Pressure compensation device and electronic control module with the pressure compensation device.

Abstract

Pressure compensation device (20), comprising: a ventilation unit (22) formed integrally with a connector (12) on a part of an electronic control unit (10) to which an electronic control element is attached, wherein a ventilation opening (224) is formed in the ventilation unit (22) which extends through the interior and exterior of a housing (11) of the electronic control unit (10) in which the electronic control element is housed; and a cover unit (26) formed integrally with a vehicle-side terminal (16) for achieving electrical connection with the electronic control unit (10), and configured to form a protective wall by covering a part of an upper side of the ventilation unit (22) when the terminal (12) on the electronic control unit (10) side and the vehicle-side terminal (16) are connected, where the ventilation unit (22) is formed on a plate-like flange (122) outside a bottom of a connecting part (120) of the connector (12) on the side of the electronic control unit (10), and the cover unit (26) is formed on one side of the vehicle-side connector (16) at a location corresponding to the ventilation unit (22) when the connector (12) on the electronic control unit (10) side and the vehicle-side connector (16) are connected, wherein the ventilation unit (22) comprises: a pressure regulator (220) formed in the height direction of a connecting part (120) of the connector (12) on the electronic control unit (10) side, wherein a cross section of the pressure regulator (220) in which the ventilation opening (224) is formed along a central portion of the pressure regulator (220) is rectangular or circular; and a membrane (226) installed at an inlet of the ventilation opening (224) on an inner side of the housing (11) of the electronic control unit (10), wherein an inclined surface (221) is formed at a tip end of the pressure regulator (220) which comprises an outlet of the ventilation opening (224), wherein the inclined surface (221) further has side walls (222a, 222b) configured to surround both sides of the inclined surface (221).

Description

[Technical area]

[0001] The present invention relates to a pressure compensation device and an electronic control module comprising the device, which is used in particular for sufficient ventilation of an electronic control unit (ECU) on which an electronic control element for the electrical control of components of a vehicle is provided. [Technical background of the invention]

[0002] DE 84 08 092 U1 discloses a housing for accommodating an electronic control unit for motor vehicles. To electrically connect electronic components within the housing, a multi-pin connector strip is molded into a cover of the housing. A flat-contact plug can be plugged onto the cover of the housing, thus establishing electrical contact with the connector strip. To facilitate pressure equalization between the interior of the housing and the ambient air, vents in the form of slots are provided in the molded-in connector strip. The connector strip, including the vents, is enclosed by the plugged-in flat-contact plug. This includes a seal to prevent the ingress of dirt and splash water.In the event of overpressure, air escaping through the vent openings is diverted via a supply nozzle on the flat contact plug, which allows the escaping air to escape into the ambient air.

[0003] DE 199 46 825 C1 identifies the problem in the system of DE 84 08 092 U1 described above that, particularly in the case of negative pressure inside the housing, air and thus moisture can penetrate into the connector interior and further into the housing through the supply line nozzle, which is open to the ambient air. Therefore, it is proposed to also seal the supply line from the ambient air and instead enable pressure equalization by adjusting the volume of a cavity enclosed by an elastic insulating sheath of the supply line.

[0004] WO 2013 / 110639 A1 discloses a pressure gauge with a housing that includes a plug connection for transmitting conditioned measurement signals. An air passage is provided between the interior and exterior of the housing. The air passage comprises a channel system and a membrane, thus forming a two-part barrier against liquid penetration.

[0005] Vehicles generally contain an electronic control unit that electronically controls various devices. This electronic control unit receives information from sensors or switches installed in various parts of the vehicle and processes the information provided to optimize vehicle performance and improve vehicle comfort and safety, or executes various electronic controls to provide various types of convenience for the driver and passengers.

[0006] For example, according to the development of vehicle and computer performance, an ECU (electronic control unit), which electronically controls the operation of the vehicle's engine, automatic transmission, and ABS, is used to electronically control all parts of the vehicle, such as a drive system, a braking system, and a steering system.

[0007] A conventional vehicle-mounted electronic control unit includes a housing having a receiving space and a PCB housed inside the housing. It also includes a connector connected to the front of the PCB for electrical connection to the vehicle. The housing may include a cover and a base and is assembled to enclose the PCB.

[0008] Due to the highly integrated circuit control device, the electronic control unit may be subject to fatal malfunction if moisture and foreign matter flow in from the outside, or if the control unit overheats due to the heat generated during circuit operation, causing internal pressure to rise. Therefore, the control unit must be configured to maintain high levels of airtightness while simultaneously providing ventilation to the outside.

[0009] A technique for ensuring ventilation to the outside is known from the prior art. Japanese patent application JP 2008-078506 A describes a technique in which a ventilation opening is formed in a housing for accommodating a PCB, and a plug filter with a flow channel is mounted in the ventilation opening. Japanese patent application JP 2008-055981 A proposes a configuration in which a ventilation opening is formed in the housing and the ventilation opening is covered with a filter membrane using an adhesive layer.

[0010] The plug type of Japanese patent application JP 2008-078506 A has an effective structure that can provide ventilation and tightness at the same time, but the structure has the disadvantage that it requires additional assembly processes due to the use of an additional pressure equalization device such as a plug filter, and thus its competitiveness in terms of product cost and mass production is weak.

[0011] On the other hand, the adhesive layer of Japanese patent application JP 2008-055981 A has the advantage of being very simple in configuration compared to the technology disclosed in Japanese patent application JP 2008-078506 A, thus simplifying the process and reducing costs. However, the problem is that it does not meet the water resistance requirements for high-pressure water jets, which are equivalent to IP (International Protection) 9K of the International Waterproof Standard Classification 60529.

[0012] DE 10 2007 035 094 A1 relates to a housing for an electrical / electronic circuit, with at least one electrical plug-in connection device and at least one pressure compensation element which has a semi-permeable membrane.

[0013] DE 41 40 487 A1 relates to a power strip with a base body with plug connection parts which are sealed out of the base body and connected to electrical components, wherein a pressure compensation element is arranged in the base body.

[0014] DE 10 2010 042 254 A1 relates to a housing for an electronic circuit with a pressure compensation element on an inner side of a housing part.

[0015] JP H10 - 199 608 A relates to a connector with a pressure sensor. [Task of the invention]

[0016] The present invention is based on the object of providing a pressure compensation device that simplifies the configuration and assembly process and thus reduces costs, and an electronic control module that includes such a pressure compensation device.

[0017] Another object of the present invention is to provide a pressure compensation device that meets water resistance against a high-pressure water jet and an electronic control module that includes such a pressure compensation device. [Technical solution]

[0018] These objects are achieved with respect to the pressure compensation device by the subject matter of claim 1 and with respect to the control module by the subject matter of claim 8. The dependent claims specify advantageous embodiments of the invention.

[0019] According to one aspect of the present invention, a pressure equalizing device is provided, which includes a ventilation unit formed integrally with a terminal on a part of an electronic control unit (ECU) to which an electronic control element is mounted. A ventilation opening is formed in the ventilation unit and extends through the interior and exterior of the casing of the electronic control unit in which the electronic control element is housed. A cover unit is formed integrally with a vehicle-side terminal for achieving electrical connection with the electronic control unit and is configured to form a protective wall by covering a part of an upper side of the ventilation unit when the ECU-side terminal and the vehicle-side terminal are connected.

[0020] The ventilation unit is formed on a plate-like flange outside a bottom of a connecting part of the ECU-side connector. The cover unit is formed on one side of the vehicle-side connector at a position corresponding to the ventilation unit when the ECU-side connector and the vehicle-side connector are connected.

[0021] Furthermore, the ventilation unit includes a pressure regulator formed in the height direction of the connecting part of the ECU-side connector, wherein a cross section of the pressure regulator in which the ventilation opening is formed along a central portion of the pressure regulator is rectangular or circular, and a diaphragm installed at an inlet of the ventilation opening on an inner side of the housing of the electronic control unit.

[0022] A sloped surface is formed at the tip end of the pressure regulator, which includes an outlet for the vent. Further, side walls are formed on the sloped surface and are configured to surround both sides of the sloped surface.

[0023] The inclined surface may be formed on a side facing a side of the connecting part of the ECU-side terminal.

[0024] In addition, a concave area in which the membrane is installed may be formed around the entrance of the ventilation opening.

[0025] Furthermore, the cover unit may comprise a side member surrounding an upper side of the ventilation unit and a top member above the side member.

[0026] The pressure compensation device according to the invention may further comprise a separating element which is located between the ventilation unit and the connecting part of the ECU-side connection when the connections are connected.

[0027] Preferably, a protection element against the ingress of foreign matter may be installed on a side of the partition element opposite to the ventilation unit or the external surface of the ventilation unit facing the partition element.

[0028] In embodiments, protective elements against the penetration of foreign bodies can be provided in a plane with respect to which the ventilation unit and the separating element are opposite each other, alternately one above the other at a certain distance from each other.

[0029] According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided an electronic control module comprising an electronic control unit configured to include an electronic control element provided on a housing and a terminal for achieving electrical connection with the electronic control unit and mounted on one side of the housing, a vehicle-side terminal connected to the ECU-side terminal for achieving electrical connection with the ECU-side terminal, and a pressure compensation device according to any one of the aspects. [Effects of the invention]

[0030] According to one embodiment of the invention, a pressure equalization device is configured such that the ventilation unit and the cover unit are formed integrally on the ECU-side connector and on the vehicle-side connector, respectively, so that the manufacturing process can be simplified and productivity can be increased compared to the prior art, which additionally applies a plug filter or a sheet filter to the housing to ensure ventilation.

[0031] In addition, there is an advantage in terms of cost reduction and price competitiveness through simple configuration without complicated filters as in the prior art, wherein the overheating of the electronic control elements can be effectively prevented by a simple but reliable configuration of smooth ventilation, wherein the intrusion of foreign matter and moisture through the ventilation hole can be completely blocked by the protective device (cover unit) of the vehicle-side connector. [Brief description of the drawings] Fig. 1 is an exploded perspective view of an electronic control module to which a pressure compensation device according to an embodiment of the present invention is applied. Fig. 2 is a combined perspective view of the electronic control module to which the pressure compensation device according to an embodiment of the present invention has been applied. Fig. 3 is a front view showing a state in which an electronic control unit and a vehicle-side connector are separated from each other. Fig. Figure 4a is an enlarged perspective view of components of the invention showing the section “A” of the Fig. 3 shows enlarged. Fig. Figure 4b shows an enlarged view of the pressure regulator 220. Fig. 5 is a combined front view showing a state in which an electronic control unit and the vehicle-side connector are connected to each other. Fig. Figure 6 is an enlarged perspective view of components of the invention showing the section “B” of Fig. 5 shows enlarged. Fig. 7 is a sectional view showing another embodiment of the pressure compensating device. Fig. 8 is a sectional view showing still another embodiment of the pressure compensating device. [Embodiments of the invention]

[0032] Embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the following description, detailed explanations of known configurations will be omitted. Furthermore, detailed explanations of configurations that may unnecessarily obscure the gist of the invention will be omitted.

[0033] Fig. 1 is an exploded perspective view of an electronic control module to which a pressure compensation device according to an embodiment of the present invention is applied. Fig. 2 is a combined perspective view of the Fig. 2. Fig. Figure 3 is a front view showing a state where an electronic control unit and a vehicle-side connector are separated from each other. Referring to the figures, the configuration of the electronic control module to which a pressure compensation device according to the present invention is applied will be described.

[0034] With reference to Fig. 1 to 3, the electronic control module 1 according to an embodiment of the invention essentially comprises an electronic control unit (ECU) 10 configured to include an electronic control element (not shown) provided on the electronic control unit for electrically controlling the components of a vehicle, and a vehicle-side terminal 16 (wire harness-side connector) connected to an ECU-side terminal 12 to achieve a fixed electrical connection.

[0035] The electronic control unit 10 comprises the electronic control element and a housing 11 that surrounds and protects it. The electronic control element may comprise a PCB on which highly integrated circuit control devices for controlling the vehicle's components are provided. The housing 11 may be a box-shaped structure with an internal mounting space in which the electronic element (hereinafter 'PCB') may be housed.

[0036] The housing 11 is divided into a cover 110 and a base 112. The housing 11 may have an overall structure in which the cover 110 on the upper side and the base 112 on the lower side are connected with the PCB in between to accommodate the PCB. For example, the housing 11 may include any shape of a barrel-shaped structure capable of accommodating the PCB, including a single square structure with a rectangular cross-section of the PCB accommodation space.

[0037] The connector 12 (hereinafter 'ECU-side connector') is connected to the vehicle-side connector 16 to achieve electrical connection with the vehicle-side connector 16. The ECU-side connector 12 includes a plurality of inner pins (not shown) for providing electrical connection with the PCB provided in the housing 11 and a plurality of outer pins 124 for electrical connection with the vehicle-side connector 16.

[0038] The outer pins 124 are exposed outside the housing 11. A connecting part 120 surrounds the outer pins 124, higher than the outer pins 124. The connecting units of the components of the electronic control unit 10, for example, a connecting unit between the cover 110 and the base 112, and the connecting portion where the terminal 12 is connected to the cover 110 and the base 112, are sealed with a tight structure so that foreign matter or moisture is not introduced from the outside.

[0039] The vehicle-side connector 16 (wire harness-side connector) includes a connector 160 configured to be inserted into the connector portion 120 of the ECU-side connector 12 so as to engage the connector portion 120, and an insulating cover 162 surrounding the connector 160. Internal holes (not shown) corresponding to the external pins 124 are formed in the connector 160. A cable extending from the vehicle side is electrically connected to each of the internal holes for communication with any part of the vehicle.

[0040] The electronic control module 1, which is formed by the electronic control unit 10 and the vehicle-side connector 16, is equipped with a pressure compensation device 20 according to an embodiment of the invention, so that moisture and foreign matter are not introduced into the housing 11 from the outside, whereby the heat dissipation generated during the drive circuit and the pressure inside the housing 11 are corrected to be equal to that outside.

[0041] The pressure compensation device 20 may include a ventilation unit 22 integrally formed with the ECU-side connector 12 and a cover unit 26 integrally formed with the vehicle-side connector 16. The configuration of the pressure compensation device 20 applied to the electronic control module 1 will be described with reference to Fig. 4 to Fig. 6 described in more detail.

[0042] Fig. Figure 4a is an enlarged perspective view of components of the invention, showing in a close-up part “A” of the Fig. 3 shows. Fig. 5 is a combined front view showing a state in which the electronic control unit and the vehicle-side connector are connected to each other. Fig. Figure 6 is an enlarged perspective view of components of the invention showing in close-up the section “B” of Fig. 5 shows. Fig. Figure 4b shows an enlarged view of the pressure regulator 220.

[0043] With reference to Fig. 4 to Fig. 6, the ventilation unit 22 of the pressure compensation device 20 is formed integrally with the ECU-side connector 12, where the electronic control element is provided. A ventilation opening 224 is formed elongated along the center of the ventilation unit 22, extending through the interior and exterior of the housing 11 of the electronic control unit 10, in which the PCB is housed. The cover unit 26 is formed on a side of the vehicle-side connector 16, corresponding to the location of the ventilation unit 22.

[0044] The ventilation unit 22 is formed on a plate-like flange 122 outside the bottom of the connecting part 120 of the ECU-side connector 12 (see Fig. 4). The cover unit 26 is formed on a side of the vehicle-side connector 16 that corresponds to the location of the ventilation unit 22 when the ECU-side connector 12 and the vehicle-side connector 16 are connected. Accordingly, when the ECU-side connector 12 and the vehicle-side connector 16 are connected, the cover unit 26 covers a part of an upper portion of the ventilation unit 22, thus forming a protective wall (see Fig. 5 and Fig. 6).

[0045] Specifically, the ventilation unit 22 is formed in the height direction of the connecting part 120 of the ECU-side connector 12 and includes a pressure regulator 220. In this case, a cross section of the pressure regulator 220, in which the ventilation opening 224 is formed along the central portion of the pressure regulator 220, is rectangular or circular. The ventilation unit 22 includes a breathable membrane 226 of a thin film shape installed to cover the inlet of the ventilation opening 224 on an inner side of the housing 11 of the electronic control unit 10.

[0046] Despite the use of the pressure equalization device 20, the diaphragm 226 functions as a safety device that ultimately prevents the introduction of foreign matter through the vent opening 224. A concave portion 228 with a depth and size at least equal to the thickness and size of the diaphragm 226 may be formed around the entrance of the vent opening 224, so that the diaphragm 226 can be stably installed in the concave portion 228.

[0047] At the tip end of the pressure regulator 220 in the ventilation unit 22, an inclined surface 221 is formed with the outlet 224b of the ventilation opening 224, as shown in Fig. 4 and Fig. 6. The inclined surface 221 is formed on the side facing the connecting part 120 of the ECU-side connector 12, so that the outlet 224b is located on the side opposite the outermost side member of the cover unit 26. This can more reliably prevent the introduction of foreign matter.

[0048] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 4b, the inclined surface 221 of the pressure regulator 220 may include side walls 222a, 222b surrounding both sides of the inclined surface 221 higher than the inclined surface 221. The upper sides of the side walls 222a, 222b may be formed at the same level as or higher than the upper surface of the pressure regulator 220.

[0049] The side walls 222a, 222b act as a barrier that prevents water from entering from the side. The inclined surface 221 allows water to flow downward from the outside without accumulating.

[0050] That is, the cover unit 26 prevents moisture from entering the ventilation unit 22. Furthermore, the side walls 222a, 222b further block moisture, even if it has penetrated slightly. Even if a very small amount of moisture penetrates to the tip end of the pressure regulator 220, it flows downward along the inclined surface 221 without accumulating at the tip end, thus more reliably preventing water intrusion.

[0051] The cover unit 26, which forms a barrier covering the tip end of the pressure regulator 220, may include a side member 260 surrounding a portion of the upper side of the pressure regulator 220 and a top member 262 comprising a flat panel on the side member. When the ECU-side connector 12 and the vehicle-side connector 16 are connected, a certain gap C (air flow path) is formed between the pressure regulator 220 and the connecting part 120, which is covered by the cover unit 26.

[0052] Accordingly, the predetermined gap C and the vent hole 224 form a continuous passage of a zigzag shape relative to the direction of foreign matter introduction, so that the introduction of foreign matter can be securely blocked. On the other hand, hot air in the housing 11, heated by the heat generated during operation of the PCB, is smoothly discharged to an exterior of the housing 11 through the passage, thus maintaining the pressure in the housing at an appropriate level.

[0053] For more reliable blocking of foreign matter and moisture when connecting the connections, the pressure compensation device can be provided in other forms, such as Fig. 7 and Fig. 8 shows.

[0054] Fig. Fig. 7 is a sectional view showing another embodiment of the pressure compensating device, the other embodiment of the Fig. 7 comprises a separator 28 located between the ventilation unit 22 and the connecting part 120 of the ECU-side connector 12 when the connectors are connected. A protective element 29 against the ingress of foreign matter may be provided on a surface of the separator 28 opposite the ventilation unit 22 or on the outer surface of the ventilation unit 22 opposite the separator 28.

[0055] Fig. Fig. 8 is a sectional view showing another embodiment of the pressure compensating device. According to the embodiment of Fig. 8 are according to the configuration of Fig.7 with the additional provision of the partition member 28 and the protection member 29 against foreign matter protection elements 29-1, 29-2 alternately configured with a certain distance up and down on the mutually facing surface of the ventilation unit 22 and the partition member 28, so that the introduction of foreign matter and water can be blocked more reliably.

[0056] According to embodiments of the invention, a pressure equalizing device is configured such that a ventilation unit and a cover unit are integrally formed on the ECU-side connector and on the vehicle-side connector, respectively, so that the manufacturing process can be simplified and productivity can be increased compared to the prior art which additionally applies a plug filter or a sheet filter to the housing to ensure ventilation.

[0057] In addition, there are advantages in terms of cost reduction and price competitiveness through simple configuration without complicated filters as in the prior art, overheating of the electronic control elements can be effectively prevented by a simple but reliable configuration of smooth ventilation, and the intrusion of foreign matter and moisture through the ventilation hole can be completely blocked by the protective device (cover unit) of the vehicle-side connector. [Reference symbol] 1 Electronic control module 10 Electronic control unit 11 housings 12 Connection on the side of the electronic control unit 16 Connection on the side of the vehicle 20 Pressure equalization device 22 Ventilation unit 26 Cover unit 28 Separator 29 protective elements against the ingress of foreign bodies 110 Cover 112 Floor 120 connecting part 122 flange 124 Outer pin 160 connecting element 162 Insulation cover 220 pressure regulator 221 Inclined surface 224 Ventilation opening 226 Membran 228 Concave area

Claims

[1] Pressure compensation device (20) comprising: a ventilation unit (22) formed integrally with a connector (12) on a part of an electronic control unit (10) to which an electronic control element is attached, wherein a ventilation opening (224) is formed in the ventilation unit (22) which extends through the interior and exterior of a housing (11) of the electronic control unit (10) in which the electronic control element is housed; and a cover unit (26) formed integrally with a vehicle-side terminal (16) for achieving electrical connection with the electronic control unit (10), and configured to form a protective wall by covering a part of an upper side of the ventilation unit (22) when the terminal (12) on the electronic control unit (10) side and the vehicle-side terminal (16) are connected, where the ventilation unit (22) is formed on a plate-like flange (122) outside a bottom of a connecting part (120) of the connector (12) on the side of the electronic control unit (10), and the cover unit (26) is formed on one side of the vehicle-side connector (16) at a location corresponding to the ventilation unit (22) when the connector (12) on the electronic control unit (10) side and the vehicle-side connector (16) are connected, wherein the ventilation unit (22) comprises: a pressure regulator (220) formed in the height direction of a connecting part (120) of the connector (12) on the electronic control unit (10) side, wherein a cross section of the pressure regulator (220) in which the ventilation opening (224) is formed along a central portion of the pressure regulator (220) is rectangular or circular; and a membrane (226) installed at an inlet of the ventilation opening (224) on an inner side of the housing (11) of the electronic control unit (10), wherein an inclined surface (221) is formed at a tip end of the pressure regulator (220) which comprises an outlet of the ventilation opening (224), wherein the inclined surface (221) further has side walls (222a, 222b) configured to surround both sides of the inclined surface (221). [2] The pressure compensating device according to claim 1, wherein the inclined surface (221) is formed on a side facing a side of the connecting part (120) of the terminal (12) on the side of the electronic control unit (10). [3] The pressure equalizing device according to claim 1, wherein a concave portion (228) in which the diaphragm (226) is installed is formed around the entrance of the vent opening (224). [4] The pressure equalization device of claim 1, wherein the cover unit (26) comprises a side member (260) configured to surround a portion of the upper side of the ventilation unit (22) and a top member (262) above the side member (260). [5] Pressure compensation device according to claim 1, which further comprises a separating element (28) which is located between the ventilation unit (22) and the connecting part (120) of the connector (12) on the side of the electronic control unit (10) when the connector (12) on the side of the electronic control unit (10) and the vehicle-side connector (16) are connected. [6] Pressure equalizing device according to claim 5, wherein a protection member (29) against the intrusion of foreign matter is installed on a surface of the partition member (28) opposite to the ventilation unit (22) or on an outer surface of the ventilation unit (22) opposite to the partition member (28). [7] Pressure compensation device according to claim 5, wherein protective elements (29) against the penetration of foreign bodies are provided in a plane with respect to which the ventilation unit (22) and the separating element (28) are opposite one another, alternately one above the other at a certain distance from one another. [8] Electronic control module (1), comprising: an electronic control unit (10) comprising an electronic control element mounted on a housing (11) and a terminal (12) for achieving electrical connection with the electronic control element and mounted on one side of the housing (11); a vehicle-side terminal (16) connected to the terminal (12) on the electronic control unit (10) side in such a way that an electrical connection is formed with the terminal (12) on the electronic control unit (10) side; and a pressure compensation device (20) according to one of claims 1 to 7.

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