Housing assembly and housing assembly method

Abstract

The invention relates to a housing assembly for at least one component and a method for assembling at least one component. The housing assembly (100) for at least one component comprises a base (102) having at least one retaining element (112), a cover (104) having at least one actuating element (120), and a carrier element (106) for carrying at least one component. The at least one retaining element (112) retains the carrier element (106) by engaging with the at least one actuating element (120), wherein the at least one actuating element (120) exerts a contact force on the at least one retaining element (112). Thus, when the at least one retaining element (112) engages with the at least one actuating element (120), the at least one actuating element (120) is adjustable relative to the at least one retaining element (112) in at least one direction (244).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to a housing assembly for at least one component and a method for assembling at least one component. Background Art

[0002] In electromechanical systems, such as automotive sensor technology, technical components such as sensors or plugs are used to detect environmental conditions. Such technical components include, for example, a plurality of electronic components, such as resistors, integrated circuits and connectors for performing the intended circuit function. Electronic components are referred to as technical components by attaching and conductively connecting them to a carrier element, such as a printed circuit board (PCB). In addition to providing interconnection between the electronic components, this carrier element should also provide a secure hold so that the operation of the electronic components is not disturbed by externally induced shocks and vibrations.

[0003] In order to prevent other interfering external influences, the technical components need to be stably integrated into the housing components. In addition, as the size and dimensions of electronic components are increasingly reduced to achieve a higher functional density of technical components, it is important that the carrier element and the holding mechanism for holding the carrier element also occupy less space, thereby providing a higher density of electronic connections per housing component. On the other hand, the carrier element should also provide high mechanical integrity and durability to resist thermal or vibration loads and prevent electromagnetic interference (EMI).

[0004] Therefore, it is an important issue to mount the carrier element stably in the housing assembly so that the electronic or other technical components mounted on the carrier element are protected from environmental influences and shocks and vibrations introduced from the outside of the housing assembly can be absorbed. Otherwise, these vibrations or shocks can easily cause deformation of the carrier material or the interconnections between the attached components, resulting in a reduction in the durability of the technical assembly.

[0005] A method for fixing a perforated plate in a plastic housing is known, for example, from EP 0 984 527 A2. The perforated plate is fixed by an expansion rivet which comprises two segments acting in the radial direction and two segments acting in the axial direction. The rivet joint between the perforated plate and the expansion rivet is activated by inserting a corresponding expansion mandrel into the expansion rivet.

[0006] Furthermore, EP 3 609 305 A1 discloses a housing assembly and a method for fixing a printed circuit board in a housing. Thus, the assembly comprises a first housing part having a first fixing element extending upwardly from a base of the first housing part; and a second housing part having a second fixing element extending downwardly from a cover of the second housing part. When the first housing part is fixed to the second housing part, the open end of the first fixing element receives the distal end of the second fixing element, thereby exerting a force on the segmented end of the first fixing element in a radial direction. As a result, the segmented end of the first fixing element is caused to creep onto the PCB, thereby fixing the PCB in the housing.

[0007] However, the inventors of the present invention have recognized that there is still a need for improved fixing of a carrier element in a housing assembly, in particular with regard to tolerance compensation between the carrier element, a retaining element for retaining the carrier element and an actuating element for activating the retaining element.

[0008] The object of the present invention is therefore to provide an improved housing assembly for at least one component and a corresponding method, which provides a permanent secure hold of the carrier element and high tolerance compensation between the component parts of the housing assembly during the assembly phase. In addition, the object of the present invention is to provide a simple and economical solution. Summary of the invention

[0009] At least one of these objects is solved by the subject matter of the independent claims. Advantageous embodiments of the invention are subject matter of the dependent claims.

[0010] In particular, the present invention provides a housing assembly for at least one component. The housing assembly comprises a base portion having at least one retaining element, a cover portion having at least one actuating element and a carrier element for carrying the at least one component.

[0011] The present invention is based on the idea that at least one retaining element retains a carrier element by engaging with at least one actuating element, wherein the at least one actuating element exerts a contact force on the at least one retaining element and when the at least one retaining element engages with the at least one actuating element, the at least one actuating element is adjustable in at least one direction relative to the at least one retaining element.

[0012] This arrangement has the advantage that a secure holding of the carrier element is provided as long as the at least one actuating element is engaged with the at least one retaining element by a contact force exerted on the at least one retaining element which urges the at least one retaining element to hold the carrier element. By allowing the at least one actuating element to be adjustable relative to the at least one retaining element, the invention provides tolerance compensation between the cover portion of the housing and the base portion of the housing, thereby compensating for tolerances introduced during the manufacturing process of the housing elements.

[0013] Preferably, the base has at least one supporting element which is arranged separately from the at least one retaining element, and a contact force exerted by the at least one actuating element forces the at least one retaining element to press the carrier element against the at least one supporting element.

[0014] This arrangement has the additional advantage that the carrier element is sandwiched between the retaining element and the supporting element, so that the carrier element is firmly held in the housing assembly and has a high resistance to external vibrations and impacts. In addition, the arrangement of the carrier element in the base is simplified, because the carrier element is pre-arranged by at least one retaining element and at least one supporting element. However, the at least one supporting element can be provided only during the arrangement of the carrier element, and as long as the actuating element is engaged with the retaining element and the carrier element is firmly held in the housing assembly, the at least one supporting element can be removed. For example, the removable supporting element can be provided by an installation machine, which arranges the carrier element in the base when assembling the housing assembly.

[0015] In order to enhance the support of the carrier element, the first support element may include a first support portion and a second support portion, and the at least one retaining element may be arranged between the first support portion and the second support portion.

[0016] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, at least one actuating element is press-fitted against at least one retaining element. In this way, at least one retaining element can be forced to creep onto the carrier element, thereby improving the clamping between the retaining element and the carrier element.

[0017] In order to enhance the contact force applied by the at least one actuating element to the at least one retaining element, the cover part may comprise a cover element which applies a prestress to the at least one actuating element. The prestress may be provided by suitable fixing means for fixing the cover part to the base part, which transfers the fixing force from the fixing area through the cover element to the actuating element.

[0018] Preferably, the at least one actuating element is a pin. However, it is obvious to a person skilled in the art that any other suitable geometric shape may also be used for the at least one actuating element according to the principles of the present invention.

[0019] Advantageously, the at least one actuating element tapers towards the peripheral region so that the at least one actuating element can easily engage with the at least one retaining element. In addition, the taper angle of the actuating element can be controlled in order to vary the clamping force between the at least one retaining element and the at least one supporting element.

[0020] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the carrier element comprises at least one opening and at least one retaining element protruding through the at least one opening. Preferably, the at least one opening is an elongated cutout and the at least one retaining element extends along an elongated side of the elongated cutout. In this way, tolerances between the carrier element and the at least one retaining element can be compensated when the carrier element is prearranged in the housing. As a result, assembly of the housing assembly is further simplified.

[0021] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the at least one retaining element comprises a first clamp element and a second clamp element, wherein the first clamp element and the second clamp element are arranged on opposite sides of the at least one actuating element. Preferably, the first clamp element and the second clamp element exert a first force component in a horizontal direction relative to the carrier element and a second force component in a vertical direction relative to the carrier element, respectively. Since the radial force components exerted by the first clamp element and the second clamp element on the carrier element act in opposite directions, the stability of the carrier element is further enhanced.

[0022] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the base comprises at least two support elements, wherein at least two support elements extend from the base at different heights. Thus, the housing assembly can provide various assembly heights for different carrier elements, and the assembly heights can be adapted to the functions of the components mounted on the carrier elements. For example, the magnetic sensor can be assembled near the surface of the base in order to reduce the size of the magnet included in the magnetic sensor. In addition, multiple carrier elements can be held by the same holding element.

[0023] However, the carrier element can also be arranged at an adjustable height by providing at least one adjustable support element with an adjustable height during the arrangement of the carrier element in the base. The at least one adjustable support element can then be removed once the actuating element is engaged with the retaining element and the carrier element is securely held at the foreseen height within the housing assembly. For example, the at least one adjustable support element can be provided by an installation machine, which arranges the carrier element in the base during assembly of the housing assembly.

[0024] According to another advantageous embodiment of the invention, the holding element comprises a first holding portion and a second holding portion, and the carrier element is arranged between the first holding portion and the second holding portion. Thus, the actuating element preferably comprises a first actuating portion and a second actuating portion, and the first actuating portion applies a contact force to the first holding portion, and the second actuating portion applies a contact force to the second holding portion. Thus, the two holding portions apply a holding force to the carrier element in two directions, thereby enhancing the stability of the assembly. In addition, this arrangement eliminates the need to drill cutouts in the carrier element, thereby avoiding the introduction of microcracks or other damage during the drilling process.

[0025] According to another advantageous embodiment of the invention, the peripheral region of the at least one retaining element is fixed to the cover. In this way, the prestress is directly applied to the at least one actuating element by the fixing force formed at the peripheral region of the retaining element. Thus, the stress applied to the cover element can be reduced.

[0026] The present invention also provides a method for assembling at least one component. In particular, the method comprises the following steps:

[0027] providing a base having at least one retaining element, a cover having at least one actuating element and a carrier element for carrying at least one component;

[0028] placing a carrier element in the base;

[0029] engaging the at least one retaining element with the at least one actuating element such that the at least one retaining element retains the carrier element; and

[0030] fixing the cover part to the base part such that the at least one actuating element exerts a contact force on the at least one retaining element, which forces the at least one retaining element to press the carrier element against the at least one supporting element,

[0031] Wherein, when the at least one retaining element is engaged with the at least one actuating element, the at least one actuating element is adjustable in at least one direction relative to the at least one retaining element.

[0032] The method has the advantage that a secure holding of the carrier element is provided as long as the at least one actuating element is engaged with the at least one retaining element and a contact force is exerted on the at least one retaining element, which forces the at least one retaining element to hold the carrier element. In addition, the method provides tolerance compensation between the cover part of the housing and the base part of the housing, thus simplifying the assembly process of the housing and allowing compensation of tolerances introduced between the housing elements during the manufacturing process.

[0033] Advantageously, the at least one retaining element may be adjustable relative to the carrier element when the at least one retaining element is engaged with the at least one actuating element. In this way, tolerances between the carrier element and the at least one retaining element may be compensated when the carrier element is pre-arranged in the housing assembly. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0034] In the following, the present invention is described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Similar or corresponding details in the drawings are represented by the same reference numerals.

[0035] The accompanying drawings are incorporated into the specification and form a part of the specification to illustrate several embodiments of the present invention. These drawings, together with the description, are used to explain the principles of the present invention. These drawings are only for the purpose of illustrating preferred and alternative examples of how to make and use the present invention, and should not be interpreted as limiting the present invention to only the embodiments shown and described. In addition, several aspects of the embodiments can be used alone or in different combinations to form solutions according to the present invention. Therefore, the embodiments described below can be considered alone or in any combination thereof. The described embodiments are only possible configurations, and it should be remembered that the various features described above can be provided independently of each other, or can be completely omitted when implementing the present invention. Further features and advantages will become apparent from the following more specific description of various embodiments of the present invention, as shown in the accompanying drawings, in which the same reference numerals refer to the same elements, and in which:

[0036] Figure 1 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of a housing assembly according to a first embodiment of the present invention;

[0037] Figure 2 shows a schematic cross-sectional top view of the retaining element and the actuating element prior to assembly;

[0038] Figure 3 Shows the bonding Figure 2 A schematic cross-sectional top view of an actuating element and a retaining element;

[0039] Figure 4 shows another schematic cross-sectional top view of the retaining element and the actuating element prior to assembly;

[0040] Figure 5 Shows the bonding Figure 4 A schematic cross-sectional top view of an actuating element and a retaining element;

[0041] Figure 6 shows another schematic cross-sectional top view of the retaining element and the actuating element prior to assembly;

[0042] Figure 7 Shows the bonding Figure 6 A schematic cross-sectional top view of an actuating element and a retaining element;

[0043] Figure 8 shows another schematic cross-sectional view of a housing assembly according to a first embodiment of the present invention;

[0044] Fig. 9 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of a housing assembly according to a second embodiment of the present invention;

[0045] Fig.10shows another schematic cross-sectional view of a housing assembly according to a first embodiment of the present invention;

[0046] Fig.11 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of a housing assembly according to a third embodiment of the present invention;

[0047] Fig.12 A schematic cross-sectional view of a housing assembly according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0048] Reference will now be made to the drawings and first to Figure 1 The present invention is explained in more detail.

[0049] Figure 1 A housing assembly 100 according to a first embodiment of the invention is shown. It must be noted that in all the figures, the dimensions are for illustration purposes only and are not drawn to scale in order to illustrate the concept according to the invention. The housing assembly 100 comprises a base 102, a cover 104 and a carrier element 106. The carrier element 106 carries at least one technical component, such as an electronic component, which is integrated in the housing assembly 100 in order to protect the technical component from environmental conditions. For example, the carrier element 106 may carry a plurality of technical components, which form a technical assembly, such as a sensor, an integrated circuit, a controller, a motor and a connector.

[0050] The carrier element 106 may be, for example, a printed circuit board to which at least one electronic component is attached, or a lead frame to which at least one electronic component or at least one other technical component is attached. However, it is obvious to a person skilled in the art that any other flat carrier which is also suitable for carrying at least one electrical or other technical component may also be used as the carrier element 106. In order to arrange the carrier element 106 in the base 102, the carrier element 106 may include an opening 107.

[0051] The base 102 comprises a base element 108 and a side wall 110. In order to hold the carrier element 106, the base comprises a holding element 112, which extends upward from the base 102 toward the cover 104. When the carrier element 106 is arranged in the base 102, the holding element 112 is inserted through the opening 107 of the carrier element 106 and protrudes through the opening 107. For example, the holding element 112 comprises a first clip element 113 and a second clip element 115, which respectively protrude through the opening 107 in the assembled state.

[0052] The stabilization of the support element 106 is provided by a support element, which includes a first support portion 114 and a second support portion 116. Each of the support portions 114 and 116 provides a support area 118 at a peripheral end, which is in contact with the carrier element 106. The first support portion 116 and the second support portion 118 extend from the base element toward the cover 104 and are arranged separately from the retaining element 112.

[0053] The cover 104 comprises an actuating element 120 and a cover element 122. The actuating element 120 extends downwardly from the cover element 122 towards the base 102. The actuating element 120 serves as a counterpart to the retaining element 112, such that the retaining element 112 retains the carrier element 106 when the retaining element 112 engages with the actuating element 106.

[0054] The actuating element 120 may be formed, for example, as a pin, preferably in the form of a cone, such that the actuating element 120 tapers towards the peripheral region 124. However, in accordance with the principles of the invention, the actuating element 106 may also have other geometries, as will be described later.

[0055] like Figure 1 As shown, the housing assembly is assembled by engaging the actuating element 120 with the retaining element 112. Thus, the actuating element 120 deforms the retaining element 112 and forces the retaining element 112 to exert a retaining force 126 on the carrier element 106.

[0056] To this end, the diameter or width of the actuating element 120 is preferably made larger than the gap between the first clip element 113 and the second clip element 115 of the retaining element 112, so that when the housing assembly is closed, the actuating element 120 displaces the clip elements 113 and 115. Therefore, when the actuating element 120 engages with the retaining element 112, the actuating element 120 exerts a permanent contact force on the first clip element 113 and the second clip element 115 of the retaining element 112. Due to this contact force, the first clip element 113 and the second clip element 115 are radially pressed away from the actuating element 120 in the direction toward the first support portion 114 and the second support portion 116.

[0057] In other words, the actuating element 120 applies a contact force on the clip elements 113 and 115 of the retaining element 112, which forces the retaining element 112 to press the carrier element 106 against the support area 118 of the support element. In this way, the carrier element 106 is firmly attached between the retaining element 112 and the support portions 114 and 116 of the support portion, so that it can withstand vibrations and shocks introduced from the outside of the housing assembly 100. Press-fitting the actuating element 120 against the retaining element 112 can further enhance the holding force between the retaining element 112 and each of the support portions 114 and 116.

[0058] The holding mechanism will now be explained in more detail. When engaging with the holding element 112, the actuating element 120 bends the first clamp element 113 and the second clamp element 115 of the holding element 112 at least in the contact area with the carrier element 106. Since the holding force 126 acts in a direction perpendicular to the outer surfaces of the clamp elements 113 and 115 (as indicated by arrows 126), the holding force 126 has a horizontal force component 128 (radial force component) in the horizontal direction relative to the carrier element 106 and a vertical force component 130 (axial force component) in the vertical direction relative to the carrier element 106. When the horizontal force component 128 points in the radial direction away from the actuating element (as indicated by arrows 128), the vertical force component 130 points in the axial direction of the actuating element 120 towards the support area 118 (as indicated by arrows 130). The support region 118 of the support sections 114 and 116 provides a reaction force 132 which opposes the vertical force component 130 of the retaining force 126 and thus clamps the carrier element 106 tightly between the retaining element 112 and the support element.

[0059] The ratio between the axial force component 130 and the radial force component 128 depends on the degree of inclination of the clamp elements 113 and 115 in the contact area with the carrier element 106. Thus, for example, when a greater clamping strength is required, the geometry of the actuating element can be controlled to change the strength of the vertical force component 130. In this case, for example, the radius or width of the actuating element 120 can be made larger than the gap between the first clamp element 113 and the second clamp element 115. Thus, in the unassembled state, the overlap or interference between the actuating element 120 and each element of the retaining element 112 can be adjusted not only to control the tightness of the fit between the actuating element 120 and the retaining element 112, but also to control the degree of clamping between the retaining element 112 and the support element.

[0060] Alternatively, the taper angle of the actuating element can be used for this purpose. The actuating element 120, which tapers toward the peripheral region 124, applies a contact force to the retaining element 112, which is directed perpendicular to the taper surface. This force forces the first clamp element 113 and the second clamp element 115 of the retaining element 112 to follow the shape of the outer surface 134 of the actuating element 120. Therefore, the degree of inclination of each of the clamp elements 113 and 115 can be controlled by the taper angle of the actuating element 120. Therefore, the vertical force component 130 of the retaining force can be increased by increasing the taper angle of the actuating element 120, thereby increasing the clamping strength between the retaining element 112 and the support element.

[0061] To secure the cover 104 to the base 102, securing areas 136 and 138 are provided in the exterior of the cover 104 and in corresponding portions of the side wall 110 of the base 102. Various securing means may be used. Figure 1 For example by locking latches as an example of fixing area 138 or by screw fixing as an example of fixing area 136 are shown. However, alternative fixing techniques may also be used, such as gluing, laser welding, ultrasonic welding, infrared welding, hot plate welding, punching or embossing.

[0062] Alternatively, each fixing device generates a fixing force acting in a direction directed from the cover portion 104 to the base portion 102. When the actuating element 120 is connected to the fixing areas 136 and 138 via the cover element 122, the fixing force is transmitted to the actuating element 120 via the cover element 122. For example, the fixing force applied at the fixing areas 136 and 138, and the push-back force resulting from the engagement of the actuating element 120 with the retaining element 112 can generate a bulge of the cover element 122. Due to the elasticity of the cover element 122, a spring force is generated, which resists the bulge of the cover element 122, thereby generating a prestress applied to the actuating element 120.

[0063] Thus, when the cover 104 is fixed to the base 102, the cover element 122 exerts a permanent prestress on the actuating element 120, which presses the actuating element into the gap between the first clamp element 113 and the second clamp element 115. Thereby, the contact force between the actuating element 120 and the clamp elements 113 and 115 is enhanced, which results in a higher holding force 126 between the clamp elements 113 and 115 and the support element. Preferably, the fixing force is made large enough so that the prestress applied to the actuating element forces the clamping elements 113 and 115 of the retaining element 112 to mechanically claw into the carrier element or climb onto the carrier element 106, thereby providing additional fixing for the carrier element 106.

[0064] Figure 2 A schematic cross-sectional top view of a first example of a retaining element 112 and an actuating element 120 between assembled shell components 100 is shown. Figure 2 In the example of , the first retaining element 112 includes a first clamp element 113 and a second clamp element 115, each of which has a rectangular cross section. The actuating element 120 is, for example, a tapered pin with a circular cross section, and may be solid or hollow. Figure 2 As shown, the actuating element 120 can also be split apart at least toward the peripheral region 124 .

[0065] Before the holding element 112 is joined to the actuating element 116, the carrier element is arranged in the base 102. To this end, the clip elements 113 and 115 of the holding element 112 are fed through the opening 107 of the carrier element 106. Figure 2 As shown, the opening 107 can have the form of an elongated cutout, and the clip elements 113 and 115 can have a rectangular cross-sectional shape and can be arranged to extend along the elongated side of the elongated cutout. Preferably, the elongated side of the elongated cutout is made longer than the contact side 142 of the clip elements 113 and 115 that is in contact with the carrier element. In this way, tolerances between the opening 107 and the retaining element 112 introduced in the production step can be compensated by adjusting the retaining element 112 relative to the carrier element 116.

[0066] Figure 3 Shows the bonding Figure 2 Schematic cross-sectional top view of the retaining element 112 and the actuating element 120 shown. Figure 3 As shown, the diameter of the actuating element 120 is made larger than the gap between the first clamp element 113 and the second clamp element 115. Therefore, the actuating element 120 applies a contact force to the clamp elements 113 and 115, and the contact force points in a direction radially away from the actuating element 120. Figure 3 In the example of , the contact force is generated by the spring force originating from the elasticity of the separated actuating element 120. When the actuating element 120 is deformed by engaging with the retaining element 112, the internal deformation resistance in the actuating element 120 resists the deformation, thereby generating the contact force.

[0067] By the resulting contact force, the clamp elements 113 and 115 of the retaining element 112 are pressed against the elongated side of the opening 107 and are thus forced to exert a retaining force 126 on the carrier element 106. Preferably, the clamp elements 113 and 115 are arranged on opposite sides of the actuating element 120 so that the horizontal force components of the retaining force 126 point in opposite directions for each of the clamp elements 113 and 115, such as Figure 3 Shown schematically.

[0068] As from Figure 3 It can further be seen that the actuating element 120 is not completely surrounded by the holding element 112, but only on the side where the clip elements 113 and 115 are arranged. Therefore, the actuating element 120 is adjustable relative to the holding element 112 in a direction that is different from each direction in which a contact force is applied to the holding element 112. In this way, for example, tolerances introduced during the manufacturing process can be compensated by adjusting the actuating element 120 relative to the holding element 112 when the holding element 112 and the actuating element 120 are engaged.

[0069] Preferably, the direction of the adjustable actuation element 120 is perpendicular to the horizontal force component of the holding force 120 exerted on the carrier element 106 from the clamp elements 113 and 115. In this way, it is provided that the adjustment of the actuation element 120 does not affect the holding force 126 exerted from the holding element 110 to the carrier element 106.

[0070] Figure 4 1 shows a schematic cross-sectional top view of a second example of a retaining element 212 and an actuating element 220 before assembling the housing assembly 100. The main difference between the second example and the first example is that the clip elements 213 and 215 have a curved shape and are bent toward the inside of the opening 207. In addition, the actuating element 220 has a rectangular cross-sectional shape. Figure 2 As described in the first example, when the carrier element 206 is arranged in the base 102 , the carrier element 206 may be adjusted relative to the retaining element 212 along the elongated side 240 .

[0071] Figure 5 Shows the bonding Figure 4 Schematic cross-sectional top view of the second example of the retaining element 212 and the actuating element 220. Figure 5 As shown, the width of the actuating element 220 is made larger than the gap between the clip elements 213 and 215 of the retaining element 212. Therefore, the actuating element 220 exerts a contact force on the clip elements 213 and 215, which presses the clip elements 213 and 215 toward the support element on the carrier element 206. It is worth noting that the contact force exerted by the rectangular actuating element 220 deforms the curved clip elements 213 and 215 so that the outer surface of each clip element 213 and 215 is pressed against the elongated side 240 of the opening 207. The deformation of the clip elements 213 and 215 results in an elastic force originating from the elasticity of the clip elements 213 and 215, which enhances the retaining force 226 exerted on the retaining element 206. When the clip elements 213 and 215 are deformed by the elongated side 240 of the opening 207 due to the contact force applied by the actuation element 220 , internal deformation resistance in the retention element 206 resists the deformation, thereby increasing the retention force 226 .

[0072] Figure 5 The arrow 244 in the figure indicates the direction in which the actuating element 220 can be adjusted relative to the clamp elements 213 and 215 of the retaining element 212 when the actuating element 220 is engaged with the retaining element 212. Thus, the direction 244 is preferably perpendicular to the horizontal force component of the retaining force 226 applied to the carrier element 206 from the clamp elements 213 and 215 on the clamping element 206, so that the adjustment of the actuating element 220 does not affect the retaining force applied to the carrier element 206 from the retaining element 212.

[0073] Figure 6 A schematic cross-sectional top view of a third example of the retaining element 212 and the actuating element 320 before assembling the housing assembly 200 is shown. The main difference between the third example and the first example is that the opening 307 of the carrier element 306 is a cutout having a circular shape. The actuating element 320 is Figure 6 However, the outer diameter of the actuating element 320 is smaller than the radius of the circular opening 307, so that the actuating element 320 is adjustable in at least one direction within the opening 307. Figure 6 As shown, the contact sides 342 of the clip elements 313 and 315 may only partially be in contact with the carrier element 306 when the carrier element 306 is arranged in the base 102 .

[0074] Figure 7 Shows the bonding Figure 6 The schematic cross-sectional top view of the retaining element 312 and the actuating element 320 having a circular cross-section is shown. Figure 7 As shown, when the actuating element 320 is engaged with the retaining element 312, the contact sides 342 of the clip elements 313 and 315 may only partially contact the carrier element 306. The contact force applied from the actuating element 320 to the clip elements 313 and 315 is transmitted to the contact area between the clip elements 313 and 315 and the carrier element 306. The elastic force originating from the elasticity of the clip elements 313 and 315 resists the deformation of the clip elements 313 and 315, thereby generating the retaining force 326.

[0075] Figure 8 Another cross-sectional view of the housing assembly 100 is shown. It is noteworthy that the introduced deformation of the clip elements 113 and 115 is not completely Figure 8 In a practical embodiment, the clip elements 113 and 115 are bent in the contact area 145 with the carrier element 106 so that the holding force applied to the carrier element 106 has a vertical force component and a horizontal force component.

[0076] Fig. 9 FIG. 4 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a housing assembly 400 according to a second embodiment of the present invention. The housing assembly 400 includes a base 402 and a cover 404. Fig. 9 As schematically shown, the height at which the carrier element 406 or 406 ′ is arranged at the holding element 412 is not limited by the holding element 412 but may be determined by the height of the support element extending from the base 402 toward the cover 404 .

[0077] Advantageously, the base 402 may provide a plurality of support elements, each of which has a different height extending from the base 402 toward the cover 404. Thus, carrier elements having different shapes may be arranged at different heights in the housing assembly 400. For example, a carrier element 406 having a shape corresponding to a first support element may be arranged at a height h1, which corresponds to the height of the first support element extending from the base. Another carrier element 406 (indicated by the circumference of the dashed line) having a shape corresponding to a second support element may be arranged at a different height h2, which corresponds to the height of the second support element extending from the base. The carrier element 406 may be held by a holding force that presses the carrier element 406 against the first support element. The carrier element 406' may be held by a holding force that presses the carrier element 406' against the first support element.

[0078] Alternatively, during the placement of the carrier elements in the base 402, each carrier element 406 and 406' can be set and retained in the base 402 by the mounting machine, for example, by an adjustable support element of the mounting machine. Then, once the actuation element 420 is engaged with the retaining element 412 and each carrier element 406 and 406' is securely retained at the intended height within the housing assembly, the adjustable support element can be removed.

[0079] Therefore, not only a single carrier element can be arranged at different heights in the housing assembly 400, but also a plurality of carrier elements can be arranged at different heights in the housing assembly 400 at the same time. It is worth noting that the deformation introduced into the clip elements 413 and 415 is not completely Fig. 9 In a practical embodiment, the clip elements 413 and 415 are bent in the contact area with the carrier elements 406 and 406' by the introduced deformation, so that the holding force applied to the carrier elements 406 and 406' has a vertical force component and a horizontal force component.

[0080] like Fig.10As shown, when the cover 104 is fixed to the base 102, the clamping elements 113 and 115 of the retaining element 112 can contact the cover part 122. Therefore, an additional fixing area can be formed at the peripheral area 146 of the retaining element in contact with the cover part 122 (or at the peripheral area 146 of the clamping elements 113 and 115). Preferably, the retaining element is fixed to the cover by laser welding. However, alternative fixing techniques such as gluing, ultrasonic welding, infrared welding, hot plate welding, punching or embossing can also be used. The additional fixing at the peripheral area 146 directly resists the push-back force generated by the engagement of the actuating element 120 with the retaining element 112. Therefore, the need to transmit the fixing force to the actuating element 120 through the cover element 122 is eliminated, thereby reducing the stress applied to the cover element 122. In other words, the prestress applied to the actuating element 120 is directly generated by the fixing force at the peripheral area 146 of the retaining element.

[0081] Fig.11 A schematic cross-sectional view of a housing assembly 500 according to a third embodiment of the present invention is shown. According to the third embodiment, the base 502 includes a support element 514, which is arranged between a first clamp element 513 (which is also indicated as a first retaining portion) and a second clamp element 515 (which is also indicated as a second retaining portion) of the retaining element. The cover 504 includes an actuating element having a first actuating portion 520 and a second actuating portion 521. Each of the first actuating portion 520 and the second actuating portion 521 can taper toward the peripheral area. However, other geometric shapes consistent with the principles of the present invention are also possible. For example, each actuating portion 520 and 521 can have a Figure 5 The actuating element 220 in the embodiment of the present invention has a rectangular cross-sectional shape. In addition, an asymmetric configuration with only a single actuating element, which is engaged with one of the first clamp element 513 and the second clamp element 515, is also possible.

[0082] When the cover 504 is fixed to the base 502, the first actuating portion 520 engages with the first clamp element 513, and the second actuating portion 521 engages with the second clamp element 515. The actuating portions 520 and 521 have misalignment with respect to the clamp elements 513 and 515, respectively, in a direction toward the support element 514. However, when the cover 504 is fixed to the base 502, the actuating portions 520 and 521 exert a contact force on the clamping elements 513 and 515, which forces the clamping elements 513 and 515 to bend in a direction toward the support element 514, at least in a contact area with the carrier element 506.

[0083] In this way, each of the clamping elements 513 and 515 is forced to press the carrier element 506 against the support element 514. Thus, due to the bending of the clamping elements 513 and 515, the holding force applied by the actuating parts 520 and 521 has a vertical force component and a horizontal force component. The support area 518 of the support element provides a reaction force for the vertical force component of the holding force 526, so that the carrier element 506 is firmly clamped between the clamping elements 513 and 515 and the support element 514 of the holding element. Since the carrier element 506 is arranged between the first clamping element 513 and the second clamping element 515, it is not necessary to set a cut in the carrier element in the third embodiment. Preferably, the clamping elements 513 and 515 are arranged on the opposite sides of the carrier element 506, so that the horizontal force components of the holding force 526 applied by each of the clamping elements 513 and 515 resist each other. In this way, the stability of the carrier element 506 in the horizontal direction can be enhanced.

[0084] In addition, when the holding element is engaged with the actuating element, the actuating portions 520 and 521 are adjustable relative to the corresponding clamping elements 513 and 515 in at least one direction, so that the tolerance between the actuating portion and the clamping portion can be compensated. Preferably, the direction is perpendicular to the direction of the holding force 526, so that the adjustment of the actuating portion has little effect on the strength of the holding force. Preferably, when the holding element 506 is arranged in the base 502, the clamping elements 513 and 515 are also adjustable relative to the holding element 506 to enhance the tolerance compensation effect. The contact force applied by each of the actuating portions 520 and 521 can be further enhanced by prestress, which is applied by the cover element 522 or by the fixing of the clamping elements 513 and 515 to the cover 504 as described above. For example, the prestress can be increased by fixing means that fix the cover 504 to the base 502 in the fixing areas 536 and 538 provided on the outside of the cover 504.

[0085] Fig.12 FIG. 4 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of a housing assembly 600 according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. Fig.12 Schematically shown, the carrier element 606 can be, for example, a lead frame that carries a technical component, such as a sensor, a socket or a pin of a connector, or an electric motor. For example, the technical component can include at least one electronic component that is combined with the lead frame by an overmolding 609. As described in other embodiments, the lead frame 606 can be held by a retaining element 612 that engages with a corresponding actuating element 620. The base 602 can optionally include a support element for clamping the carrier element between the retaining element 612 and the support element. The support element can, for example, be arranged below the overmolding 609.

[0086] Alternatively, during the arrangement of the lead frame 606 in the base 602, the lead frame 606 can be positioned and held by the mounting machine, for example by a support element of the mounting machine. Then, once the retaining element 612 is engaged with the corresponding actuating element 620, the support element of the mounting machine can be removed so that the lead frame 606 is securely held within the housing assembly. In this way, accurate height positioning of the lead frame 606, the overmold 609, and at least one electronic component carried by the lead frame 606 can be achieved.

[0087] The dimensions, material types, orientations of the various components, and the number and positions of the various components described herein are intended to define parameters of certain embodiments and are by no means limiting and are merely exemplary embodiments. For example, a housing assembly according to the present invention may include a plurality of retaining elements, a plurality of corresponding actuating elements, and a plurality of support elements to enhance the stability of the carrier element.

[0088] It should be understood that the above description is intended to be illustrative rather than restrictive. For example, the above embodiments (and / or aspects thereof) can be used in combination with each other. In addition, without departing from the scope thereof, many modifications can be made to adapt specific situations or materials to the teachings of the present invention. The dimensions, material types, orientations of various components, and the number and position of various components described herein are intended to define the parameters of certain embodiments, and are by no means restrictive, and are merely exemplary embodiments.

[0089] For example, as an alternative to the described embodiment, the base may comprise the actuating element and the cover may comprise the retaining element and the supporting element. Assembly of the housing may then be carried out in the same manner as described so far, but the carrier element is arranged in the cover before the cover is fixed to the base.

[0090] Reference numerals list

[0091]

Claims

1. A housing assembly (100) for at least one component, the housing assembly comprising: a base (102) having at least one retaining element (112); A cover portion (104) having at least one actuating element (120); and a carrier element (106) for carrying the at least one component, wherein the at least one retaining element (112) retains the carrier element (106) by engaging with the at least one actuating element (120); wherein the at least one actuating element (120) applies a contact force to the at least one retaining element (112); and wherein, when the at least one retaining element (112) is engaged with the at least one actuating element (120), the at least one actuating element (120) is adjustable relative to the at least one retaining element (112) in at least one direction (244), wherein the base (102) has at least one supporting element, which is arranged separately from the at least one retaining element (112), and wherein a contact force applied by the at least one actuating element (120) forces the at least one retaining element (112) to press the carrier element (106) against the at least one supporting element.

2. The housing assembly according to claim 1, wherein the support element includes a first support portion (114) and a second support portion (116), and the at least one retaining element (112) is arranged between the first support portion (114) and the second support portion (116).

3. The housing assembly of claim 2, wherein the at least one actuating element (120) is press-fitted against the at least one retaining element (112).

4. The housing assembly according to claim 3, wherein the cover portion (104) comprises a cover element (122), wherein the cover element (122) applies a prestress to the at least one actuating element (120).

5. The housing assembly according to claim 4, wherein the at least one actuating element (120) is a pin and / or the at least one actuating element (120) tapers towards the peripheral region (124).

6. The housing assembly according to claim 5, wherein the carrier element (106) comprises at least one opening (107), the at least one retaining element (112) protruding through the at least one opening.

7. The housing assembly according to claim 6, wherein the at least one opening (107) is an elongated cutout, and the at least one retaining element (112) extends along an elongated side of the elongated cutout.

8. The housing assembly according to claim 7, wherein the at least one retaining element (112) comprises a first clip element (113) and a second clip element (115), and wherein the first clip element (113) and the second clip element (115) are arranged on opposite sides of the at least one actuating element (120).

9. The housing assembly according to claim 8, wherein the first clamp element (113) and the second clamp element (115) respectively apply a first force component (128) in a horizontal direction relative to the carrier element and a second force component (130) in a vertical direction relative to the carrier element.

10. The housing assembly of claim 9, wherein the base (102) comprises at least two support elements, the at least two support elements extending from the base at different heights.

11. The housing assembly according to claim 10, wherein the retaining element comprises a first retaining portion (513) and a second retaining portion (515), and the carrier element (106) is arranged between the first retaining portion (513) and the second retaining portion (515), and / or The actuating element comprises a first actuating portion (520) and a second actuating portion (521), and the first actuating portion (520) applies a contact force to the first retaining portion (513), and the second actuating portion (521) applies a contact force to the second retaining portion (515).

12. The housing assembly of claim 11, wherein a peripheral region (146) of the at least one retaining element (112) is secured to the cover portion (104).

13. A method for assembling at least one component, the method comprising the steps of: Providing a base (102) having at least one holding element (112) and at least one supporting element, a cover (104) having at least one actuating element (120), and a carrier element (106) for carrying the at least one component, the supporting element being arranged separately from the at least one holding element (112); Arranging the carrier element (106) in the base (102); engaging the at least one retaining element (112) with the at least one actuating element (120) such that the at least one retaining element (112) retains the carrier element (106); and securing the cover portion (104) to the base portion (102) such that the at least one actuating element (120) exerts a contact force on the at least one retaining element (112), wherein, when the at least one retaining element (112) is engaged with the at least one actuating element (120), the at least one actuating element (120) is adjustable relative to the at least one retaining element (112) in at least one direction (244), wherein a contact force applied by the at least one actuating element (120) forces the at least one retaining element (112) to press the carrier element (106) against the at least one supporting element.

14. The method according to claim 13, wherein: The at least one retaining element (112) is adjustable relative to the carrier element (106) when the at least one retaining element (112) is engaged with the at least one actuating element (120).

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