Circuit layout and electrical distribution

Abstract

Circuit arrangement (11) comprising: several electronic components (15); several control terminals (16), each of the several control terminals (16) being connected to a corresponding one of the several electronic components (15); and a retaining element (14) which has insulating properties and holds the multiple control terminals (16), wherein the control connections (16) serve as insert parts which are formed in one piece with the retaining element (14) made of a plastic, each of the control terminals (16) has: in a subsection of the control terminal (16), an exposed surface (34) that is exposed by the retaining element (14); a contact surface (35) which is arranged opposite the exposed surface (34) and is in contact with the retaining element (14); a first side surface (36) arranged between the exposed surface (34) and the contact surface (35); and a second side surface (37) which is arranged between the exposed surface (34) and the contact surface (35), and a first space (K1) formed laterally to the first side surface (36), and a second space (K2) formed laterally to the second side surface (37), wherein the circuit arrangement (11) further comprises: a control board (13) which is configured to output signals to the electronic components (15) via the control terminals (16), where each of the control connections (16) has: a first terminal body section (31) which is connected to the control board (13); and a contact point section (33) which is electrically connected to the first terminal body section (31), is provided along the retaining element (14) and has the exposed surface (34) and the contact surface (35), wherein the contact point section (33) serves as the subsection; and Each of the control terminals (16) further features: a second terminal body section (32) which is electrically connected to the contact point section (33) and the corresponding electronic component (15).

Description

TECHNICAL AREA

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a circuit arrangement and an electrical distributor. TECHNICAL BACKGROUND

[0002] JP 2019-96769A discloses a circuit arrangement comprising a control board, several switching elements operated based on signals from the control board, and busbars forming an electrical circuit. The switching elements are connected to the busbars using solder.

[0003] The JP 2019 - 96 769 A is a state-of-the-art example.

[0004] US Patent 2002 / 0 141 143 A1 discloses a circuit arrangement comprising: several electrical components; several control terminals, each of which is connected to a corresponding electronic component; and a retaining element having insulating properties that holds the control terminals. Each control terminal has, in a subsection of the terminal, an exposed surface exposed by the retaining element, a contact surface opposite the exposed surface and in contact with the retaining element, a first side surface located between the exposed surface and the contact surface, and a second side surface located between the exposed surface and the contact surface.

[0005] Further examples from the prior art are DE 11 2016 006 928 T5 and JP H10 25 6291 A. OVERVIEW OF THE INVENTION TASKS TO BE SOLVED BY THE INVENTION

[0006] In addition to the busbar, the circuit arrangement also features several control terminals, which are part of the main circuit. These control terminals are electrically connected to electronic components, such as switching elements. Signals from the control board are transmitted to the electronic components via these control terminals.

[0007] The circuit assembly further includes a retaining element that has insulating properties and holds the control connections. The retaining element is made of a thermoplastic material and is injection-molded. The molding of the retaining element can be carried out in such a way that the control connections are placed as inserts within a mold for injection molding. Fig. Figure 9 is a cross-sectional view illustrating part of the injection mold 90 and a control port 91.

[0008] By bringing part of the control port 91 into surface contact with the mold 90, the control port 91 can be positioned relative to the mold 90. However, during injection molding, due to the pressure exerted by a molten plastic 99, some of the plastic 99 can flow into the space between the mold 90 and the control port 91, creating a risk that, as described in Fig. Figure 9 shows that the control terminal 91 inside the mold 90 could be tilted or deformed. If such a situation occurs, the control terminal 91 can come into contact with another conductor 92, such as a busbar that is integrally formed with the retaining element 95, and a short circuit can occur.

[0009] Therefore, the present disclosure aims to provide a circuit arrangement that can counteract movement or deformation of a control terminal during the molding of a plastic retaining element. MEANS OF SOLVING THE TASK

[0010] The problem is solved by a circuit arrangement according to one of the independent claims.

[0011] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, an electrical distributor has the above circuit arrangement and a cover that covers the circuit arrangement. EFFECT OF INVENTION

[0012] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to counteract a movement or deformation of a control connection due to an indentation pressure of molten plastic during the forming of a plastic retaining element. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Fig. Figure 1 is a perspective view illustrating an electrical distribution panel with a circuit arrangement according to an exemplary embodiment. Fig. Figure 2 is a perspective view of the circuit arrangement when viewed from the opposite direction as in Figure 2. Fig. 1. Fig. Figure 3 is a split view of the circuit arrangement with one control board removed. Fig. Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a control connection and part of a holding element. Fig. Figure 5 is a perspective view illustrating control connections and part of the holding element. Fig. Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view along line V in Fig. 5. Fig. Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view illustrating part of a mold for forming the retaining element, which is made of a plastic. Fig. Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view illustrating an aspect where the retaining element is shaped to serve as the insert for the control connection. Fig. Figure 9 is a cross-sectional view illustrating part of an injection mold and a control port. FORMS OF EXECUTION OF THE INVENTION

[0013] The following is an overview of embodiments of the present disclosure, which are listed and described below. (1) According to the present embodiment, a circuit arrangement comprises: several electronic components; several control terminals, each of the several control terminals being connected to a corresponding one of the several electronic components; and a retaining element having insulating properties and holding the several control terminals, the control terminals serving as inserts integrally formed with the retaining element made of plastic, each of the control terminals comprising: in a partial section of the control terminal, an exposed surface exposed by the retaining element; a contact surface arranged opposite the exposed surface and in contact with the retaining element; a first side surface arranged between the exposed surface and the contact surface;and a second side surface arranged between the exposed surface and the contact surface, and a first space formed laterally to the first side surface, and a second space formed laterally to the second side surface.

[0014] In the circuit arrangement according to the present embodiment, the control terminals serve as inserts that form a single piece with the plastic retaining element (are integrally formed). When the retaining element is molded, molten plastic fills the area around the control terminals. The contact surface of a portion of the control terminal comes into contact with the retaining element, and this portion of the control terminal is integrally formed with the retaining element. The exposed surface of a portion of the control terminal is formed by its contact with a mold.

[0015] If the mold has protrusions on both sides of a portion of the control connector, the first cavity is formed to the side of the first side surface and the second cavity to the side of the second side surface after molding. Because the mold has these protrusions on both sides of a portion of the control connector, it is unlikely that molten plastic will penetrate the space between the exposed section and the mold. Therefore, during the molding of the retaining element, a situation where the control connectors move or deform due to the injection pressure of molten plastic can be avoided.

[0016] (2) The retaining element further comprises: a thick section that is in contact with the contact surface; a first thin-film section made of plastic that covers the first side surface; and a second thin-film section made of plastic that covers the second side surface, with one side surface of the first thin-film section exposed in the first space and one side surface of the second thin-film section exposed in the second space. With this design, not only the contact surface of the control connector but also its first and second side surfaces are attached to the plastic retaining element. Thus, it is unlikely that the control connector will detach from the retaining element.

[0017] To form the retaining element, the mold is provided with a pair of projections, and part of the control connector is positioned between these projections. It is conceivable that manufacturing defects could occur at the first distance between the pair of projections and at the second distance between the first and second faces of the control connector. To ensure that part of the control connector fits between the two projections, the first distance is preferably chosen to be slightly larger than the second. Consequently, small gaps are formed between the projections and the control connector, and there is a possibility that molten plastic could flow into these small gaps. However, the small gaps are thin, making it unlikely that the molten plastic would penetrate them. Therefore, it is unlikely that the molten plastic would enter the space between the mold and the control connector.It should be noted that if the molten plastic that could enter the small gaps hardens, the hardened section will serve as the first thin-film section and the second thin-film section.

[0018] (3) Alternatively or in addition to (2), the circuit arrangement further comprises: a control board configured to output signals to the electronic components via the control terminals, each of the control terminals comprising: a first terminal body section connected to the control board; a contact point section electrically connected to the first terminal body section, provided along the retaining element and having the exposed area and the contact surface, the contact point section serving as the subsection; and a second terminal body section electrically connected to the contact point section and the corresponding electronic component.

[0019] In this configuration, electrical tests can be performed on each of the multiple electronic components by bringing a tester probe into contact with the contact section before the control board is connected to the first terminal sections of the control connections. Since the surface (contact area) of the contact section opposite the exposed surface is in contact with the retaining element, deformation of the contact section is prevented, even when the tester probe is brought into contact with the exposed surface.

[0020] (4) Preferably, the contact point section extends from a base section of the first terminal body section, and the retaining element has a first embedding section in which a boundary region between the first terminal body section and the contact point section of the control terminal is embedded. In this case, the embedding section can prevent the first terminal body section from lifting upwards from the retaining element.

[0021] (5) Preferably, the contact section extends from a base section of the second terminal section, the retaining element has a second embedding section in which a boundary region between the contact section and the second terminal section is embedded, and the second embedding section has a plastic surface that is coplanar with the exposed surface of the contact section. Since, in this case, the exposed surface of the contact section and the plastic surface of the second embedding section are coplanar, molding using the mold in the section of the retaining element that covers the section between the contact section and the second terminal section is simple. Furthermore, the design of the mold is simplified.

[0022] (6) Preferably the second connection body section comprises: a connection surface which is exposed by the retaining element and is connected to the corresponding electronic component; and a second exposed surface which is arranged opposite the connection surface and is exposed by the retaining element.

[0023] If the retaining element is made of plastic and formed by injection molding using a mold, a metal component intended to serve as the second connection body section can be partially brought into contact with and positioned within the mold. When the mold is brought into contact with this section from both sides, such that the section is enclosed, the connection surface and the second exposed surface are formed. By bringing the mold into contact with the second connection body section from both sides, the positioning accuracy of the second connection body section, particularly with respect to the connection surface, is improved. As a result, connection errors between the connection surface and the electronic component are prevented.

[0024] (7) An electrical distributor according to the present embodiment comprises: the circuit arrangement according to any one of points (1) to (6); and a cover covering the circuit arrangement.

[0025] According to the electrical distributor of the present embodiment, movement or deformation of the control connections due to an injection pressure of a molten plastic can be counteracted during the casting of the plastic retaining element. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXAMPLES OF EXECUTION

[0026] Details of the embodiment described in the present disclosure are described below with reference to the drawings. It should be noted that at least some of the features of the embodiment described below can be suitably combined. Electrical distribution box 10

[0027] Fig. Figure 1 is a perspective view illustrating an electrical distribution box 10 with a circuit arrangement 11 according to the present embodiment. The electrical distribution box 10 can be installed in various devices, and in the present embodiment, the electrical distribution box 10 is installed in a motor vehicle. Specifically, the electrical distribution box 10 is provided in a wiring route (not shown) that connects a first on-board device and a second on-board device. The electrical distribution box 10 has a circuit arrangement 11 and a cover 12 that covers the circuit arrangement 11. The cover 12 is made of metal (aluminum or an aluminum alloy) and has a heat dissipation function for dissipating heat generated in the circuit arrangement 11.The electrical distributor 10 may further include another unit (not shown) which is attached to the circuit arrangement 11 on one side opposite the cover 12. Circuit arrangement 11

[0028] Fig. Figure 2 is a perspective view of the circuit arrangement 11 viewed from the opposite direction as in Figure 2. Fig. 1. Fig. Figure 2 shows a state in which the cover 12 is removed. Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 The circuit arrangement 11 includes several electronic components 15, several control terminals 16, a holding element 14 and a control board 13. Fig. Figure 3 is an exploded view of the circuit arrangement 11, from which a control board 13 has been removed. The circuit arrangement 11 further comprises several conductive plates 17. The several conductive plates 17 and the several control terminals 16 form a main circuit of the circuit arrangement 11.

[0029] In the present embodiment, the circuit arrangement 11 has three conductive plates 17 (see Fig. 1) and eight control connections 16 (see Fig. 3) The number of control terminals 16 and the number of electronic components 15 are equal, and each control terminal 16 is connected in a one-to-one relationship to a corresponding electronic component 15. It is noted that a suitable number of conductive plates 17, control terminals 16, electronic components 15, and control boards 13 is specified, but the respective number can be changed as required.

[0030] The electronic components 15 are, for example, semiconductor relays such as field-effect transistors (FETs). The following description refers to a case in which the electronic components 15 are field-effect transistors, which are hereinafter referred to as "FETs". The FETs 15 have multiple terminals. As shown in the enlarged view in Fig. As shown in Figure 1, the FET 15 has several terminals: a source terminal (first terminal) 15a, a gate terminal (second terminal) 15b, and a drain terminal (third terminal) 15c. The terminals are mechanically and electrically connected to the conductive plates 17 and the control terminals 16, respectively, using solder or similar materials.

[0031] Each conductive plate 17 is manufactured by pressing a metal plate into a predetermined shape. The conductive plate 17 is a piece of metal plate and is also referred to as a busbar. The conductive plate 17 is preferably a component made of copper, for example, pure copper or a copper alloy. The entire conductive plate 17 is a conductor and does not have a conductor pattern such as that found on a typical printed circuit board. As in Fig. As shown in Figure 1, the circuit arrangement 11 has a first conductive plate 17-1, a second conductive plate 17-2 and a third conductive plate 17-3.

[0032] The control terminals 16 are manufactured by pressing metal wire materials into a predetermined shape. The control terminals 16 are terminals made of metal. The control terminals 16 are preferably components made of copper, for example, pure copper or a copper alloy. Fig. Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a control terminal 16 and part of the retaining element 14. The control terminal 16 has a curved shape and comprises a first terminal body section 31, a contact point section 33, and a second terminal body section 32. The components of the control terminal 16 are described in detail later.

[0033] In Fig. 2 The control board 13 is an insulated substrate with a substantially rectangular shape and has at least one control circuit unit 27 on a first surface 13a thereof. The control circuit unit 27 has a function for outputting signals to the FETs 15a via the control terminals 16. The FETs 15 are operated based on these signals. The control circuit unit 27 has an integrated circuit with switching elements that serve as a second electronic component for operating the FETs 15, diodes, and the like. The control circuit unit 27 has a conductor pattern 29 for electrically connecting the second electronic component to the control terminals 16.

[0034] The control board 13 has through holes 18 through which the control connections 16 are partially routed (see Fig. 3) By filling the through-holes 18 with an electrically conductive material, the control circuit unit 27 is electrically and mechanically connected to a portion of the first terminal body sections 31 of the control terminals 16. Before the control board 13 is connected to the control terminals 16 (see Fig. 3), the multiple control terminals 16 are not electrically connected to each other (in a non-conductive state).

[0035] The retaining element 14 is made of a thermoplastic material and is formed by injection molding. In the present embodiment, the retaining element 14 is produced by overmolding, as described later, while the control terminals 16 and the conductive plates 17 are placed in a mold 60 for injection molding (see Figure 1). Fig. 7).

[0036] Therefore, the control terminals 16 and the conductive plates 17 are partially embedded in the retaining element 14, and the control terminals 16, the conductive plates 17, and the retaining element 14 are formed as a single piece. The control terminals 16 and the conductive plates 17 are inserts that form a single unit with the plastic retaining element 14.

[0037] The retaining element 14 is made, for example, of polyphenylene sulfide (PPS), polybutylene terephthalate (PBT), nylon, polypropylene (PP), polyethylene (PE), or the like, and exhibits insulating properties. The retaining element 14 holds the eight control terminals 16 and the three conductive plates 17 and serves as the housing for the circuit assembly 11. As shown in Fig. As shown in Figure 3, the retaining element 14 has a receiving space 30 that is open towards the control board 13. The first terminal body sections 31 and the contact section sections 33 of the control terminals 16 are provided in the receiving space 30. The control board 13 is attached to the first terminal body sections 31 in such a way that it closes the receiving space 30.

[0038] The retaining element 14 has a plate-shaped base section 19, which is provided in the center of the retaining element 14, and a frame section 20, which is provided surrounding the base section 19. As shown in Fig. As shown in Figure 1, main sections 22 of the conductive plates 17 are provided on the base section 19, on which the FETs 15 are mounted. The main sections 22 of the three conductive plates 17 are arranged side by side in a planar manner on the base section 19 without overlapping. The three conductive plates 17 are provided at three separate positions and are not in contact with each other. The three conductive plates 17 and the control terminals 16 are provided at separate positions and are not in contact with each other.

[0039] In the present embodiment (see Fig. 1) The source terminals 15a of the FETs 15 are connected to the third conductive plate 17-3 located in the middle. The drain terminals 15c of the FETs 15 are connected to the first conductive plate 17-1 or the second conductive plate 17-2. As shown in the enlarged view of Fig. As shown in Figure 1, the centrally located third conductive plate 17-3 has an opening 28 that penetrates it, and part of the second terminal body section 32 of the control terminal 16 is exposed in the opening 28. The gate terminal 15b of the FET 15 is connected to the part of the second terminal body section 32 that is exposed in the opening 28. This electrically connects the gate terminal 15b of the FET 15 and the control terminal 16.

[0040] Frame section 20 has fixing holes 39, which are used to fix the cover 12 to it. An end section 21A of the first conductive plate 17-1 and an end section 21B of the second conductive plate 17-2 project outwards from frame section 20. Cables or the like, not shown, are connected to end sections 21A and 21B. Control port 16

[0041] Fig. Figure 5 is a perspective view illustrating the control terminals 16 and part of the retaining element 14. As described above, the control terminals 16 have a curved shape and each comprises the first terminal body section 31, the contact point section 33, and the second terminal body section 32. In the present embodiment, the first terminal body section 31, the contact point section 33, and the second terminal body section 32 are formed by bending and forming a single metal component. That is, the first terminal body section 31 is formed by part of an elongated, plate-shaped metal component, the contact point section 33 is formed by another part of the metal component, and the second terminal body section 32 is formed by yet another part of the metal component that differs from the parts forming the first terminal body section 31 and the contact point section 33.

[0042] The first connection body section 31, the contact point section 33 and the second connection body section 32 each have a rectangular cross-section (see Fig. 6). Fig. Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view along line V in Fig. 5. As in Fig. As shown in Figure 5, the first terminal body section 31 is straight. The control terminal 16 is bent at a right angle between the first terminal body section 31 and the contact point section 33. The contact point section 33 extends from a base section 31a of the first terminal body section 31 and is straight. The control terminal 16 is bent at a right angle between the second terminal body section 32 and the contact point section 33. The contact point section 33 extends from a base section 32a of the second terminal body section 32 and is straight. The second terminal body section 32 is U-shaped. First connecting body section 31

[0043] The first connection body sections 31 are connected to the control board 13 (see Fig. 2 and Fig. 3) The front ends of the first terminal body sections 31 are inserted into the through holes 18 formed in the control board 13 and electrically connected to the conductor pattern 29 provided on the control board 13. As described above, the control circuit units 27 contained in the control board 13 output signals to the FETs 15 via the control terminals 16. The signals are output from the control board 13 to the first terminal body sections 31. The signals are transmitted from the first terminal body sections 31 via the contact sections 33 and the second terminal body sections 32 (see Fig. 5) transmitted to the gate terminals 15b of the FETs 15.

[0044] The first connection body sections 31 have the shape of an elongated plate. Each first connection body section 31 projects from a corresponding first embedding section 23, which is part of the retaining element 14. A portion of the first connection body section 31 projecting from the first embedding section 23 is completely exposed. That is, as shown in Fig. As shown in Figure 5, the first connection body section 31 has a first surface 41 on one side in the thickness direction of the first connection body section 31, which is exposed by the retaining element 14, and opposite the first surface 41, a second surface 42, which is also exposed by the retaining element 14. Furthermore, two side surfaces 43 of the first connection body section 31, which are arranged between the first surface 41 and the second surface 42, are also exposed. Before the control board 13 is connected to the first connection body section 31, the first connection body section 31 extends in a cantilevered manner from the first embedding section 23. Contact point section 33

[0045] The contact section 33 extends from the base section 31a of the first terminal body section 31, and the contact section 33 is formed integrally with the first terminal body section 31 and is electrically connected to it. The contact section 33 has the shape of an elongated plate. As shown in Fig. As shown in Figure 5, the contact section 33 is provided along the retaining element 14 and is exposed by part of the retaining element 14 (is not covered by the retaining element 14 in one section). The contact section 33 is provided along a thick section 50 of the retaining element 14.

[0046] As in Fig. 4 and Fig. As shown in Figure 5, the contact section 33 has a first exposed surface 34, which is exposed by the retaining element 14, and a contact surface 35, which is arranged opposite the first exposed surface 34. The first exposed surface 34 has an elongated shape. Specifically, the first exposed surface 34 has, for example, an elongated rectangular shape and has a first side 34a and a second side 34b, which is more than twice as long as the first side 34a. The contact surface 35 is in full contact with the retaining element 14 and is a non-exposed surface, not exposed by the retaining element 14. As described above, the retaining element 14 is manufactured by overmolding, which is carried out while the control ports 16 are placed in the mold 60 for injection molding (see Figure 5). Fig. 7) Therefore, the contact point section 33 is attached to a part of the retaining element 14 at the contact surface 35.

[0047] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 6, the contact section 33 has, in addition to the first exposed surface 34 and the contact surface 35, a first side surface 36 and a second side surface 37. The first side surface 36 is a surface located between the first exposed surface 34 and the contact surface 35. The second side surface 37 is a surface located opposite the first side surface 36 and between the first exposed surface 34 and the contact surface 35.

[0048] In the present embodiment, the first side surface 36 is covered by a first thin-film section 51 made of a plastic, and the second side surface 37 is covered by a second thin-film section 52, also made of a plastic. The first thin-film section 51 and the second thin-film section 52 form part of the retaining element 14. The first thin-film section 51 and the second thin-film section 52 are each layered plastic sections and are thinner than the thick section 50 against which the contact surface 35 rests. A first chamber K1 is formed laterally to the first side surface 36, which is covered by the first thin-film section 51. A second chamber K2 is formed laterally to the second side surface 37, which is covered by the second thin-film section 52.

[0049] A side surface 51a of the first thin-film section 51 is exposed in the first space K1. A side surface 52a of the second thin-film section 52 is exposed in the second space K2. The retaining element 14 has a first convex section 57 that protrudes from the thick section 50. The first convex section 57 and the contact section 33 are located at different positions. The space formed between the first convex section 57 and the contact section 33 (a first thin section 51) serves as the first space K1. The retaining element 14 has a second convex section 58 that protrudes from the thick section 50. The second convex section 58 and the contact section 33 are located at different positions. The space formed between the second bulging section 58 and the contact point section 33 (a second thin section 52) serves as the second space K2. Second connection body section 32

[0050] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 5, the second terminal body section 32 is provided such that it is continuous with the contact point section 33. The second terminal body section 32 has the shape of a curved, elongated plate (a U-shaped shape). The base section 32a of the second terminal body section 32 is continuous with the contact point section 33, and the second terminal body section 32 is electrically connected to the contact point section 33. The second contact point section 32 has a first region 46 that is continuous with the contact point section 33, a second region 47 that is spaced apart from and parallel to the first region 46, and an intermediate region 48 that connects the first region 46 and the second region 47. The second region 47 is exposed by the retaining element 14, and the intermediate region 48 has a surface that is exposed by the retaining element 14.

[0051] The gate terminal 15b of the FET 15 is connected to the intermediate section 48 using solder or the like. Therefore, the second terminal body section 32 is mechanically and electrically connected to the FET 15. The second terminal body section 32 has, in its intermediate section 48, a terminal surface 45 exposed by the retaining element 14, and a second exposed surface 44 located opposite the terminal surface 45 and also exposed by the retaining element 14. The FET 15 (gate terminal 15b) is connected to the terminal surface 45. Retaining element 14

[0052] Fig. Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view illustrating part of the mold 60 for forming the plastic retaining element 14. With the in Fig. The section of mold 60 shown in section 7 is the one in Fig. The cross-sectional structure of the circuit arrangement 11 shown in Figure 6 is obtained. In the circuit arrangement 11 of the present embodiment, the control terminals 16 and the conductive plates 17 serve as inserts that form a single piece with the plastic retaining element 14. During the molding of the retaining element 14, a cavity 60a formed within the mold 60 is filled with molten plastic. The molten plastic also fills the area surrounding the control terminals 16. During this molding process, the contact surface 35 of the contact section 33, which is contained in the control terminal 16, is in contact with the retaining element 14 (see Figure 6). Fig. 6) and the contact point section 33 is formed as a single piece (one-piece) with the retaining element 14. In the cavity 60a, the molten plastic also fills the area surrounding the conductive plates 17. This brings the conductive plates 17 into contact with the retaining element 14 (see Fig. 6) and are formed as a single piece with the retaining element 14.

[0053] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 7, the exposed surface 34 of the contact section 33 is in contact with the mold 60 during molding and is completed when the metal component is separated from the mold 60 during the removal of the mold 60. The mold 60 is provided with projections 61 on both sides of the contact section 33. These projections 61 allow for the removal of the metal component after molding (see Figure 7). Fig. 6) The first chamber K1 is formed laterally to the first side surface 36 of the contact point section 33, and the second chamber K2 is formed laterally to the second side surface 37. The projections 61 are sections that form the mold 60.

[0054] The cross-sectional shape of the first chamber K1 and the second chamber K2 corresponds to the cross-sectional shape of the projections 61. Since the mold 60 is provided with the projections 61 on both sides of the contact point section 33, it is unlikely that molten plastic will penetrate the space between the section serving as the exposed surface 34 and the mold 60. That is, the molten plastic flows through and fills the cavity 60a, with the projections 61 acting as barriers to conceal the contact point section 33 and making it unlikely that the plastic flow will affect the contact point section 33.

[0055] Therefore, during the forming of the retaining element 14, a situation can be avoided in which the control terminals 16, which have the contact point section 33, move or deform due to the injection pressure of a molten plastic in the cavity 60a. As a result, it can be prevented that the control terminals 16 (the contact point section 33) and the conductive plates 17 come into contact with each other (are short-circuited).

[0056] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 6, the retaining element 14, after molding, comprises a thick plastic section 50, which is in contact with the contact surfaces 35 of the contact point sections 33, a first thin-film plastic section 51, which covers the first side surfaces 36, and a second thin-film plastic section 52, which covers the second side surfaces 37. The first thin-film section 51 and the second thin-film section 52 are sufficiently thinner than the thick section 50. The side surface 51a of the first thin-film section 51 is exposed in the first space K1. The side surface 52a of the second thin-film section 52 is exposed in the second space K2. The contact point section 33 has a configuration in which, in addition to the contact surface 35, the first side surface 36 and the second side surface 37 are also attached to the plastic retaining element 14.As a result, it is unlikely that the control terminals 16, which have the contact point section 33, will detach from the retaining element 14.

[0057] As described above (see Fig. 7) The mold 60 for forming the retaining element 14 is provided with the two projections 61. A section (contact point section 33) of the control connector 16 is arranged between these projections 61. A manufacturing defect can occur if the first distance L1 between the two projections 61 and the second distance L2 between the first side surface 36 and the second side surface 37 of the control connector 16 are not sufficiently large. To ensure that the contact point section 33 fits between the two projections 61, the first distance L1 is preferably chosen to be slightly larger than the second distance L2. As a result, small gaps e are formed between the contact point section 33 and the respective projection 61. Molten plastic can flow into these small gaps e.

[0058] However, the small gaps e are narrow, and it is unlikely that the molten plastic will penetrate them. Therefore, it is unlikely that the molten plastic will penetrate through the small gaps e into the space between the mold 60 and the first exposed surface 34 of the contact section 33. It is noted that if any molten plastic that could penetrate the small gaps e were to cure, the cured section would serve as the first thin-film section 51 and the second thin-film section 52.

[0059] The size of the small gaps e is preferably chosen to be such that it is unlikely molten plastic will penetrate them. The corners (edges) 38 of the contact section 33, which are formed between the first exposed surface 34 and the first side surface 36 (or the second side surface 37), are thus exposed. The corners 38 are preferably not covered by the first thin-film section 51 or the second thin-film section 52. When using the thick section 50 as a reference level, the first thin-film section 51 and the second thin-film section 52 are lower than the first exposed surface 34.

[0060] As in Fig. 4 and Fig. As shown in Figure 5, the first curved section 25, which is arranged between the first terminal body section 31 and the contact point section 33, is embedded in the first embedding section 23, which is made of a plastic. The first embedding section 23 is part of the retaining element 14. That is, the retaining element 14 has the first embedding section 23 in which a first boundary region J1 of the control terminal 16 between the first terminal body section 31 and the contact point section 33 is embedded. Part of the contact point section 33 and a large part of the first terminal body section 31 are exposed by the retaining element 14, but the first embedding section 23 prevents the first terminal body section 31 from lifting upwards from the retaining element 14.

[0061] A second curved section 26, arranged between the second terminal body section 32 and the contact point section 33, is embedded in a second embedding section 24 made of plastic. The second embedding section 24 is another part of the retaining element 14. That is, the retaining element 14 has the second embedding section 24 in which a second boundary region J2 of the control connection 16 between the contact point section 33 and the second terminal body section 32 is embedded. The second embedding section 24 prevents the second terminal body section 32 and the contact point section 33 from lifting upwards from the retaining element 14.

[0062] The first space K1 and the second space K2 are formed in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the contact point section 33 by the first thin-film section 51 and the second thin-film section 52 on both sides of the contact point section 33 (see Fig. 6). That is, the retaining element 14 is not present on either side of the contact section 33. In contrast, the first embedding section 23, as in Fig. The first embedding section 31 is provided on the longitudinal side of the contact section 33 where the first connection body section 31 is located, and it is embedded in plastic. The second embedding section 24 is provided on the longitudinal side of the contact section 33 where the second connection body section 32 is located, and it is embedded in plastic.

[0063] The second curved section 26 between the contact point section 33 and the second terminal body section 32 is embedded in the second embedding section 24. The second embedding section 24 has a plastic surface 54 that is coplanar with (forms the same plane with) the first exposed surface 34 of the contact point section 33. Since the first exposed surface 34 of the contact point section 33 and the plastic surface 54 of the second embedding section 24 are coplanar, molding using the mold 60 (see Fig. 8) in the section of the retaining element 14 that covers the section (base section 32a) between the contact point section 33 and the second connecting body section 32, simple. In addition, the design of the mold 60 is simplified.

[0064] Two surfaces of the intermediate area 48, which is a central section of the second connection body section 32, are exposed by the retaining element 14. That is, the second connection body section 32 has in the intermediate area 48 a connection surface 45, which is exposed by the retaining element 14 and connected to the FET 15, and a second exposed surface 44, which is arranged opposite the connection surface 45 and is exposed by the retaining element 14.

[0065] Fig. Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view illustrating an aspect in which the retaining element 14 is formed with the control connection 16 serving as an insert. Fig. Figure 8 shows the second connection body section 32 of the control port 16 and its surroundings, as well as the mold 60. As described above, the retaining element 14 is made of a plastic and is formed by injection molding using the mold 60. A metal component, which is to serve as the second connection body section 32, only needs to be partially brought into contact with the mold 60 and positioned. As shown in Fig. As shown in Figure 8, the mold 60 is brought into contact with a section 32b of the second connecting body section 32 such that the section 32b is enclosed on two sides by the mold 60. The contact surface 45 and the second exposed surface 44 are formed on the sections of the second connecting body section 32 with which the mold 60 is in contact.

[0066] By bringing a first section 60b and a second section 60c of the mold 60 into contact with the subsection 32b of the second connection body section 32 from both sides in this manner, the positioning accuracy of the second connection body section 32, in particular the connection surface 45, is improved. As a result, connection errors between the connection surface 45 and the FET 15 (gate connection 15b) are prevented.

[0067] Electrical Testing of Electronic Components (FETs) 15 During the manufacturing process of the circuit arrangement 11, electrical tests are performed to determine whether there are any connection faults in the FETs 15. In the case of the circuit arrangement 11 of the present embodiment, as described in Fig. As shown in Figure 3, the contact sections 33, which are contained in the control terminals 16, are housed in the receiving space 30 of the retaining element 14; however, before the control board 13 is connected to the control terminals 16, the contact sections 33 are exposed. Therefore, before connecting the control board 13 to the control terminals 16, an electrical test is performed for each of the several FETs 15, for which a probe of a tester (not shown) is brought into contact with the respective contact sections 33.

[0068] For this reason, each of the control terminals 16 has the contact section 33 and the second terminal body section 32, which is electrically connected to the contact section 33 and the corresponding FET 15. The contact sections 33 are provided along the plastic retaining element 14 and are exposed by a portion of the retaining element 14. By bringing the probe of the tester into contact with the contact sections 33, the electrical tests for the multiple FETs 15 can be performed. Therefore, the control board 13 does not require any test circuit components 99 (see Fig. 9) as they are conventionally provided. As a result of eliminating such test circuit components 99, both a cost reduction of the circuit arrangement 11 and a miniaturization of the control board 13 can be achieved.

[0069] In the present embodiment, the first connecting body section 31 (see Fig. 4) the first surface 41, which is exposed by the retaining element 14, and the second surface 42, which is located opposite the first surface 41 and is exposed by the retaining element 14. The first terminal body section 31 has the shape of a thin, elongated plate, and both the first surface 41 and the second surface 42 are exposed by the retaining element 14. Accordingly, the first terminal body section 31 can deform if the probe of the tester is brought into contact with the first surface 41 or the second surface 42. If the first terminal body section 31 has been deformed, the connection to the control board 13 may fail.

[0070] In contrast, the contact section 33 has the first exposed surface 34, which is exposed by the retaining element 14, and the contact surface 35, which is located opposite the first exposed surface 34 and in contact with the retaining element 14. Since the surface located opposite the first exposed surface 34 (contact surface 35) of the contact section 33 is in contact with the retaining element 14, the force exerted by the contact when the probe of the tester is brought into contact with the first exposed surface 34 is absorbed by the retaining element 14, thus preventing the contact section 33 from deforming.

[0071] It is sufficient to bring the probe of the tester into contact with a target area Q (see Fig. 5) to bring the probe to the first exposed surface 34 of the contact section 33, which is located away from the first connecting body section 31, so that the probe does not interfere with the first connecting body section 31. The first exposed surface 34 of the contact section 33 has an elongated shape that includes not only the target area Q itself, but also a section containing this target area Q. For example, the first exposed surface 34 of the contact section 33 has a second side 34b that is more than three times as long as the first side 34a.

[0072] The reason for this is that the retaining element 14 is made of a plastic and, as with reference to Fig. As described in Figure 7, the component is formed by injection molding using the mold 60, and a portion of metallic material, intended to serve as the contact section 33, is brought into contact with the mold 60, with the contact portion serving as the first exposed surface 34. That is, when the metal component is brought into contact with the mold 60, the longer the contact portion, the more reliably the metal component is positioned. By orienting the first exposed surface 34 of the contact section 33 as elongated, the contact area between the metal component and the mold 60 increases, and the metal component becomes more stable, thus preventing the occurrence of defective products. Further details

[0073] In the present embodiment, the first terminal body section 31, the contact point section 33, and the second terminal body section 32 for each control terminal 16 are formed by bending and forming a single metal component. Therefore, the first terminal body section 31, the contact point section 33, and the second terminal body section 32 do not need to be joined together. It should be noted that the first terminal body section 31, the contact point section 33, and / or the second terminal body section 32 can also be separate elements, and that the control terminals 16 can have a configuration in which these sections are joined by welding or the like.

[0074] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 4, the contact section 33 is provided along the retaining element 14 and its contact surface 35 is completely in contact with the retaining element 14. As a further embodiment, part of the contact surface 35 can be exposed by the retaining element 14.

[0075] Although the case described is one in which the first exposed surface 34 of the contact section 33 has an elongated, rectangular shape, the first exposed surface 34 can also have a different shape, such as a circular or an oval shape.

[0076] In the present embodiment (see Fig.6) The first side surface 36 of the contact point section 33 is covered by the first thin-film section 51, which is made of a plastic, and the second side surface 37 is covered by a second thin-film section 52, which is made of a plastic. As a variation, the first thin-film section 51 and / or the second thin-film section 52 can be omitted.

[0077] The first space K1 and the second space K2, which are formed laterally on the side of the first side surface 36 and the second side surface 37 of the contact point section 33 respectively, can have a different shape (cross-sectional shape) than the one shown.

[0078] The electronic components 15 (first electronic components 15) can be components other than field-effect transistors, for example, mechanical relays. In this case as well, once the circuit arrangement 11 is completed, the electronic components 15 and the control board 13 are electrically connected, and the control board 13 outputs signals to the electronic components 15 via the control terminals 16, based on which the electronic components 15 are operated. It should be noted that the electrical tests are carried out before connecting the control board 13.

[0079] The embodiments described above are in every respect examples and are not limiting. The claimed scope of protection of the present invention is not defined by the above embodiments, but by the claims and includes all modifications within the scope equivalent to that of the claims. REFERENCE MARK LIST 10 electrical distribution boxes 11 Circuit arrangement 12 Cover 13 Control board 13a first area 14 retaining element 15 electronic components 15a Source connection 15c Drain connection 15b Gate connector 16 control connection 17 conductive plates 17-1 first conductive plate 17-2 second conductive plate 17-3 third conductive plate 18 through hole 19 Basic section 20 Framework section 21A End section 21B End section 22 Main Section 23 first embedding section 24 second embedding section 25 first curved section 26 second curved section 27 Control circuit unit 28 Opening 29 conductor track patterns 30 Recording room 31 first connection body section 31a Basic section 32 second connection body section 32a Basic section 32b Subsection 33 Contact point section 34 first exposed area 34a first page 34b second page 35 contact area 36 first side surface 37 second side surface 38 Corner 39 fixing hole 41 first area 42 second area 43 side surface 44 second exposed area 45 connection area 46 first area 47 second area 50 thick section 51 first thin-film section 51a Side surface 52 second thin-film section 52a Side surface 54 plastic surface 57 first section of the arch 58 second arch section 60 molds 60a Cavity 60b first section 60c second section 61 lead J1 first border area J2 second border area K1 first room K2 second room L1 first distance L2 second distance

Claims

[1] Circuit arrangement (11) comprising: several electronic components (15); several control terminals (16), each of the several control terminals (16) being connected to a corresponding one of the several electronic components (15); and a retaining element (14) which has insulating properties and holds the multiple control terminals (16), wherein the control connections (16) serve as insert parts which are formed in one piece with the retaining element (14) made of a plastic, each of the control terminals (16) has: in a subsection of the control terminal (16), an exposed surface (34) that is exposed by the retaining element (14); a contact surface (35) which is arranged opposite the exposed surface (34) and is in contact with the retaining element (14); a first side surface (36) arranged between the exposed surface (34) and the contact surface (35); and a second side surface (37) which is arranged between the exposed surface (34) and the contact surface (35), and a first space (K1) formed laterally to the first side surface (36), and a second space (K2) formed laterally to the second side surface (37), wherein the circuit arrangement (11) further comprises: a control board (13) which is configured to output signals to the electronic components (15) via the control terminals (16), each of the control connections (16) has: a first terminal body section (31) which is connected to the control board (13); and a contact point section (33) which is electrically connected to the first terminal body section (31), is provided along the retaining element (14) and has the exposed surface (34) and the contact surface (35), wherein the contact point section (33) serves as the subsection; and Each of the control terminals (16) further features: a second terminal body section (32) which is electrically connected to the contact point section (33) and the corresponding electronic component (15). [2] Circuit arrangement (11) according to claim 1, wherein the retaining element (14) comprises: a thick section (50) which is in contact with the contact surface (35); a first thin-film section (51) which is made of a plastic and covers the first side surface (36); and a second thin-film section (52) which is made of a plastic and covers the second side surface (37), a side surface (51a) of the first thin-film section (51) is exposed in the first space (K1), and a side surface (52a) of the second thin-film section (52) is exposed in the second space (K2). [3] Circuit arrangement (11) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the contact point section (33) extends from a base section (31a) of the first connecting body section (31) and the retaining element (14) has a first embedding section (23) in which a boundary area between the first connection body section (31) and the contact point section (33) of the control connection (16) is embedded. [4] Circuit arrangement (11) according to one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the contact point section (33) extends from a base section (32a) of the second connecting body section (32), the retaining element (14) has a second embedding section (24) in which a boundary area between the contact point section (33) and the second connection body section (32) is embedded, and the second embedding section (24) has a plastic surface (54) which is connected to the exposed surface (34) of the contact section (33) is coplanar. [5] Circuit arrangement (11) according to one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the second connection body section (32) comprises: a connection surface (45) which is exposed by the retaining element (14) and is connected to the corresponding electronic component (15); and a second free surface (44) which is arranged opposite the connection surface (45) and is exposed by the retaining element (14). [6] Circuit arrangement (11) comprising: several electronic components (15); several control terminals (16), each of the several control terminals (16) being connected to a corresponding one of the several electronic components (15); and a retaining element (14) which has insulating properties and holds the multiple control terminals (16), wherein the control connections (16) serve as insert parts which are formed in one piece with the retaining element (14) made of a plastic, each of the control terminals (16) has: in a subsection of the control terminal (16), an exposed surface (34) that is exposed by the retaining element (14); a contact surface (35) which is arranged opposite the exposed surface (34) and is in contact with the retaining element (14); a first side surface (36) arranged between the exposed surface (34) and the contact surface (35); and a second side surface (37) which is arranged between the exposed surface (34) and the contact surface (35), and a first space (K1) formed laterally to the first side surface (36), and a second space (K2) formed laterally to the second side surface (37), wherein the retaining element (14) has: a thick section (50) which is in contact with the contact surface (35); wherein the retaining element (14) further comprises: a first thin-film section (51) made of a plastic and covering the first side surface (36); and a second thin-film section (52) made of a plastic and covering the second side surface (37), wherein a side surface (51a) of the first thin-film section (51) is exposed in the first space (K1), and a side surface (52a) of the second thin-film section (52) is exposed in the second space (K2). [7] Electrical distribution (10), comprising: the circuit arrangement (11) according to any one of claims 1 to 6; and a cover (12) that covers the circuit arrangement (11).

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