Control device for vehicle and method for manufacturing control device for vehicle

Abstract

A control apparatus for a vehicle and a method of manufacturing the control apparatus for the vehicle are provided. A control device for a vehicle includes a printed circuit board and a housing in which the printed circuit board is accommodated. The housing includes a molded portion (40). The molded portion (40) comprises at least one structural feature (43) protruding from or recessed into an inner surface (41) of the molded portion (40) facing the printed circuit board. The housing comprises at least one strip (70) of foam material adhered to the molded portion (40) and extending along the at least one structural feature (43).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a control device for a vehicle and a method of manufacturing such a control device. Embodiments of the present invention relate to a control device having a housing in which a printed circuit board is disposed, wherein the housing includes a frame and a cover for the printed circuit board, and to a method of manufacturing such a control device. Embodiments of the present invention particularly relate to such a control device configured to be used in conjunction with a pneumatic vehicle system of a multi-purpose vehicle. Background Art

[0002] Many vehicles include one or several control devices having a housing and a printed circuit board received in the housing. The housing may have a multi-component construction, the multi-component configuration including first and second housing parts (such as a frame and a cover), the first and second housing parts combining to form a housing cavity for receiving the printed circuit board. In some cases, it may be desirable for the housing to include a material having elastic properties different from those of the housing parts.

[0003] A control device in which, for example, a foam material is mechanically fixed to a molding part by a friction fit generated when the foam material is compressed into a groove of the molding part may have an unsatisfactory fit and may lack flexibility in positioning the foam material. When assembling the molding part, the foam material, and the printed circuit board into the control device, inserting the foam material into the groove may increase the complexity of the assembly process. If an error occurs when joining the foam material to the molding part by a friction fit, such a configuration may also cause the entire control device to be discarded.

[0004] The complexity of the assembly is also enhanced when the foam material is attached to the molding part by means of an adhesive layer.

[0005] DE102021114833 A1 discloses a control device having a housing that includes a frame and a cover, wherein the cover includes a seal made of a foam material. The foam material is received in a groove of the cover. Summary of the Invention

[0006] It is an object of the present invention to provide an enhanced control device for a vehicle and an enhanced technique for manufacturing a control device for a vehicle. It is an object of the present invention to provide a control device and a manufacturing method that provide enhanced flexibility in positioning an elastic material on a molding part of the control device. An alternative object of the present invention is to provide a control device and a manufacturing method that allow for weight reduction of the housing.

[0007] The present invention discloses a control device and a manufacturing method. Preferred or advantageous embodiments are defined by the dependent claims.

[0008] According to one aspect, a control device for a vehicle is provided. The control device includes a printed circuit board (PCB) and a housing. The housing includes a frame and a cover configured to engage with the frame. The cover and the frame define a housing cavity configured to receive the PCB therein. At least one of the frame or the cover includes a molded portion. The molded portion has an inner surface facing the housing cavity. The molded portion includes at least one structural feature protruding from or recessed into the inner surface. The housing includes at least one foam material strip adhered to the molded portion.

[0009] The control device obtains various effects and advantages. By providing at least one foam material strip adhered to the molded portion, the cover or the frame can be formed by the molded portion and at least one foam material strip directly disposed thereon before assembling the cover, the frame, and the PCB. By providing at least one foam material strip adhered to the molded portion, greater flexibility is obtained in positioning the foam material as compared to configurations that rely on friction fit compression of the foam material. This provides various attendant effects such as allowing the at least one foam material strip to be disposed on an end face of at least one protrusion of the structural feature and / or allowing the at least one foam material strip to be disposed in a groove that does not require having continuous planar walls to define the groove.

[0010] The molded portion and the at least one foam material strip can be configured such that the at least one foam material strip is not mechanically pre-loaded by the molded portion before assembling the cover, the frame, and the PCB.

[0011] Thus, the control device is configured such that the at least one foam material strip disposed on the molded portion is available in its uncompressed state for performing functions such as sealing, mechanical fixation of the PCB, vibration damping, etc.

[0012] The at least one foam material strip can be adhered to the molded portion by an adhesion force of the foam material to the molded portion.

[0013] Thus, as compared to configurations that rely on friction fit compression of the foam material, the control device is configured such that greater flexibility is obtained in positioning the foam material. This provides various attendant effects such as allowing the at least one foam material strip to be disposed on an end face of at least one protrusion of the structural feature and / or allowing the at least one foam material strip to be disposed in a groove that does not require having continuous planar walls to define the groove.

[0014] The at least one foam material strip can be in direct abutment with the molded portion without an adhesive being placed between the at least one foam material strip and the molded portion.

[0015] Thereby, the control device is configured such that it facilitates manufacturing the frame or the cover including the molded portion and the at least one foam material strip. There is no need to provide an adhesive layer on the molded portion to adhere the at least one foam material strip to the molded portion.

[0016] The molding part and the at least one foam strip can form an integral unit.

[0017] Thus, the control device is configured to facilitate the assembly of the cover, the frame, and the PCB. When assembling the cover, the frame, and the PCB, it is not necessary to handle the at least one foam strip as a separate component to provide the control device.

[0018] The at least one foam strip can comprise or consist of silicone rubber. For example, the choice of silicone rubber provides an element that absorbs movement due to vibrations in or at the control device.

[0019] Therefore, the at least one foam strip has a composition suitable for adhering to various conventional molding housing part materials.

[0020] The housing can include an inlet seal configured to reduce or eliminate foreign objects from entering the housing cavity, wherein the inlet seal includes a foam strip of the at least one foam strip.

[0021] Thus, the control device is configured to facilitate the provision of the inlet seal by using a foam strip adhered to the molding part. By means of the foam strip adhered to the molding part, the flexibility of positioning the inlet seal is enhanced. When the foam strip is disposed in a groove, the groove does not need to have a continuous planar wall for compressing the foam strip to form the inlet seal.

[0022] The at least one foam strip can include a foam strip arranged to reduce or eliminate foreign objects from entering the housing cavity.

[0023] Thus, the control device is configured to use a foam strip adhered to the molding part to reduce or eliminate foreign objects from entering. In the case where the foam strip is adhered to the molding part, greater flexibility in the inlet seal configuration is achieved. When the foam strip is disposed in a groove, the groove does not need to have a continuous planar wall for compressing the foam strip to form the inlet seal.

[0024] The foam strip arranged to reduce or eliminate foreign objects from entering can be constituted by one of the frame and the cover and abuts on the other of the frame and the cover.

[0025] Thus, the control device is configured to reduce or eliminate foreign objects from entering while providing ease of assembly and / or flexibility in positioning the inlet seal.

[0026] As an alternative or supplement to the inlet seal, the housing can include a damping structure for reducing mechanical vibrations of at least one control device component (such as a PCB), wherein the vibration damping structure includes a foam strip of the at least one foam strip.

[0027] Accordingly, the control device is configured such that the foam material strips adhered to the molding portion are operable to reduce or eliminate mechanical vibrations. Unwanted noise generated by mechanical vibrations in the control device during use can be reduced. The risk of unintentional displacement of control device components such as PCBs is reduced.

[0028] The at least one foam material strip may include a foam material strip adjacent to the PCB.

[0029] Accordingly, the control device is configured such that the foam material strips adhered to the molding portion are operable to reduce or eliminate mechanical vibrations of the PCB. The risk of unintentional displacement of the PCB during use is reduced.

[0030] The PCB may have a first major surface and a second major surface parallel to the first major surface. The foam material strip adjacent to the PCB may be adjacent to the first major surface to fix the PCB, wherein the second major surface of the PCB is adjacent to one or more PCB support members of the housing.

[0031] Thus, the control device is configured such that the foam material strips adhered to the molding portion are operable to reduce or eliminate unintentional displacement of the PCB relative to one or more PCT support members.

[0032] The at least one structural feature may include a ribbed structural feature.

[0033] The damping structure may include a plurality of foam material strips adhered to the molding portion. The control device may be configured such that the amount of foam material of the damping structure varies along the perimeter of the PCB.

[0034] Accordingly, the control device is configured such that the amount of foam material (e.g., the number and / or length of the foam material strips) may depend on the amount of vibration (e.g., energy and / or amplitude) to be absorbed by the foam material strips.

[0035] The damping structure may include a plurality of foam material strips adhered to the molding portion and disposed on the free ends of a plurality of ribbed protrusions, wherein the plurality of ribbed protrusions are spaced apart from each other, and wherein the free ends of the plurality of ribbed protrusions face the PCB but are spaced apart from the PCB.

[0036] Accordingly, the control device is configured such that the plurality of foam material strips reduce unintentional displacement of the PCB at various positions (e.g., at various positions along the edge region of the PCB).

[0037] The damping structure may be configured such that the plurality of foam material strips are arranged in a non-uniform manner along the edge region of the PCB.

[0038] Accordingly, the control device is configured such that the amount of foam material (e.g., the number and / or length of foam material strips) can depend on the amount of vibration (e.g., energy and / or amplitude) to be absorbed by the foam material strips.

[0039] The ribbed structural feature can project or can be recessed along a first direction relative to the inner surface region of the inner surface (e.g., relative to a planar inner surface region). The ribbed structural feature can extend along a second direction. The first direction can be transverse to (e.g., perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to) the inner surface region. The second direction can be parallel to the inner surface region. The ribbed structural feature can have a width measured along a third direction, where the third direction is parallel to the inner surface region and transverse to (e.g., perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to) the first and second directions. The width can vary according to the position along the second direction.

[0040] Thereby, the control device is configured such that the molded part has a ribbed structural feature to which the at least one foam material strip adheres or is otherwise adhered along. The control device is configured to utilize the fact that the at least one foam material strip can be set directly on or along the ribbed structural feature from a needle that dispenses the foam material. The at least one foam material strip remains located on or otherwise positioned along the ribbed structural feature without unacceptably flowing into the gaps between adjacent ribs of the ribbed structural feature.

[0041] The ribbed structural feature can include a curved surface segment at the end face of the ribbed structural feature. The at least one foam material strip includes a foam material strip disposed on the curved surface segment.

[0042] Thereby, the control device is configured such that the at least one foam material strip can adhere to the molded part over a larger area, thereby reducing the risk of accidental displacement.

[0043] The curved surface segment can define a curvature around the second direction. The curved surface segment can include a cylindrical surface segment of a cylinder having a circular or elliptical base, or can have a parabolic shape, but is not limited thereto.

[0044] Thereby, the control device is configured such that the at least one foam material strip can adhere to the molded part over an even larger area, thereby reducing the risk of accidental displacement while facilitating deposition of the at least one foam material strip on the curved surface.

[0045] The control device can be configured such that the ribbed structural feature on which the at least one foam material strip is disposed is operable to reduce or eliminate foreign objects from entering the housing cavity and / or to fix the PCB to the PCB holding structure.

[0046] Accordingly, the control device is configured to achieve the effects disclosed in association with the at least one foam material strip adhered to the molding part, to provide an inlet seal and / or reduce the risk of accidental displacement of the PCB.

[0047] The at least one structural feature may include a groove in the molding part. The at least one foam material strip may include a foam material strip disposed in the groove.

[0048] Thus, the control device is configured to achieve the effects disclosed in association with the at least one foam material strip adhered to the molding part for the foam material disposed in the groove.

[0049] The groove may be a ribbed groove. The ribbed groove may have ribbed protrusions, and the ribbed protrusions include a plurality of protrusions on at least one of its sides.

[0050] Accordingly, the control device is configured to allow the at least one foam material strip to be dispensed from the needle of the foam dispensing system into the ribbed groove without the groove being bounded by continuous flat walls on either side. The control device is configured to provide a weight benefit associated with the ribbed structure.

[0051] The groove may have an extending direction and a groove width measured perpendicular to the extending direction, where the groove width varies according to the position along the extending direction.

[0052] Thus, the control device is configured to provide a weight benefit associated with the ribbed structure.

[0053] The control device may include at least one electrical connector operable to receive a sensor signal, where the control device is operable to generate a pneumatic and / or electrical output in response to the sensor signal.

[0054] Accordingly, the control device is configured for applications (such as braking systems, leveling systems, or other vehicle systems) where it is particularly desirable to use the control device configuration to provide ingress reduction and / or reduce PCB movement during operation of the control device, and this control device configuration allows for achieving a weight benefit and / or provides enhanced versatility in positioning and sizing the foam material strip.

[0055] The control device may include a control port operable to receive a control pressure, at least one fluid supply port operable to receive pressure gas from a pressure gas reservoir, and at least one consumer port operable to supply pressure gas to a pressure gas consumer (such as a brake cylinder).

[0056] Accordingly, the control device is configured for applications where it is particularly desirable to use the control device configuration during operation of the control device to provide access reduction and / or reduced PCB movement, such as in braking systems, leveling systems, or other vehicle systems, and the control device configuration allows for weight benefits and / or enhanced versatility in positioning and sizing foam strips.

[0057] According to another aspect, a vehicle brake valve is provided that includes a control device of any aspect or embodiment disclosed herein.

[0058] The effects of the vehicle brake valve correspond to the effects disclosed in association with the control device.

[0059] According to another aspect, a pressure modulator for a multi-purpose vehicle is provided, wherein the pressure modulator includes a control device of any aspect or embodiment disclosed herein.

[0060] The effects of the pressure modulator correspond to the effects disclosed in association with the control device.

[0061] The vehicle brake valve or pressure modulator may include a control port operable to receive a control pressure, at least one fluid supply port operable to receive a pressurized gas from a pressurized gas reservoir, and at least one consumer port operable to supply pressurized gas to a pressurized gas consumer, such as a brake cylinder.

[0062] Accordingly, the control device is configured for applications where it is particularly desirable to use the control device configuration during operation of the control device to provide access reduction and / or reduced PCB movement, such as in braking systems, leveling systems, or other vehicle systems, and the control device configuration allows for weight benefits and / or enhanced versatility in positioning and sizing foam strips.

[0063] According to another aspect, a vehicle is provided that includes a pneumatic vehicle system, wherein the pneumatic vehicle system includes a control device, a vehicle brake valve, or a pressure modulator of any aspect or embodiment disclosed herein.

[0064] Accordingly, the effects detailed herein associated with a pneumatic vehicle system, such as a braking system, a leveling system, or other vehicle systems, are obtained, where it is particularly desirable to use the control device configuration during operation of the control device to provide access reduction and / or reduced PCB movement, and the control device configuration allows for weight benefits and / or enhanced versatility in positioning and sizing foam strips.

[0065] According to another aspect, a method of manufacturing a control device for a vehicle is provided. The method includes forming a first housing member and a second housing member. Forming the first housing member includes dispensing a foam material onto a molding portion along structural features of the molding portion to form at least one strip of foam material. The method further includes disposing a PCB between the first housing member and the second housing member. The method further includes joining the first housing member and the second housing member such that the PCB is disposed within a housing cavity defined by the first housing member and the second housing member.

[0066] Various effects and advantages are obtained by the manufacturing method. By providing the at least one strip of foam material adhered to the molding portion, the first housing member can be formed prior to the assembly of the first and second housing members and the PCB. By providing the at least one strip of foam material adhered to the molding portion, greater flexibility is obtained in positioning the foam material as compared to configurations that rely on friction fit compression of the foam material. This provides various attendant effects such as allowing the at least one strip of foam material to be disposed on an end face of at least one protrusion of the structural features and / or allowing the at least one strip of foam material to be disposed within a groove that does not require having continuous planar walls to compress the strip of foam material within the groove.

[0067] The first housing member may include or may be one of a lid and a frame of the housing. The second housing member may include or may be the other of the lid and the frame of the housing.

[0068] Dispensing the foam material onto the molding portion may include dispensing the foam material from a discharge needle to form the at least one strip of foam material adhered to the molding portion.

[0069] Accordingly, the at least one strip of foam material does not need to be formed as a structural member to be subsequently assembled to the molding portion. The manufacturing process is simplified.

[0070] Dispensing the foam material onto the molding portion may include dispensing the foam material such that the at least one strip of foam material is not mechanically pre-loaded by the molding portion prior to the assembly of the first housing member, the second housing member, and the PCB.

[0071] Accordingly, the at least one strip of foam material disposed on the molding portion can be used in its uncompressed state to perform functions such as sealing, mechanically fixing the PCB, vibration damping, etc.

[0072] Dispensing the foam material onto the molding portion may include dispensing the foam material such that the at least one strip of foam material adheres to the molding portion by the adhesion force of the foam material to the molding portion.

[0073] Thus, greater flexibility is obtained in positioning the foam material as compared to configurations that rely on friction-fit compression of the foam material. This provides various attendant effects such as allowing the at least one foam material strip to be disposed on the end face of at least one protrusion of a structural feature and / or allowing the at least one foam material strip to be disposed in a recess that does not require a continuous planar wall to define the recess.

[0074] Dispensing the foam material onto the molding portion may include dispensing the foam material such that the at least one foam material strip is in direct abutment with the molding portion without an adhesive being disposed between the at least one foam material strip and the molding portion.

[0075] Thereby, the manufacture of the first housing component is facilitated. It is not necessary to provide an adhesive layer on the molding portion to adhere the at least one foam material strip to the molding portion.

[0076] The molding portion and the at least one foam material strip may form an integral unit.

[0077] Thereby, the assembly of the first and second housing components with the PCB is facilitated. When assembling the first housing component, the second housing component, and the PCB, it is not necessary to handle the at least one foam material strip as a separate component.

[0078] Additional features of the manufacturing method and the attendant effects obtained therefrom correspond to the features disclosed in association with the control device. By way of illustration, the molding portion may include a ribbed structural feature (such as a ribbed protrusion including a plurality of ribs spaced apart from each other), and dispensing the foam material may include dispensing the foam material onto or otherwise along the ribbed structural feature to form the at least one foam material strip. Dispensing the foam material may include dispensing the foam material onto the free end face of the ribbed protrusion.

[0079] Assembling the first housing component, the second housing component, and the PCB may include assembling the first housing component, the second housing component, and the PCB such that a foam material strip of the at least one foam material strip abuts against the PCB to reduce movement of the PCB relative to the housing.

[0080] Assembling the first housing component, the second housing component, and the PCB may include assembling the first housing component, the second housing component, and the PCB such that a foam material strip of the at least one foam material strip abuts against the second housing component to reduce or eliminate foreign matter from entering the housing cavity.

[0081] The manufacturing method may be or may include a method of manufacturing a control device according to any one aspect or embodiment disclosed herein.

[0082] The manufacturing method may be carried out by or using a manufacturing system that includes a foam dispensing needle operable to dispense foam onto the molding portion.

[0083] According to another aspect, a method of assembling a pneumatic vehicle system or a vehicle including a pneumatic vehicle system is provided, the method including installing a control device according to any aspect or embodiment disclosed herein. The pneumatic vehicle system may include a braking system (such as an electronic braking system (EBS), a leveling system, and / or another pneumatic system) in which the control device is installed. The method of assembling a pneumatic vehicle system or a vehicle may further include performing a method of manufacturing a control device according to any aspect or embodiment disclosed herein.

[0084] The control devices, systems, and methods disclosed herein achieve various effects and advantages. By way of illustration, the control device and the manufacturing method provide enhanced flexibility in positioning the at least one foam material strip, do not require a force fit or an adhesive layer for attaching the at least one foam material strip to the molding portion, and thus facilitate the assembly of the control device. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0085] Additional advantages and embodiments are defined in the claims. These and other aspects of the invention will be apparent from and more particularly explained in the following embodiments described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0086] Figure 1 is an exploded view of a control device according to an embodiment;

[0087] Figure 2 is Figure 1 a partial view of the control device of

[0088] Figure 3 is Figure 1 a sectional view of the control device of

[0089] Figure 4 is Figure 3 a schematic sectional view of the details of

[0090] Figure 5 is Figure 1 a partial perspective view of a housing component of the control device of

[0091] Figure 6 is Figure 1 a partial perspective view of a housing component of the control device of

[0092] Figure 7 is Figure 1 a partial cross-sectional view of the control device of

[0093] Figure 8 is a partial perspective view of a housing component of a control device according to another embodiment;

[0094] Figure 9Partial perspective view of a housing component of a control device according to another embodiment;

[0095] Figure 10 is Figure 8 or Figure 9 Partial perspective view of the structural features of the housing component;

[0096] Figure 11 Schematic view of a manufacturing system configured to manufacture a control device according to an embodiment;

[0097] Figure 12 Flowchart of a method according to an embodiment;

[0098] Figure 13 Flowchart of a method according to another embodiment;

[0099] Figure 14 Schematic view of a multi - purpose vehicle including a control device according to an embodiment;

[0100] Figure 15 Perspective view of a control device according to an embodiment;

[0101] Figure 16 Schematic view of a vehicle system or a vehicle braking system including a control device according to an embodiment;

[0102] Figure 17 Flowchart of a method according to another embodiment; and

[0103] Figure 18 Flowchart of a method according to yet another embodiment;

[0104] Embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the drawings, like or identical reference numerals denote elements having like or identical configurations and / or functions. Detailed Description

[0105] To avoid repetition of the drawings and the description of the various aspects and illustrative embodiments, it should be understood that many features are common to several aspects and embodiments. Omitting an aspect from the description or the figures does not mean that the aspect is missing from the embodiments that include that aspect. Instead, the aspect may be omitted for clarity. The same numerals in two or more figures denote the same or similar elements.

[0106] Figure 1 A disassembled perspective view of a control device 10 for a vehicle (such as a commercial vehicle or other multi - purpose vehicle) is shown. Partial and / or cross - sectional views of the control device 10 are shown in Figure 2 , Figure 3 , Figure 4 , Figure 5 , Figure 6 ,Figure 7 , Figure 8 , Figure 9 and Figure 10 shown in, and reference will be made to these views below. The control device 10 includes a housing 16 and a printed circuit board (PCB) 11.

[0107] The PCB 11 includes electrical components 12 mounted on a dielectric board. The PCB 11 has a first main surface 13, a second main surface 14 opposite to the first main surface 13, and an outer secondary surface 15 extending circumferentially around the PCB 11.

[0108] The housing 16 includes a frame 30 and a cover 20. The cover 20 can be engaged with the frame 30 in a non-destructive reversible release manner, for example. The cover 20 has a cover main surface 21. When the control device 10 is assembled, the cover main surface 21 extends along and is spaced apart from the first main surface 13 of the PCB 11. The cover 20 has a cover sidewall portion 22. The cover sidewall portion 22 includes a cover engaging structure 23 configured to reversibly and releasably engage with a mating frame engaging structure 33 of the frame 30. The cover sidewall portion 22 can extend from the cover main surface 21 along the entire outer periphery of the cover main surface 21. When the cover 20 is assembled with the frame 30, the cover sidewall portion 22 is operable to overlap with the frame sidewall portion 32.

[0109] The frame 30 has a frame main surface 31. When the control device 10 is assembled, the frame main surface 31 extends along and is spaced apart from the second main surface 14 of the PCB 11. The frame 30 has a frame sidewall portion 32. The frame sidewall portion 32 includes a frame engaging structure 33 configured to reversibly and releasably engage with the cover engaging structure 23. The frame sidewall portion 32 can extend from the frame main surface 31 along the entire outer periphery of the frame main surface 31.

[0110] In the control device 10, the cover 20 and the frame 30 are engaged with each other and define a housing cavity 18 therebetween (as Figure 3 shown). The PCB 11 is disposed in the housing cavity 18.

[0111] As described in more detail herein, at least one of the cover 20 and the frame 30 includes a molded portion to which at least one foam material strip is adhered. The molded portion may include structural features including ribbed protrusions or defined by ribbed protrusions. The at least one foam material strip is adhered to the molded portion along the ribbed protrusions, for example, on the end faces of the ribbed protrusions.

[0112] Figure 2 A partial perspective view of the control device 10 is shown. At least one of the cover 20 and the frame 30 includes a molded portion 40 and at least one foam material strip 70 adhered to the molded portion 40. Although reference will be made to Figure 2 , Figure 3, Figure 4 , Figure 5 , Figure 6 , Figure 7 , Figure 8 , Figure 9 and Figure 10 Describe the configuration in which the foam strip 70 adheres to the molded part of the cover 20 or the frame 30. However, it should be understood that (i) both the cover 20 and the frame 30 may include corresponding molded parts, and (ii) both the cover 20 and the frame 30 may respectively include foam strips 70 adhered to the corresponding molded parts.

[0113] The molded part 40 includes structural features, which may include ribbed protrusions 43 and / or ribbed grooves. The molded part 40 has an inner surface 41 facing the PCB 11. The inner surface 41 may define an inner surface area 42 from which the structural features protrude or in which the structural features are recessed. The inner surface area 42 may be planar or substantially planar in at least a part of the inner surface 41 surrounding the base end 50 of the ribbed protrusion 43.

[0114] The foam strip 70 is disposed on and adhered to the ribbed protrusion 43. The foam strip 70 may include or be composed of a material adhered to the molded part 40. The foam strip 70 may include or be composed of a silicone-based foam material, such as a foam material including silicone rubber, but is not limited thereto.

[0115] The structural features may have various different configurations, such as ribbed protrusions and / or ribbed grooves. The ribbed protrusion 43 may include a plurality of ribs 44. Each of the plurality of ribs 44 may protrude from the inner surface area 42 along a first direction 61. The first direction 61 may be transverse to, for example, perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to the plane defined by the inner surface area 42. Adjacent ribs among the plurality of ribs 44 are spaced apart from each other along a second direction 62. The second direction 62 may be perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to the first direction 61. The second direction 62 may be parallel or substantially parallel to the plane along which the inner surface area 42 extends. The plurality of ribs 44 may be arranged at equal intervals or varying intervals therebetween. The ribbed protrusion 43 with a constant rib spacing may facilitate the distribution of the foam strip 70 thereon. The ribbed protrusion 43 with a varying rib spacing allows a certain degree of support provided during the elastic compression of the at least one foam strip 70 to vary spatially, thereby providing enhanced versatility in use.

[0116] Each of a plurality of ribs 44 has an end face 47. The end face 47 can be spaced from the base end 50 along a first direction 61. The end face 47 can include a curved surface, such as a cylindrical portion, to increase the area where the foam strip 70 adheres to the molded part. Each of the plurality of ribs 44 can include rib walls 45 and 46 spaced apart along a second direction 62. The rib walls 45 and 46 can extend substantially transverse to the second direction 62. Each rib 44 has a width measured along a third direction 63 perpendicular to the first direction 61 and the second direction 62. If such an interconnecting crossbar exists, the width of the rib 44 is greater than the width of the interconnecting crossbar extending between the ribs 44. Thus, the ribbed protrusion 43 is a structural feature having a width measured along the third direction 63, which varies according to the position along the second direction 62.

[0117] The control device 10 can include a structural feature that includes ribbed protrusions and / or ribbed grooves, where the foam strip is disposed along any one or any set of positions of the cover 20 and / or the frame 30. By way of illustration, the control device 10 can include a cover 20 that includes a molded part having ribbed protrusions 43 and at least one foam strip 70 adhered to the ribbed protrusions 43, the foam strip 70 being arranged such that the foam strip 70 abuts on the PCB 11 to inhibit (i.e., reduce, for example, the amplitude of vibration) the displacement of the PCB 11 caused by, for example, vibration. The cover 20 and / or the frame 30 can include a plurality of ribbed protrusions and a plurality of foam strips adhered thereto to reduce or eliminate foreign objects from entering the housing cavity 18. The cover 20 and / or the frame 30 can include a plurality of ribbed protrusions and a plurality of foam strips adhered thereto to help secure the PCB 11 in place. Alternatively or in addition, the cover 20 and / or the frame 30 can include ribbed grooves (e.g., grooves defined by a corrugated surface on one side or otherwise having a spatially varying width), where the foam strip 70 is adhered to the molded part and disposed in the ribbed grooves.

[0118] Figure 3 and Figure 4 is shown in cross-section Figure 1 and Figure 2 an embodiment of the control device 10. Figure 5 and Figure 6 show the geometric features of the molded body of the control device 10.

[0119] Figure 3An embodiment of the control device 10 is shown, which includes a damping mechanism for reducing or eliminating the risk of the PCB 11 shifting relative to the support structure 34 in an undesired manner. The cover 20 includes a molded portion 40 having ribbed protrusions 43. The cover 20 includes a foam material strip 70 adhered to the end face of the ribbed protrusion 43, wherein the end face is arranged to extend close to the first main surface 13 of the PCB 11. The foam material strip 70 is operable to reduce the risk of the PCB 11 shifting relative to the support structure 34, thereby acting as a damping mechanism that is operable to reduce or eliminate the risk of the PCB 11 shifting relative to the support structure 34 in an undesired manner.

[0120] The control device 10 may include a seal 17, which is provided adjacent to the cover sidewall portion 22 and engages with the frame sidewall portion 32. The cover 20 and the frame 30 may define a tortuous path to mitigate or reduce the entry of foreign objects into the housing cavity 18. The seal 17 may further reduce the risk of foreign objects entering the housing cavity 17. The seal 17 may be arranged to extend along a corrugated surface, such as the ribbed protrusion 43. The seal 17 may be formed of at least one foam material strip adhered to the molded portion 40 and may be directly dispensed onto the molded portion 40 during the manufacture of the cover 20.

[0121] Figure 4 is shown Figure 3 Details 80 of a cross-sectional view are shown. The foam material strip 70 is arranged on the curved end faces 47 of a number of ribs 44 of the ribbed protrusion 43. The foam material strip 70 may be formed by directly dispensing the foam material from the needle of a foam dispensing system onto the ribbed protrusion 43 without a glue layer being placed between the foam material and the molded body 40. The foam material strip 70 adheres to the curved end face 47. The curved end face 47 is spaced from the base end 50 of each rib 44, at which the rib 44 projects from the inner surface region 42. The foam material strip 70 includes a first portion 71 that covers, abuts, and adheres to the curved end face 47 of each of a number of ribs 44 of the ribbed protrusion 43. The foam material strip 70 includes a second portion 72 that is arranged to abut against the PCB 11 and provides a reaction force to urge the PCB 11 into a proper position on the support structure 34 if the PCB 11 experiences vibrations, such as vibrations caused by the movement of a vehicle and / or vibrations at the vehicle chassis or vehicle frame.

[0122] Figure 5 and Figure 6A partial exploded view of the cover 20 or the frame 30 is shown, with the foam strip 70 removed therefrom. The ribbed protrusion 43 extends along the second direction along the side wall 53 of the molded part 40 (such as the side wall of the cover side wall part 22 or the frame side wall part 32). The ribbed protrusion 43 includes a plurality of ribs 44, and adjacent ribs 44 are interconnected by the interconnecting crossbars 48. The interconnecting crossbar 48 has an interconnecting crossbar end face 49 extending between the curved end faces 47 of the adjacent ribs 44. The interconnecting crossbar 48 may have a crossbar width 52 (measured along the third direction 63), which is smaller than the rib width 51 of each of the plurality of ribs 44 (measured along the third direction 63). The foam strip (omitted in Figure 5 and Figure 6 for the visibility of the rib end face 47 and the interconnecting crossbar end face 49) extends over and adheres to the rib end face 47 and the interconnecting crossbar end face 49.

[0123] Figure 7 A partial cross-sectional view of the control device 10 is shown, wherein the cover 20 includes a molded part 40 and a foam strip 70 adhered to the ribbed protrusion 43. The foam strip 70 is arranged to abut on the PCB 11 and, if the PCB 11 undergoes vibrations (such as vibrations caused by the movement of a vehicle and / or engine vibrations), provides a reaction force to push the PCB 11 to the proper position on the support structure 34. In the Figure 7 embodiment, a seal 17 is placed between the side wall 25 of the cover 20 and the side wall 35 of the frame 30, and the frame 30 may have a flat surface.

[0124] Although reference has been made to Figure 2 , Figure 3 , Figure 4 , Figure 5 , Figure 6 and Figure 7 for a detailed description of the embodiments, wherein the housing 16 includes a foam strip 70 arranged and adhered to the end faces of the ribbed protrusion 43, other configurations may be implemented.

[0125] Figure 8 , Figure 9 and Figure 10 are partial perspective views of further embodiments, wherein the cover 20 and / or the frame 30 include a molded part 40 having structured grooves 44, in particular ribbed grooves 55. The ribbed grooves 55 may extend along the second direction 62 (for example, parallel to the side wall 53 of the molded part 40 and / or parallel to another side wall 54 of the molded part 40 that is angled with respect to the side wall 53). On at least one of its lateral sides, the ribbed groove 55 may be bounded by a corrugated surface. The corrugated surface may be formed by a ribbed protrusion 43 including a set or a plurality of sets of ribs 44', 44'', which protrude from the inner surface 41 of the molded part 40 along the first direction 61, as described above.

[0126] Figure 8 An embodiment is shown in which the foam strip 70 is in the groove 55 and extends along the ribbed projection including the set of ribs 44'. The foam strip 70 is adhered to the molded part 40. The foam strip 70 may abut against the ribs in the set of ribs 44', but does not need to be held in a friction fit by the set of ribs 44' and the side wall 53.

[0127] Figure 9 An embodiment is shown in which the foam strip 70 is in the groove 55 and extends along the ribbed projection, the ribbed projection including the set of ribs 44' arranged along the side wall 53 and the set of ribs 44'' arranged along another side wall 54 angled relative to the side wall 53. The foam strip 70 is adhered to the molded part 40. The foam strip 70 may abut against the ribs in the sets of ribs 44', 44'', but does not need to be held in a friction fit by the sets of ribs 44' or 44'' and the side walls 53 or 54.

[0128] Figure 10 An enlarged view of the groove 55 as a structural feature of the molded part 40 is shown. To better see the geometric properties of the groove 55, the foam strip 70 is omitted. The groove 55 is recessed relative to the inner surface 41 of the molded part in a first direction 61 transverse to the plane of the inner surface 41 (where the inner surface 41 is the surface facing the PCB 11). The groove 55 extends in a second direction 62 perpendicular to the first direction 61. The second direction 62 may be parallel to and extend along the side walls 53, 54 of the molded part. The groove 55 has a width measured in a third direction 63 perpendicular to or substantially perpendicular to the first direction 61 and the second direction 62. The width varies along the second direction 62. The variable groove width may vary between a first groove width 56 and a second groove width 57, which variation is caused by the ribbed projection formed along the groove 55.

[0129] The foam strip 70 disposed in the groove 55 defined by a series of ribs on one side is operable to provide, for example, an inlet seal. For illustration, the foam strip 70 disposed in the groove 55 may be disposed in the cover 20 and may engage the frame 30 to provide an inlet seal when the cover 20 and the frame 30 are engaged.

[0130] Figure 11 A schematic view of a manufacturing system 90 for manufacturing the control device 10 is shown. The manufacturing system 90 is operable to directly dispense the foam material 97 onto the molded part to form at least one foam strip 70 extending along the structural features of the molded part of the cover 20 and / or the structural features of the frame 30 of the control device 90.

[0131] The manufacturing system 90 may include at least one molding station 93 to form a first molded part 101 (such as the molded part of the cover 20) using a first mold 91 and a second molded part 102 (such as the molded part of the frame 30) using a second mold 93. The manufacturing system 90 includes a foam dispensing system 94. The foam dispensing system 94 includes a foam dispensing needle 95 operable to directly dispense a foam material 97 onto the first molded part 101 and / or the second molded part 102. The foam dispensing system 94 includes an actuator 96 operable to effect a relative displacement between the foam dispensing needle 95 and the molded part onto which the foam material 97 is dispensed. The actuator 96 is operable to displace the foam dispensing needle 95 relative to the first molded part 101 to form at least one strip 70 of foam material adhering to, for example, the ribbed protrusion 43 of the first molded part 101. The actuator 96 is operable to displace the foam dispensing needle 95 relative to the first molded part 101 to form at least one strip 70 of foam material adhering to the curved end faces 47 of a number of ribs 44 of the ribbed protrusion 43. Alternatively or in addition, the actuator 96 is operable to displace the foam dispensing needle 95 relative to the first molded part 101 and / or the second molded part 102 to form at least one strip 70 of foam material adhering to the respective molded part and extending in a groove 55 defined on at least one of its sides by a corrugated surface provided, for example, by a set of ribs 44', 44''. The manufacturing system 90 includes an assembly station 98 operable to assemble the cover 20 (which may include the first molded part 101 with the strip 70 of foam material disposed thereon), the frame 30 (which may include the second molded part 102), and the PCB 11 to form the control device 10.

[0132] Figure 12 is a flowchart of a method 104 of manufacturing the control device 10. The method 104 may be performed by or using the manufacturing system 90. The method 104 includes forming a molded part at step 105. The molded part may have structural features that may include ribbed protrusions or grooves defined on at least one side by ribbed protrusions. The method includes dispensing a foam material onto the molded part at step 106 to form a strip 70 of foam material along the structural features (such as on the end faces 47 of a number of ribs 44). The method includes assembling the molded part having the strip 70 of foam material adhering thereto with at least one additional housing component (such as with the other of the cover 20 and the frame 30) and the PCB 11 at step 107.

[0133] Figure 13 is a flowchart of a method 108 of manufacturing the control device 10. The method 108 includes which may be as described in connection with Figure 11Steps 105, 106, and 107 implemented as disclosed. Method 108 further includes step 109 of installing control device 10 in a vehicle such as a multi-purpose vehicle or other commercial vehicle. Step 109 may include installing control device 10 as part of a pneumatic vehicle system such as a braking system or a leveling system. Step 109 may include establishing pneumatic and / or electrical connections between control device 10 and other components of the pneumatic vehicle system.

[0134] Figure 14 is a schematic view of vehicle 110 according to an embodiment. Vehicle 110 includes a pneumatic vehicle system 111. Pneumatic vehicle system 111 includes control device 10, which may have any one of the configurations disclosed herein.

[0135] Control device 10 may include electrical and / or pneumatic interfaces. Control device 10 may be configured as a modulator operable to receive a control pressure at a control input port and, in response thereto, change the pressure in one or more brake valves, one or more leveling valves, or other pneumatic actuators. Control device 10 may include at least one electrical interface operable to receive a control signal and / or a sensor signal, wherein PCB 11 is operable to provide a processing function for the control signal and / or the sensor signal.

[0136] Figure 15 is a perspective view of control device 10 configured as a modulator. Modulator 10 includes a housing that includes a cover 20 that engages a frame 30. Modulator 10 includes a PCB 11 housed in a housing cavity 18 of the housing. The control device includes a plurality of pneumatic ports 112. Pneumatic ports 112 may include a supply port 113 operable to supply pressurized gas to and / or receive gas from pneumatic components such as one or more brake valves, one or more leveling valves, or other pneumatic actuators. Pneumatic ports 112 may include one or more input ports 114, 115 operable to receive pressurized gas from a pressure gas source (e.g., from a pressure gas reservoir). Pneumatic ports 112 may include a control input port 116 operable to receive a pneumatic control input from, for example, a brake signal transmitter (BST). Control device 10 may include one or more relay valves operable to selectively establish fluid communication between one or more of supply ports 113 and one or more of input ports 114, 115, or to vent pneumatic components via control device 10.

[0137] Figure 16An pneumatic vehicle system 120 configured as a braking system is shown. The braking system includes a BST 121. An actuating element 122 (e.g., a pedal) may be arranged on or coupled to the BST 121. An electronic braking system (EBS) 123 may be coupled to the BST 121 to generate commands for the BST 121 and / or the modulators 124, 127, 129 based on, for example, sensor signals or sensor data acquired by a sensor 131.

[0138] The braking system includes a plurality of modulators 124, 127, 129, each configured to convert a control pressure into a pressure in a working circuit. One, more, or all of these modulators may have the configuration of the control device 10 disclosed herein. The modulator 124 may be arranged and connected to increase the pressure in the brake cylinder 125 of the front axle by connecting to a pressurized gas source, or to decrease the pressure by venting. Alternatively or additionally, the modulator 127 may be provided as a rear axle modulator and configured and connected to individually affect the pressure in the brake cylinder 128 of the rear axle. Alternatively or additionally, a modulator 129 may be provided, which is configured as another rear axle modulator and arranged and connected to individually affect the pressure in another brake cylinder 130 of another rear axle. One, more, or all of the modulators 124, 127, 129 may have the configuration of the control device 10 as disclosed herein.

[0139] As will be understood by those skilled in the art, the braking system may include additional braking system components. A pressure gas source 132 may be arranged and connected to supply pressure gas to the pressure gas inputs of the modulators 124, 127, 129. The braking system may include various additional pneumatic components such as control valves 133, 135 or one or more check valves 134.

[0140] Figure 17 is a flowchart of a method 140 for manufacturing a control device 10. The method 140 may be executed by or with a manufacturing system 10. The method includes a step 141 of obtaining at least a first housing part and a second housing part (e.g., a cover 20 and a frame 30) of a housing 16 of the control device 10. At least one of the housing parts includes a molded part 40 having structural features (such as ribbed protrusions 43 or grooves 55 defined by a corrugated surface that may be provided on the ribbed protrusions 43), where at least one foam material strip 70 is arranged along the structural features. The method 140 includes a step 142 of assembling the control device 10. Assembling the control device 10 in step 142 includes fixing the PCB 11 to prevent vibration by placing the foam material strip 70 adjacent to the PCB 11 when assembling the control device 10.

[0141] Figure 18It is a flowchart of a method 145 for manufacturing a control device 10. The method 145 can be executed by or with the use of a manufacturing system 10. The method includes a step 146 of obtaining at least a first housing component and a second housing component (such as a cover 20 and a frame 30) of a housing 16 of the control device 10. At least one of the housing components includes a molded portion 40 having structural features (such as ribbed protrusions 43 or grooves 55 defined by a corrugated surface that can be provided on the ribbed protrusions 43), and at least one foam material strip 70 is disposed along the structural features. The method 145 includes a step 147 of assembling the control device 10. Assembling the control device 10 in step 147 includes using the foam material strip 70 to provide an inlet seal for the control device 10.

[0142] Embodiments of the present invention achieve various effects and advantages. By way of illustration, embodiments provide enhanced flexibility in positioning an elastic material on a molded portion of a control device while providing easy assembly. There is no need to attach the foam material strip to the molded portion by friction fit and / or the use of glue. The techniques disclosed herein can be used for various control devices, such as control devices including a damping mechanism to reduce or eliminate PCB vibrations, where the damping mechanism includes a foam material strip, and / or control devices including an inlet seal to reduce or eliminate foreign objects from entering a housing cavity, where the inlet seal includes a foam material strip.

[0143] Various modifications can be made in additional embodiments. By way of illustration, although the foam material strip can be formed of silicone rubber, other materials can be used.

[0144] This disclosure also covers all additional features shown separately in the drawings, even though they may not be described in the foregoing or following description. Moreover, a single alternative of an embodiment described in the drawings and a single alternative of a description and feature thereof can be detached from the subject matter of the present invention or the disclosed subject matter. This disclosure includes the subject matter consisting of the features defined in the claims or exemplary embodiments and the subject matter including the said features.

[0145] Furthermore, the word "comprising" does not exclude other elements or steps, and the indefinite article "a" or "an" does not exclude a plurality. A single unit or step can perform the functions of several features recited in the claims. The mere fact that certain measures are recited in mutually different dependent claims does not indicate that a combination of these measures cannot be used advantageously. Terms such as "substantially", "about", "approximate", "essentially", etc. related to an attribute or a value also exactly define the attribute or exactly define the value. The term "essentially" means, for example, a value or range within 20%, 10%, 5%, or 2% of a given value or range. Components described as being coupled or connected can be electrically or mechanically directly coupled, or they can be indirectly coupled via one or more intermediate components. Any reference signs in the claims should not be construed as limiting the scope.

[0146] List of Reference Numerals (Part of the Specification)

[0147] 10 Control device

[0148] 11 Printed circuit board (PCB)

[0149] 12 Electrical component

[0150] 13 First major surface

[0151] 14 Second major surface

[0152] 15 Outer surface

[0153] 16 Housing

[0154] 17 Seal

[0155] 18 Housing cavity

[0156] 20 Cover

[0157] 21 Cover major surface

[0158] 22 Cover side wall portion

[0159] 23 Cover engaging structure

[0160] 25 Side wall

[0161] 30 Frame

[0162] 31 Frame major surface

[0163] 32 Frame side wall portion

[0164] 33 Frame engaging structure

[0165] 34 Support structure

[0166] 35 Side wall

[0167] 40 Molding portion

[0168] 41 Inner surface

[0169] 42 Inner surface area

[0170] 43 Ribbed protrusion

[0171] 44 Rib

[0172] 44’ A set of ribs

[0173] 44’’ Another set of ribs

[0174] 45, 46 Rib wall

[0175] 47 End face

[0176] 48 Interconnecting crossbar

[0177] End face of 49 interconnecting crossbars

[0178] 50 Base end

[0179] 51 Rib width

[0180] 52 Crossbar width

[0181] 53 Side wall of the molded part

[0182] 54 Side wall of another molded part

[0183] 55 Groove

[0184] 56 First groove width

[0185] 57 Second groove width

[0186] 61 First direction

[0187] 62 Second direction

[0188] 63 Third direction

[0189] 70 Foam material strip

[0190] 71, 72 Foam strip parts

[0191] 80 Details

[0192] 90 Manufacturing system

[0193] 91 First mold

[0194] 92 Second mold

[0195] 93 Molding station

[0196] 94 Foam dispensing system

[0197] 95 Foam dispensing needle

[0198] 96 Actuator

[0199] 97 Dispensed foam

[0200] 98 Assembly station

[0201] 101 First molded part

[0202] 102 Second molded part

[0203] 103 Housing component

[0204] 104 Method

[0205] 105 - 107 Method steps

[0206] 108 Method

[0207] 109 Method Steps

[0208] 110 Multi-Purpose Vehicle

[0209] 111 Pneumatic Vehicle System

[0210] 112 Pneumatic Port

[0211] 113 Supply Port

[0212] 114, 115 Input Ports

[0213] 116 Control Input Port

[0214] 120 Pneumatic Vehicle System

[0215] 121 Brake Signal Transmitter

[0216] 122 Actuating Member

[0217] 123 Electronic Brake System

[0218] 124 Modulator

[0219] 125 Front Axle Brake Cylinder

[0220] 126 Redundant Valve

[0221] 127 Axle Modulator

[0222] 128 Brake Cylinder

[0223] 129 Another Axle Modulator

[0224] 130 Brake Cylinder

[0225] 131 Sensor

[0226] 132 Pressure Gas Reservoir

[0227] 133 Control Valve

[0228] 134 Check Valve

[0229] 135 Another Control Valve

[0230] 140 Method

[0231] 141, 142 Method Steps

[0232] 145 Method

[0233] 146, 147 Method Steps

Claims

1. A control device (10) for a vehicle (110), comprising: A printed circuit board PCB (11), and A housing (16), the housing including a frame (30) and a cover (20) configured to engage with the frame (30), wherein the frame (30) and the cover (20) define a housing cavity (18), and the housing cavity is configured to accommodate the PCB (11) therein, Wherein at least one of the frame (30) or the cover (20) includes a molded portion (40), wherein the molded portion (40) has an inner surface (41) facing the housing cavity (18), and the molded portion (40) includes at least one structural feature (43; 55) protruding from or recessed in the inner surface (41), Characterized in that The housing (16) includes at least one foam material strip (70) adhered to the molded portion (40).

2. The control device (10) for a vehicle (110) according to claim 1, wherein, The at least one foam material strip (70) is adhered to the molded portion (40) by the adhesive force of the foam material to the molded portion (40).

3. The control device (10) for a vehicle (110) according to claim 2, wherein, In the case where no glue is placed between the at least one foam material strip (70) and the molded portion (40), the at least one foam material strip (70) is directly adjacent to the molded portion (40).

4. The control device (10) for a vehicle (110) according to claim 2 or claim 3, wherein, The molded portion (40) and the at least one foam material strip (70) form an integral unit (20, 30).

5. The control device (10) for a vehicle (110) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The at least one foam material strip (70) includes a foam material strip (70) arranged to reduce or eliminate foreign objects from entering the housing cavity (18).

6. The control device (10) for a vehicle (110) according to claim 5, wherein, The foam material strip (70) arranged to reduce or eliminate foreign object entry is constituted by one of the frame (30) and the cover (20), and is adjacent to the other of the frame (30) and the cover (20).

7. The control device (10) for a vehicle (110) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The at least one foam material strip (70) includes a foam material strip (70) adjacent to the PCB (11).

8. The control device (10) for a vehicle (110) according to claim 7, wherein, The PCB (11) has a first main surface (13) and a second main surface (14) parallel to the first main surface (13), Wherein the foam material strip (70) adjacent to the PCB (11) is adjacent to the first main surface (13) to fix the PCB (11), and the second main surface (14) of the PCB (11) is adjacent to at least one PCB support member (34) of the housing (16).

9. The control device (10) for a vehicle (110) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The at least one structural feature (43; 55) includes a ribbed structural feature (43; 55).

10. The control device (10) for a vehicle (110) according to claim 9, wherein, The ribbed structural feature (43; 55) protrudes from or recesses into the inner surface area (42) of the inner surface (41) in a first direction (61), wherein the ribbed structural feature (43; 55) extends in a second direction (62), wherein the first direction (61) is transverse to the inner surface area (42), and the second direction (62) is parallel to the inner surface area (42), and Wherein, the ribbed structure feature (43; 55) has a width (51, 52; 56, 57) measured along a third direction (63), wherein the third direction (63) is parallel to the inner surface region (42) and transverse to the first direction (61) and the second direction (62), and wherein the width (51, 52; 56, 57) varies according to the position along the second direction (62).

11. The control device (10) for a vehicle (110) according to claim 9 or claim 10, wherein, The ribbed structure feature (43; 55) includes a curved surface segment at an end face (47) of the ribbed structure feature (43; 55). Wherein, the at least one foam material strip (70) includes a foam material strip (70) disposed on the curved surface segment.

12. The control device (10) for a vehicle (110) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The at least one structure feature (43; 55) includes a groove (55) in the molding part (40). Wherein, the at least one foam material strip (70) includes a foam material strip (70) disposed in the groove (55).

13. A vehicle brake valve (124, 127, 129) comprising a control device (10) according to any one of the preceding claims.

14. A pressure modulator (124, 127, 129) for a multi-purpose vehicle comprising a control device (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 12.

15. A method of manufacturing a control device (10) for a vehicle (110), the method comprising: Forming a first housing part (20; 101) and a second housing part (30; 102), wherein forming the first housing part (20; 101) includes dispensing a foam material (97) onto the molding part (40) along the structure feature (43; 55) of the molding part (40) to form at least one foam material strip (70); Disposing a printed circuit board PCB (11) between the first housing part (20; 101) and the second housing part (30; 102); and Joining the first housing part (20; 101) and the second housing part (30; 102) such that the PCB (11) is disposed in a housing cavity (18) defined by the first housing part (20; 101) and the second housing part (30; 102).

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