Enclosure for a functional group sealed with a potting compound, and functional group with an enclosure

Abstract

An enclosure (100) for a functional group sealed with a potting compound, comprising the enclosure (100): a recess (110) designed to accommodate the functional group, wherein the housing (100) together with the accommodated functional group forms a cavity (120) within the housing (100), and wherein the cavity (120) is designed to be filled with a casting compound to create a seal between the functional group and the housing (100), a sprue opening (130) designed to direct the casting compound into the cavity (120) when filling the cavity (120), and at least one overflow chamber (150) connected to the cavity (120) and designed to receive excess potting compound that occurs when the cavity (120) is filled with the potting compound, wherein the housing (100) has an attachment (160) which is arranged on an outside of the housing (100), wherein the attachment (160) surrounds the sprue opening (130), wherein a sprue channel (163) of the attachment (160) is connected to the sprue opening 130, and wherein the overflow chamber (150) is formed at least partially inside the attachment (160).

Description

Technical field

[0001] The present invention relates to an enclosure for a functional group sealed with a potting compound. The invention also relates to a functional group with a corresponding enclosure. State of the art

[0002] When filling or re-molding a functional assembly, which is particularly common in high-voltage connectors, unwanted overflow of the potting compound, such as a polyurethane (PU) potting compound, typically occurs at the sprue and vent openings. This overflow should be removed immediately to prevent contamination of the product, the production area, and any tools. The surrounding material thickness of a housing, usually only a few millimeters, does not provide enough space for a sufficiently large sprue and vent area. For a variety of reasons, a sufficiently large sprue and vent area is essential for creating a functional seal using a potting compound.During filling, the potting compound shrinks in volume during the cooling and curing phase. Therefore, sufficient material must be continuously added or allowed to settle from a reservoir. Overflowing material at the vent holes indicates complete filling and proper sealing. This overflow primarily occurs at the vent holes but can also appear at the gate holes. Depending on variations in the potting compound or component dimensions and the cavity volume being filled, the amount of overflow can fluctuate during production. For example, soft components like sealing lips can move during filling, resulting in a so-called "breathing" filling zone with volume changes.Furthermore, sufficient material must be conveyed through the channel so that air bubbles are carried out of the component and forced out, and can be discharged via the vent openings.

[0003] The Abox XT junction box from els spelsberg is a known product (product information els spelsberg: Abox XT junction boxes, complete catalog 2018, Günther Spelsberg GmbH + Co. KG, Im Gewerbepark 1, 58579 Schalksmühle, pp. 44-47, 2018 in conjunction with the associated Abox XT installation instructions and technical drawing of the mounting spigot, as well as the video "Workshop Abox XT SL / / Correctly potting waterproof junction boxes", published September 11, 2020 (https: / / www.youtube.com / watch?v=GtooRP7xaQU)). The junction box can be potted with a casting resin to ensure a watertight outdoor installation.

[0004] From WO 2018 / 001611 A1, a control unit is known which is formed by a housing for a functional group sealed with a potting compound.

[0005] The inventors of the present invention discovered that a sufficiently large gating and venting area, essential for potting to produce a sealed functional assembly, can advantageously be integrated directly into the product itself. This eliminates the need for separate potting tools and enables streamlined and cost-effective manufacturing of potted functional assemblies.

[0006] Therefore, there is a need for an improved enclosure for a functional group sealed with a potting compound, which enables a streamlined and cost-saving potting process in which there is no unwanted leakage of the potting compound from the component. Description of the invention

[0007] One object of the invention is therefore to provide an improved enclosure for a functional group sealed with a potting compound, which enables a simplified potting process without unwanted material overflow.

[0008] The problem is solved by the subject matter of independent claims 1 and 9. Advantageous embodiments of the invention are described in dependent claims 2 to 8, the description, and the accompanying documents. Fig. Numbers 1 to 6 are given.

[0009] The described embodiments apply equally to the housing for a functional group sealed with a potting compound, as well as to the functional group with a corresponding housing. Synergistic effects can arise from various combinations of the embodiments, even if they are not described in detail.

[0010] Furthermore, it should be noted that all embodiments of the present invention relating to a method can be carried out in the described sequence of steps. However, this need not be the only possible and necessary sequence of steps of the method. The methods described herein can be carried out in a different sequence of disclosed steps without deviating from the corresponding embodiment of the method, unless expressly stated otherwise below.

[0011] According to a first aspect of the invention, an enclosure for a functional group sealed with a potting compound is proposed. The enclosure has a recess designed to receive the functional group, wherein the enclosure and the received functional group form a cavity within the enclosure, and wherein the cavity is designed to be filled with a potting compound to create a seal between the functional group and the enclosure. Furthermore, the enclosure has a sprue opening designed to direct the potting compound into the cavity during filling, and at least one overflow chamber connected to the cavity, designed to collect any excess potting compound that occurs during filling.

[0012] The functional assembly can be, for example, a connector for a high-voltage device, such as an HV multi-rail. Within a housing, a single or multi-part seal consisting of several components, as well as strain relief, can be located. In particular, an HV double rail can be sealed by a functional assembly in which soft sealing lips are held in position by harder plastic components. For a complete, permanent seal, a cavity located between two sealing lips can be filled with a potting compound. The cavity is then bounded externally by a housing that is slid over the functional assembly. The housing or enclosure has at least one opening.Advantageously, the housing can also have two openings. The first opening, the sprue, allows the casting compound to be poured into the cavity, while the second opening, the vent, allows air and casting compound within the cavity to escape, ensuring complete filling. The openings can be shaped, for example, cylindrical, conical, funnel-shaped, fan-shaped, or beam-like. Combinations of these shapes are also possible. The overflow chamber can advantageously be designed as a widening of a filling channel through the sprue. Alternatively, it is also possible for the filling and venting of the housing cavity to occur simultaneously through a single opening during the casting process.This combined opening can be sufficiently dimensioned in cross-section so that filling can be carried out, for example, by a hollow needle inserted into the opening, while venting can occur at the edge of the opening next to the needle. According to the present invention, the gating and / or venting area is designed to be sufficiently dimensioned so that there is enough space to collect and retain the escaping potting compound. The potting material preferably remains at least partially on the product or on or in the housing, and not as waste on a mold or residue as contaminant. This can be achieved by extending and / or enlarging the gating and venting areas, which can be realized, for example, by means of one- or multi-part attachments. These attachments can be directly molded or injection-molded onto a housing or enclosure.The housing can be retrofitted. It can also be manufactured in one piece or in multiple pieces, for example by injection molding or extrusion, including the inventive venting area and gating area, or the overflow chamber. Advantageously, at least portions of the attachment or cover can be removed from the housing after the potting process. A housing according to the invention can incorporate one or more overflow areas or reservoirs, which are interconnected to form the overflow chamber. Optionally, a drip-proof cover can be provided to prevent the ingress of liquid media during subsequent use of the component. Compared to previous manufacturing methods for potted housings, separate filling tools can thus be dispensed with, and a leaner and less complex manufacturing process can be achieved.It is also possible to use the enclosure according to the invention and the associated functional group in a high-temperature range up to 200°C.

[0013] In one embodiment of the invention, the housing has a constant wall thickness along a circumferential direction. Preferably, the wall thickness of the housing is constant and may only deviate from the uniform wall thickness in the area of ​​the gate opening by attaching a cover or a cap. The wall thickness may also vary in the area of ​​the overflow chamber or in the venting area. Preferably, the housing is made of polyamide.

[0014] In one embodiment of the invention, the housing has a vent opening designed to vent the cavity when it is filled with the casting compound. This vent opening can be located separately next to the sprue opening.

[0015] In one embodiment of the invention, the sprue and vent openings are arranged on one side of the housing such that they point in the same direction, and / or the overflow height of the sprue differs from the overflow height of the vent. This allows a cover or cap to be advantageously placed over both openings. This arrangement of the openings on the same side, which can be straight or curved, also allows the housing to be oriented so that both openings point upwards during filling. An offset arrangement of the sprue and vent openings is also possible. Filling with potting compound can be vertical or at an angle to the vertical.A particularly advantageous method is to introduce the potting compound into the cavity with reduced overflow, bubbles, and turbulence using a discharge unit, such as a hollow needle, immersed in a filling channel or through the sprue opening, and allowing the discharge unit to be moved during the filling process. The component's filling position can differ from its curing position. A filling channel can also be asymmetrically designed. This allows the component to be potted while gravity prevents the potting compound from overflowing the openings and / or the overflow chamber. The overflow level can be understood as the fill level of the respective opening, above which the potting compound overflows the edge of the opening or the overflow chamber. For example, the overflow level of the sprue opening can be higher than that of the vent opening, or vice versa.

[0016] In one embodiment of the invention, the overflow chamber is arranged on an inner side of the housing, and / or the overflow chamber is arranged on an outer side of the housing. The overflow chamber can be located inside the housing, so that during potting, the cavity is filled with potting compound until a seal is achieved. With further addition of potting compound, the overflow chamber can then at least partially fill the chamber, so that the potting compound is retained by the housing within the overflow chamber and prevented from escaping uncontrollably. Alternatively or additionally, an overflow chamber can be located on the outer side of the housing, so that the overflow chamber is connected to the cavity via the sprue opening and the vent opening. Preferably, a first overflow chamber is located inside the housing, and a second overflow chamber is located on the outer side of the housing or enclosure.The overflow chambers can, for example, have the shape of a plate or a rib. Combinations of one or more overflow chambers with connecting vent openings can also be provided.

[0017] The housing has an extension arranged on its outer surface, the extension surrounding the gate opening, a sprue channel of the extension being connected to the gate opening, and the overflow chamber being at least partially formed within the extension. Preferably, the extension is mounted on the outer surface of the housing above the gate or vent opening. The extension can be designed to provide the space for the overflow chamber either on its own or in conjunction with the housing. The extension, or multiple attached extensions, are designed and joined to each other and to the housing in such a way that there are no leaks between the extension and the housing through which potting compound could escape to the environment. The sprue channel can serve as an extension of the pouring or vent opening and thus be in contact with it.This channel can connect different overflow chambers. The volume of the channel or the gate opening itself can also serve as part of the overflow chamber.

[0018] In one embodiment of the invention, the housing has a cover designed to close the sprue opening and / or the vent opening. This cover can also prevent potting compound from escaping the component. Preferably, the cover is fitted after the potting process is complete, so that it can ensure the potting compound is securely contained during the curing process. The cover may have a hole through which any gas that may be generated during the curing of the potting compound can escape.

[0019] In one embodiment of the invention, the cover has an optically transparent area. The cover can be designed to be transparent or see-through, so that overflow material or overflowing potting compound is visible, but cannot overflow and run out of the housing.

[0020] In one embodiment of the invention, an absorbent material is arranged in the overflow chamber, designed to absorb the excess potting compound. This optional integration of absorbent material in the overflow area can additionally prevent excess overflow material from spilling over.

[0021] In one embodiment of the invention, the attachment and / or the cover are designed to serve as a positioning aid, assembly aid, guide, sliding aid, damping element, stop surface, and / or bearing surface for a component such as a slider that is slidably or movable on the housing. This slider can be part of a closure, shield, or seal and can be attached to the housing in such a way that it can be slid on it. An outer surface of the attachment or the cover can be in contact with a surface of the slider and serve as a mechanical stop or guide surface. Additionally or alternatively, the slider can perform the function of a cover, or at least the partial function of a cover or an additional cover.

[0022] In one embodiment of the invention, the overflow chamber has a roughened surface. This reduces surface wetting and thus unwanted flow of the potting compound. Furthermore, the rough surface increases the adhesion area and improves the retention of the potting compound in the overflow chamber.

[0023] According to another aspect of the invention, a functional group with an enclosure according to one of the previous embodiments is proposed.

[0024] Therefore, the advantages offered by one of the above-mentioned aspects apply equally to all other aspects and vice versa.

[0025] The invention essentially relates to an enclosure for a functional assembly sealed with a potting compound. The enclosure has a recess designed to receive the functional assembly, the enclosure and the enclosed functional assembly forming a cavity within the enclosure. This cavity is designed to be filled with a potting compound to create a seal between the functional assembly and the enclosure. Furthermore, the enclosure has a sprue opening designed to direct the potting compound into the cavity during filling, and at least one overflow chamber connected to the cavity, designed to collect any excess potting compound that occurs during filling.

[0026] Further features, advantages and possible applications of the invention will become apparent from the following description of advantageous embodiments and the accompanying figures. Brief character description

[0027] An advantageous embodiment of the invention is explained below with reference to the accompanying figures. Fig. Figure 1 shows a schematic representation of an enclosure for a functional group sealed with a potting compound according to an embodiment of the invention. Fig. Figure 2 shows a schematic representation of an enclosure for a functional group sealed with a potting compound and with a cover according to a further embodiment of the invention. Fig. Figure 3 shows a schematic representation of an enclosure for a functional group sealed with a potting compound, comprising an attachment and a cover according to a further embodiment of the invention. Fig. Figure 4 shows a schematic representation of an enclosure for a functional group sealed with a potting compound and with a cover according to a further embodiment of the invention. Fig. Figure 5 shows a sectional view through an enclosure for a functional group sealed with a potting compound according to a further embodiment of the invention. Fig. Figure 6 shows a top view of an enclosure for a functional group sealed with a potting compound according to a further embodiment of the invention.

[0028] The figures are merely schematic representations and serve only to illustrate the invention. Identical or equivalent elements are consistently identified by the same reference numerals. Detailed description

[0029] Fig. Figure 1 shows a schematic representation of an enclosure 100 for a functional group sealed with a potting compound according to an embodiment of the invention. The enclosure 100, which can have the form and function of a housing, has a recess 110 for receiving a functional group. Together with the functional group, the enclosure forms a cavity 120 within the recess 110 of the enclosure 100, which is to be filled with a potting compound. Furthermore, an overflow chamber 150 is arranged on the enclosure 100, in the volume of which excess potting compound can be collected so that it does not escape on an outside of the enclosure 100 and soil or contaminate it. A sprue opening 130 serves to fill the cavity 120 with the potting compound, while the vent opening 140 allows the cavity 120 to be vented to ensure complete filling of the cavity 120 with potting compound.

[0030] Fig. Figure 2 shows a schematic representation of an enclosure 100 for a functional group sealed with a potting compound, with a cover 170 according to a further embodiment of the invention. The cover 170 is preferably attached to the outside of the enclosure 100 such that it covers the gate opening 130 and the vent opening 140. Simultaneously, the cover 170 can form a further cavity 150 between the cover 170 and the gate opening 130 and the vent opening. The two cavities 150 can be in contact with each other via the two openings 130 and 140. Preferably, the cover 170 has an optically transparent area 171 through which the fill level of the cavity 150 can be read.

[0031] Fig. Figure 3 shows a schematic representation of an enclosure 100 for a functional group sealed with a potting compound, comprising an attachment 160 and a cover 170 according to a further embodiment of the invention. In this embodiment, an attachment 160 is attached to the enclosure 100 or forms part of it. The attachment 160 can have a sprue 163 and a vent 164, which are in contact with the sprue opening 130 and the vent opening 140, respectively, so that the potting compound can pass through them and be introduced into the cavity 120. In this embodiment, the enclosure 100 can have several cavities 150, which are interconnected and can receive the excess potting compound. Furthermore, a cover 170 can be attached to the attachment 160.

[0032] Fig. Figure 4 shows a schematic representation of an enclosure 100 for a functional group sealed with a potting compound, with a cover 170 according to a further embodiment of the invention. Here, the sprue opening 130 and the vent opening 140 are designed with an increased longitudinal extent, so that the two openings, together with the overflow chamber 150, can collect the excess potting compound and prevent it from escaping.

[0033] Fig. Figure 5 shows a sectional view through an enclosure 100 for a functional group sealed with a potting compound according to a further embodiment of the invention. A double rail 190 is located in the recess 110 of the enclosure 100. The cavity 120 surrounding the double rail is to be filled with a potting compound. For this purpose, a sprue opening 130 is located in the enclosure 100. An extension 160 surrounding and projecting beyond the sprue opening 130 forms an upwardly open overflow chamber 150 inside it, which is designed to collect excess potting compound that overflows when the cavity is filled. In the embodiment of the invention shown, the overflow chamber 150 is formed by a widening of the sprue channel within the extension 160. Figure 5 further shows... Fig. 5. A sliding door 180, which is movably mounted on the housing 100, and whose range of movement is limited by the attachment 160, in that it is in contact with an outer surface of the attachment 160 in at least one position. The sliding door 180 can also function as a cover for the opening, or at least as part of a cover or as an additional cover.

[0034] Fig. Figure 6 shows a top view of an enclosure 100 for a functional group sealed with a potting compound according to a further embodiment of the invention. The double rail 190 runs into the enclosure 100 and is sealed against the enclosure there by the potting compound. The potting compound can be poured in through the sprue opening 130, with an extension 160 surrounding the sprue opening 130 and forming an overflow area or overflow chamber 150 for collecting the potting compound exiting the sprue opening 130.

[0035] Although the invention is illustrated and described in detail in the drawings and the preceding description, these drawings and descriptions are to be understood as illustrative or exemplary and not as limiting. The invention is not limited to the disclosed embodiments. Other variations of the disclosed embodiments can be understood and carried out by those skilled in the art carrying out the claimed invention with reference to the drawings, the disclosure, and the dependent claims.

[0036] It should also be noted that "comprehensive" does not exclude any other elements or steps, and "a" or "an" does not exclude a plurality. Furthermore, it should be noted that features or steps described with reference to one of the above embodiments may also be used in combination with other features or steps from other embodiments described above. Reference numerals in the claims are not to be considered as limitations. REFERENCE MARK LIST 100 enclosures 110 recess 120 cavity 130 Gate opening 140 vent opening 150 overflow chamber 160 essay 163 Gate channel 164 Ventilation duct 170 Coverage 171 optically transparent area 180 sliders 190 double rail

Claims

[1] An enclosure (100) for a functional group sealed with a potting compound, comprising the enclosure (100): a recess (110) designed to accommodate the functional group, wherein the housing (100) together with the accommodated functional group forms a cavity (120) within the housing (100), and wherein the cavity (120) is designed to be filled with a casting compound to create a seal between the functional group and the housing (100), a sprue opening (130) designed to direct the casting compound into the cavity (120) when filling the cavity (120), and at least one overflow chamber (150) connected to the cavity (120) and designed to receive excess potting compound that occurs when the cavity (120) is filled with the potting compound, wherein the housing (100) has an attachment (160) which is arranged on an outside of the housing (100), wherein the attachment (160) surrounds the sprue opening (130), wherein a sprue channel (163) of the attachment (160) is connected to the sprue opening 130, and wherein the overflow chamber (150) is formed at least partially inside the attachment (160). [2] Enclosure (100) according to claim 1, wherein the enclosure (100) has a vent opening (140) designed to vent the cavity (120) when the cavity (120) is filled with the casting compound. [3] Enclosure (100) according to claim 2, wherein the sprue opening (130) and the vent opening (140) are arranged on one side of the enclosure (100) such that the sprue opening (130) and the vent opening (140) point in the same direction, and / or wherein an overflow height of the sprue opening (130) differs from an overflow height of the vent opening (140). [4] Enclosure (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the overflow chamber (150) is arranged on an inside of the enclosure (100), and / or wherein the overflow chamber is arranged on an outside of the enclosure (100). [5] Housing (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the housing (100) has a cover (170) designed to close the sprue opening (130) and / or the vent opening (140). [6] Enclosure (100) according to claim 5, wherein the cover (170) has an optically transparent area (171). [7] Enclosure (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein an absorbent material is arranged in the overflow chamber (150) which is designed to absorb the excess potting compound. [8] Enclosure (100) according to one of claims 5 to 7, wherein the attachment (160) and / or the cover (170) are designed to serve as a positioning aid, assembly aid, guide aid, sliding aid, damping element, stop surface and / or contact surface for a component such as a slide (180) which is slidably or movably arranged on the enclosure (100). [9] A functional group with a housing (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

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