Dust cover for electrical connectors in electronic control unit (ECU) assemblies

Abstract

An ECU assembly includes one or more electrical connectors received in a protective cover. The cover includes an introduction aperture and at least one connection aperture through which the one or more connectors can be introduced into the cover and through which the or each connector is connected to the ECU. A retaining portion of the cover at each connection aperture is placed between the respective connector and the ECU to retain the cover to the ECU in its position of use.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to ECU components, including an ECU (Electronic Control Unit) and one or more electrical connectors for connecting the ECU to external circuitry. Background Technology

[0002] In this specification, ECU or electronic control unit means a module that includes electronic circuitry contained in a housing and configured to control the module to an external electrical (or part of an electrical) system via one or more electrical connectors.

[0003] Vehicles (e.g., wheeled vehicles) typically include one or more ECUs, which may include, for example, an engine control unit for controlling the vehicle's engine. The circuitry of each ECU is contained within an ECU housing, which may be made of metal and configured to dissipate heat from the circuitry, and may be mounted in the engine compartment or elsewhere, inside or outside the vehicle's chassis or body.

[0004] ECUs, especially engine control units, typically require numerous incoming and outgoing signal paths and therefore usually connect to the vehicle wiring harness using one, two, or more electrical connectors. Each connector has an array of pins or sockets that define multiple conductive paths and are mounted within the connector body. The pins or sockets are typically long and closely spaced to reduce the size of the connector, allowing the components to be arranged within the limited space available in many smaller vehicles.

[0005] To help users properly align the connectors and overcome the mechanical resistance of multiple conductive interfaces, each connector may include a mechanism that can be operated, for example by a lever, to move the connector toward and away from the ECU and lock it in a connected position. This helps users apply sufficient force to create or break the connection without damaging the delicate conductive components, even when the ECU is installed in a relatively inaccessible location.

[0006] Such mechanisms are useful when new, but it has been found that dust can sometimes clog them and hinder connector removal. Therefore, they are generally avoided in heavy construction vehicles and other vehicles subjected to dusty operating conditions. In such vehicles, the ECU housing typically has a relatively large and expensive construction with a large, robust external connector, allowing the user to manually insert and remove the connector without the aid of a lever-operated mechanism.

[0007] CN208978784U describes a protective cover for a pair of electrical connectors in an ECU assembly. The cover consists of two parts with soft rubber seals. These two parts are screwed together to enclose the connectors, with the wiring harness extending through an opening formed between the two parts. After assembly, the ECU housing remains exposed for heat dissipation.

[0008] This arrangement protects the connector, but adds an extra assembly step and makes the final component larger. Summary of the Invention

[0009] In its various aspects, this disclosure provides: a protective cover for an ECU sub-assembly; an ECU assembly including the protective cover and the ECU sub-assembly; and a method for protecting the ECU sub-assembly from dust ingress by means of the protective cover; all as defined in the claims.

[0010] The sub-components include the ECU and the first electrical connector.

[0011] The first connector has a connection position, wherein the first connector is releasably connected to the ECU in the first connection interface area of ​​the sub-assembly.

[0012] The cover includes a first wall defining a first internal connector space. The first internal connector space communicates with a first connection orifice and a first inlet orifice formed in the cover, respectively. A first connection axis of the cover extends through the first connection orifice.

[0013] The cover has a use position in which a first connector is received in a first internal connector space at its connection position, wherein a first connection interface area extends along a first connection axis through a first connection orifice.

[0014] The first inlet port is configured to accommodate the first connector when the first connector is introduced into the first internal connector space through the first inlet port before the first connector is connected to the ECU.

[0015] The cover further includes a first retaining portion disposed at the first connection orifice. The first retaining portion is configured to be axially positioned between the first connector and the ECU relative to the first connection axis in the connection position of the first connector, so as to retain the cover to the ECU in the use position.

[0016] During assembly, the first connector is introduced into the first internal connector space of the cover through the first inlet orifice. Then, when the first connector is received in the first internal connector space, the first connector moves along the first connection axis to connect the first connector to the ECU in its connection position, wherein the first connection interface area extends along the first connection axis through the first connection orifice.

[0017] In this manner, the first retaining portion of the cover is axially positioned between the first connector and the ECU relative to the first connecting axis, so that when the first connector is connected to the ECU in its connection position, the cover is held to the ECU in its use position.

[0018] The features and advantages will be further understood from the exemplary embodiments. Exemplary embodiments will now be described by way of example only and not by way of limiting the scope of the claims, and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Attached Figure Description

[0019] Figure 1 and 2 The ECU is shown in the front view and the bottom view, respectively.

[0020] Figure 3 and 4 The first connector is shown in both the front and bottom views, with the locking mechanism in the unlocked position.

[0021] Figure 5 and 6 The second connector is shown in both the front and bottom views, with the locking mechanism in the unlocked position.

[0022] Figure 7 and 8 The first connector is shown in both the front and bottom views, with the locking mechanism in the locked position.

[0023] Figure 9 and 10 The second connector is shown in the front view and bottom view, respectively, with the locking mechanism in the locked position;

[0024] Figure 11 and 12 The cover according to the first embodiment is shown in the front view and the end view, respectively.

[0025] Figure 13 and 14 The cover is shown in both top and bottom views;

[0026] Figure 15 and 16 respectively with XV ( Figure 13 The longitudinal section at ) and XVI ( Figure 11 The cross-section at ) shows the cover;

[0027] Figure 17 A first connector and a second connector are shown aligned with the cover and the ECU during the first assembly stage, with the cover in longitudinal section;

[0028] Figure 18 The partially assembled assembly prior to the actuation locking mechanism is shown. Figure 17 Components;

[0029] Figure 19 The final component following the actuation locking mechanism is shown; and

[0030] Figure 20 yes Figure 19 The external view of the final component.

[0031] Reference numerals and numbers appearing in more than one figure denote the same or corresponding parts in each figure. Detailed Implementation

[0032] refer to Figure 17 and 19 The ECU assembly 100 includes a protective cover 40 and an ECU sub-assembly 101. The sub-assembly 101 includes an ECU 1, a first electrical connector 20, and a second electrical connector 21.

[0033] Each connector 20, 21 has a connection position ( Figure 19 The corresponding first connector or second connector is releasably connected to the ECU in a corresponding first connection interface region 120 or second connection interface region 121 of the interconnection portion of the subassembly 101 that includes the connector and the ECU. As shown, the second connector 21 may be arranged at the corresponding connection position of the first connector and the second connector, adjacent to and optionally adjacent to the first connector 20.

[0034] Now for reference Figure 1 and 2 The ECU1 includes electronic circuitry 2 housed in a housing 3. The housing 3 may be made of metal and may act as a heat sink for the circuitry, and may provide mounting points 4 for mounting the housing on a support during use, for example, on a wheeled or other vehicle where the ECU is configured to control the engine or other functional systems of the vehicle.

[0035] The ECU includes a first electrical interface assembly and a second electrical interface assembly, which will be referred to as sockets 5 and 6 for convenience. Each socket has an array of closely spaced conductive pins 7 mounted in an insulating block 8 and surrounded by a tubular sheath 9 with short outwardly projecting lugs 10. The pins 7 are hermetically mounted in a housing 3, which defines a surface at its lower end, referred to herein as a sealing surface 11, which surrounds the tubular sheath 9 of the socket.

[0036] As shown in the figure, the sealing surface 11 of the ECU can extend in the smaller thickness dimension and the larger length or width dimension of the housing 3, wherein the connecting axes X1 and X2 extend generally perpendicular to the sealing surface 11 in the other corresponding longer length or width dimensions of the housing 3, so that the entire assembly 100 has an elongated flat shape factor.

[0037] ECU1 forms an independent sealed module, and when powered via various pins in pin 7, it generates control signals via other pins in pin 7 in response to sensor data or other signals received via other pins in pin 7, in order to control the external electronic system to which it is connected via the first connector 20 and the second connector 21.

[0038] refer to Figures 3-10 Each of the first connector 20 and the second connector 21 is shown as an example of a generally known type, having a body 22 forming a shield 23 surrounding an insulating block 24 that houses a closely spaced array of conductive sockets 25. A recess 26 is defined between the shield 23 and the block 24, extending inwardly into the body 22 in the axial direction of the container 25.

[0039] Each socket 25 connects to a conductor in the wiring harness 27, which extends from the connector to form part of the external electrical system to which the ECU will be connected. The wiring harness 27 forms part of the vehicle's wiring harness.

[0040] Each connector may further include a seal (not shown) for establishing a seal between the body 22 and the housing 9 or shell 3 or other external parts of the ECU, and between the body and each insulated wire of the wiring harness, such that after assembly, the connectors 20, 21 cooperate with the shell 3 and housing 9 of the ECU, and with the insulator of the wiring harness 27 to expel moisture from the conductive parts.

[0041] Each connector 20, 21 may include a mechanism 30 comprising one or more movable portions that are operable as shown to engage the ECU, thereby allowing the connector to move toward and away from the ECU in the axial direction of the pins 7 and the socket 25, thus helping the user overcome the mechanical resistance of multiple conductive parts when creating or breaking the connection.

[0042] In the example shown, mechanism 30 includes a pair of sliders 31 (only one of which is shown in dashed lines in the figure), which are mounted to slide and translate within body 22 on either side of block 24; and a rod 32, which is mounted on pivot 33 on body 22 and engages with the two sliders 31 via connector 34.

[0043] Each slider 31 has a groove 35 defining a linear cam surface, which engages with a corresponding lug 10 on the ECU when the tubular shroud 9 is received in the recess 26 of the connector. On either side of block 24, a small recess 28 is formed in the inward-facing surface of shroud 23 to receive the lug 10 in the groove 35.

[0044] Each slider 31 is moved from the unlocked position via the lever 32. Figure 3 , 45, 6) Push to the locked position ( Figure 7 , 8 In the unlocked position (9, 10), slot 35 leads to recess 28, while in the locked position, slot 35 is displaced away from recess 28. The locked position is so named for convenience because in this position, mechanism 30 can also be used to lock the connector to the ECU to prevent accidental disconnection.

[0045] In the locked position, the lug 10 in the slot 35 is axially further away from the opening end of the cover 23 relative to the unlocked position, causing the connectors 20 and 21 to be pulled toward the corresponding sockets 5 and 6 of the ECU by the movement of the slider 31, causing the pin 7 to enter the socket 25 of the connector. Disconnection is accomplished by moving the lever in the opposite direction.

[0046] Now for reference Figures 11 to 16 In the illustrated embodiment, the cover 40 includes a first wall 41 that defines a first internal connector space 42 and a second internal connector space 43 to receive a first connector 20 and a second connector 21, respectively, at their connection positions. Figure 19 As shown. The cover is configured to allow the harness 27 to extend away from the connector during use, and may include a protective shield 48 extending from the first wall to protect the harness 27 at the point where the harness leaves the cover.

[0047] In the illustrated embodiment, the first connector 20 and the second connector 21 are adjacent to each other in a position where they are connected to each other, and therefore the internal connector spaces 42, 43 are not separated by partitions, but they can be separated if desired to accommodate alternative arrangements of the connectors.

[0048] The first wall 41 may be configured as a locally widened region 47 defining the internal connector space to accommodate movement of the rods 32 of the two connectors during assembly. This allows the rods to operate within the cover by their range of movement between the unlocked and locked positions, as shown. Figure 18-20 As shown in the best example.

[0049] The first internal connector space 42 communicates with a first connection port 44 and a first inlet port 45 formed in the cover, respectively. Conveniently, the first inlet port 45 may be formed at the axial end of a first wall 41 axially opposite to the first connection port 44, and may provide a passage for the wiring harness 27 to extend through the first inlet port in the use position of the cover, optionally through a small recess 49 next to the cover 48 as shown. As shown, the first connecting axis X1 of the cover extends through the first connection port 44 and may also extend through the first inlet port 45.

[0050] The second internal connector space 43 communicates with the second connection opening 46 formed in the cover. The second internal connector space 43 also communicates with the first inlet opening 45. As shown, the second connecting axis X2 of the cover extends parallel to the first connecting axis X1 through the second connection opening 46, and may also extend through the first inlet opening 45.

[0051] The first inlet port 45 is configured to accommodate each of the first connector 20 and the second connector 21 when each connector is introduced into the corresponding first internal connector space 42 or second internal connector space 43 through the first inlet port 45 before the connector is connected to the ECU1.

[0052] The cover further includes a first retaining portion 50 and a second retaining portion 51, which are respectively arranged at the first connecting hole 44 and the second connecting hole 46.

[0053] Each of the first retaining portion 50 and the second retaining portion 51 may extend inwardly from the first wall 41 to surround the corresponding first connection port 44 or second connection port 46, as shown in the figure.

[0054] In this specification, "around" means continuously around and does not mean circular. The connection port may have an elongated shape as shown or any other shape to fit the contours of the connector.

[0055] In use, the first connection port 44 and the second connection port 46 respectively accommodate the first connection interface region 120 and the second connection interface region 121, while each of the first retaining portion 50 and the second retaining portion 51 is positioned between the respective connector 20, 21 and ECU1 to hold the cover 40 in its use position, and optionally the cover 40 is also sealed to the connector 20, 21 and / or ECU1, as further explained below.

[0056] The cover 40 may further include a second wall 53 configured such that the first wall 41 and the second wall 53 extend away from the retaining portions 50, 51 in a direction opposite to the first connecting axis X1. The second wall 53 defines an internal ECU space 54 and an ECU port 55, the internal ECU space 54 communicating with each of the connecting ports 44, 46 and the ECU port 55, through which the first connecting axis X1 extends. Therefore, each of the first connecting port 44 and the second connecting port 46 can be axially aligned with a corresponding region of each of the first inlet port 45 and the ECU port 55, as shown.

[0057] Now for reference Figure 17-20During assembly, the first connector 20 is introduced into the first internal connector space 42 of the cover 40 through the first inlet port 45. Then, as the first connector 20 is received in the first internal connector space 42, the first connector 20 moves along the first connection axis X1 to its connection position. Figure 19 The first connector 20 is connected to the ECU1, wherein the first connection interface area 120 extends along the first connection axis X1 through the first connection orifice 44.

[0058] The second connector 21 is introduced into the second internal connector space 43 simultaneously or continuously with the first connector 20 through the first inlet port 45, and then moves along the second connection axis X2 to connect the second connector to the ECU1 at its connection position, wherein the second connection interface region 121 extends along the second connection axis X2 through the second connection port 46.

[0059] During assembly, some, such as Figure 17 The orientation is shown, with the connector mechanism 30 of each connector in the unlocked position. The cover 40 can be assembled to the ECU1 before, after, or simultaneously with assembling the connectors 20, 21 into the cover 40. Once inside the cover, as... Figure 18 As shown, connectors 20 and 21 engage with sockets 5 and 6 of the ECU, and then lever 32 pivots inside the cover in the direction of the arrow to push connectors 20 and 21 into their fully engaged locking position to hold the cover in its used position, as shown. Figure 19 and Figure 20 As shown.

[0060] exist Figure 19 and 20 In the usage position of the cover 40 shown, each connector 20, 21 is received in a corresponding first internal connector space 42 or second internal connector space 43 of the cover and connected to the ECU in its connection position, wherein each connection interface area 120, 121 extends along a corresponding connection axis X1, X2 through a corresponding first connection port 44 or second connection port 46.

[0061] In the use position of the cover, it can be seen that each of the first retaining portion and the second retaining portion of the cover is axially positioned between the corresponding connectors 20, 21 and the sealing surface 11 of the ECU1 relative to the corresponding connecting axes X1, X2, so as to retain the cover to the ECU in its use position.

[0062] Each retaining portion 50, 51 may be configured to seal the respective connector 20, 21 to seal the respective connection orifices 44, 46 when the retaining portion is compressively engaged between the corresponding connector and sealing surface 11 of the ECU1 in the use position of the cover 40. Figure 19 As shown.

[0063] As shown in the figure, each connector includes a mechanism 30 that operates in the use position of the cover to move the connector toward the ECU along the connection axes X1, X2. Each retaining portion 50, 51 can be configured such that when the connectors 20, 21 are pushed toward the ECU1 by the operation of the mechanism 30, the retaining portion sealably compressively engages between the respective connectors 20, 21 and the ECU1. This provides a simple and satisfactory seal without any additional steps.

[0064] In the illustrated embodiment, each retaining portion 50, 51 is configured as a simple internal flange that presses against the sealing surface 11 of the ECU to seal the cover 40 around each of the connectors 20, 21 and to the ECU 1. In an alternative embodiment, the retaining portions 50, 51 may be configured, for example, to have a lip or wall or other features to extend axially, for example, relative to the connecting axes X1, X2, in order to achieve an effective seal.

[0065] Alternatively or additionally, the second wall 53 may be configured as shown to seal around the ECU1 when the ECU is received in the internal ECU space 54 in the use position of the cover 40 to extend through the ECU orifice 55.

[0066] In this specification, "sealed" means closed in order to at least reduce the ingress of dust or other target contaminants. Sufficient sealing can be achieved without completely eliminating the target contaminant. For example, reducing some dust ingress may be sufficient if the seal is constructed to ensure the continued operability of the connector mechanism in a dusty environment. Related terms such as "sealed" should be interpreted accordingly.

[0067] The entire cover 40, or at least a portion thereof including the first wall 41 and each retaining portion 50, 51, can be integrally molded (i.e., as a single piece) from an elastomeric material (e.g., natural or synthetic rubber). This provides cost-effective manufacturing and helps the cover to sealably engage the outer surfaces of each connector 20, 21 and ECU1 in its use location, while minimizing the overall volume of the resulting assembly. Figure 19 and 20 As shown.

[0068] The cover 40 can be configured as shown to expose at least most of the housing 3 of the ECU1 in its operating position, so that heat dissipation is not affected by the presence of the cover 40.

[0069] like Figure 19 and 20As shown, the components can be arranged in use such that each inlet port 45 is not sealed, but rather oriented downwards. The first wall 41 can be configured to define a downwardly opening skirt that extends downwards around the connectors 20, 21. In the downward-facing orientation, the wiring harness 27 can extend from below the protective cover 48.

[0070] In summary, the ECU assembly 100 includes one or more electrical connectors 20, 21 received in a protective cover 40. The cover includes an inlet port 45 and at least one connection port 44, 46 through which one or more connectors are introduced into the cover, and which connector is connected to the ECU via the connection port. Retaining portions 50, 51 of the cover at each connection port 44, 46 are positioned between the corresponding connector 20, 21 and the ECU 1 to retain the cover 40 to the ECU 1 in its usage position.

[0071] In an alternative embodiment (not shown), the cover may be configured to allow a first inlet port to be sealed, for example, by sealingly attaching the end region of the first wall to itself at the inlet port to close the inlet port and seal around one or more wire harnesses of that or each connector. A sufficient seal may be achieved, for example, by clips, hook-and-loop materials, or other fastener types as known in the art, configured to join two edge regions of the sheet together. For example, the first wall may have a flap extending from the inlet port that can be folded over and around the wire harness and closed by one or more fasteners such as clips, cable ties, rivets, hook-and-loop materials, etc., to hold it in place to substantially exclude dust from the internal connector space within the cover.

[0072] Instead of a locally widened region 47 providing a sufficiently large internal connector space to accommodate the movement of the rod 32 as shown, the first wall may be arranged to elastically deform when the rod moves to the locked position, and then, after assembly, in the locked position of the connector, sealably fit the contours of each rod and the connector body.

[0073] The first connection port 44 may be configured to accommodate the first connection interface region 120 and the second connection interface region 121, and a second internal connector space 43 configured to communicate with the first connection port 44. In this case, only one connection port may be provided for the two connectors.

[0074] Instead of communicating with the first inlet port 45, the second internal connector space 43 may communicate with a second separate inlet port 45' formed in the cover, through which the second connector 21 is introduced into the second internal connector space 43. (Reference 45' indicates a possible location of the second inlet port, but a partition or wall of the cover separating the first and second inlet ports is not shown.) Additional inlet ports, and optionally additional connection ports, may be provided for additional connectors.

[0075] Therefore, the cover can be configured to receive only one or more connectors. In this case, it may include only one retaining portion and only a first internal connector space and connection port for a single connector, or alternatively, define two or more internal connector spaces and two or more connection ports (or only one common connection port) for retaining portions for two or more connectors. The connector can be introduced into the cover through a single inlet port or a separate inlet port.

[0076] The ECU may have one, two, or more electrical interface assemblies of any configuration to receive one, two, or more complementary electrical connectors, which may be connected to the ECU and generally enclosed by a cover as described, optionally enclosed side-by-side as shown in the figures. The ECU and connectors may differ from those configurations illustrated. For example, the ECU may have a receiving portion, and the connector may have pins; the connector body may be of a different shape, or the connector mechanism may be absent or of a different type, as is known in the art.

[0077] The ECU may present a sealing surface that is positioned or oriented differently from the sealing surface shown in the illustration for receiving the or each retaining portion, and the cover may be configured to conform to the external contours of the particular ECU to which it will be mounted. The or each retaining portion may also be positioned between the connector and a portion of the ECU that differs from the illustrated portion. For example, the retaining portion may be sealed against the axial end of a shield, such as shield 9 forming the portion of the connection interface on the ECU.

[0078] Many other modifications are possible within the scope of the claims.

[0079] Industrial applicability

[0080] The novel cover can be used to reduce dust ingress into one or more connectors within an ECU assembly at a relatively low cost without significantly increasing the assembly size. Since the cover is held and preferably sealed between the connector and the ECU by engaging the connector with the ECU at the connection orifice, no additional assembly steps are required after the connector is introduced into the cover. Furthermore, because the connector is introduced into the cover via an inlet orifice separate from the connection orifice, the connector can be equipped with rods and sliders or other locking mechanisms that the user can manipulate to push the connector into its engagement position, while simultaneously securing a portion of the cover between the connector and the ECU.

[0081] Testing revealed that by arranging the components with the inlet port unsealed and facing downwards, dust ingress and accumulation in the connector can be significantly reduced, ensuring that mechanisms with complex components (such as rod and slider mechanisms) remain operable even after prolonged use in heavily dusty conditions without hindering access to the connector. By sealingly engaging the retaining portion with the connector around the connection port, dust is prevented from entering the upper part of the internal connector space, while the downward-facing inlet port allows dust loosened by vibrations during use (e.g., on a moving vehicle) to fall off the cover. Where the ECU provides only a narrow sealing surface 11 to engage the retaining portion, the second wall can be arranged to sealably surround the ECU to ensure a good seal at the upper end of the cover.

[0082] The cover also provides protection when the components are arranged in other orientations. In an alternative embodiment, the inlet opening may be closed, for example, by a fin extending from the first wall, which may be desirable if the components are installed in a different orientation under humid or dusty conditions.

[0083] In the claims, reference numerals and characters are provided in parentheses purely for ease of reference and should not be construed as limiting features.

Claims

1. A protective cover for an ECU (electronic control unit) sub-assembly, the sub-assembly including the ECU and a first electrical connector; The first connector has a connection position in which the first connector is releasably connected to the ECU in the first connection interface region of the sub-component; A mechanism for unlocking and locking the first connector connected to the ECU in the first connection interface area, the mechanism including a slider located within the body of the first connector and a rod mounted on a pivot engaged with the slider, the rod moving the slider from an unlocked position to a locked position when unlocking and locking the first connector to the ECU; The cover includes a first wall defining a first internal connector space communicating with a first connection orifice and a first inlet orifice respectively formed in the cover, wherein a first connection axis of the cover extends through the first connection orifice. The first wall is further configured to allow the mechanism to operate within the cover; The cover has a usage position in which the first connector is received in the first internal connector space at the first connector connection position, wherein the first connection interface area extends along the first connection axis through the first connection opening. The first inlet port is configured to accommodate the first connector when the first connector is introduced into the first internal connector space through the first inlet port before the first connector is connected to the ECU. The cover further includes a first retaining portion. The first retaining portion is disposed at the first connection opening and is configured to be axially positioned between the first connector and the ECU relative to the first connection axis in the connection position of the first connector, so as to retain the cover to the ECU in the use position.

2. The protective cover of claim 1, wherein the first retaining portion extends inwardly from the first wall to surround the first connection opening.

3. The protective cover of claim 2, wherein the first retaining portion is configured to sealably engage the first connector to seal the first connection opening at the use position of the cover.

4. The protective cover according to claim 1, wherein the first connecting axis extends through the first inlet opening.

5. The protective cover according to claim 1, wherein the first wall and the first retaining portion are integrally molded from an elastomeric material.

6. The protective cover of claim 1, wherein the cover includes a second wall, and the first wall and the second wall extend away from the first retaining portion in directions opposite to the first connecting axis; The second wall defines an internal ECU space and an ECU port, the internal ECU space being in communication with the first connecting port and the ECU port, and the first connecting axis extending through the ECU port; The second wall is configured to seal around the ECU when the ECU is received in the internal ECU space in the use position of the cover to extend through the ECU orifice.

7. The protective cover of claim 1, wherein the sub-assembly includes a second electrical connector having a connection position in which the second connector is releasably connected to the ECU in a second connection interface region of the sub-assembly; The second connector is arranged adjacent to the first connector at a corresponding connection position of the first connector and the second connector; The first wall defines a second internal connector space, which communicates with the first connection opening or with a second connection opening formed in the cover. The second internal connector space is configured to receive the second connector at the connection position of the second connector, wherein the second connection interface region, in the use position of the cover, extends through the first connection opening or the second connection opening along a second connection axis parallel to the first connection axis. The second internal connector space further communicates with the first inlet or with a second inlet formed in the cover; The first or second inlet port is configured to accommodate the second connector when the second connector is introduced into the second internal connector space through the corresponding first or second inlet port before the second connector is connected to the ECU. The cover further includes a second retaining portion disposed at a corresponding first or second connection port through which the second connection interface area extends in use, and configured to be axially positioned between the second connector and the ECU relative to the second connection axis in the connection position of the second connector, so as to retain the cover to the ECU in the use position.

8. The protective cover of claim 7, wherein the second connection aperture is formed in the cover, the second connection interface region is in the use position of the cover, and extends through the second connection aperture along the second connection axis at the connection position of the second connector; and The first retaining portion and the second retaining portion extend inward from the first wall to surround the first connection opening and the second connection opening, respectively.

9. An ECU (electronic control unit) assembly, the assembly including a protective cover and an ECU sub-assembly, the sub-assembly including an ECU and a first electrical connector; The first connector has a connection position in which the first connector is releasably connected to the ECU in the first connection interface region of the sub-component; A mechanism for unlocking and locking the first connector connected to the ECU in the first connection interface area, the mechanism including a slider located within the body of the first connector and a rod mounted on a pivot engaged with the slider, the rod moving the slider from an unlocked position to a locked position when unlocking and locking the first connector to the ECU; The second connector has a connection position in which the second connector is releasably connected to the ECU in the second connection interface region of the sub-assembly; The cover includes a first wall defining a first internal connector space communicating with a first connection orifice and a first inlet orifice respectively formed in the cover, wherein a first connection axis of the cover extends through the first connection orifice. The first wall is further configured to allow the mechanism to operate within the cover; The cover has a usage position in which the first connector is received in the first internal connector space at the first connector connection position, wherein the first connection interface area extends along the first connection axis through the first connection opening. The first inlet port is configured to accommodate the first connector when the first connector is introduced into the first internal connector space through the first inlet port before the first connector is connected to the ECU. The cover further includes a first retaining portion. The first retaining portion is disposed at the first connection opening and configured to be axially positioned between the first connector and the ECU relative to the first connection axis in the connection position of the first connector, so as to retain the cover to the ECU in the use position. The first wall further defines a second internal connector space, which can communicate with the first connection opening or with a second connection opening formed in the cover; The second internal connector space is configured to receive the second connector at the connection position of the second connector, wherein in the use position of the cover, the second connection interface area extends through the first connection opening or the second connection opening along a second connection axis parallel to the first connection axis. The second internal connector space further communicates with the first inlet port or with a second inlet port formed in the cover.

10. The component of claim 9, wherein the mechanism is operable to move the first connector toward the ECU along the first connecting axis (X1) in the use position of the cover, and the first retaining portion is configured to sealably compress and engage between the first connector and the ECU by operation of the mechanism.

11. The component of claim 9, wherein the first inlet port is unsealed, and the component is arranged such that the first inlet port is oriented downwards.

12. A method for protecting an ECU (electronic control unit) sub-assembly from dust ingress, the sub-assembly including an ECU and a first electrical connector, the first connector including a mechanism for unlocking and locking the first connector connected to the ECU in a first connection interface area, the mechanism including a slider located within a body of the first connector and a rod mounted on a pivot engaged with the slider, the rod moving the slider from an unlocked position to a locked position when unlocking and locking the first connector to the ECU; The first connector has a connection position in which the first connector is releasably connected to the ECU in the first connection interface region of the sub-component; The method includes: A protective cover is provided, the cover including a first wall defining a first internal connector space communicating with a first connection orifice and a first inlet orifice respectively formed in the cover, wherein a first connection axis of the cover extends through the first connection orifice, and the first wall is further configured to allow the mechanism to operate within the cover. The first connector is introduced into the first internal connector space through the first inlet port; and then, when the first connector is received in the first internal connector space, The first connector is moved along the first connection axis to connect the first connector to the ECU at the connection position of the first connector, wherein the first connection interface region extends along the first connection axis through the first connection orifice. And further includes: The first retaining portion of the cover is axially positioned between the first connector and the ECU relative to the first connecting axis; The first retaining portion is disposed at the first connection opening to retain the cover to the ECU in the use position of the cover when the first connector is connected to the ECU in the connection position of the first connector.

13. The method of claim 12, further comprising: The mechanism operates the first connector to move the first connector toward the ECU along the first connection axis; as well as The operation of the mechanism causes the first retaining portion to be sealed and compressedly engaged between the first connector and the ECU.

14. The method of claim 12, further comprising: The sub-assembly is arranged such that the cover is in the use position of the cover, and the first inlet orifice is unsealed and oriented downwards.

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