Electronic control unit and method for mounting an electronic control unit

Abstract

The present invention relates to an electronic control unit and a method for mounting the electronic control unit. The electronic control unit (1) for controlling an application circuit includes: a housing (2) with a front opening; a printed circuit board (3) with electronic components (5); at least one connector (4) mounted on the front end of the printed circuit board (3) and extending in a longitudinal direction (X); a frame including a lower frame portion (6) and an upper frame portion (8), wherein the frames (6, 8) are fixed to each other to hold the connector (4) therebetween, wherein at least one frame portion includes at least two spacers (18) protruding in a vertical direction (Z) between two adjacent connectors (4) to hold or clamp the at least one connector (4), wherein the printed circuit board (3) with the frames (6, 8) is inserted into the front opening of the housing (2) in the longitudinal direction (X), wherein the frames (6, 8) are fixed to the housing (2).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to an electronic control unit particularly suitable for automotive applications, and to a method for installing the electronic control unit. Background Technology

[0002] Electronic control units (ECUs) used in automotive applications typically consist of a printed circuit board (PCB) containing electronic components and a housing that surrounds and protects the PCB and the electronic components. Furthermore, various connectors are mounted on the PCB and extend through a front opening in the housing to contact the ECU. These ECUs typically have electronic connectors only on their front side to facilitate assembly of the ECU onto the vehicle structure, particularly via retaining lugs or tabs in the housing.

[0003] This ECU typically includes a variety of different connectors required for specific applications and vehicle models. These connectors can be multi-point or single-point connectors, often using a custom-designed main housing component to receive the specific connector. However, these specific configurations, particularly the large number of different housings and multi-point connectors with specific mounting or fixing devices, result in high cost and time in creating the configuration. Multi-point connectors can be used to combine several connectors or connector types, where the multi-point connector is mounted as a single component on the PCB. Alternatively, a single, individual connector can be mounted on the PCB.

[0004] Therefore, the object of the present invention is to provide an electronic control unit and a method for installing the electronic control unit, which allows for easy assembly and low cost, without limiting the types of connectors used for the electronic control unit. Summary of the Invention

[0005] This objective is achieved by the electronic control unit according to the independent claim, and further provides a method for installing the electronic control unit. The dependent claims describe preferred embodiments.

[0006] Therefore, the electronic control unit (ECU) of the present invention includes a printed circuit board (PCB) with at least one connector mounted on the front end of the PCB, the PCB being secured by a frame that stabilizes the connector, wherein the frame further serves to secure the PCB and the connector within a housing. Thus, the frame includes a lower frame portion and an upper frame portion, which are vertically fixed to each other to accommodate or receive the connector between them.

[0007] The solution of this invention allows for quick and safe assembly without limiting the number and type of connectors. The connectors can be independently mounted on the front end of the PCB, with space or distance between them, or with lateral contact between them, but without requiring specific connector securing devices. The connectors are then secured by pushing the frame portions vertically onto each other, thereby fixing or clamping the connectors between them, particularly individually. At least one frame portion includes at least one spacer extending or protruding between two adjacent connectors, thereby securing the connectors laterally and increasing stability.

[0008] According to a preferred embodiment, the at least one connector is fixed between two of the spacers; preferably, all connectors are fixed between two spacers respectively. According to a preferred embodiment, at least two adjacent connectors are separated from each other by one of the spacers.

[0009] Therefore, the spacer separates and secures the connector, especially without any further securing devices, thus providing a secure solution with relatively little effort.

[0010] Preferably, two adjacent spacers of the two frame portions contact each other, thereby achieving clamping or stable contact between the frame portions and clamping or recessing of the connector.

[0011] According to a preferred embodiment, at least two connectors in the connector group differ in at least one of the following characteristics: height, width, number of pins, and shape. Therefore, a wide variety of connectors can be used. Furthermore, a mistake-proofing system can be implemented because two nearly identical connectors with only one or a few variations (e.g., rib positions) can be distinguished.

[0012] Therefore, this invention provides the possibility of multiple individual connector configurations. A preferred feature of this invention is a system with an internal fixing frame that surrounds the individual connectors of the PCB and provides a snap-fit ​​interface for the housing (particularly a standard main housing). The modularity of the frame allows for the use of different connector configurations within the same housing, eliminating the need to build specific multipoint connectors or custom main housings for new applications.

[0013] Preferably, the frame portions combine several functions: First, the frame portions are used to independently clamp and secure the connector. Second, the frame portions protect the connector in the vertical and horizontal directions. Third, the frame portions form a closed frame that can then be inserted into and secured within the housing, particularly by means of a robust locking mechanism, especially a snap-fit ​​engagement.

[0014] Therefore, simple and reliable assembly is possible; according to a preferred embodiment, the two frame portions are pushed vertically onto the connector, thereby securing and separating the connector and locking them together, particularly by snap-fit ​​engagement. The enclosed frame then accommodates and covers the connector. The PCB with the mounted frame is then inserted into the front opening of the housing and secured within the housing by the frame portions, particularly by snap-fit ​​engagement. This assembly method is safe and easy to perform.

[0015] According to a preferred embodiment, the lower frame portion and the upper frame portion are secured to each other by a snap-fit ​​engagement, particularly on the rear side, because this snap-fit ​​engagement does not protrude from the sides or other surfaces when the frames are inserted into the housing. The contact between the spacers already provides a high level of stability; the snap-fit ​​engagement between the frame portions enhances and improves this stability. Furthermore, securing the frame portions within the housing, particularly through the snap-fit ​​engagement, further increases the stability of the frames and the mounted connector.

[0016] According to a preferred embodiment, the frame formed by the frame portion is an internal frame that is completely pushed into the housing. Preferably, the housing is a standard housing, so that the ECU can be installed using its standard housing in common applications.

[0017] According to a preferred embodiment, the connector is not only completely covered by the frame portion, but also, in particular, completely covered by the housing. Therefore, according to a preferred embodiment, the connector does not protrude from the housing. This protects the connector from accidental damage. The connector can then be accessed from the front in the usual manner.

[0018] Preferably, the housing and frame portions are made of plastic material, which provides a soft and improved snap-fit ​​fit.

[0019] According to another embodiment, at least one fastening or fixation is achieved or improved by additional fastening devices such as screws or bolts. The use of these additional fastening devices can improve sustainability by improving this assembly without the need for specific tools. Attached Figure Description

[0020] The invention is described in more detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0021] Figure 1 This is a perspective front view of the electronic control unit in its assembled state according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0022] Figure 2 Show Figure 1 The ECU is in its disassembled state;

[0023] Figure 3 This is a front view of the ECU in a disassembled state;

[0024] Figure 4 This is a perspective rear view of a PCB with connectors and a frame in a disassembled state;

[0025] Figure 5 This shows the frame after the snap-fit ​​mechanism is engaged. Figure 4 ECU;

[0026] Figure 6 The ECU is shown after the frame is assembled and before the PCB is pushed into the housing.

[0027] Figure 7 This is a perspective front view of an embodiment having a connector covered by a housing. Detailed Implementation

[0028] Figures 1 to 7 An electronic control unit 1 (hereinafter referred to as ECU 1) is shown, comprising a housing 2, preferably made of plastic material, a printed circuit board 3 (hereinafter referred to as PCB 3), at least one connector 4 (e.g., five connectors 4), a lower frame portion 6, and an upper frame portion 8. The housing 2 is preferably closed only by a front opening 10, which provides an entrance to its internal space 11, in which a sliding guide 12 is provided for receiving the PCB 3. For example, the housing preferably has a fastening lug 14 for mounting the housing to a vehicle structure. The housing 2 further includes a snap-fit ​​recess 16 at its front end, preferably as a snap-fit ​​recess, preferably surrounding the front opening 11, particularly on the bottom, top, and sides of the housing 2.

[0029] Cartesian coordinates X, Y, and Z refer to the longitudinal direction X, the transverse direction Y, and the vertical direction Z. The longitudinal direction X corresponds to the insertion direction used to insert PCB 3 into housing 2. In this context, X and -X both refer to the longitudinal direction; Z and -Z refer to the vertical direction; and Y and -Y refer to the transverse direction.

[0030] PCB 3 can be of a typical type, including printed circuits and electronic components 5. Connector 4 is mounted on the front end 3a of PCB 3. Connector 4 can be of different types, shapes, and numbers of pins or contacts. Connector 4 can include multi-connector sections as well as single connectors, as shown in the embodiments. Connector 4 is mounted on and in contact with PCB 3. Connectors 4 can be separated from each other without direct contact, for example, from... Figure 3 As can be seen from the front view.

[0031] Frame portion 6 and frame portion 8 perform different functions—they are mounted vertically to the front end 3a of PCB 3, clamp the connector 4 between them, contact each other in a form-fit (especially snap-fit) manner, and serve as mounting devices for securing the connector 4 in housing 2, as described below.

[0032] Frame portions 6 and 8 are made of plastic material, such as the same plastic material as housing 2, and are provided with a plurality of recesses and spacers, as described below. At least one of the frame portions 6 and 8, preferably both frame portions 6 and 8, has vertically projecting spacers 18 and 28, particularly symmetrical to each other and / or opposite each other, having the same or different lengths in the vertical direction. In the illustrated embodiment, the lower frame portion 6 has an upwardly projecting lower spacer 18, and the upper frame portion 8 has a downwardly projecting upper spacer 28. The lower spacer 18 and the upper spacer 28 preferably contact each other and define a space 18a between them for receiving connectors 4. In the illustrated embodiment, five connectors 4 of different widths and heights are mounted on the front end 3a of the PCB 3. The connectors 4 can be mounted independently of each other, and they can be attached to each other laterally, such as from... Figure 3 As can be seen, the three larger connectors 4 on the right side can be adjacent to each other; however, the connectors 4 can also be installed with space between them, as from... Figure 3 The left side is visible, featuring two smaller connectors 4.

[0033] Spacers 18 and 28 are pushed into or displaced into recesses or spaces between or among the connectors 4, thereby securing, separating, and clamping the connectors 4 between frames 6 and 8. Furthermore, the two frame portions 6 and 8 include securing devices 20 for securing them to each other; in the illustrated embodiment, the securing devices 20 are achieved by snap-fit ​​engagement, for example, using a resilient hook 20a on the upper frame portion 8 and a recess 20b on the lower frame portion 6 for receiving the hook 20a, and vice versa.

[0034] In the first assembly step, from Figure 2 and Figure 4The disassembly and arrangement begin with frame parts 6 and 8 being vertically pushed or moved onto PCB 3, where spacers 18 and 28 are inserted between connectors 8, thereby clamping and reliably locking them. Therefore, no further securing of connector 4 is required. Furthermore, snap-fit ​​parts 20a and 20b snap together to form... Figure 5 The snap-fit ​​20 forms a closed frame 9 using the connector 4 between them. This arrangement of the printed circuit board 3 with the closed frame 9 is then inserted into the front opening 10, and the printed circuit board 3 slides on the sliding guide 12. The closed frame 9 is assembled into the front opening 11 and the housing 2, and snap-fits into the housing 2. For this purpose, another snap-fit ​​arrangement is provided on the frame portions 6, 8 and the housing 2; snap-fit ​​recesses 16 distributed on the housing 2 near the front end 10 receive corresponding snap-fit ​​protrusions 26 provided on the frame portions 6, 8, thereby enabling a self-locking snap-fit. The snap-fit ​​protrusions 26 are preferably provided on both frame portions 6, 8 to increase stability. Figure 2 It can be seen that the recess 16 and the snap-fit ​​protrusion 26 can be distributed on the bottom, top and side surfaces of the housing 2 and the frame 9, respectively.

[0035] Therefore, rapid and secure assembly of ECU 1 is possible, wherein frame portions 6 and 8 are first pushed onto front end 3 to receive connector 4 between them and snap together to form closed frame 9. Then, PCB 3 with frame 9 is shifted or pushed into front opening 10 until frame portions 6 and 8 snap together with their snap-fit ​​protrusions 26 in recess 16 of housing 2. Thus, as can be seen from the figure, no additional tools are required for assembling ECU 2. However, additional fastening with screws is not necessary, but is possible. According to another embodiment, the snap-fit ​​of protrusions 26 and recess 16 can be replaced by screw fastening, for example, by screws inserted in the longitudinal direction X to secure frame portions 6 and 8 to housing 2. In such an alternative embodiment, housing 2 can be provided with suitable fastening lugs or fastening surfaces to receive the screw. Furthermore, screws can be inserted in the vertical directions Z and -Z.

[0036] As from Figure 1 and Figure 7 As can be seen from the perspective front view, the frame 9 can be fully pushed into the housing 2. Therefore, the housing 2 serves as a cover and protection for the connector 4; according to this preferred embodiment, the connector 4 does not protrude from the housing 2.

[0037] The assembled ECU 1 can be disassembled using specific tools to release the snap-fit ​​engagement. In an alternative embodiment with screw fastening, this disassembly is simplified, thereby increasing sustainability.

[0038] ECU 1 can be supplied for various applications, particularly automotive applications, such as ABS controllers, suspension controllers (e.g., ECAS suspension controllers), steering controllers, climate control controllers, or light controllers. The snap-fit ​​connection can be improved to ensure a waterproof design. Several electronic components 5, particularly integrated circuits such as electronic control circuits, can be mounted on PCB 3 for their respective functions.

[0039] In the illustrated embodiment, five connectors 4a, 4b, 4c, 4d, and 4e are provided, which may have different widths in the lateral direction Y, different heights in the vertical direction Z, and different numbers of pins or contacts.

[0040] List of reference numerals (part of the instruction manual)

[0041] 1 Electronic control unit

[0042] 2 shells

[0043] 3PCB (Printed Circuit Board)

[0044] 3aPCB 3 front end

[0045] 4, 4a, 4b, 4c, 4d, 4e connectors

[0046] 5 electronic components

[0047] 6. Lower Frame Section

[0048] 8. Upper frame section

[0049] 9 frames

[0050] 10 front opening

[0051] 11 Interior Space

[0052] 12 sliding guides

[0053] 14 Fastening lugs

[0054] 16 buckle fits into the recess

[0055] 18 lower spacers

[0056] The space between spacers 18a

[0057] 20 Fixtures

[0058] 20a hook

[0059] 20b concave part

[0060] 26 buckle engagement protrusions

[0061] 28 Upper spacer

[0062] X, Y, Z Cartesian coordinates

[0063] X longitudinal direction

[0064] Y-direction

[0065] Z, -Z vertical direction.

Claims

1. An electronic control unit (1) for controlling an application circuit, the electronic control unit (1) comprising: A housing (2) with a front opening (10), A printed circuit board (3) with electronic components (5), At least one connector (4; 4a, 4b, 4c, 4d, 4e) is mounted on the front end (3a) of the printed circuit board (3) and extends in the longitudinal direction (X). A frame (9) comprising a lower frame portion (6) and an upper frame portion (8), wherein the lower frame portion (6) and the upper frame portion (8) are fixed to each other to hold or clamp the connector (4) therebetween. At least one of the frame portions (6, 8) includes at least two spacers (18, 28) protruding in the vertical direction (z), wherein the at least two spacers (18, 28) hold, clamp, or contact the at least one connector (4) therebetween. The printed circuit board (3) and the frame (9) are inserted together in the longitudinal direction (X) into the front opening (10) of the housing (2), and The frame (9) is fixed to the housing (2).

2. The electronic control unit (1) according to claim 1, wherein, The at least one connector (4; 4a, 4b, 4c, 4d, 4e) is fixed between two spacers in the spacers (18, 28).

3. The electronic control unit (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, At least two adjacent connectors (4a, 4b; 4c, 4d, 4e) are separated from each other by one of the spacers (18, 28).

4. The electronic control unit (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, At least two of the connectors (4; 4a, 4b, 4c, 4d, 4e) differ in at least one of the following features: Height, width, number of pins, and shape.

5. The electronic control unit (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The spacer (18) from one of the frame portions (6) contacts the other frame portion (8), in particular the opposing spacer (28) of the other frame portion (8), thereby defining contact between the frame portions (6, 8) and defining a space (18a) for receiving one of the connectors (4; 4a, 4b, 4c, 4d, 4e).

6. The electronic control unit (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The lower frame portion (6) and the upper frame portion (8) are secured to each other by a snap-fit ​​engagement (20), particularly by a snap-fit ​​engagement (20) on the rear side, for example a snap-fit ​​engagement having a hook (20a) and a recess (20b) for receiving the hook when it is inserted in the vertical direction.

7. The electronic control unit (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The frames (6, 8) are fixed in the housing (2) by a housing snap-fit ​​between the frame (9) and the housing (2). The frames (6, 8) are inserted into the housing (2) in the longitudinal direction (X) and locked in the housing (2) from the inside, particularly by snap-fit ​​(16, 26).

8. The electronic control unit (1) according to claim 7, wherein, The housing snap-fit ​​is achieved by a plurality of snap-fit ​​protrusions (26) and snap-fit ​​recesses (16) surrounding the housing (2) and the frame (9).

9. The electronic control unit (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The at least one connector (4) is covered by the housing (2) and / or the frame (9) in the vertical direction (Z), and the connector (4) does not protrude from the housing (2).

10. A method for assembling an electronic control unit (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising the steps of: The system provides a printed circuit board (3) with electronic components (5), a lower frame portion (6), an upper frame portion (8), and a housing (2) with a front opening (10). At least one connector (4; 4a, 4b, 4c, 4d, 4e) is mounted on the front end (3a) of the printed circuit board (3) and the at least one connector (4) is in contact with the printed circuit board (3), the at least one connector (4) protruding from the printed circuit board (3) in the longitudinal direction (X). The lower frame portion (6) and the upper frame portion (8) are mounted vertically to each other to receive the at least one connector (4) between them, wherein the frame portions (6, 8) are fixed to each other and form a frame (9) that surrounds or clamps the at least one connector (4). The two spacers (18, 28) of the spacers (18, 28) define a space (18a) for receiving the connectors (4a, 4b). The printed circuit board (3) is moved or pushed into the front opening (10) of the housing (2) together with the mounted frame (9), and the frame (6, 8) is fixed in the housing (2).

11. The method according to claim 10, wherein, At least two connectors (4a, 4b) are positioned in adjacent locations, and One of the spacers (18, 28) of the frame portion extends between the two adjacent connectors (4a, 4b).

12. The method according to claim 10 or 11, wherein, The frame parts (8, 9) are fixed to each other by snap-fit ​​engagement, which is particularly locked in the vertical direction (Z).

13. The method according to any one of claims 10 to 12, wherein, The assembly of the frame parts (6, 8) and the fixing of the frame (6, 8) in the housing (2) are achieved without additional tools, in particular by means of a snap-fit ​​engagement for self-locking.

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