required in order to ensure a reliable electrical supply in functional operation. For the same reason, a secure mechanical connection is also required to ensure electrical contact. Furthermore, a special configuration of the device is required in order to achieve a small and space-saving configuration, taking into account the design of a printed circuit board, which enables space-saving integration into electrical consumers. In addition, a simple and quick mechanical connection and electrical contacting is required, which is easy to handle and quick to assemble or disassemble. It should also be taken into account that the present device is a typical mass product, which on the one hand is intended to ensure as versatile a use as possible and on the other hand to ensure simple, quick and inexpensive production.

The invention is therefore based on the object of improving the mechanical connection and electrical contacting of a printed circuit board with at least two electrical conductors in a device of the present type.

This object is solved by the features of claim 1. Advantageous developments of the invention are described in the subclaims.

In the device according to the invention, the mechanical connections between the plug parts and the conductors and the printed circuit board and the electrical contact between the first and the second contact element and the electrical connection between the contact elements and the printed circuit board and the conductors ensure secure cohesion between the plug parts which, due to its sufficient strength, also ensures reliable electrical contact between the contact elements. Here, the device proves in a simple manner as a mechanical support for the printed circuit board or vice versa, so that it no further attachment of the circuit board or the second connector part to an additional holder is required. Of course, this does not preclude the fact that if a large circuit board is present, it can be held and supported, or the second plug part can also be held.

The device according to the invention is particularly well suited for an electrical supply of light-emitting diodes (LEDs) which are arranged on printed circuit boards as light-emitting diode carriers. LEDs have the advantage of a very long lifespan, so that the requirements for electrical contacting and assembly can also increase. The invention fulfills these requirements well, wherein preferably a cut / clamp contact is made for contacting the first and second contact elements, which ensures reliable contact even with a long service life and can be installed simply and quickly. In addition, the device according to the invention is advantageously also suitable for outdoor applications in which considerable temperature fluctuations can occur and measures must be taken to prevent moisture (weather, condensate, etc.) from entering the device. Installation can be carried out easily and quickly on site and is easy to use, with no special previous knowledge required.

The device according to the invention or a lamp system comprising a device according to the invention is very advantageously suitable for illuminating the inside of display or advertising surfaces, the lamp system according to the invention being or being arranged in the cavity of a lighting object having at least one advertising or display surface. The illuminant system is also suitable for such a case of use because of its contact reliability, long service life, and simple and easy assembly and disassembly, even at mounting locations that are difficult to access or. Illuminated object housings very advantageous. The lamp system is also advantageous regardless of claim 1 with regard to the arrangement and design of its components.

For the mechanical connection between the plug parts, a plug device with a plug pin on one plug part and a plug recess on the other plug part is particularly suitable. The plug connection can be stabilized in the plugged-in state by a clamping or latching device, so that the plug device is suitable for absorbing and transmitting mechanical loads without fear of unintentional loosening of the plug device. Such mechanical stability also contributes to the stability and security of the electrical contact, since the mechanical Strength of the plug connection releases the electrical contact from mechanical loads.

The axial direction of the plug parts or the plug connection is preferably arranged transversely to a plane containing at least two electrical conductors. It is advantageous to arrange the circuit board parallel to the axial direction of the electrical conductor. This leads to a small and space-saving construction, which can be inexpensively integrated into existing building systems.

For larger areas, the circuit boards can of course also be arranged at right angles to the axial direction of the electrical conductors.

At least two electrical conductors are provided to implement at least one circuit. Depending on the level of the voltage, this can be one or more insulated or non-insulated conductor wires, for example standard wires or a raster cable.

The electrical contact can be a two- or multi-pole contact. The latter, for example, if at least one control line is to be implemented.

The contacting of the first plug part with the printed circuit board can be done by SMD technology, pressing or also by means of a solder pin.

A clamp connection and in particular an insulation displacement connection is particularly well suited for electrical contacting. Here, one contact element or both contact elements can have insulation displacement slots. The contact webs which are arranged transversely to one another and have the cutting / clamping edges are formed such that they enclose an acute angle between them.

In order to obtain a construction which is simple and inexpensive to manufacture and assemble, it is advantageous for the plug part associated with the electrical conductors to be formed by two half-shells which can be assembled and connected to one another with respect to the electrical conductor from both opposite sides. This makes it possible to achieve a simple and stable connection with the conductors, and also a moisture-proof connection. This can be achieved by sealing the division joint. Other measures for an advantageous and possibly moisture-tight connection of the half-shells are welding, in particular ultrasonic welding, gluing, jamming or locking together Pressing. Another measure for producing a connection that is less sensitive to moisture consists in covering one or both plug parts with an insulating layer, for example a lacquer, which is cut through during assembly by the cutting contact, so that the electrical contact is ensured.

Alternatively, at least one of the two plug parts can be produced by extrusion coating the metallic components with PVC, for example. Thus, there is then a one-piece connector part housing.

It is advantageous to assign at least one matching blind plug to at least one plug-in recess, the provision of which makes it possible to close an unused plug-in recess, for example moisture-tight.

If there is a plug-in device that can be locked in the plugged-together state, it is advantageous to design the locking device in such a way that it can be felt and / or audibly snapped into place. As a result, the user can receive confirmation that a reliable contact has been made when the connectors are plugged together.

The invention further relates to plugs for electrically contacting electrical conductors, having a first plug part, at least two first electrical contact elements assigned to the first plug part, and a second plug part corresponding to the first plug part, which is mechanically connected to electrical conductors and at least two to has the second contact elements corresponding to second contact elements which are electrically conductively connected to the electrical conductors, with cutting / clamping contacts being provided for contacting the first and second contact elements. Such a plug can be used for contacting printed circuit boards as described above, but can also be used for other applications.

In further subclaims, features are included that help to achieve a small, easy to manufacture and assemble or disassemble and thus inexpensive configurations.

Further claims improve the mechanical connection between the connector parts and / or between the half-shells forming the connector part and / or between the connector parts and the contact elements or the conductors or the printed circuit board and / or improve the electrical contact between the contact elements and the electrical conductors or the circuit board. Advantageous embodiments of the invention are explained in more detail below on the basis of preferred exemplary embodiments and drawings. Show it

Figure 1 shows an inventive device for mechanical connection and electrical con tact a

Printed circuit board with at least two electrical conductors in a perspective side view, in particular for a lighting system for illuminating the rear of advertising or display surfaces;

Figure 2 shows the device with the connector disconnected;

Figure 3 shows a first connector part in a perspective top view;

Figure 4 shows two contact elements of the first connector part in a perspective view;

Figure 5 shows the device without a circuit board in plan view;

6 shows the section VI - VI in FIG. 5

7 shows the section VE - VII in Figure 6;

Figure 8 shows a second contact element in a perspective view;

FIG. 9 shows a printed circuit board and an associated plug part in a modified configuration;

Figure 10 shows a device according to the invention in a released

Plug connection in a modified design;

Figure 11 shows a device according to the invention in a further modified embodiment;

Figure 12 shows a device according to the invention in a further modified embodiment FIG. 13 an illuminant system according to the invention with a

A plurality of devices for mechanically connecting and electrically contacting a circuit board or other connector parts with at least two electrical conductors in a perspective side view.

The main parts of the device, designated in its entirety by 1, are a printed circuit board 2, a first plug part 3 fastened to it, a second plug part 4 corresponding to it, which is connected to at least two electrical conductors 5a, 5b, and at least two first and at least two second contact elements 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b, two of which are each arranged in the associated plug part 3, 4 and which correspond to one another and are in contact when the plug parts 3, 4 are plugged together. The circuit board 2 carries, for example, electrical components 8 on at least one broad side, which can be, for example, light-emitting diodes or light-emitting bodies having light-emitting diodes.

In the exemplary embodiment according to FIG. 1, the components 8 are arranged on the broad side facing away from the second plug part 4.

Receiving chambers 9a, 9b, 11a, 11b for the contact elements 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b are arranged in the plug parts 3, 4. In the exemplary embodiment, two or more electrical conductors 5a, 5b, for example each in the form of a non-insulated conductor wire or one insulated by an insulating layer, and two contact element pairs 6a, 7a and 6b, 7b are arranged which are electrically conductive with the associated conductors 5a, 5b are connected.

In the exemplary embodiment, both the contact between the contact elements 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b and the contact with the conductor wires 5a, 5b are each formed by insulation displacement contacts. Here, only one contact element needs to have two contact arms 13 spaced apart from one another by a slot 12, which overlap a contact web 14 of the corresponding contact element and clamp between them, or overlap two contact arms 13 in the area of a slot 12 on the corresponding contact element such that the mutually corresponding contact arms 13 in the Area of the slots 12 lie against each other. On the inner slot edges of the contact elements made of flat material, there are cutting edges 15 which extend in the longitudinal direction of the contact arms 13 and which can be special cutting edges or which are formed by edges of the contact arms 13 formed, for example, by punching. The contact elements 7a, 7b of the second plug part 4 preferably have at their ends facing the conductor wires 5a, 5b, likewise in each case spaced apart by a slot 12, contact arms 13 each having at least one cutting edge 15 for contacting the conductor wires 5a, 5b. These contact elements are designated 17a, 17b. The contact elements 7a, 7b and the contact elements 17a, 17b are preferably formed in one piece on contact element parts 17c which are arranged in the associated receiving chambers 11a, 11b and are preferably held in a form-fitting manner therein. This also applies to the corresponding contact element parts 16c, which have the contact elements 6a, 6b at one end and contact elements 16a, 16b at their other ends and are arranged in the associated receiving chambers 9a, 9b.

As FIG. 4 shows by way of example, the contact element parts 16c can be formed by angle parts, one leg of which forms the contact elements 6a, 6b and the other leg of which forms the contact element 16a, 16b. The associated receiving chambers 9a, 9b extend longitudinally through the first plug part 3, each starting from a recess 9c on the foot side of the plug part 3. The recess 9c is dimensioned so large that the associated contact element 16a, 16b can be arranged recessed therein. For the electrical contact connection of the contact elements 16a, 16b, electrical conductors, for example in the form of conductor tracks, are provided on the contact side 2a of the printed circuit board, each of which extends to associated electrical components 8 which are on the same side, namely the contact side 2a of the printed circuit board 2 or on the opposite side of the circuit board 2, can be arranged, in which case the electrical conductors extend through the circuit board 2. The angle W1 enclosed between the legs 14 and 16a or 16b is preferably dimensioned somewhat larger than 90 °, for example approximately 95 °, as a result of which the electrical contact with the printed circuit board 2 is improved. The first plug part 3 can be fastened to the contact side 2a of the printed circuit board 2 by gluing, for example, the plug part 3 having a flange 19 integrally formed on its foot side, which abuts the contact side 2a. The contact element parts 16c are to be inserted into the receiving chambers 9a, 9b from the foot side before the plug part 3 is fastened. After fastening, the contact element parts 16c are held in a positive manner in the receiving chambers 9a, 9b. The contact elements 6a, 6b are preferably formed by narrow webs 14, which are each located in a plane extending at right angles to the electrical conductors 5a, 5b.

If a plurality of electrical conductors 5a, 5b are provided, the plug connection designated by 21 is for the contact elements 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b and for the plug parts 3, 4 between the outer conductors, here between the conductors 5a, 5b. In order to enable a space-saving contact arrangement with the contact elements 6a, 6b, the contact elements 17a, 17b are around with respect to the contact elements 7a, 7b or the receiving chambers 9a, 9b or 11a, 11b along or transversely to the central axes 5c of the conductors 5a, 5b the offset dimensions a and b are arranged offset from one another, the offset dimension b corresponding to half the distance c between the central axes 5c of the conductors 5a, 5b. In the exemplary embodiment, the base web 17d extends with which the contact webs 17e, 17f forming the contact elements 7a, 7b, 17a, 17b are U-shaped with respect to the central axis 5c of the associated conductor 5a, 5b.

Like the contact element parts 16c, the contact element parts 17c are the same parts and in their position mounted in the plug part 4 rotated by 180 ° relative to one another, so that the contact elements 17a, 17b interacting with the conductors 5a, 5b are diametrically opposite to one another with respect to the central axis of the plug connection 21 are arranged, here in the opposite corner areas of the preferably square connector part 4.

As can best be seen from FIG. 5, in the assembly position the contact webs 14, 17e extend transversely to one another so that the contact arms 13 can overlap. The contact webs 14, 17e preferably include a pointed W2 of, for example, approximately 30 ° to 45 °.

The second plug part 4 has a through hole for each of the conductors 5a, 5b, so that the conductor or conductors 5a, 5b can be designed as a through line. At the through openings 22 of the preferably rectangular in the side walls connector part 4, bushings 23 are preferably formed in, for example, a hollow cylindrical shape, through which the through openings 22 extend. One or more annular beads 24 are preferably formed on the walls of the through openings 22 and, in the mounted position, press against the conductor 5a, 5b extending through the through opening 22 and thereby improve the seal in the area of the associated through opening 22.

In the exemplary embodiment, the second plug part 4 is formed by two half-shells 4a, 4b, which lie against one another in the region of the axial plane of the conductor or conductors 5a, 5b at a dividing joint 25. This configuration enables the contact elements 7a, 7b to be positively positioned between the half-shells 4a, 4b, the associated receiving chambers 11a, 11b being able to be arranged only in one half-shell 4a or in both half-shells 4a, 4b. The half-shells 4a, 4b each form a housing with a base wall 4al or 4bl and side wall sections 4a2 or 4b2, in the cavity of which the contact elements 7a, 7b can be arranged protected except for the associated contact access opening of the plug connection 21.

In the exemplary embodiment, the plug-in connection 21 is formed by a plug-in pin 21a and a plug-in recess 21b receiving it, the plug-in pin 21a being formed on the first plug part 3 and the plug-in recess 21b on the second plug part 4. However, it is also possible to arrange the plug pin and the plug recess in reverse. The cross-sectional shape of the prismatic plug pin 21a and the correspondingly shaped plug-in recess 21b is preferably out of round or not rotationally symmetrical in order to ensure protection against polarity reversal. As in particular FIGS. 2 and 5 show, the plug-in recess 21b has the cross-sectional shape of an elongated hole which is flattened on a narrow side.

The plug-in recess 21b is surrounded on its circumference by a peripheral wall 4b3, which preferably extends from the base wall 4M of the half-shell 4b to the base wall 4al of the half-shell 4a, so that the base wall 4al axially delimits the plug-in recess 21ba. A centering 26 centering the half-shells 4a, 4b can be formed by a circumferential wall 4a3 projecting from the inside of the base wall 4al of the half-shell 4a, which overlap the circumferential wall 4b3 in a sleeve-like manner with movement play. At least the inner circumferential wall 4b3 projects beyond the division joint 25, the outer circumferential wall 4a3 also projecting beyond the division joint 25 in the exemplary embodiment and extending into the vicinity of the opposite base wall 4bl. Instead of an annular peripheral wall 4a3, this can also be formed by segments distributed over the circumference. The receiving chambers 1 la, 1 lb can be formed in the region of the base webs 17d with flat grooves 11c in the peripheral wall 4a3, 4b3, so that the base web 17d is positioned between the base wall 4al and the peripheral wall 4b3 or its base in the axial direction of the plug connection 21 is. In the peripheral wall 4a3, the receiving chamber 11 extends over the entire height of the peripheral wall 4a3, so that the contact element part 17c can be inserted axially into the half-shell 4a or the half-shell 4al can be placed against the half-shell 4b containing the contact element part 17c. An additional centering 20 can be provided between the base wall 4al and the base web 17d, for example by a Pin connection can be formed with a centering pin 20a integrally formed on the base wall 4al and a hole 20b receiving it.

In order to ensure the overlapping of the contact elements 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b, additional receiving chambers 9c are arranged in the plug pin 21a for the contact webs 17f projecting axially parallel into the plug recess 21b, into which the contact webs 17f dip when plugged together.

In order to facilitate the plugging together, insertion surfaces 27 formed by inclined surfaces or curves are provided on the edge of the plug pin 21a and / or the plug recess 21b. The same insertion surfaces 28 can also be arranged at the mouth openings of the receiving chambers 9a, 9b in the plug pin 21b.

To seal the plug connection 21, a ring seal 31, which is indicated in FIG. 6, is arranged between the plug parts 3, 4 and, when plugged together, forms a seal over the entire circumference. The ring seal 31 is preferably arranged in the annular gap between the outer circumferential surface of the plug pin 21a and the inner circumferential surface of the plug-in recess 21b. In the exemplary embodiment, the ring seal 31 is formed by an annular bead 32 on the outer lateral surface of the plug pin 21a and / or on the inner lateral surface of the plug-in recess 21b. The annular bead 32 is so large that its apex line rests on the opposite outer surface or inner surface, preferably with a low compressive stress.

It is also advantageous to provide a locking device 33 between the plug parts 3, 4, which engages automatically in the assembled position. The engagement is preferably felt or heard. As a result, the user receives a confirmation as to whether the plug connection 21 is in its end position in which the contact is securely closed. At least one locking lug 34 can be integrally formed on one part, which automatically locks in the assembled position behind a locking edge 35 on the other part. The latching lug 34 and the latching edge 35 can be designed in the form of a ring. In the exemplary embodiment, the latching lug 34 is arranged on the outer lateral surface of the plug pin 21a and, in the assembled position, it engages behind a latching edge 35 formed by an annular bead 36. The latching lug, which can also be arranged in reverse, ie on the inner lateral surface of the plug-in recess 21b is so large that it lies against the opposite surface, preferably with a certain radial tension. When latching, the materials used can be due to Dodge existing intrinsic elasticity somewhat, so that the locking device 33 is not destroyed during locking. In the exemplary embodiment, the socket, here the half-shell 4b, consists of a material that is softer or more elastic than the plug pin 21, so that the peripheral wall 4b3 can yield elastically, being subjected to tensile stress. This is cheaper than evading the material of the plug pin 21a, which would have to be done due to material compression.

The latching device 33 generates a pressure point when latched, which generates an audible noise or a noticeable stiffness when pushed over, whereby the user experiences the effectiveness and implementation of the latching. This creates a display for correct locking, in which the contact is optimal and safe.

To seal the half-shells 4a, 4b, they can be sealed at the dividing joint 25 or surface, for example by welding, in particular ultrasonic welding, gluing, snapping or pressing. In this way, a moisture-proof design of the housing of the plug part 4 can be realized.

Another measure for sealing the plug connection 21 is to coat the first and / or second plug part 3, 4 with an insulation layer, for example a lacquer, for example during the prefabrication of the plug part (s) 3, 4 in question Such an insulation layer is harmless to the contact, since the insulation layer is cut through during assembly by the cutting / clamping contact.

The invention also relates to a simple, inexpensive to manufacture and easy and quick to assemble conductor arrangement with plug parts 4. The conductor arrangement consists of long conductor sections 5a, 5b which are connected to second plug parts 4 at uniform or non-uniform predetermined distances from one another. The required lengths can then be separated from such a prefabricated product by separation. The prefabricated product can, for example, be stored in a rolled-up state, which saves storage space and also results in easy transportation.

To connect the conductors 5a, 5b, the contact element parts 17c are first inserted into the half-shell 4a. The conductors 5a, 5b are then pressed into the half-holes 22 and into the cutting / clamping slots 12, the electrical contact being established between the conductors 5a, 5b and the contact elements 17a, 17b. Then the other half-shell 4b is pressed against the first half-shell 4a, and the Half shells 4a, 4b connected to each other, which can be done, for example, by a clamping or locking device (not shown) (not shown) or by welding, as has already been described. As a result, a conductor arrangement with a plug part 4 is prefabricated. The connection and contacting with the second plug part 3 can then take place on site.

The exemplary embodiment according to FIG. 9, in which the same or comparable parts are provided with the same reference numerals, shows a printed circuit board 2 with a first plug part 3 arranged on the narrow side. This is intended to clarify that the plug connection 21 can also be arranged on the narrow side with respect to the printed circuit board 2 and that Components 8 can be arranged on one or both broad sides of the printed circuit board 2.

The exemplary embodiment according to FIG. 10, in which the same or comparable parts are provided with the same reference numerals, differs from the exemplary embodiment according to FIG. 1 in that the first plug part 3 passes through the printed circuit board 2 in a hole (not shown in more detail) and the printed circuit board 2 with a flange 19 engages behind.

The exemplary embodiment according to FIG. 11, in which the same or comparable parts are also identified by the same reference symbols, differs on the one hand in that an elongated printed circuit board is arranged transversely to the conductors 5a, 5b. In such an arrangement in particular, the electrical components 8 can be arranged on the broad side facing away from the second plug part 4 and / or on the facing broad side of the printed circuit board 2. Since the conductors 5a, 5b extend transversely to the printed circuit board 2, only a small part of the printed circuit board 2 is covered by the conductors 5a, 5b, so that the remaining part of this broad side is available for components 8.

In the embodiment according to FIG. 12, the first plug part 3 is not connected to a printed circuit board, but to two further electrical conductors 41a, 41b or conductor wires, which can extend parallel or also transversely to the conductors 5a, 5b. In this configuration, the first contact elements 6a, 6b of the first plug part 3 can be connected to the conductors 41a, 41b in a suitable manner, for example by means of screw terminals. This is also possible in the above-described configurations for connecting the second contact elements 17a, 17b to the conductors 5a, 5b. The contact connection with the contact elements 17a, 17b can, however, also be made in the exemplary embodiment according to FIG. 12 by cutting / clamping contacts, as has already been described. In this case, the first plug connector 3 can also consist of two half shells, the plug pin 21a being formed on one of the two half shells and the other half shell being formed without the plug recess 21b. In all of the configurations described above, the slots 12 have divergent slot extensions known per se at their entrances, which simplify the insertion of the associated conductor wire into the slot 12, wherein a blunt impact of the opening edges on the conductor wires 5a and 5b is avoided.

The design of a lamp system, designated 51 in FIG. 13, in which the same or comparable components are identified by the same reference numerals, can be supplemented piece by piece and optionally with a number of additional components according to the invention. An at least two previously described electrical conductors 5a, 5b having a conductor strand 52 has one or more previously described devices 1 which can be arranged at equal or uneven distances from one another. Printed circuit boards 2 with the same or different light radiation can be used, e.g. the printed circuit boards 2 with a different number of light-emitting diodes or light-emitting diodes which emit light of different colors. Printed circuit boards 2 of different lengths can also be provided, which are equipped with a different number of light-emitting diodes, the distance between the light-emitting diodes from one another preferably being the same. In such an arrangement, the distance d of the devices 1 from one another is a multiple of the distance e of the light-emitting diodes from one another, which is determined by the number of light-emitting diodes present between them. In this way, a light emission of uniform luminance can be achieved, or it is also possible, through the optional use of printed circuit boards 2 with a larger and smaller number of light-emitting diodes, to achieve light emission that is different in the longitudinal direction of the conductor strand 52.

It is possible and advantageous to prefabricate an oversized conductor strand 52 in the sense of a supply, from which a length required in each case can optionally be separated. This significantly simplifies production and makes it inexpensive. A supply of conductor strands can be stored cheaply in particular if it is wound up on a roll as a supply and can optionally be withdrawn from the roll. When rolling up and unwinding, the conductor strand 52 can be bent and stretched again without any problems owing to the plastic flexibility of the conductor wires 5a, 5b or cable.

To connect a conductor strand 52 to an electrical supply, for example an electrical power source or an operating device 53, a plug part 54 is provided which, in terms of its shape and size G, matches the second plug part 4, is preferably of identical design to the first plug part 3, at least to the extent the fit with respect to the second connector part 4 is affected. It is advantageous to include the associated ones Forming contact elements 6a, 6b identically in order to ensure the lowest possible production outlay. To avoid repetition, reference is made to the description of the first plug part 3 with regard to the matching section of the plug part 54.

However, it is also possible to use the conductors 5a, 5b for the electrical connection of the at least one conductor strand 52 to the electrical supply, which conductors e.g. directly or through plug part with the supply, here with the operating device 53, can be connected.

In the exemplary embodiment, the plug part 54 has a housing consisting of two housing parts 54a, 54b, of which the lower housing part 54a carries the matching plug section, here the plug pin 21a, preferably by integrally molding it. Between the lower and upper housing parts 54a, 54b, through holes for electrical conductors 55a, 55b are provided at one end of the plug part 54, which are connected or can be connected to the electrical supply, here on the operating device 53. For connecting the preferably flat housing parts 54a, 54b to one another a latching device is preferably provided, in particular one which has two latching lugs which are arranged at opposite ends of the housing and each cooperate with an opposite latching edge on the other housing part 54a, 54b.

In order to broaden the illuminant system 51 and to increase the number of light-emitting diodes 8, two or more conductor strands 52, 52a can be provided, which can be provided with the same or different printed circuit boards 2 or light-emitting diodes 8. This is illustrated in the exemplary embodiment in that the conductor strand 52a is equipped with shorter printed circuit boards 2, each of which has only three light-emitting diodes 8, while the printed circuit boards 8 of the first conductor strand 52 each have a larger number of light-emitting diodes 8, e.g. six pieces. Due to the plastic flexibility of the conductor wires 5a, 5b, it is possible, in the presence of printed circuit boards 2 which are at a distance from one another, to reduce this distance by laterally bending the conductor wires 55a, 55b and thus to equalize or increase the light radiation, as is the case for example, the conductor strand 52a shows.

For the electrical supply of the conductor strand 52a, a plug part 54 can be provided, which is connected with electrical conductors 55a, 55b or cables indirectly or directly to the electrical supply, for example the operating device 53. In the exemplary embodiment, a bridge 56 is provided for the direct connection of the conductor strands 52, 52a. The bridge 56 has two plug parts 54, which are connected by electrical conductors 55a, 55b are connected to one another, for example as has already been described for the connecting line 57 which is connected to the operating device 53. In the exemplary embodiment, two second connector parts 4 are required on the conductor strand 52 more than the number of second connector parts 4 equipped with printed circuit boards 2, on the one hand for the connection to the conductor strand 52a and on the other hand for the connection to the electrical supply. These second connector parts 4, which are not equipped with printed circuit boards 2, are preferably arranged in the free end region of the conductor strand 52. Only one such additional second plug part 4 is required for the electrical connection, for example through the bridge 56, for the conductor strand 52a.

In order to ensure that one or both of the conductor strands 52, 52a, here the conductor strand 52, is fixed, at least one fixing device 58a, 58b is assigned to the conductor strand 52, by means of which it can be fixed to a carrier which has, for example, a disc-shaped advertising surface support or display surface support , behind which the illuminant system for illuminating the advertising or display area is arranged from behind, for example at the bottom of the cavity of a light object.

The fixing device 58a, 58b can be assigned to every second plug part 4 of the conductor strand 52 and / or the conductor strand 52a. The exemplary embodiment alternatively shows two different fixing devices 58a, 58b. The fixing device 58a comprises an adhesive layer 59 for gluing the underside of the second plug part 4 to the carrier (not shown). The adhesive layer 59 can be attached to the plug part 4 in a prefabricated manner and be covered by a cover film 61, as a result of which its adhesive property is maintained. For gluing, the cover film 61 can be removed and the respective plug part 4 pressed onto the carrier and thereby glued on. If the cover film 61 preferably has fastening tabs 61a lying opposite one another and projecting beyond the plug part 4, the removal of the cover film 61 can be omitted, since the cover film 61 can be fastened to the support by small nails or screws in the region of its fastening tabs 61a.

The last plug part 4 of a strand 52 or 52a or another second plug part 4, which does not have a printed circuit board 2, can be protected with respect to its plug-in recess 21b by an already described blind plug 62 against the ingress of dirt and liquid or moisture. The blind plug 62 corresponds in terms of its shape and size to the plug pin 21a, to the description of which reference is made.

An end closure 63, here in the form of an end cap, is used to close the housing, which consists of the half shells 4a, 4b of the front and / or rearmost plug part 4 of the strand 52 and / or 52a, for example, in the form of an end cap Feed-through holes for the electrical conductors 5a, 5b can be plugged, for example onto the sockets 23, onto which the end cap with the corresponding plug-in recesses 63a can be plugged.

The alternative embodiment of the fixing device 58 can have an adapter plate 64 which has at least one fastening element 65 for fastening to the carrier and by corresponding fastening elements, e.g. Clamping elements can be connected to the lower half-shell 4a of the second plug part 4. The adapter plate 64 can have lateral clamping webs 66, between which the half-shell 4a can be clamped by inserting it. The first-mentioned fastening elements 65, which are attached to the carrier, e.g. formed by one or two mounting holes 6, can serve to attach the adapter 64 to the carrier by means of small nails or screws. The adapter plates 64 can be attached to the carrier beforehand in the sense of prefabrication. When installing the illuminant system 51, the relevant plug parts 4 then only need to be inserted between the clamping legs 66 of the relevant adapters 64, between which they are held in a non-positive manner or, if appropriate, also in a positive-locking manner, preferably in a releasable manner. In this fastening case, too, an adapter plate 64 can be assigned to each plug part 4 or only part of the plug parts 4. Like the connector parts 4 and 21a and 21b, the connector parts 54a, 54b are made of injection-moldable material, in particular plastic.

Claims

Expectations

1. Device (1) for mechanically connecting and electrically contacting a circuit board (2) with at least two electrical conductors (5a, 5b)

- a first plug part (3) fastened to the printed circuit board (2),

- At least two first electrical contact elements (6a, 6b) assigned to the first plug part (3), which are electrically conductively connected to at least one electrical component (18) on the printed circuit board (2), and one corresponding to the first plug part (3) second plug part (4), which is mechanically connected to the electrical conductors (5a, 5b) and has at least two second contact elements (7a, 7b) corresponding to the first contact elements (6a, 6b), which are electrically conductive with the electrical conductors (5a , 5b) are connected, characterized in that cutting / clamping contacts are provided for contacting the first and second contact elements (6a, 6b, 7a, 7b).

2. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that cutting / clamping contacts are provided for contacting the first and second contact elements (6a, 6b, 7a, 7b).

3. Device according to claim 2, characterized in that of the contact element pairs (6a, 7a or 6b, 7b) the first contact element (6a or 6b) or the second contact element (7a or 7b) is formed by a cutting / clamping contact element and the other contact element is formed by a contact web (14) or both interacting first and second contact elements (6a, 7a or 6b, 7b) each by a cutting

/ Terminal contact element are formed.

4. The device according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that the interacting first and second contact elements (6a, 7a or 6b, 7b) enclose an acute angle (W2) between them, which is approximately 20 ° to 40 °, preferably approximately 30 °.

5. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the second contact elements (7a, 7b) are each arranged on a contact element part (17c) which has a third contact element (17a, 17b) for electrically conductive connection to the associated conductors (5a, 5b).

6. The device according to claim 5, characterized in that the third contact elements (17a, 17b) are each formed by a cutting / clamping contact element.

7. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first and second contact elements (6a, 6b, 7a, 7b) are spaced apart from one another in the longitudinal direction of the conductors (5a, 5b).

8. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the axis of the plug parts (3, 4) - seen transversely to a plane containing the axes of the electrical conductors (5a, 5b) - is arranged between the conductors (5a, 5b) ,

9. The device according to claim 8, characterized in that the third contact elements (17a, 17b) with respect to the second contact elements (7a, 7b) in the longitudinal direction of the conductors (5a, 5b) and / or transversely to this distance (a, b ) from each other.

10. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first contact elements (6a, 6b) are each arranged on a contact element part (16c), which is a fourth contact element (16a, 16b) for electrically conductive

Has connection with the circuit board (2).

11. The device according to claim 10, characterized in that the fourth contact elements (16a, 16b) each by one of the first

Contact element (6a, 6b) transversely projecting contact web are formed.

12. The apparatus according to claim 10 or 11, characterized in that the back of the first plug part (3) is attached to a broad side of the printed circuit board (2) and preferably has recesses (9c) on the back for receiving the fourth contact elements (16a, 16b).

13. The apparatus of claim 11 or 12, characterized in that the contact webs (16a, 16b) with the associated first contact elements (6a, 7a) enclose an angle (Wl) which is slightly larger than 90 °.

14. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the one plug part, preferably the first plug part (3), is formed by a plug pin (21a) and the other plug part, preferably the second plug part (4), a plug-in recess (21b ) for receiving the plug pin (21a).

15. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the second plug part (4) has four holes (22) for the electrical conductors (5a, 5b), which preferably extend transversely to the plug pin (21a) and in particular in a common one , are arranged transversely to the plug pin (21a) extending plane.

16. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the second plug part (4) is composed of two half-shells (4a, 4b), the dividing joint (25) extending transversely to the axis of the plug parts (3, 4), preferably in the plane containing the central axes of the holes (22).

17. The apparatus according to claim 16, characterized in that the half-shells (4a, 4b) are sealed, preferably ultrasonically welded.

18. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first and the second plug part (3, 4) in their mated position can each be latched by a clamping and / or latching device (33).

19. The device according to claim 18, characterized in that the latching device (33) is formed by a latching lug (34) arranged on the outer lateral surface of the plug-in pin (21a) or on the inner lateral surface of the plug-in recess (21b), which in the assembled position has a latching edge (35) engages on the other part.

20. Device according to one of the preceding claims 14 to 19, characterized in that an annular seal (31) is arranged between the outer surface of the plug pin (21a) and the inner outer surface of the plug-in recess (21b), which is preferably by an annular bead (32) on the The outer circumferential surface of the plug pin (21a) or on the inner circumferential surface of the plug recess (21b) is arranged and lies sealingly against the respective opposite surface.

21. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first plug part (3) and / or the second plug part (4) has an insulating layer consisting, for example, of a lacquer

22. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the axes of the plug parts (3, 4) transverse to the plane (5c) of the electrical conductors (5a, 5b) contained plane.

23. Plug for electrical contacting of electrical conductors (5a, 5b) with

- a first plug part (3),

- at least two first electrical contact elements (6a, 6b) assigned to the first plug part (3),

- And a with the first connector part (3) corresponding second connector part (4) which is mechanically connected to electrical conductors (5a, 5b) and has at least two second contact elements (7a, 7b) corresponding to the first contact elements (6a, 6b) , which are electrically conductively connected to the electrical conductors (5a, 5b), characterized in that for contacting the first and second contact elements (6a, 6b, 7a, 7b)

Insulation / clamping contacts are provided.

24. The device according to claim 22, characterized in that of the contact element pairs (6a, 7a or 6b, 7b) the first contact element (6a or 6b) or the second contact element (7a or 7b) is formed by a cutting / clamping contact element is and the other contact element by one

Contact web (14) is formed or both interacting first and second contact elements (6a, 7a and 6b, 7b) are each formed by a cutting / clamping contact element.

25. The device according to claim 23 or 24, characterized in that the interacting first and second contact elements (6a, 7a or 6b, 7b) enclose an acute angle (W2) between them, which is approximately 20 ° to 40 °, preferably approximately 30 °.

26. Device according to one of claims 23 to 25, characterized in that the second plug part (4) is composed of two half-shells (4a, 4b), the dividing joint (25) extending transversely to the axis of the plug parts (3, 4) , preferably in the plane containing the central axes of the holes (22).

27. The device according to claim 26, characterized in that the half-shells (4a, 4b) are sealed, preferably ultrasonically welded.