Electrical components with gapless fixing of plate members

Abstract

The invention relates to an electrical component (1). Prior art solutions in which a plate member (7) is accommodated and held between a first housing part (5) and a second housing part (9) are cumbersome and their assembly is prone to errors. The invention improves the prior art electrical component (1) in that the first housing part (5) comprises a plate insertion part (11) adapted to guide the plate member (7) along an insertion direction (19) into a mounting position (21) of the plate member (7) at the first housing part (5), wherein the second housing part (9) comprises at least one locking element (27) which forms a lock (49) with a corresponding mating locking element (29) of the first housing part (5), and wherein the second housing part (9) further comprises at least one latching element (31) adapted to engage a corresponding mating latching element (37) of the plate member (7) to engage a latch (51).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to an electric component having a gap-free fixation of a plate member. Background Art

[0002] Electrical components, such as components including or carrying at least one electrical component, are used in various environments and may include a plate member supporting the electrical component. Various methods for fixing the plate member in the electrical component are known. However, the known fixing methods are cumbersome, require multiple process steps, and are prone to assembly errors.

[0003]

[0011] It is therefore an aspect of the present invention to make assembly of electrical components easier and less error prone. Summary of the invention

[0004] The present invention improves the electrical component of the prior art by including a first shell part, a plate member and a second shell part, wherein the first shell part includes a plate insertion part, the plate insertion part is suitable for guiding the plate member to be inserted into the installation position of the plate member at the first shell part along the insertion direction, wherein the second shell part includes at least one locking element, which forms a lock with the corresponding matching locking element of the first shell part, and wherein the second shell part also includes at least one latch element, which is suitable for engaging the corresponding matching latch element of the plate member, and the at least one latch element and the corresponding matching latch element form a latch in the engaged state.

[0005] The electrical component of the invention thus has the advantage over prior art solutions that no cumbersome, difficult and time-consuming fixing is required. The electrical component of the invention is thus easier to assemble and prevents assembly errors.

[0006] The electrical component of the present invention can be improved by specific embodiments, which will be described below. If the technical effect obtained by omitting the technical features is irrelevant to the present invention, the technical features of the various embodiments can be arbitrarily combined with each other or can be omitted.

[0007] The board component can be an electrical board component, that is, a board that provides electrical devices or components, such as but not limited to connector interfaces and / or any kind of sensors, such as optical sensors, temperature sensors, humidity sensors, magnetic sensors, eddy current sensors, current sensors, etc.

[0008] The board member may be a printed circuit board or a printed circuit board assembly.

[0009] The electrical component of the present invention is gap-free, ie the first housing portion receiving the plate member can be attached to the second housing portion without gluing, screwing, hot stamping, riveting, etc., and is also vibration-resistant.

[0010] The first and second housing parts may be provided as separate pieces or may be connected to one another by a hinge, for example a film hinge.

[0011] The insertion direction may correspond to the direction of linear movement of the second housing part towards the first housing part.If a hinge is provided between the first and second housing parts, the assembly direction may be described by a sector of a circle, representing a tilting movement of the second housing part relative to the first housing part.

[0012] The assembly direction along which the second housing part moves toward the first housing part can correspond to the insertion direction of the plate member. In different embodiments of the electrical component, the assembly direction can be oriented perpendicular to the insertion direction. The assembly direction can be oriented perpendicular to the inserted plate member so that the second housing part can be attached to the first housing part along a second possible assembly direction (e.g., a downward direction) or along a third possible assembly direction (e.g., an upward direction). If the first and second housing parts are attached to each other along the second or third assembly direction, the latch element and the mating latch element can engage with each other in a sliding motion. The positioning of the latch element and the mating latch element can be provided by chamfering of the corresponding elements. In the case of a hinged connection between the first and second housing parts, before the latch engages, the direction of the tilting movement of the second housing part relative to the first housing part can be close to the insertion direction.

[0013] Both locking and latching describe fixing principles, where a lock (German: Gesperre) once engaged cannot be released by force (without destroying the elements forming the lock), whereas a latch (German: Gehemme) once engaged can be released by a force that overcomes the latching force, latching friction, etc. Both locking and latching can be based on a positive fit between at least two elements.

[0014] The latch may require a tool to release. However, if the locking element disengages from the mating locking element, the lock may also be released. This disengaging movement may also require a tool.

[0015] Thus, the electrical component can be in an unassembled state, wherein the plate member has not yet been received in the plate insertion portion, and neither the lock nor the latch is engaged. If the plate member is received in the plate insertion portion and the lock is engaged, the electrical component can be in a pre-assembled state. Finally, if the plate member is received in the plate insertion portion, and the lock and the latch are engaged, the electrical component can be in an assembled state.

[0016] The locking element, the matching locking element, the latching element and the matching latching element may be provided twice, three times or more, wherein preferably each locking element has a corresponding matching locking element, and therefore each latching element has a matching latching element. In the present disclosure, the mentioning of features or functions of only one of the above elements does not exclude the presence of one or more elements having the same features or functions. Similarly, if multiple forms of elements are applied, the features and / or functions described in the case of an embodiment of an electrical component comprising two locking or latching elements do not exclude another embodiment of the electrical component of the present invention comprising a single locking or latching element, a single matching locking or matching latching element having the same features and / or functions.

[0017] The electrical component may have a cuboid shape, wherein the board insertion portion may be arranged close to a first surface of the cuboid. In the pre-assembled state and in the assembled state, the arm of the second housing part may at least partially surround the first housing part. The arm of the second housing part may be arranged at or near a respective other surface of the cuboid, and the first surface may be oriented perpendicular to the other surface. The locking element and / or the mating locking element and / or the latching element and / or the mating latching element may be arranged in pairs on opposite sides of the first or second housing part.

[0018] The electrical component can be improved because the board insertion portion includes at least one slot for guiding the board member. The slot has an advantage of easily guiding the board member.

[0019] The slot may be formed or defined by a guide recess or guide protrusion extending in the insertion direction, such as a slotted hole or guide formed by an elongated extension structure. The side edges of the slot and the plate member may engage in a form-fitting manner, which form-fitting may prevent the plate member from moving relative to the slot in any direction perpendicular to the insertion direction, wherein a residual degree of freedom may be retained to move the plate member into or out of the slot in the insertion direction or against the insertion direction.

[0020] Furthermore, the plate member may include slots to form a guide similar to a dovetail guide.

[0021] At least one of the slots may include guide members which are arranged in sections spaced apart from one another in the insertion direction. The guide members may extend in a direction perpendicular to the insertion direction or may be formed by one side surface of the first housing part and may be bent towards an opposite surface so that the protruding overhang may limit the slot. In the insertion direction, the guide members may be arranged only on one side or preferably in pairs on opposite sides of the first housing part. In the insertion direction, at least two guide members may be arranged on each side.

[0022] Another embodiment of the electrical component of the present invention can be improved in that the board insertion portion includes a stopper that limits the insertion of the board member along the insertion direction and defines the installation position. Therefore, when the board member is accommodated in the insertion portion, the installation position is easily reached. The stopper may include a recess into which the board member is at least partially inserted in the installation position. Such a recess may have two functions, namely, preventing the board member from being further inserted into the board insertion portion and preventing the board member from being moved out of the board receiving portion in a direction perpendicular to the insertion direction, thereby further fixing the positioning of the board member in the board insertion portion.

[0023] Thus, the plate member in the mounted position may have an outer surface accessible from the outside of the electrical component and an inner surface facing away from the outside and inaccessible from the outside. In addition to or as an alternative to the recess, the electrical component may include an internal spring pressed against the inner surface of the plate member, which in turn presses against the guide member of the slot. Such an internal spring may further increase the stability and vibration resistance of the plate member accommodated and fixed between the first and second housing parts.

[0024] In another advantageous embodiment of the electrical component of the present invention, the latching element comprises a spring member. The spring member can be deflected in a direction perpendicular to the insertion direction. The spring member can include a rest state, also called a stable state, and a latched state, also called a metastable state. The rest state represents an initial state of the spring member, which does not interact with other elements or parts of the plate member or the first housing part. The latched state can only be maintained when interacting with another element of the plate member or the first housing part. In another embodiment, the spring member can be a bistable spring member.

[0025] In the unassembled state of the electrical component and the pre-assembled state of the electrical component, the spring member can be in a static state. In the assembled state of the electrical component, the spring member can be in a latched state.

[0026] That is to say, if the plate member is in the installation position and the latch is engaged, the spring member is in the latched state. In particular, the latched state of the spring member can only be reached when the plate member is in the installation position.

[0027] In this latched state, the spring member can be deflected relative to the rest state of the spring member. Thus, changing the state of the spring member is performed by deflection, in particular by a tilting movement of the arm of the second housing part comprising the spring member. Thus, the spring member can be formed by a surface of the second housing part, which surface can connect the latching element to the body of the second housing part.

[0028] In another embodiment of the electrical component of the invention, the mating latching element can be formed by a mating latching surface, wherein when the latch is engaged, at least one latching element of the second housing part presses against the mating latching surface, thereby pressing the plate member in the installed position. Thus, securing the plate member in the installed position is ensured.

[0029] The mating latch surface of the plate member may be a shoulder oriented substantially perpendicular to the insertion direction. The mating latch surface may also include a slope or inclination along the insertion direction, i.e. at least sectionally, a portion of the mating latch surface may be located closer to the center of the plate member and a portion also located further in the insertion direction.

[0030] The electrical component can be further improved by including a mating latch surface having a bend in the insertion direction or opposite to the insertion direction. The bend of the mating latch surface can be convex, while the bend of the latch member of the second housing part can be concave. In another embodiment of the electrical component, these bends can be opposite. In addition, the shape of the surface can correspond to a "V" shape, a "U" shape, or can simply include a bevel shaped like a sawtooth. It is also conceivable that the mating latch surface has the shape of a "U" or "V" and that the latch element of the second housing part has a convex bend.

[0031] When the latch is engaged, the latch member and the mating latch member can provide audible and / or tactile feedback. The engaging latch can produce acoustic feedback in the form of a crackling sound similar to that produced by a crackling frog. The engagement can also produce a shock wave, which can be perceived as tactile feedback of the latch engagement.

[0032] In another advantageous embodiment of the electrical component of the present invention, the latch element is resiliently connected to the body of the second housing member by a thrust member, which is adapted to resiliently hold the latch element in the insertion direction. In order to engage the latch, it may be necessary to overcome an initial obstacle provided by the mating latch surface. The initial obstacle may generate an initial deflection force, which is necessary to deflect the latch element in a direction opposite to the insertion direction by compressing the thrust member in the same direction. The deflection of the latch member of the second housing part allows the moving latch member to pass the edge of the mating latch surface, wherein the thrust member is at least partially released after passing the edge.

[0033] The thrust member may be provided by a resilient portion of a side wall of the second housing part, said resilient portion connecting the body of the second housing part with the latching element.The thrust member may have an annular or S-shaped structure or web.

[0034] Other different shapes of the thrust member are conceivable, such as but not limited to an inverted S-shape, a V-shape, a z-shape, an L-shape or a simple bent rod.The thrust member may be a flexible or elastic element having a structure similar to a meander.

[0035] The spring member may include an intermediate state between the rest state and the latched state, wherein the thrust member applies an intermediate thrust to the plate member in the insertion direction. During the process of the spring member switching from the rest state to the latched state, an initial force must be overcome to engage the latch. Before reaching the latched state, when the latch is engaged, the spring member is in the intermediate state. The intermediate state is unstable, i.e. the latch element automatically moves further toward the latched state.

[0036] It is particularly advantageous for an embodiment of the electrical component that the thrust member exerts a permanent thrust on the plate member in the insertion direction in the latched state of the spring member. The permanent thrust is preferably smaller than the intermediate thrust. Such a permanent thrust can ensure a gap-free, lifelong fixation without the need for other fixing methods, such as gluing.

[0037] In the electrical component, if at least one latching element is engaged with a corresponding mating latching element, then at least one locking element is pressed against the corresponding mating locking element. Thus, two (three, four, N) locking elements can be engaged with two (three, four, N) corresponding mating locking elements. Furthermore, any number of latching elements and a corresponding number of mating latching elements can be provided, which can be pressed against each other by latching engagement. At least one latching element that engages a corresponding mating latching element can be press-fit engaged.

[0038] In another advantageous embodiment of the electrical component of the present invention, the first housing part includes two board insertion parts. Additionally or alternatively, at least one or both board insertion parts may each include a slot. Each slot may be arranged on opposite sides of the first housing part. Thus, two separate plate members may be received, one in each plate insertion part. Additionally or alternatively, the plate member may be a curved plate member. Such a curved plate member may have two ends. At least one plate member or two plate members or both ends of the curved plate member may be embodied as an elongated printed circuit board, referred to as a PCB, or a printed circuit board assembly, referred to as a PCBA. The PCB or PCBA may include two ends or end portions. Advantageously, each board insertion part may be adapted to guide one end of a separate plate member or curved plate member to be inserted into the first housing part, and wherein each end of each separate plate member or curved plate member may include at least one mating latch element adapted to engage a corresponding latch element of the second housing part.

[0039] The two ends can be connected by a middle part. The two ends can also be electrically connected to each other. The middle part can include curved portions that are less thick than the ends. These curved portions can provide flexibility and spring-like behavior. If the electrical component is assembled, the ends of the PCB can be fixed and the middle part can be squeezed in the assembly direction, thereby exerting a force on the curved portions, which act as a pre-tensioned spring to keep the PCB in the proper position in the electrical component. The electrical component can be used as an electronic brake sensor providing a detection device. Some embodiments of the electrical component may include at least one Hall sensor, preferably arranged at one end of the PCB, and may also additionally or alternatively include contact pads for contacting the sensor on the opposite end of the PCB. The above features can be provided alone with any of the aforementioned embodiments of the electrical connector of the present invention.

[0040] In another advantageous embodiment of the electrical component of the invention, the second housing part may include at least one pair, preferably at least two pairs, of opposing latching elements. In another embodiment, at least two latching elements may be arranged on one side of the second housing part, connected to each other by a synchronization member, which is adapted to deflect in a direction perpendicular to the insertion direction, thereby moving the latching elements arranged on one side of the second housing part from the stable position to the second position.

[0041] The electrical component may include an S-shaped thrust member. The member may generate a permanent thrust. In particular, the first housing part may have four locking members. Accordingly, the second housing part may have four mating locking elements.

[0042] In one embodiment, each end of the PCB may have two mating latch elements. Thus, four such parts / members may be provided. Thus, the second housing part may have four latch members, which may be connected by a rod.

[0043] In particular, the locking element and the latching element may be arranged on opposite sides of the first and / or second housing part.

[0044] The first housing part and the second housing part can be connected to each other by bringing the two housing parts closer to each other in the insertion direction.

[0045] Alternatively, if a hinge is present, the joining of the first and second housing parts may occur in a tilting movement.

[0046] In an alternative embodiment, the second housing part can be engaged with the first housing part from top to bottom. Here, alternative latching elements must be provided and the previously described latching elements (e.g. locking beak) must be reconfigured accordingly. The latching elements provided at the second housing part need to be adapted to this alternative movement, e.g. by chamfering. This embodiment does not give audible or tactile feedback, since the curved rod slides directly along the curved portion of the plate member.

[0047] As described above, the electrical component may include one or more board insertion parts, one or more locking elements, mating locking elements, latching elements or mating latching elements and one or more board members. Embodiments not described above may include any combination of the above features.

[0048] Hereinafter, the present invention will be described using exemplary embodiments shown in the drawings.

[0049] The embodiments to be shown represent only exemplary embodiments of the present invention. Given technical features can be combined arbitrarily, and different technical features can also be omitted, as long as the technical effects obtained by the omitted technical features are irrelevant to the present invention. All technical features with the same technical effects will be represented by the same figure numerals. The repeated description of the technical features already described will be omitted. The described embodiments should be understood as not limiting the scope of protection defined by the claims. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0050] The present invention will now be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0051] Figure 1 A first embodiment of the electrical component of the present invention is shown in an exploded view;

[0052] Figure 2 Shown in pre-assembled state Figure 1 Embodiments of

[0053] Figure 3 Shown in assembled state Figure 1 Embodiments of

[0054] Figure 4 Another embodiment of the electrical component of the present invention without the second housing portion is shown;

[0055] Figure 5 Shown in pre-assembled state Figure 4 Embodiments of the electrical components of the present invention;

[0056] Figure 6 Shown in assembled state Figure 4 Embodiments of

[0057] Figure 7The working principle of the latch is shown;

[0058] Figure 8 Another embodiment of the electrical component of the present invention is shown in an exploded view;

[0059] Fig. 9 Shows Figure 8 an electrical component wherein the plate member is received;

[0060] Fig.10 Shown in assembled state Figure 8 and Fig. 9 electrical components; and

[0061] Fig.11 Still another embodiment of the electrical component of the present invention is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0062] exist Figures 1 to 3 In the example, electrical component 1 is decomposed into Figure 3 The electrical component 1 includes a first housing portion 5 , a plate member 7 and a second housing portion 9 .

[0063] The first housing portion 5 may have a rectangular parallelepiped or cubic shape, but is not limited to these shapes, and may include a rounded or curved outer shape.

[0064] The first housing part 5 comprises a board insertion part 11, which in the embodiment shown in the figures comprises a slot 13, respectively formed therefrom. The slot width 13a of the slot 13 corresponds to the thickness 15 of the plate member 7 or is at most 10% greater than this thickness. The plate member 7 is suitable for providing an electrical component, such as a printed circuit, a printed circuit assembly, a connector element, a sensor, etc. Figure 1 In FIG. 1 , an electrical component 17 is schematically shown and should be understood to be representative of possible other connector elements which are not limited to the list given above.

[0065] The board insertion portion 11 is adapted to guide the board member 7 to be inserted along the insertion direction 19. Figure 2 The mounting position 21 is shown.

[0066] The plate member 7 has a longitudinal shape with a front side 7a and a rear side 7b, wherein the plate member 7 is inserted into the plate insertion portion with the front side 7a. In various embodiments of the electrical component 1 of the present invention, a proofing feature (unintentional error prevention feature, not shown in the figure) may be provided, for example, in the form of a cross section of the slot 13 that does not show rotational symmetry.

[0067] The second housing part 9 comprises a main body 23 and two arms 25 extending from the main body 23. In the main body 23, two locking elements 27 are provided. In different embodiments of the electrical component 1 of the present invention, only one locking element 27 may be provided. The two locking elements 27 are implemented as locking recesses 27a, and one of them is hidden by the main body 23.

[0068] The second housing part 9 has a U-shape, the basis of which is formed by the body 23 .

[0069] The locking element 27 of the second housing part 9 forms a lock with the corresponding matching locking element 29 of the first housing part (see Figure 2 ). In the embodiment shown, the counter-locking element 29 is embodied as a locking beak 29a.

[0070] The second housing part 9 further comprises two latching elements 31 arranged at the arms 25. In different embodiments of the electrical component 1, the latching elements 31 may be arranged at different locations and connected to the body 23 by different members. In another embodiment, only one latching element 31 may be provided. The latching elements 31 of the illustrated embodiment are connected and / or held to / at the body 23 by a thrust member 33. The thrust member 33 is compressible by deformation to an annular portion 33a of the thrust member 33, as shown in the schematic diagram 35 below the second housing part 9.

[0071] The latch element 31 of the second housing part 9 is adapted to engage a corresponding mating latch element 37 of the plate member 7 to engage the latch (not shown, see Figure 3 In the embodiment shown, the mating latching element 37 of the plate component 7 is embodied as a mating latching surface 39 .

[0072] exist Figure 2 , the electrical component 1 is shown in a pre-assembled state 41, wherein the plate member 7 is inserted into the plate insertion part 11 along the insertion direction 19 until the mounting position 21 is reached. The mounting position 21 is defined by a stop 43 that limits the insertion of the plate member 7 along the insertion direction 19. In the embodiment shown, the stop 43 is provided by a front wall 45 of the first housing part 3.

[0073] In the next step during the assembly of the electrical component 1 of the present invention, the second housing part 9 is moved along the insertion direction 19 so that the locking element 27 of the second housing part 9 engages the mating locking element 29 of the first housing part 5. This locking is performed so that the body 23, in particular the arm 25 of the second housing part 9, abuts the locking beak 29a and deflects outwards so that the inner surface of the body 23 slides along the locking beak 29a until the locking beak 29a reaches the locking recess 27a. Here, the deflected arm 25 returns to Figure 1 Initial position shown.

[0074] The insertion direction 19 may correspond to an assembly direction 20 , along which the second housing part 9 is assembled to the first housing part 5 .

[0075] In different embodiments of the electrical component 1 of the invention, the assembly direction 20 may be oriented perpendicular to the insertion direction 19. Other possible assembly directions 20 are a second possible assembly direction 20a and a third possible assembly direction 20b. Other assembly directions 20 are not excluded.

[0076] In case the second housing part 9 is latched to the first housing part 5 along the second possible assembly orientation 20a or the third possible assembly orientation 20b, Figure 1 and Figure 2 The locking beak 29a shown in the figure may include a modified bevel or chamfer that may at least partially face toward the selected other assembly direction 20a or 20b. Those modified locking beaks 29a are not shown in the figures.

[0077] exist Figure 3 , the electrical component 1 is shown in an assembled state 47, wherein the locking element 27 forms a lock 49 with the corresponding mating locking element 29 of the first housing part 5, and furthermore, the latching element 31 of the second housing part 9 engages a latch 51 with the mating latching element 37 of the plate member 7. It should be noted that the latching 51 is only possible when the plate member 7 is in the mounted position 21.

[0078] In the following Figures 4 to 7 In FIG. 1 , another embodiment of the electrical component 1 of the present invention is described.

[0079] Figure 4 The electrical component 1 is shown without the second housing part 9 .

[0080] In this embodiment, the board insertion portion 11 is formed by guide members 53 arranged in sections, which are spaced apart from each other along the insertion direction 19 .

[0081] Furthermore, the stopper 43 further comprises two recesses 55 (in other embodiments, only one recess 55 may be provided), in which the front side 7a of the plate member may be at least partially received.

[0082] The guide members 53 extend from the side wall 57 of the first housing portion 5 and form overhangs 59, and the free space 61 between the opposing overhangs 59 is smaller than the board width 63. The overhangs 59 hold the board member 7 in the board insertion portion 11 and prevent it from moving out of the board insertion portion 11 in the z direction.

[0083] Furthermore, in the embodiment shown, the second board insertion part 11 is arranged at the lower part of the first housing part 5. The second board insertion part 11 is formed similarly to the upper board insertion part 11, i.e., also has a guide member 53. The two board insertion parts 11 can be implemented identically or differently, i.e., for example, also by the first embodiment of the electrical component 1 of the present invention. Figures 1 to 3 The slot 13 shown is formed.

[0084] The plate member 7 shown in this embodiment has a U-shape and comprises two end portions 65, namely a first end portion 65a and a second end portion 65b, which are distinguished from each other by their front sides 7a, which are different to prevent the plate member 7 from being incorrectly installed in the first housing part 5. The two end portions 65a and 65b are connected to each other by an intermediate portion 66, which can mechanically and / or electrically connect the two end portions 65 to each other. The plate member 7 shown can be pre-bent. In the embodiment shown, the intermediate portion 66 comprises two bent portions 66a. These bent portions 66a have a low slack and, due to a thickness (not shown) that is less than the thickness of the end portions 65a and 65b, provide a method of referring to Figure 6 Describes the spring behavior.

[0085] exist Figure 5 , the plate member 7, more precisely the two ends 65 of the plate member 7, are each accommodated in a corresponding plate insertion portion of the first housing portion 5. It can be seen that the overhang structure 59 prevents the end 56 from moving out of the corresponding plate insertion portion 11 along the z direction or the direction opposite to the z direction, respectively.

[0086] The only remaining degree of freedom for moving the plate member 7 is opposite to the insertion direction 19 .

[0087] at last, Figure 6 The electrical component 1 of the invention is shown in an assembled state 47. In the assembled state 47, the plate member 7 is in the mounted position 21 and is partially accommodated in the recess 55 of the stop 43. The locking 49 between the locking element 27 of the second housing part 9 and the mating locking element 29 of the first housing part 5 is engaged, in the embodiment shown, two engaged locking 49 are provided on each side. In addition, the latch 51 is also engaged between the latch element 31 of the second housing part 9 and the mating latch element 37 of the plate member 7. For each end 65 of the plate member 7, the latch 51 is engaged between two latch elements 31 and two mating latch elements 37. The latch 51 will be described in more detail in the next figure.

[0088] In the assembled state 47, the end 65 of the plate member 7 is fixed and the middle part 66 (not visible) is pressed in the assembly direction 20 by means of the second housing part 9. The bent portion 66a (see Figure 4) acts as a compression spring 66b due to its deformation 66c. The deformation 66c is schematically shown in the second circle 80a compared to the undeformed state 66d of the curved portion 66a shown in the first circle 80. Since the curved portion 66a acts as a compression spring 66b, the plate member 7 is additionally fixed between the first housing part 5 and the second housing part 9.

[0089] Reference Figure 5 and Figure 6 , it is noted that the thrust members 33 of the second embodiment of the electrical component 1 of the present invention are formed by an S-shaped spring member 67. In the embodiment shown, four thrust members 33 are provided, wherein in other embodiments, a different number of thrust members 33 is conceivable, such as one, two, three, five or more. The thrust members 33 are preferably provided in pairs to achieve a symmetrical latch.

[0090] Figure 7 The operating principle of the latch 51 is shown and the latch element 31 of the second housing part 9 and the mating latch element 37 of the plate member 7 are shown in more detail. Figure 7 The detail is shown in a top view.

[0091] It can be seen that the latching element 31 has a convex surface 69 , whereas the mating latching element 37 , which serves as the mating latching surface 39 , has a concave surface 71 .

[0092] The second housing part 9 comprises a spring member 73 which connects the latching element 51 with the body 23 (not shown here) of the second housing part 9. In the left figure a), the spring member 73 is in a rest state 75 and the plate member 7 is in the installed position 21 .

[0093] The spring member 73 may be a bistable spring member 73a.

[0094] The latch 51 can be engaged by applying a latching force 81 in the x-direction. Note that the latching force 81 of the latch 51 for engaging the opposing latch element 31 with the opposing mating latch element 37 is directed in a direction opposite to the x-direction shown here. Due to the latching force 81, the convex surface 69 of the latch element 31 abuts against a corner 83 of the mating latch element 37, which exerts a compressive force 87 on the spring member 73 in the y-direction due to the bend 85. The compressive force 87 deforms the thrust member 33, as shown in FIG. Figure 1 As shown in 35.

[0095] Corner 83 may be a line of sight contact point 84. From this line of sight contact point 84, concave surface 71 spans an angle 113 greater than or equal to 0°.

[0096] The compressive force 87 is greatest when the apex 89 of the convex surface 69 is beyond the corner 83. Upon further movement, such as deflecting the spring member 73 in the x-direction, the necessary latching force 87 and the resulting compressive force 87 decreases.

[0097] Finally, as shown in FIG. c ), the convex surface 69 of the latch element 31 and the concave surface 71 of the mating latch element 37 engage the latch 51 , which may in particular be based on a positive lock 91 and more particularly represent a press fit 93 .

[0098] In b), the spring member 73 is in the intermediate state 77 , whereas in c), the spring member 73 is in the latched state 79 .

[0099] If the latch 51 is engaged, ie the spring member 73 is moved from the intermediate state 77 of FIG. b) to the latched state 79 of FIG. c), an audible and / or tactile feedback is generated indicating a correct latch 51 .

[0100] The spring member 73 holds the plate member 7 in the installed position 21, the plate member abutting the first housing part at the stop 43, by a residual latching force 81, wherein the residual latching force 81 is also at least partially applied from the locking element 27 of the second housing part to the mating locking element 29 of the first housing part. The lock 49 and the latch 51 are thus fixed by a permanent thrust 95 equal to the latching force 81 of FIG. c).

[0101] exist Figures 8 to 10 In FIG. 1 , another embodiment of the electrical component 1 of the present invention is shown. This embodiment differs from the previously shown embodiments in the shape of the first housing part 5, the plate member 7 and the second housing part 9. The plate member 7 is provided, for example, with ends 65 of different lengths. Other features similar to the arms 25 and their behavior with respect to deflection, flexibility, etc. are similar to the corresponding features of the previous embodiments.

[0102] Also in this embodiment, a guide member 53 is provided that at least partially forms the slot 13. In this embodiment, the front wall 45 of the first housing portion 5 also includes an overhang structure 59. In addition to the guide member 53, each slot 13 also includes a top member 97 that forms or limits the slot 13. Figures 8 to 10 In the illustrated embodiment, the locking element 27 of the second shell part 9 is formed as a locking beak 29a, and the matching locking element 29 of the first shell part 5 is formed as a locking recess 27a, wherein the locking and matching locking elements 27 and 29 are arranged in a plane (not shown) perpendicular to the arrangement of the latch element and the matching latch element 31 and 37.

[0103] Due to the top member 97 and the two connecting features 99 connecting the top member 97, the arm 25 of the second housing part 9 no longer deviates from the plate member 7 if the second housing part is moved so far in the assembly direction 20 that the latch element passes the connecting features 99. The latch 51 is thus guided and a bistable locking movement of the arm 25 is not required in this embodiment. Fig.10 The two third circles 80 b in FIG. 8 show the movement of the latch 51 and the blocking arm 25 .

[0104] Thus, the top member 97 has two functions, namely providing a guide for the latch element 31 and providing a mating locking element 29 .

[0105] exist Fig. 9 , the plate member 7 is in the installed position 21, i.e. received in the slot 13 of the first housing portion 5. The plate member 7 is secured by the top member 97, the guide member 53 and the overhanging feature 59 of the front wall 45. The only remaining degree of freedom along which the plate member 7 can move is in or opposite to the insertion direction 19.

[0106] The second housing part 9 will then be assembled to the first housing part 5 along an assembly direction 20 corresponding to the insertion direction 19. Note that this embodiment does not allow for assembly along Figure 2 The second possible assembly orientation 20a or the third possible assembly orientation 20b is shown.

[0107] exist Fig.10 In the embodiment, the electrical component 1 is in an assembled state 47. The lock 49 between the locking element 27 of the second housing part 9 and the mating locking element 29 of the first housing part 5 is engaged. Similarly, the latch 51 is also engaged. The latch element 31 and the mating latch element 37 are in Fig.10 Not visible in.

[0108] To engage the lock 49 , the top member 97 may be resiliently deflected away from the second housing portion 9 as the stem portion 101 of the top member 97 is approached toward the locking beak 29 a .

[0109] Fig.11 A further embodiment of the electrical component 1 of the present invention is shown, wherein the first housing part 5 is integrally connected to the second housing part 9 via a hinge 103, in particular a film hinge 105. The second housing part 9 can therefore be understood as a functional element 107 of the first housing part 5. The functional element 107 is composed of a first functional part 109, which includes a locking recess 27a, and a second functional part 111, which includes a locking beak 29a.

[0110] In the illustrated embodiment, each functional element 107 includes two latch elements 31. In addition, for ease of viewing, Fig.11The plate member 7 is not shown. Fig.11 Embodiments of the electrical component 1 of the present invention may receive Figure 8 During assembly of the electrical component 1, the functional parts 109, 111 are moved toward each other along the tilting direction 113. The tilting direction 113 is different for the two functional parts 109, 111. The plate member 7 (not shown) is received Fig.11 The process in the first housing part 5 of the illustrated embodiment is similar to that described in Fig. 9 The process of receiving the plate member 7 is shown.

[0111] If the first functional part 109 and the second functional part 111 are closed along the tilting direction 113, the elastic latching elements 31 engage their convex surfaces 69 with the concave surfaces 71 of the mating latching elements 37 of the plate member (see Figure 7 c) in FIG. 1). Thus, the thrust applied by the latch element 31 to the mating latch element 37 (not shown) can help position the plate member 7 in the mounting position 21 (see FIG. Fig. 9 ). As with the previously described embodiment, a permanent thrust 95 will be applied to the plate member 7 during the life of the electrical component 1 .

[0112] Reference numerals list

[0113] 1Electrical components

[0114] 3 Exploded view

[0115] 5First housing part

[0116] 7 Plate components

[0117] 7a Front side

[0118] 7b rear side

[0119] 9 Second housing part

[0120] 11 Insertion section

[0121] 13 Slot

[0122] 13 Slot width

[0123] 15 Thickness

[0124] 17 Electrical components

[0125] 19 Insertion direction

[0126] 20 Assembly Direction

[0127] 20a Second possible assembly orientation

[0128] 20b Third possible assembly orientation

[0129] 21 Installation location

[0130] 23 Subject

[0131] 25 Arm

[0132] 27 Locking element

[0133] 27 Locking recess

[0134] 29 Mating locking elements

[0135] 29 Lock Beak

[0136] 31 Latch element

[0137] 33 Thrust member

[0138] 33 Ring part

[0139] 35 Schematic diagram

[0140] 37 Mating latch element

[0141] 39 Mating latch surface

[0142] 41 Pre-assembly status

[0143] 43 Stopper

[0144] 45 Anterior wall

[0145] 47 Assembled state

[0146] 49 Lock

[0147] 51 Latch

[0148] 53 Guide component

[0149] 55 Concave

[0150] 57 Sidewall

[0151] 59 Overhanging structure

[0152] 61 Free Space

[0153] 63 Board width

[0154] 65 end

[0155] 66 middle part

[0156] 66 Bend

[0157] 66b Compression spring

[0158] 66c Deformation

[0159] 66d Deformed state

[0160] 65a First end

[0161] 65b Second end

[0162] 67 S-shaped spring member

[0163] 69 Convex

[0164] 71 Concave

[0165] 73 Spring member

[0166] 73 Bistable spring member

[0167] 75 Static state

[0168] 77 Intermediate state

[0169] 79 Latch Status

[0170] 80 First Circle

[0171] 80a Second Circle

[0172] 80b Third Circle

[0173] 81 Latch force

[0174] 83 corner

[0175] 84 Eye contact points

[0176] 85 Bend

[0177] 87 Compression force

[0178] 89 Vertex

[0179] 91 positive lock

[0180] 93 Press fit

[0181] 95 Permanent Thrust

[0182] 97 Top Component

[0183] 99 Connection Features

[0184] 101 Rod Section

[0185] 103 Hinge

[0186] 105 Film hinge

[0187] 107 Functional Elements

[0188] 109 First functional part

[0189] 111 Second functional part

[0190] 113 Angle

Claims

1. An electrical component (1), comprising: A first housing portion (5); Plate member (7); as well as A second housing part (9), The first housing part (5) comprises a plate insertion part (11) adapted to guide the plate member (7) to be inserted into a mounting position (21) of the plate member (7) at the first housing part (5) along an insertion direction (19), The second housing part (9) comprises at least one locking element (27) which forms a lock (49) with a corresponding mating locking element (29) of the first housing part (5), wherein the second housing portion (9) further comprises at least one latch element (31) adapted to engage a corresponding mating latch element (37) of the plate member (7), the at least one latch element (31) and the corresponding mating latch element forming a latch (51) in an engaged state, and wherein the at least one mating latch element (37) comprises a mating latch surface (39), wherein when the latch (51) is engaged, at least one latch element (31) of the second housing portion (9) presses against the mating latch surface (39), thereby pressing the plate member (7) into the mounting position (21).

2. The electrical component (1) according to claim 1, wherein: The plate insertion portion (11) includes at least one slot (13) for guiding the plate member (7).

3. The electrical component (1) according to claim 2, wherein: The at least one slot (13) comprises guide members (53) arranged in sections and spaced apart from one another along the insertion direction (19).

4. The electrical component (1) according to claim 1, wherein: The plate insertion portion (11) includes a stopper (43) that limits the insertion of the plate member (7) along the insertion direction (19) and defines the mounting position (21).

5. The electrical component (1) according to claim 1, wherein The at least one latching element (31) comprises a spring member (73).

6. The electrical component (1) according to claim 5, wherein: The spring member (73) is a bistable spring member (73a).

7. The electrical component (1) according to claim 6, wherein: If the plate member (7) is in the installed position (21) and the latch (51) is engaged, the spring member (73) is in a latched state (79).

8. The electrical component (1) according to claim 7, wherein: In the latched state (79), the spring member (73) is deflected relative to a rest state (75) of the spring member (73).

9. The electrical component (1) according to claim 1, wherein: The mating latching surface (39) comprises a curvature along the insertion direction (19) or opposite to the insertion direction (19).

10. The electrical component (1) according to claim 1, wherein The at least one latching element (31) is resiliently connected to the body (23) of the second housing part (9) via a thrust member (33), which is suitable for resiliently retaining the at least one latching element (31) along the insertion direction (19).

11. The electrical component (1) according to claim 10, wherein: The at least one latching element (31) comprises a spring member (73) comprising an intermediate state (77) between a rest state (75) and a latched state (79), wherein the thrust member (33) applies an intermediate thrust to the plate member (7) in the insertion direction (19).

12. The electrical component (1) according to claim 11, wherein In the latched state of the spring member (73), the thrust member (33) applies a permanent thrust (95) to the plate member (7) in the insertion direction (19), the permanent thrust (95) being smaller than the intermediate thrust.

13. The electrical component (1) according to claim 12, wherein: If the at least one latching element (31) is engaged with a corresponding counter-latching element (37), the at least one locking element (27) is pressed against a corresponding counter-locking element (29).

14. The electrical component (1) according to claim 13, wherein: The first shell part (5) includes two plate insertion parts (11) on opposite sides of the first shell part (5), and the plate member (7) is a bent plate member (7) having two ends (65), wherein each plate insertion part (11) is suitable for guiding one end (65) of the bent plate member (7) to be inserted into the first shell part (5), and wherein each end (65) of the bent plate member (7) includes at least one mating latch element (37) which is suitable for engaging a corresponding latch element (31) of the second shell part (9).

Images