Housings for electronic devices

Abstract

The present invention relates to a housing for an electronic device. The housing defines an exterior of the housing and contains a main chamber inside the housing. The housing includes a partition defining a release chamber extending into the interior of the housing. The partition has a release hole communicating between the release chamber and the main chamber. The partition has a breathable barrier membrane arranged to cover the hole. The housing has an opening communicating between the release chamber and the exterior of the housing. The housing is suitable for automotive radar sensor electronics. The housing can provide IP6K6K environmental sealing.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to enclosures for electronic devices, and in particular to those enclosures that provide an environmentally protected chamber against the ingress of liquids and / or dust. Such enclosures may be applied to protect automotive electronics, in particular sensor modules, such as radar sensor modules, for autonomous or semi-autonomous vehicles. Background Art

[0002] In many application areas, sensitive components such as electronic components need to be protected from environmental damage. For example, in the automotive field, engine control units, infotainment modules and other control and / or interface modules may need to be located in locations that cannot be adequately protected from, for example, liquids and / or dust ingress.

[0003] As just one example, in an autonomous or semi-autonomous vehicle, a sensor module is typically arranged at or near an outer surface of the vehicle to send and / or receive signals, such as radar signals, from the environment surrounding the vehicle. Such a module may be more easily exposed to adverse environmental conditions than other modules, such as by applying a spray liquid, such as a mixture of water and detergent, during cleaning operations performed on the vehicle.

[0004] It is therefore desirable to environmentally seal units containing such sensitive components to at least an IP6K6K rating, for example according to IEC standard 60529, which provides long term resistance to high pressure liquid jets.

[0005] However, such modules also need to operate over a very wide temperature range, typically between -40°C and 85°C, due to ambient environmental factors such as cold air temperatures or direct solar radiation, and due to mounting such modules in close proximity to heat generating or heat dissipating automotive components such as internal combustion engines, electric motors, exhaust components, heat exchangers, etc. When a closed and sealed unit is exposed to temperature changes, the air inside such a unit will experience pressure changes, which, if not released, may result in damage to the enclosed electronics or sealed housing of the unit.

[0006] Therefore, it has been proposed to provide a pressure relief hole that communicates between the exterior and interior of the unit in order to allow temperature changes without increasing or decreasing the internal pressure of the unit. However, providing such a relief hole can undermine the overall seal of the unit by introducing a path through which liquid and dust can enter the unit. Therefore, providing such a relief hole can compromise compliance with environmental sealing levels such as IP6K6K.

[0007] In one proposal, a conventional breathable membrane, i.e., a gas permeable but liquid impermeable membrane, such as GORE TMA membrane is formed to cover the hole and maintain a liquid-permeable seal. Such a membrane, which has, for example, a microporous structure, can allow air and gas to pass freely, so that pressure is equalized and moisture diffuses, while the pores of the membrane block the ingress of liquids and fine dust and particles. However, it has been found that conventional methods of arranging and fixing such a membrane, for example by means of a bead of adhesive around the pressure relief hole, are insufficient to maintain the desired IP6K6K rating.

[0008] Therefore, there is a need for an electronics enclosure, particularly for electronics modules used in automotive applications, that is better able to resist liquid ingress while allowing pressure to be released from within the enclosure. Summary of the invention

[0009] According to a first aspect of the present disclosure, a housing for an electronic device is provided. The housing includes a shell. The shell defines an exterior of the housing. The shell accommodates a main chamber located inside the shell. The housing also includes a partition. The partition defines a release chamber. The release chamber extends toward the interior of the shell. The partition has a release hole. The release hole communicates between the release chamber and the main chamber. The housing includes a breathable barrier membrane. The barrier membrane is arranged to cover the hole. The housing has an opening that communicates between the release chamber and the exterior of the housing.

[0010] In one configuration, the through-axis of the opening may be laterally and / or angularly offset from the through-axis of the bore.

[0011] In one configuration, the partition may have a wall portion protruding inwardly from the housing and a top portion extending from the wall portion to close the release chamber. The top portion may have a hole.

[0012] In one configuration, the housing further includes a tunnel structure providing a tunnel extending between the opening and the release chamber.

[0013] In one configuration, the tunnel may extend in a straight line.

[0014] In one configuration, the tunnel may extend in a direction that is at an angle to the through axis of the bore.

[0015] In one configuration, the tunnel may extend in a direction perpendicular to the through axis of the bore.

[0016] In one configuration, the housing may have a second opening communicating between the release chamber and the exterior of the housing.

[0017] In one configuration, the through-axis of the opening may be laterally and / or angularly offset from the through-axis of the bore.

[0018] In one configuration, the through-axis of the second opening may be perpendicular to the through-axis of the opening and perpendicular to the through-axis of the bore.

[0019] In one configuration, the gas permeable membrane may be disposed on the main chamber side of the separator.

[0020] In one configuration, the housing is box-shaped and has planar top and bottom walls, with planar side walls extending between the top and bottom walls.

[0021] In one configuration, the partition may extend inwardly from a top wall or a bottom wall of the box, and the opening may be provided in a side wall of the box.

[0022] In one configuration, the enclosure may meet a rating of IP6K6K per IEC Standard 60529.

[0023] In one configuration, the housing is a housing for onboard radar sensor electronics. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0024] For a better understanding of the present disclosure and to show how it may be carried into effect, reference will now be made, by way of example only, to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0025] Figure 1 shows the interior of the lower portion of the housing according to an embodiment;

[0026] Figure 2 Shown through Figure 1 A vertical cross-section of the lower portion of;

[0027] Figure 3 Shown through Figure 1 A horizontal cross section of the lower portion of;

[0028] Figure 4 Shows Figure 1 Details of the exterior of the lower part;

[0029] Figure 5 shows a horizontal cross section through a lower portion of a housing according to another embodiment;

[0030] Figure 6 Shows Figure 4 the exterior of the lower portion;

[0031] Figure 7 shows the interior of a lower portion of a housing according to another embodiment;

[0032] Figure 8 Shown through Figure 7 A vertical cross-section of the lower portion of;

[0033] Fig. 9 Shows Figure 7 The lower outer part of the lower portion;

[0034] Fig.10 Shows Figure 7 Details of the exterior of the lower part;

[0035] Fig.11 shows an upper portion that may be used as part of any disclosed embodiment; and

[0036] Fig.12 Shown with Figure 1 The lower part of the joint Fig.11 The upper part of. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0037] Figure 1 The lower portion 110 of the electronics housing 100 is shown. The electronics housing 100 has Fig.11 The upper portion 130 shown has the form of a cover that is configured to sealingly engage with the lower portion 110 to form a complete housing, such as Fig.12 shown. Figure 1 The lower portion 110 in the illustrated construction has the form of a rectangular box having a substantially flat lower wall 111, and side walls 111A, 111B, 111C and 111D protruding vertically upward from the plane of the lower wall 111, so that the interior space 112 of the housing 100 is partially enclosed on five sides.

[0038] The upper end of each of the side walls 111A, 111B, 111C and 111D is recessed on the outer edge to provide a sealing rim on which the upper portion 130 can be sealingly engaged. The upper portion 130 has a corresponding protrusion formed on its lower surface to be received in the recess 113 and can provide a space for a seal, such as an O-ring seal or a bead of sealant, to be located between the lower portion 110 and the upper portion 130. The upper portion 130 can be fixed to the lower portion 110, for example, by an adhesive, or a fixing device such as a locking clip or a screw can be provided to join the upper portion 130 to the lower portion 110. The upper portion 130 may be a generally flat structure as shown, or it may itself be a partially enclosed interior space 112, for example by having a shape corresponding to that of the lower portion 110, the lower portion having an upper wall and side walls which, in the assembled state, continue from the side walls 111A, 111B, 111C and 111D of the lower portion 110.

[0039] like Figure 1As shown, one of the side walls 111D is provided with a connector assembly 114, which provides an internal terminal portion 114A having a conductor, which extends through the side wall 111D to the socket 114B. The conductor of the terminal portion 114 passes through the side wall 111D by means of appropriate sealing, such as by sealing contact with the material of the side wall 11D, or otherwise by passing through a sealing block, such as a rubber block that is itself sealed with the side wall 111D. Thus, external electrical signals can be introduced to and obtained from the electronic device installed at the interior of the housing 100 while maintaining the sealed state of the housing 100.

[0040] Also provided in the housing 100 are fixing points 115 which provide anchors for attaching, for example, electronic components such as a printed circuit board (PCB). Figure 1 In the configuration of the embodiment of the present invention, the fixing point 115 extends from the inner surface of the lower wall 111, but may also be arranged at other locations, such as on each of the side walls 111A, 111B, 111C, 111D. For example, the fixing point 115 may be a reinforcement portion having a blind hole formed therein, into which a screw may be screwed. Appropriate holes are arranged in the electronic components above the fixing point 115 and screws are introduced into the fixing point through the holes to fix the electronic components. However, other means for fixing the electronic components in the housing 100 may be provided, such as by using adhesives, press-fit studs, retaining clips or other fixing means.

[0041] When the upper portion 130 is sealingly engaged with the lower portion 110 of the housing 100, it is necessary to release the pressure of the air (or other gas) that may be present in the space 112 inside the housing 100 to avoid the pressure difference between the inside of the housing and the outside of the housing from damaging the housing or the components contained therein. Figure 1 In the configuration of , a hole 117 is provided between the internal space 112 and the release chamber 118, and the hole itself is connected to the outside of the housing 100. Figure 1 In the configuration of FIG. 1 , the hole 117 is provided to a partition formed in the form of a base 116 extending from the lower portion 110 to close the release chamber 118. The release chamber 118 communicates with the outside of the housing 100 through the openings 119 and 120. The release chamber 118 and the openings 119 and 120 are Figure 1 Not visible in the Figure 2 The vertical cross section and Figure 3 A horizontal cross section is shown.

[0042] like Figure 2 As shown, the base 116 has a wall portion 116A extending vertically from the plane of the lower wall 111 and a top portion 116B extending horizontally from the wall portion 116A to close the release chamber 118. Figure 1In the illustrated configuration, the perimeter of the top portion 116B is circular, and the wall portion 116 extends circumferentially around the perimeter of the top portion 116B. However, other configurations are possible, in which the top portion may be, for example, hemispherical, and / or the wall portion 116 may be formed into a generally curved or polygonal shape, such as by a series of wall portions extending in a straight or curved configuration, with angles defined between the series of wall portions. Thus, for example, the base 116 may be, for example, rectangular or hexagonal or octagonal in plan.

[0043] Tunnel structures 121 and 122 extend between base 116 and adjacent side walls 116B and 116D. Figure 3 As shown, tunnel structures 112 and 122 define tunnels 123 and 124 that extend from release chamber 118 and terminate at openings 119 and 120, respectively. Figure 4 An alternative view of the lower portion 110 from an underside direction is shown, wherein the lower surface 111 is visible, and the openings 119 and 120 are formed in the respective side walls 111B and 111D.

[0044] exist Figure 1 In the configuration illustrated in FIG, a general passage for gas sequentially passing through hole 117, release chamber 118, tunnels 123 and 124, and openings 119 and 120 exists between space 112 and the outside of housing 100, thereby allowing overpressure or underpressure inside housing 100 to be released.

[0045] In order to prevent moisture and / or dust from entering the space 112 defined inside the housing 100, a membrane 116D is provided to cover the hole 117. The membrane 116D is gas permeable but liquid impermeable and may be made of a material such as GORE TM The membrane is formed of a breathable material. Such breathable materials are known in the art and can be selected as desired.

[0046] exist Figure 1 In the configuration of , the underside of the membrane 116 is sealingly adhered to the upper surface of the top portion 116B by means of, for example, a peripheral adhesive bead so as to cover the hole 117. The membrane 116D thereby prevents moisture and / or dust from entering between the release chamber 118 and the space 112 through the hole 117. Figure 1 In the embodiment of FIG. 1 , a recess 116C having the same size and shape as the membrane 116D is formed on the top portion 116B to accommodate the membrane 116, but in other configurations, the membrane 116 may be fixed to a sufficiently flat surface of the top portion 116B without any recess. Figure 1 In the configuration of, the recess 116C matches the peripheral shape of the membrane 116D. However, there is no limitation on the shape of the membrane 116D or the recess 116, and either or both of the membrane and the recess may be circular, rectangular, octagonal, hexagonal, or irregularly contoured.

[0047] By setting Figure 1 The configuration in which the release chamber 118 is arranged between the interior space 112 and the exterior of the housing 100, communicating by means of the hole 117 and at least one of the openings 119 and 120, reduces the chance of an incident jet of liquid directly impinging on the membrane 116D. Thus, the forces experienced by the membrane 116D resulting from, for example, a cleaning process using a jet of liquid can be reduced. As a result, the seal provided by the membrane can be more durable and the housing can be made more resistant to ingress of moisture.

[0048] exist Figure 1 1, the through-axis of the hole 117 (the through-axis of the hole can be considered to be orthogonal to the direction of the cross-section of the hole 117) is offset laterally and angularly from each through-axis of the openings 119 and 120. By offsetting the through-axis of the openings 119 and / or 120 from the through-axis of the hole 117, a liquid jet incident on the housing 100 and aligned with the openings 119 or 120 will not travel directly through the hole 117. Therefore, the force of the incident liquid on the membrane 116D can be reduced, and the ability of the membrane 116D to resist the incident liquid can be improved.

[0049] In addition, by providing tunnels 123 and 124 extending from the release chamber 1182 and the exterior of the housing 100, the likelihood that an incident jet of liquid into the housing 100 can directly reach the hole 117 is reduced. Similarly, by arranging the hole 117 in the top portion 116B of the partition 116, the likelihood that an incident jet of liquid can reach the hole 117 can be further reduced. Figure 1 In the configuration illustrated in FIG. 1 , there is no jet of liquid incident from outside the housing 100 that could directly impact the membrane 116D.

[0050] exist Figure 1 In the configuration of the housing 100, two openings 119, 120 and associated tunnels 123, 124 are provided which communicate with the release chamber 118. Providing two such openings from the outside of the housing 100 allows liquid that has entered through one opening to be easily discharged through the other opening. Therefore, a liquid jet passing through one opening will not cause an accumulation of liquid in the release chamber 118 and therefore will not cause an undesirable increase in the inward pressure on the membrane 116. By means of this configuration, the ability of the housing to resist incident liquid can be further improved.

[0051] In addition, Figure 1 In the configuration of , the openings 119, 120 are arranged with through axes that are angularly offset from each other. Figure 1In the configuration of FIG. 1 , the openings 119, 120 are located on different side walls, in particular, on adjacent side walls 111D, 111B. Here, the adjacent side walls 111D, 111B extend in an inclined manner relative to each other, shown as being vertically inclined. This configuration promotes more efficient discharge of liquid from the release chamber 118. Figure 1 As shown, arranging the through-axis of the openings 119, 120 vertically is particularly effective in promoting drainage, especially if the housing 100 can be mounted in different orientations during use.

[0052] In addition, Figure 1 In the configuration, the tunnels 123, 124 terminating at the openings 119, 120 extend at an angle to each other, and are particularly arranged to extend linearly in directions perpendicular to each other. This configuration allows the housing 100 to be installed in various orientations, and effectively maintains the ability to discharge the liquid that has entered the release chamber 118 from the release chamber 118 by gravity. However, in other configurations, the tunnels 123 and 124 do not need to be at right angles to each other, and can be arranged at other angles. In addition, although the tunnels 123 and 124 are depicted as being formed in a straight line with a constant cross-section, in other configurations, the cross-section can be narrowed or expanded along each tunnel. In addition, the paths of the tunnels 123 and 124 can all be made to be curved or labyrinthine to further resist the intrusion of liquids.

[0053] The above has been published Figures 1 to 4 , but many variations are possible without departing from the advantageous functions and associated structures disclosed above. Figure 5 to Figure 6 and Figures 7 to 10 The exemplary further variant embodiments shown in FIG. 1 are shown in FIG. 1 . Where elements are not described or labeled in conjunction with these embodiments, it should be understood that the elements in conjunction with Figure 1 Similar elements disclosed in the embodiments have corresponding structures and functions.

[0054] For example, Figure 5 and Figure 6 As shown, in a variant configuration, the housing may have a lower portion 220 with openings 219 and 220. The openings 219 and 220 terminating the tunnels 223 and 224 may have different cross-sections. Figure 5 and Figure 6 As shown, tunnel 223 may be rectangular in cross-section and may have constant dimensions, while tunnel 224 and associated opening 220 may be circular in cross-section and may taper, for example, toward release chamber 228. Other configurations of cross-sections are possible without limitation.

[0055] In another exemplary configuration, Figures 7 to 10As shown, the lower portion 320 is provided with an opening 319, which is arranged at a side wall 311D of the housing 320 and connected to the release chamber 218 through a tunnel 323. The lower portion 320 is also provided with at least one second opening 320, which is shown as a group of second openings 320, which are formed in the lower surface 311 of the lower portion 320 and extend directly between the lower surface 311 and the release chamber 328.

[0056] In this configuration, the apertures 317 formed in the top portion 316B of the base 316 can still be adequately protected from direct incidence of liquid jets because, for some applications, the housing can be mounted with its openings 320 facing another surface, such as a surface to which the lower panel 320 is secured and supports. In addition, by arranging one or more openings 320 with their through-axis offset from the through-axis of the aperture 117, the aperture 317 can be protected from direct incidence of liquid jets. Figures 7 to 10 In the configuration of , the opening 320 has a through-axis that is, for example, laterally offset from the through-axis of the hole 317 .

[0057] Additional or alternative protection against direct incidence of liquid jets is also provided by realizing each opening as a group of smaller holes, by covering each opening with a grid having a sufficiently small mesh spacing, in each case so as to interrupt or reduce the force of any incident liquid jet.

[0058] In addition, in the above disclosure that has been constituted by a specific configuration with certain structural features, this specific configuration can show certain functions. However, as will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, the elements of the above structures can be modified or adjusted or replaced by known equivalents without affecting the basic functions.

[0059] For example, in the above-described embodiment, an example of a substantially rectangular box-shaped housing is used, but the present configuration can also be applied to a box-shaped housing having a polygonal outline such as a square, hexagon, or octagon.

[0060] Similarly, the present disclosure is applicable to a housing that may have a circular profile, and the housing may have a hemispherical or other non-planar upper and / or lower surface. For example, the present disclosure may equally apply to a drum-shaped housing having a flat lower surface and a hemispherical upper surface, and wherein the opening is provided to a location in the circumferential wall of the drum, or is provided at a location on the circumferential wall of the drum and on the flat lower surface of the drum.

[0061] Furthermore, the present disclosure is also applicable to a configuration in which only one external opening is provided, either at a side surface or a lower surface of the housing, or at another surface of the housing.

[0062] The above disclosure has been exemplified with respect to a two-part housing having a lower portion and an upper portion sealingly engaged with the lower portion, such as Fig.12 However, other configurations are possible, and the housing may be configured, for example, to have two lateral halves each including an upper wall, a lower wall and one or more side walls, and the upper wall, lower wall and one or more side walls are joined together at the open end of each lateral half.

[0063] In another configuration, terminal portions and corresponding sensible receptacles may not be provided for communicating electrical signals between the interior and exterior of the housing, and communication may be provided, for example, by wireless means.

[0064] In addition, in conjunction with the above disclosure, each of the lower portion of the housing and the upper portion of the housing is shown as an integral, single structure, which can be formed, for example, by injection molding. However, the corresponding parts of each of these structures can also be formed separately and then sealed together by any suitable means, such as adhesives or welding. The material of the housing is not limited and can be advantageously made of plastic or ceramic materials.

[0065] Furthermore, in the above disclosure, it has been explained how the breathable membrane can be sealingly adhered to the upper surface of the base structure defining the release chamber; however, in other configurations, the membrane can also be formed as an insert of the release hole, or can be adhered to the inner surface of the release chamber.

[0066] Furthermore, although the release hole has been exemplified by a circular through hole, the release hole may be formed to have various cross-sections and shapes.

[0067] Finally, although the above disclosure has been described with respect to a general housing, embodiments of the present disclosure may be implemented as an electronic module having a housing and a radar sensor housed in a space inside the housing, such as on a PCB implementing the radar sensor. The sensor may be fixed inside the housing and communicate with elements outside the housing via electronic signals transmitted via the terminal portion. In this configuration, the housing may be made of a radar-transparent material.

[0068] Therefore, the foregoing disclosure should be understood as purely exemplary and illustrative of the principles and basic features of the present disclosure. Without affecting the basic principles of the construction disclosed herein and its related effects and advantages, substitutions or modifications of those materials and mechanisms known to those skilled in the art are considered. Therefore, in view of any equivalents, the scope of protection claimed should be understood to be limited only by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A housing for an electronic device, the housing for an electronic device comprising: a housing defining an exterior of the shell and containing a main chamber within the housing; a partition defining a release chamber extending toward the interior of the housing and having a release hole communicating between the release chamber and the main chamber; as well as a breathable barrier membrane arranged to cover the release hole, wherein the housing has a first opening and a second opening communicating between the release chamber and the exterior of the housing, The first opening and the second opening are arranged on adjacent side walls of the housing and communicate with the release chamber through respective tunnels extending at an angle to each other.

2. The housing for an electronic device according to claim 1, wherein: The through-axis of each opening is laterally and / or angularly offset from the through-axis of the release aperture.

3. The housing for an electronic device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The partition plate has a wall portion protruding inward from the housing and a top portion extending from the wall portion to close the release chamber, the top portion having the release hole.

4. The housing for an electronic device according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising a tunnel structure providing the respective tunnels extending between the first opening and the second opening and the release chamber.

5. The housing for an electronic device according to claim 4, wherein: Each of the tunnels extends along a straight line.

6. The housing for an electronic device according to claim 4, wherein: Each of the tunnels extends in a direction that is angled to a through axis of the release aperture.

7. The housing for an electronic device according to claim 6, wherein: Each of the tunnels extends in a direction perpendicular to a through axis of the release hole.

8. The housing for an electronic device according to claim 1, wherein: A through axis of the second opening is perpendicular to a through axis of the first opening and perpendicular to a through axis of the release hole.

9. The housing for an electronic device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The breathable barrier membrane is disposed on the main chamber side of the separator.

10. The housing for an electronic device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The housing is in the shape of a box having flat top and bottom walls and flat side walls extending between the top and bottom walls.

11. The housing for an electronic device according to claim 10, wherein: The partition extends inwardly from a top wall or a bottom wall of the box, and wherein the opening is provided in a side wall of the box.

12. The housing for an electronic device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The housing meets IP6K6K according to IEC standard 60529.

13. The housing for an electronic device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The housing is a housing for the electronic components of an on-board radar sensor.

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