DE102024206866A1 - Electronics for a motor vehicle - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to an electronic device (12) for a motor vehicle (2), comprising a printed circuit board (28) arranged in a tightly sealed housing (16) which has an opening (30). The opening (30) is closed by means of a first connector (32) which has a first plug contact (44) welded to the printed circuit board (28). The electronic device (12) includes a connecting cable (14) which has a first wire (52) at the end of which a second connector (50) with a second plug contact (56) is arranged, wherein the two connectors (32, 50) are detachably plugged into one another, and the two plug contacts (44, 56) are electrically connected to each other. The invention further relates to a motor scooter (4).

Description

The invention relates to electronics for a motor vehicle, comprising a printed circuit board arranged in a sealed housing. The invention further relates to a motor scooter.

Motor vehicles typically have a primary drive system for propulsion. This usually includes an internal combustion engine. If the vehicle is a scooter, the internal combustion engine is typically small and single-cylinder, especially since the power requirement is usually less than 10 kW. To increase efficiency, the primary drive system can be electrified, using an electric motor. An electric motor also reduces noise, as the primary drive system in a scooter usually has relatively little sound insulation.

For example, a brushed commutator motor is used as an electric motor. However, due to its design, this type of motor has direct mechanical contact between the rotor and stator, resulting in friction and thus increased heat generation. Wear is also increased. As an alternative, a brushless electric motor can be used. This type has a stator, usually housed in a hollow cylindrical motor casing, with several electrical coils connected to each other in electrical phases.

The force generated by the electric motor is determined by the electric current it carries. Therefore, it is necessary to control or regulate this electric current, for which electronics are used. These electronics, usually in response to user input such as twisting a throttle, adjust the speed and/or the force generated by the electric motor accordingly. For easier installation and improved weight distribution, the electronics are typically located a distance from the electric motor. This also allows for a more protected placement of the electronics.

By modifying the electronics, the current supplied to the electric motor can be altered, causing the motor to operate at excessive power and, for example, exhibit higher acceleration and/or higher speed. This can lead to the invalidation of the vehicle's operating permit and a reduction in operational safety, as the other components of the scooter are not designed for such increased power. Damage to the electric motor or other components of the scooter can also occur. Therefore, all electronic components are typically housed in a sealed, non-openable casing. The electrical connection is made via a cable that passes through the casing and is encased in a sealant. This prevents moisture from entering the casing, especially since the components inside are no longer accessible. The cable is permanently connected to the electric motor.

The disadvantage of this is that if the electric motor malfunctions, the electronics also become unusable, and vice versa. This makes maintenance relatively difficult and repairs more challenging. Furthermore, different combinations of electronics and electric motors are required for different scooter models, complicating inventory management.

The invention is based on the objective of providing a particularly suitable electronics system for a motor vehicle and a particularly suitable motor scooter, advantageously increasing modularity/adaptability, expediently reducing manufacturing costs, and in particular increasing safety.

With regard to the electronics, this problem is solved according to the invention by the features of claim 1, and with regard to the motor scooter by the features of claim 10. Advantageous further developments and embodiments are the subject of the dependent claims.

The electronics are suitable for use in a motor vehicle, and specifically designed and configured for this purpose. In other words, the electronics, when installed, are an integral part of the motor vehicle, which is preferably land-based. The electronics are suitable, specifically designed and configured for this purpose. The electronics are expediently suitable, designed and configured to be powered by the vehicle's electrical system, which carries, for example, a DC voltage of 12 V, 24 V, or 48 V.

The motor vehicle is, for example, a passenger car, a truck, or a bus. The electronics may, for example, be a component of an auxiliary unit, such as an electric actuator or an electric pump. However, it is particularly preferred that the electronics be a component of the motor vehicle's main drive system, which may suitably include a The vehicle has an electric motor. In this case, the electric motor is powered by electronics. The power supply is expediently adjusted depending on the desired speed of the vehicle. The vehicle is expediently a two-wheeled vehicle, for example a bicycle or, preferably, a scooter, and thus a so-called e-scooter. Alternatively, in the two-wheeled vehicle, the electric motor is used in an adjustment drive or other auxiliary unit.

The electric motor is, for example, a brushed commutator motor. However, it is particularly preferred that the electric motor be designed without brushes. Preferably, the electric motor is a brushless direct current (BLDC) motor and expediently a synchronous motor. The electric motor has a motor housing, within which a stator is preferably arranged. The motor housing is, for example, at least partially hollow cylindrical or has at least one hollow cylindrical section, and the stator is preferably also hollow cylindrical and arranged concentrically with the motor housing. The motor housing is expediently made of a metal, such as aluminum, i.e., pure aluminum or an aluminum alloy.

The electronics comprise a printed circuit board (PCB), which in particular includes a PCB body made, for example, of a glass-fiber reinforced epoxy resin. The PCB includes, for example, several conductive traces, made, for example, of copper, which are preferably attached to the outside of the PCB body and/or embedded within it. Advantageously, the PCB includes several electrical and/or electronic components, such as capacitors, resistors, and/or integrated circuits, which are attached to the PCB body and, in particular, each electrically contacted by at least one of the conductive traces. In particular, the individual components are suitably interconnected by means of the conductive traces, so that an electrical circuit is provided by the PCB. In particular, the circuit is configured such that a corresponding function is fulfilled.

The printed circuit board (PCB) is housed in a tightly sealed enclosure. This enclosure is made of a metal or, more appropriately, a plastic. The enclosure is securely sealed and therefore cannot be opened. For example, the enclosure may consist of several components, such as a tray sealed with a lid. The lid is permanently attached to the tray, especially after the PCB has been installed. For instance, the lid and tray may be welded or glued together. At the very least, it is impossible to open the enclosure without damaging it. Alternatively, the enclosure may be bonded to the PCB, for example, by overmolding the PCB. In summary, the enclosure is therefore tightly sealed and/or airtight.

The housing has an opening that is closed by means of a first connector. This prevents the ingress of foreign particles through the opening and also prevents access to the circuit board through the opening, particularly for maintenance purposes. Preferably, a sealing rating of IP 54 or higher is achieved.

The first connector has a first contact. This first contact is electrically conductive and made of a metal, preferably copper. The first contact is welded to the circuit board, ensuring a relatively robust attachment. This also establishes an electrical connection between the first contact and the circuit board.

Furthermore, the electronics have a second connector comprising a second plug contact. The second connector is located at the end of a connecting cable and is advantageously electrically connected to the connecting cable and preferably mechanically fastened to it. The connecting cable has a first strand which is advantageously electrically connected to the second plug contact.

The connecting cable is located outside the housing, and the two connectors are detachably plugged into each other, with the two plug contacts being electrically connected. Thus, it is possible to transmit an electrical signal and/or an electrical potential from the first wire to the circuit board, i.e., from outside the housing to the inside, and/or vice versa, using the two connectors.

Due to its detachable design, the connecting cable can be removed from the housing. This allows for replacement of a defective cable without having to disassemble the housing and circuit board. Conversely, if the circuit board is defective, the housing can be disassembled, removing the connecting cable. The circuit board and any associated components can remain in their installed state. This simplifies maintenance. Furthermore, it is possible to provide different circuit boards with their corresponding housings for different applications, while the remaining components connected to the cable do not need to be modified or adapted. This ensures modularity and improves adaptability. It also reduces inventory requirements.

Due to the securely sealed housing, unauthorized persons cannot modify the circuit board or the components within it, thus increasing operational safety. Furthermore, no additional insulation or similar measures are required inside the housing, yet electrical short circuits and/or personal injury are still prevented. This also enhances safety.

Since the two connectors are simply plugged into each other, the housing can be mounted independently of the connecting cable. It is also possible to store the housing separately from the connecting cable, thus reducing the required storage space. Furthermore, separate packaging tailored to the housing and the connecting cable can be used for transport, thereby reducing the necessary transport capacity.

Preferably, the connecting cable and the plug contacts are designed for high-voltage operation, so that they can carry a comparatively high electrical voltage or at least a comparatively high electrical potential. Alternatively or in combination with this, it is advantageously possible to carry a comparatively large electrical current, particularly greater than 2 A, via the first wire and the plug contacts.

For example, the two connectors are simply friction-fit, allowing for relatively quick and easy connection and disconnection. Alternatively, they are held together by a spring or screw connection. This increases robustness and prevents the connecting cable from accidentally detaching from the housing. A particularly preferred configuration is a snap-fit connection between the two connectors. This allows for tool-free insertion while still preventing accidental disconnection. However, it is possible to disconnect them, particularly by bending locking tabs, lugs, or similar mechanisms, thus allowing the connecting cable to be removed from the housing.

For assembly, the circuit board is preferably first positioned in the still-open housing, particularly in the housing tray. The opening, which is typically provided in the tray, is then closed with the first connector. For example, the circuit board is inserted first, and only then is the opening closed, or the first connector is attached to the housing, and then the circuit board is positioned within the housing. The first connector is then welded to the circuit board, and finally, the housing is securely closed. This simplifies assembly.

For example, one of the plug contacts is configured as a blade contact and the other as a fork contact. Alternatively, both plug contacts are configured as fork contacts. However, it is particularly preferred that one of the plug contacts has a female contact, i.e., a socket. In other words, one of the plug contacts comprises a hollow cylindrical section, i.e., a socket. For example, the plug contact is formed by this, or may have further components. Preferably, the female contact transitions into a busbar of the plug contact. For example, the second plug contact has the female contact. Preferably, however, the first plug contact has the female contact. The socket, i.e., the female contact, is in this case, in particular, integrally formed with the busbar, which is welded to the circuit board. This allows for a comparatively simple and cost-effective design of the first plug contact.

Preferably, each of the other plug contacts comprises a male contact, in particular a so-called plug, which is inserted into the female contact in the assembled state, i.e., when the two connectors are plugged into each other. For example, the male and female contacts are in direct mechanical contact with each other. However, a crown spring connector is particularly preferably inserted into the female contact. Preferably, the male contact is surrounded by the crown spring connector, and the female and male contacts are in mechanical contact with each other via the crown spring connector. In this case, the plug contact in particular has the crown spring connector. This is, in particular, a separate component from the female contact, which is made, in particular, of an electrically conductive material, preferably copper, brass, or steel.

The "crown spring connector" is expediently designed as a crown-like spring and, in particular, features several strip-shaped spring tongues that run parallel to the female contact, i.e., to the socket, and are arranged around the axis, forming a hollow cylindrical structure. The ends of the spring tongues are expediently attached to a ring. The sections of the spring tongues located between the ends are curved radially inwards in an arc.

In the "crown spring connector," the spring tongues bend elastically even with relatively high error tolerances and/or movement of the male contact relative to the female contact, ensuring a consistently large contact area between the male and female contacts. This allows for the conduction of relatively high electrical currents without welding or high contact resistance, resulting in comparatively low electrical losses.

Preferably, the "crown spring connector" is simply inserted into the female contact, preferably loosely, so that replacement is possible if, for example, one or more of the spring tongues should be damaged.

For example, the first plug contact has a male contact. Preferably, however, the second plug contact also has a male contact, specifically the plug itself, which is, for example, cylindrical in shape. Advantageously, the first plug contact has a female contact, and the male and female contacts are inserted into each other when assembled. Thus, the male contact is located inside the female contact, allowing an electrical current to flow between the plug contacts.

The second plug contact advantageously further comprises a receiving opening, which is particularly hollow and cylindrical. In particular, the second plug contact is formed in one piece, thus simplifying its manufacture. The receiving opening forms, in particular, the end of the second plug contact opposite the male contact, and/or these are arranged parallel, preferably along a common straight line. The first wire is advantageously inserted at its end into the receiving opening, so that electrical contact is made. In particular, the first wire is at least partially stripped at its end. For example, the first wire is welded to the receiving opening. However, it is particularly preferred that the first wire is secured in the receiving opening by crimping. For this purpose, the receiving opening, which advantageously has a longitudinal slot, is plastically deformed, i.e., reduced in size, so that a force-fit connection is achieved.

For example, the first connector is formed solely by means of the first plug contact. However, it is particularly preferred that the first connector has a first connector housing by which the first plug contact is held. The first connector housing is preferably made of a plastic, particularly by injection molding. In particular, the first connector housing provides electrical insulation for the first plug contact, thus preventing unintentional short circuits, personal injury, or similar hazards. For example, the first plug contact is simply inserted into the first connector housing and secured there, for example by clipping or gluing. However, it is particularly preferred that the first connector housing is molded around the first plug contact, thus achieving a secure and/or permanent mechanical connection. This also reduces the number of required manufacturing steps.

For example, the first connector housing is located inside the housing. Preferably, the first connector housing is attached to the outside of the housing. This simplifies assembly, and there is sufficient space inside the housing for welding and the arrangement of the printed circuit board. Adequately, the first connector housing has a plate-like section that lies flush against the housing and covers the opening at its edges. This ensures a tight seal. In particular, at least part of the first connector housing extends through the opening into the housing, which improves stability.

Preferably, the first plug contact protrudes from the first connector housing inside the housing, thus facilitating welding to the circuit board. Advantageously, the first plug contact is surrounded by the first connector housing outside the housing, so that an unintentional short circuit is prevented, for example, if the connecting cable is or becomes disconnected.

For example, the opening is completely filled by the first connector housing, and these are, for example, bonded together. In particular, the plastic forming the first connector housing is injected into the opening so that it is completely filled.

Preferably, however, the first connector housing is a separate component from the housing, which is only mounted to the housing after the latter has been manufactured. This simplifies warehousing and facilitates production. For example, the first connector housing is glued to the housing. Preferably, however, they are screwed together, ensuring a comparatively stable and secure connection, even over a relatively long period.

For example, the attachment of the first connector housing to the housing already provides a seal. However, it is particularly preferred that a seal be arranged between the first connector housing and the housing, surrounding the opening. This prevents foreign particles from entering the opening between the housing and the first connector housing. In particular, the first connector housing, preferably the plate-like section, has a circumferential groove on its side facing the housing, within which the seal is inserted. The seal is preferably designed like an O-ring and is expediently made of rubber. The groove prevents the seal from detaching unintentionally during assembly.

For example, the second connector is formed simply by means of the second contact. However, it is particularly preferable that the second connector has a second connector housing by which the second contact is held. Preferably, the second contact is overmolded by the second connector housing, providing a relatively stable connection. The second connector housing is suitably made of a plastic material to provide electrical insulation. Preferably, the second contact, particularly on the side facing the first contact, protrudes at least partially from the second connector housing to facilitate electrical contact. Preferably, the connecting wire, expediently the first strand, is enclosed by the second connector housing, preferably overmolded. This ensures a relatively stable connection between the first strand and the second contact.

In the assembled state, the two connector housings are nested inside one another. In particular, each housing, or at least one of them, has a hollow cylindrical section that surrounds the other connector housing, preferably the other wooden cylindrical section. This stabilizes the two connector housings relative to each other and prevents tilting. For electrical contact, the two plug contacts are in direct mechanical contact with each other, i.e., without any intervening components. This reduces the number of components required. Advantageously, the second plug contact has the male contact, which is inserted into the corresponding female contact of the first plug contact. The first plug contact preferably has a crown spring connector, so that the first male contact is in direct mechanical contact with the crown spring connector of the first plug contact.

For example, the two connector housings fit together tightly, preventing foreign particles from penetrating between them and the plug contacts. For example, the two connector housings are surrounded on the outside by an additional sealing element, such as heat-shrink tubing or the like. This achieves a comparatively high level of sealing. However, a silicone seal is particularly preferred between the two connector housings. In particular, the two connector housings are at least partially hollow cylindrical, at least in the area where they are inserted into each other, and the silicone seal, which is preferably also hollow cylindrical, is arranged between them. Preferably, the hollow cylinder of the inner connector housing is surrounded circumferentially by the silicone seal, which rests against the hollow cylinder of the outer connector housing on the inside, preferably in a frictional manner. In other words, a layered structure is achieved. Advantageously, the silicone seal is at least partially deformed, for example, plastically or, preferably, elastically. This further increases the sealing performance. Alternatively, the silicone seal is arranged on the end face of the inner connector housing.

For example, the first connector has only the first contact. However, it is particularly preferred that the first connector has a third contact. Alternatively, or preferably in combination with this, the second connector includes a fourth contact. The third contact is advantageously identical in construction to the first, and the fourth contact is advantageously identical in construction to the second. The fourth contact is associated with a second wire, which is in particular a component of the connecting cable. Advantageously, the second wire and the fourth contact are electrically connected to each other and preferably fastened together. When the two connectors are plugged into each other, the third and fourth contacts are electrically connected to each other. Due to the third and fourth contacts, it is therefore possible to to transmit a direct current electrical voltage via the connectors.

Preferably, one of the connector housings, expediently the second one, has one or more locking tabs or lugs that engage or are locked into corresponding locking lugs on the other connector housing, expediently the first one. Thus, the two connector housings are locked together. Adequately, several such locking tabs/lugs/lugs are provided to increase robustness.

The scooter has two wheels that, in its intended state, rest on a road. At least one of the wheels is driven by the scooter's main drive system. Therefore, the scooter is a motor vehicle. The main drive system comprises an electric motor. For example, the electric motor could be brushed. However, a brushless electric motor is preferable, and preferably a brushless direct current (BLDC) motor.

The motor scooter further comprises electronics with a printed circuit board arranged in a sealed housing, which has an opening closed by means of a first connector having a first plug contact welded to the printed circuit board. The electronics further comprise a connecting cable having a first strand at the end of which a second connector with a second plug contact is arranged, the two connectors being detachably plugged into each other and the two plug contacts being electrically connected to each other.

The electronics are integrated with the electric motor. Specifically, when the scooter is in operation, the electric motor is powered by the electronics. Preferably, the electric motor is connected to the connection cable. Alternatively, an electrical energy storage device, preferably a battery, is connected to the connection cable and thus electrically connected to it. The electric motor is then conveniently connected to the electronics via a further cable.

Preferably, a comparatively high electrical voltage and/or a comparatively high electrical current is applied when operating via the connecting cable. In particular, the electrical voltage is greater than 40 V. Due to the enclosed housing of the electronics, the risk to persons is avoided in this case. Furthermore, it is ensured that no unauthorized modifications are made to the circuit board or other components located in the housing, which could otherwise lead, for example, to a malfunction of the electric motor. In particular, manipulations of the circuit board that would impair the operational safety of the electric motor and/or lead to the loss of its operating license are prevented.

If the circuit board fails, it is not necessary to replace the electric motor as well; only the electronics need to be replaced, for which the two connectors are disconnected. Furthermore, because the components are detachable, the electric motor and the electronics can be mounted separately on other parts of the scooter and then connected to each other using the connecting cable, which simplifies the manufacturing process.

The further training and advantages explained in connection with electronics can also be applied analogously to motor scooters and vice versa.

• 1 schematisch ein Kraftfahrzeug in Form eines Motorrollers, mit einem Hauptantrieb, der einen Elektromotor umfasst, dem eine Elektronik zugeordnet ist,
• 2 schematisch in einer Schnittdarstellung die Elektronik, die einen ersten Steckverbinder und einen zweiten Steckverbinder umfasst,
• 3, 4 perspektivisch bzw. in einer Schnittdarstellung die ineinander gesteckten Steckverbinder,
• 5 perspektivisch die voneinander gellösten Steckverbinder,
• 6 perspektivisch den ersten Steckverbinder, der zwei weibliche Kontakte aufweist, in die jeweils ein „crown spring connector“ eingesetzt ist,
• 7 perspektivisch einen der „crown spring connector“,
• 8 perspektivisch einen zweiten Steckkontakt , der einen männlichen Kontakt und eine Aufnahmeöffnung umfasst, und
• 9 perspektivisch den zweiten Steckkontakt und einen vierten zweiten Steckkontakt, in die jeweils eine Litze eingeführt ist.

An embodiment of the invention is explained in more detail below with reference to a drawing. The drawing shows:

• 1 schematically, a motor vehicle in the form of a motor scooter, with a main drive comprising an electric motor to which electronics are assigned,
• 2 schematically in a sectional view the electronics, which include a first connector and a second connector,
• 3 , 4 in perspective or in a sectional view the plugged-in connectors,
• 5 in perspective the connectors separated from each other,
• 6 In the future, the first connector will have two female contacts, each with a "crown spring connector" inserted.
• 7 prospectively one of the “crown spring connectors”,
• 8 prospectively a second plug connector comprising a male contact and a receiving opening, and
• 9 In perspective, the second plug contact and a fourth second plug contact, into each of which a wire is inserted.

Corresponding parts are marked with the same reference symbols in all figures.

In 1 A simplified schematic representation of a motor vehicle 2, namely an electric vehicle, in the form of a motor scooter 4, is shown. The motor scooter 4 has two wheels 6, one of which is driven by a main drive 8. The main drive 8 comprises an electric motor 10, which is a brushless direct current (BLDC) motor, and by means of which a gearbox (not shown) is driven, which is operatively connected to one of the wheels 6. The main drive 8 also includes electronics 12, by means of which the electric motor 10 is energized. For this purpose, the electronics 12 have a connecting cable 14, which leads from the electric motor 10 to a housing 16 of the electronics 12.

The electronics 12 are electrically connected to a battery 20, which is also connected to the housing 16, via a further line 18. The battery 20 provides a DC voltage between 12 V and 42 V, with a maximum electrical current greater than 5 A. During operation, the electronics 12 transfers electrical energy from the battery 20 to the electric motor 10. This transfer is controlled by the setting of a throttle grip (not shown) by a user of the vehicle 2, to which the electronics 12 is connected. The electric motor 10 thus generates a speed and/or torque corresponding to the throttle setting.

In 2 The electronics 12 are shown schematically in a simplified cross-sectional view. The housing 16 has a pot-shaped shell 22. The shell 22 is closed by means of a lid 24, which is welded to the shell 22 by means of a circumferential weld 26. The lid 24 is made of the same plastic as the shell 22, and because of the welding, the housing 16 can no longer be opened without damage. Consequently, the housing 16 is securely closed.

A printed circuit board 28 is arranged within the housing 16. The printed circuit board 28 has a substantially flat substrate to which several electrical and/or electronic components are attached and appropriately interconnected by means of conductor tracks on the printed circuit board 28 (not shown in detail). A bridge circuit is also implemented, by means of which the electrical current required for the operation of the electric motor 10 is supplied. Due to the sealed housing 16, the printed circuit board 28 is no longer accessible, thus preventing any tampering with it.

An opening 30 is provided in the housing 16, namely in a side wall of the shell 22, which is closed by means of a first connector 32, namely a first connector housing 34. The first connector housing 34 is made of a plastic and has a plate-like section 36 which, as shown in 3 As shown in perspective, it comprises several holes 38. In the assembled state, a fastening screw is inserted through each of these holes and screwed to the shell 22.

A circumferential groove 40 is also provided in the plate-like section 36, within which a seal 42 is located. This seal, designed like an O-ring and made of rubber, completely surrounds the opening 30, thus preventing the ingress of foreign particles between the plate-like section 36 and the housing 16, to which the plate-like section 36 abuts and is attached externally. In summary, the seal 42 is thus arranged on the first connector housing 34, abutting the housing 16 on its outer side and surrounding the opening 30.

The first connector housing 34 protrudes at least partially through the opening 32 into the interior of the housing 16, and from the first connector housing 34, a first contact 44 and a third contact 46 of the first connector 32 are brought out inside the housing 16. These contacts are overmolded with the plastic of the first connector housing 34. The first contact 44 and the third contact 46 are identical in construction and made of metal. The portion protruding from the first connector housing 34 inside the housing 16 is designed as a busbar and is welded to the circuit board 28.

A second connector housing 48 of a second connector 50 is detachably inserted into the first connector housing 34 on the side opposite housing 16. A first wire 52 and a second wire 54 of the connecting cable 14 protrude from the second connector housing 48 on the side facing away from housing 16, as shown in 4 shown in a sectional view. Thus, the second connector 50 is arranged on the two strands 52, 54.

The second connector housing 48 holds a second plug contact 56 and a fourth plug contact 58 of the second connector 50, which are identical in construction. The second plug contact 56 and the fourth plug contact 58 are overmolded with the plastic of the second connector housing 48. The second plug contact 56 is located at the end of the first wire 52, and the fourth plug contact 58 is located at the end of the second wire 54. electrically contacted with this. The last two parts, 52 and 54, are also overmolded with the plastic of the second connector housing 48, thus preventing them from unintentionally detaching.

On the side opposite the wires 52, 54, the second plug contacts 46 and the fourth plug contacts 58, each made in one piece from a single metal component, have a male contact 60 arranged within a common hollow cylindrical section 62 extending parallel to the male contacts 60. This hollow cylindrical section 62 surrounds a hollow cylindrical section 62 of the first plug housing 34, which is located outside the housing 16. This section surrounds two female contacts 64, one of which is a component of the first plug contact and the other a component of the third plug contact 46, which are identical in construction.

A silicone seal 66 is attached circumferentially to the end face of the hollow cylindrical section 62 of the first connector housing 34. This seal is surrounded by the hollow cylindrical section 62 of the second connector housing 48, with the two hollow cylindrical sections 62 being in contact with each other via the silicone seal 66. In summary, the silicone seal 66 is thus arranged between the two connector housings 34 and 48.

To prevent the two connector housings 34, 48, and thus the two connectors 32, 50, from separating, they are locked together. For this purpose, two locking lugs 68 are molded onto the outside of the hollow cylindrical section 62 of the second connector housing 48, projecting radially outwards. In the assembled state, each locking lug 68 engages in a locking tab 70 of the first connector housing 34. By bending the locking tabs 70, the locking lugs 68 can be released, allowing the two connectors 32, 50 to be separated. This is achieved by pulling the two nested hollow cylindrical sections 62 apart, as shown in 5 Shown in perspective. The locking lugs 70 are formed on the side of the plate-like section 36 facing away from the housing 16 and are arranged perpendicular to it, as shown in 6 shown in perspective.

When the two connectors 32, 50 are plugged into each other, i.e., when the two hollow cylindrical sections 62 are nested inside one another, each male contact 60 is inserted into one of the female contacts 64. A "crown spring connector" 72 of the respective plug contact 32, 34, also made of metal, is inserted into each of the female contacts 64. Due to the "crown spring connectors" 72, the first and third plug contacts 32, 34 are formed in two parts. Each "crown spring connector" 72 makes contact with the inside of the respective female contact 64 on the outside. Each "crown spring connector" 72 also rests resiliently against the male contact 60 inserted within it. Even with manufacturing tolerances or relative movement of the male contact 60 with respect to the respective female contact 64, the direct mechanical contact of each "crown spring connector" 72 with the associated male contact 60 and female contacts 64 remains, so that they are electrically connected to each other. The contact area is comparatively large, allowing relatively high currents to flow between them. In summary, the first plug contact 44 is electrically connected to the second plug contact 56, and the third plug contact 46 is electrically connected to the fourth plug contact 58, with these contacts being in direct mechanical contact with each other. Consequently, the connecting cable 16 is electrically connected to the circuit board 28 located in the housing 16.

In 7 The figure shows one of the "crown spring connectors" 72, made of spring steel or copper, in perspective. The "crown spring connector" 72 is hollow cylindrical and has two rings 74 forming the opposing end faces, between which a number of spring tongues 76 extend. These are integrally formed at the ends of the two rings 74 and are arranged essentially perpendicular to the rings 74 and around a common axis. The spring tongues 76 are curved inwards in their central region, giving the "crown spring connector" 72 an hourglass shape. The inwardly curved areas serve for direct mechanical contact with the respective male contact 60, whereas the rings 74 and the associated ends of the spring tongues 76 serve for mechanical contact with the respective female contact 64.

In 8 The second plug contact 56 is shown in perspective and is identical in construction to the fourth plug contact 58. These are each manufactured in one piece from a single metal component and feature a male contact 60, to which a receiving opening 78 is connected, which is hollow cylindrical or cup-shaped. The male contact 60 and the receiving opening 78 are arranged along a common straight line and form opposite ends of the respective plug contacts 56 and 58.

The receiving opening 78 has a longitudinal slot 80 open at its end, which leads into an inspection opening 82. After the first strand 52 or the second wire 54 has been inserted into the respective receiving opening 78, namely up to the inspection opening 82, which can be visually verified, the receiving opening 78 is compressed and thus plastically deformed, so that the respective wire 52, 54 is securely held there. Electrical contact is also made in this way. In other words, the respective plug contact 56, 58 is crimped to the respective wire 52, 54, as shown in 9 Shown in perspective. The plastic deformation is made possible by the respective longitudinal slot 80.

Subsequently, the second and fourth plug contacts 56, 58 and the two wires 52, 54 are appropriately positioned and overmolded with plastic, so that the second plug housing 48 is formed and the second connector 50 is completed. Consequently, additional securing is provided to prevent the wires 52, 54 from detaching from their respective plug contacts 56, 58.

The invention is not limited to the embodiment described above. Rather, other variants of the invention can also be derived by a person skilled in the art without departing from the subject matter of the invention. In particular, all individual features described in connection with the embodiment can also be combined with one another in other ways without departing from the subject matter of the invention.

Reference symbol list

2

motor vehicle

4

Motor scooter

6

wheel

8

Main drive

10

electric motor

12

electronics

14

Connection cable

16

Housing

18

further line

20

battery

22

Peel

24

Lid

26

weld

28

Circuit board

30

opening

32

first connector

34

first connector housing

36

plate-like section

38

Hole

40

groove

42

seal

44

first plug contact

46

third plug contact

48

second connector housing

50

second connector

52

first strand

54

second strand

56

second plug contact

58

fourth plug contact

60

male contact

62

hollow cylindrical section

64

female contact

66

silicone seal

68

Rastnose

70

Lock eyelet

72

"crown spring connector"

74

ring

76

spring tongue

78

opening

80

longitudinal slot

82

Inspection opening

Claims (10)

Electronics (12) for a motor vehicle (2), comprising a printed circuit board (28) arranged in a tightly closed housing (16) having an opening (30) which is closed by means of a first connector (32) having a first plug contact (44) welded to the printed circuit board (28), and a connecting cable (14) having a first strand (52) at the end of which a second connector (50) with a second plug contact (56) is arranged, wherein the two connectors (32, 50) are detachably plugged into each other, wherein the two plug contacts (44, 56) are electrically contacted with each other. Electronics (12) after Claim 1 , characterized in that one of the plug contacts (44) has a female contact (64). Electronics (12) after Claim 2 , characterized in that a “crown spring connector” (72) is inserted into the female contact (64). Electronics (12) according to one of the Claims 1 until 3 , characterized in that the second plug contact (56) has a male contact (60) and a receiving opening (78) into which the first strand (52) is inserted at its end and secured by crimping. Electronics (12) according to one of the Claim 1 until 4 , characterized in that the first connector (32) has a first connector housing (34) by means of which the first plug contact (44) is held, and which is attached to the outside of the housing (16). Electronics (12) after Claim 5 , characterized in that a seal (42) is arranged on the first connector housing (34), which rests against the outside of the housing (16) and by means of which the opening (30) is surrounded. Electronics (12) after Claim 5 or 6 , characterized in that the second connector (50) has a second connector housing (48) by means of which the second plug contact (56) is held, wherein the two connector housings (34, 50) are inserted into one another and locked together, and wherein the two plug contacts (44, 56) are in direct mechanical contact with each other. Electronics (12) after Claim 7 , characterized in that a silicone seal (66) is arranged between the two connector housings (34, 48). Electronics (12) according to one of the Claim 1 until 8 , characterized in that the first connector (32) has a third plug contact (46) and the second connector (50) has a fourth plug contact (58) which is assigned to a second strand (54), wherein the third plug contact (46) and the fourth plug contact (58) are electrically contacted with each other. Motor scooter (4) with two wheels (6), one of which is driven by means of a main drive (8) comprising an electric motor (10), the electric motor (10) being connected to electronics (12) according to one of the Claim 1 until 9 is assigned.