Vehicle electronics component with at least one housing device for enclosing an electronic device, in particular for a traction battery

Abstract

Vehicle electronics component (1) with a housing device (2) for enclosing an electronic device (3), in particular for a traction battery of a motor vehicle that is at least partially electrically powered, wherein the housing device (2) comprises a housing body (12) with at least one housing opening (22) and with at least one flange section (32) surrounding the housing opening (22) and at least one cover unit (4) for closing the housing opening (22), wherein the cover unit (4) has a base section (14) and an edge section (24) resting on the flange section (32) and wherein a sealing gap (5) with at least one outwardly facing sealing gap opening (15) is formed between the flange section (32) and the edge section (24), wherein a protective frame (6) is arranged on an outer side of the edge section (24) facing away from the flange section (32) and wherein the protective frame (6) has a support section (16) resting on the outer side of the edge section (24) and a water leg (26) extending at an angle to the support section (16) with at least one drip edge (36) and wherein the water leg (26) projects beyond the sealing gap opening (15) so that a liquid can drip off the drip edge (36) without having to pass through the sealing gap opening (15), characterized by that the protective frame (6) is attached to the cover unit (4).

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a vehicle electronics component with a housing for enclosing an electronic device. The housing comprises a housing body with at least one housing opening and at least one flange section surrounding the housing opening. The housing comprises at least one cover unit for closing the housing opening, with a base section and an edge section resting on the flange section. A sealing gap with at least one outwardly facing sealing gap opening is formed between the flange section and the edge section. The invention also relates to a control unit with such a vehicle electronics component.

[0002] The safe and dry housing of electronic components within the enclosure plays a crucial role in the reliable operation of motor vehicles and, for example, their traction batteries. During development, the enclosure undergoes various tests to demonstrate its protective function for the electronic components. Due to the very high voltages and currents involved in traction batteries, protection against the ingress of water and dirt is of particular importance.

[0003] Therefore, a key requirement is that the seal between the housing opening and the cover unit offers reliable corrosion resistance. To this end, the vehicle or the vehicle electronics component is sprayed with a so-called corrosion solution for a defined period to assess its tightness and corrosion resistance.

[0004] Such tests have shown that corrosion solution can enter the sealing gap between the cover unit and the housing body. This can lead to undermining of the seal and crevice corrosion. However, redesigning the housing assembly is generally a complex and costly undertaking, as it is typically used in multiple projects or production series. Therefore, any design modification to the housing assembly necessitates numerous further design changes to the corresponding vehicle components.

[0005] A generic vehicle electronics component is known from DE 10 2014 215 047 A1.

[0006] From DE 10 2020 109 898 A1, a housing for an electrotechnical device is known, comprising two housing parts, each having a connecting surface. When the housing is closed, the connecting surfaces face each other along a connecting section. At least one connecting section incorporates a protective section for EMC shielding and / or mechanical protection.

[0007] DE 10 2019 131 152 A1 discloses a battery housing for a traction battery with a receptacle for holding battery cells and a lid, as well as a sealing element for sealing a gap between the lid and the receptacle. The lid has a deflector provided outside the receptacle for diverting environmental influences.

[0008] DE 10 2022 202 323 A1 represents a previously published prior art and shows a battery module with a housing element and a cover element, which are electrically connected by a plurality of screw connections. A sealing element is arranged between the housing element and the cover element such that the screw connections are located outside the first sealing element.

[0009] It is therefore the object of the present invention to counteract the entry of corrosion solution and other liquids as well as dirt into the sealing gap without requiring any design changes to the housing device.

[0010] This problem is solved by a vehicle electronics component having the features of claim 1 and by a control unit according to claim 14. Preferred embodiments of the invention are the subject of the dependent claims. Further advantages and features of the present invention will become apparent from the general description and the description of the exemplary embodiment.

[0011] The vehicle electronics component according to the invention comprises at least one housing for (watertight) enclosing an electronic device. In particular, the electronic device is intended for a traction battery of a motor vehicle that is at least partially electrically powered. The housing comprises at least one housing body with at least one housing opening and with at least one flange section surrounding the housing opening. The housing comprises at least one cover unit for (watertight) sealing the housing opening. The cover unit comprises at least one base section (recessed into the housing opening). The cover unit comprises at least one edge section that rests (surface-mounted) on the flange section (and surrounds the base section). At least one sealing gap with at least one outwardly facing sealing gap opening is formed between the flange section and the edge section.A protective frame is arranged on the outer side of the edge section, facing away from the flange section. The protective frame has a support section resting on the outer side of the edge section. The protective frame has a drip edge that runs at an angle to the support section. The drip edge has at least one drip edge. The drip edge extends beyond the sealing gap opening. This allows liquid to drip from the drip edge without having to pass through the sealing gap opening and / or without being drawn into the sealing gap opening by capillary action. The protective frame is attached to the cover unit.

[0012] The vehicle electronics component according to the invention offers many advantages. A significant advantage is the protective frame. This provides effective and reliable protection against corrosion and dirt ingress into the sealing gap. Furthermore, the protective frame can be adapted to the design requirements of the housing with very little effort. This allows the invention to be used advantageously with many different and already developed housing designs. Extensive design modifications of existing housings to meet the requirements for protection against corrosion and dirt ingress are therefore no longer necessary. In addition, the protective frame enables space-saving and weight-optimized protection. Moreover, the protective frame can be attached to the housing quickly and with minimal assembly effort.

[0013] Preferably, the support section projects beyond the outer circumference of the edge section. In particular, the water leg extends at a distance from the cover unit and preferably from the edge section. In particular, the water leg extends at a distance from the housing body and preferably from the flange section. In particular, the support section projects at least as far beyond the circumference of the edge section as the edge section projects beyond the outer circumference of the flange section.

[0014] In an advantageous further development, the edge section projects beyond the outer circumference of the flange section. In particular, the sealing gap opening is covered from above by the edge section in a roof-like manner.

[0015] In particular, the drip edge extends along the circumference of the support section. Specifically, the drip edge extends over at least three-quarters, and preferably over at least 85%, and most preferably over at least 90% of the circumference of the support section. This ensures reliable dripping even if part of the drip edge is not oriented downwards due to the mounting. The surrounding drip edge allows the liquid to flow along it to a point facing downwards and drip off at the drip edge. Specifically, the drip edge runs along the drip edge. In particular, the drip edge extends along at least 90% of the length of the drip edge and preferably along its entire length.

[0016] In particular, the drip edge runs along one of the outermost or lowest sides of the water spout (in the intended dripping direction). Specifically, two sides of the water spout meet at the drip edge at an angle of less than 90°. In particular, one of these sides is formed by an outer surface of the water spout.

[0017] In an advantageous embodiment, the support section and the water leg together form the cross-sectional geometry of an angle profile. In particular, the protective frame has an angled cross-sectional geometry. Specifically, the angle is between 60° and 120°, and preferably 90° ± 10°. Specifically, the water leg and the support section meet at an angle between 80° and 100°, and preferably at an angle of 90° ± 10°. Specifically, the water leg and the support section meet along an outer edge of the support frame.

[0018] In particular, the protective frame is positioned at a (minimally minimal) distance from the housing and is not sealed. This allows liquid to flow between the protective frame and the housing and also drain away again. This facilitates the installation of the protective frame and simultaneously prevents the accumulation of corrosion solution or other liquids and dirt.

[0019] In particular, there is an unsealed gap between the protective frame and the housing assembly. Specifically, no seal is provided between the underside of the support section and the edge section. Specifically, the support section only covers an outwardly facing portion of the edge section. Specifically, an edge strip of the edge section facing the base section is exposed.

[0020] In a preferred and advantageous embodiment, the base section is at least partially recessed in the housing opening relative to the edge section. In particular, the base section is at least partially recessed into the housing opening. Specifically, the base section is inclined (tilted) relative to a cross-sectional area of ​​the housing opening. It is preferred and advantageous that the base section slopes obliquely towards the edge section in the direction of a drainage point, so that any liquid on the base section can drain off via the drainage point.

[0021] In particular, the protective frame in the area of ​​the drainage point is designed without a water channel, at least in some sections. Specifically, only the support section is formed in the area of ​​the drainage point. It is possible that the drainage point has a channel running below the support section. Specifically, liquid located on the base section can drain away between the protective frame and the cover unit. Specifically, the channel is formed in the edge section.

[0022] According to the invention, the protective frame (with its support section) is attached to the cover unit and, in particular, to the outside of the edge section. Specifically, the protective frame can be mounted by means of a screw connection and / or a clip or snap-fit ​​connection. Other force-fit and / or material-fit mounting methods for the protective frame are also possible. In particular, the protective frame is designed separately from the cover unit and / or separately from the housing body. Specifically, the protective frame is an additional component that can be mounted on the cover unit and / or on the housing body.

[0023] It is possible and advantageous for the support section to have cover caps for fasteners, which serve in particular to fasten the cover unit to the housing body. Specifically, the cover caps serve to conceal screws. In particular, the cover caps are formed integrally with the support section.

[0024] It is preferred and advantageous that the protective frame is formed in one piece. This allows for simple and economical manufacturing of the protective frame. In particular, the protective frame is made of a plastic material. Other suitable materials are also possible. In particular, the cover unit is also formed in one piece. In particular, the water flange is firmly and preferably integrally connected to the support section. In particular, the water flange extends around the support section in a guard-like manner.

[0025] The protective frame is preferably fully enclosed (ring-shaped). Preferably, the protective frame fully encloses the edge section. In particular, the edge section is fully enclosed. In particular, the edge section is formed around the base section.

[0026] It is advantageous and preferred that at least one sealing element is arranged between the flange section and the edge section. In particular, the sealing element is arranged in the sealing gap. In particular, the sealing gap is sealed by the sealing element. In particular, the sealing element is in sealing contact with both the flange section and the edge section.

[0027] The control unit according to the invention is intended in particular for a traction battery of a motor vehicle that is at least partially electrically powered. The control unit according to the invention comprises at least one vehicle electronics component as described above. The control unit according to the invention also solves the problem stated above particularly advantageously.

[0028] In particular, the control unit comprises at least one electronic device for controlling the traction battery and / or another vehicle component and at least one housing device for (waterproof) enclosure of the electronic device. In particular, the electronic device is designed as battery control electronics. In particular, the control unit is designed as a battery management system or part thereof.

[0029] The sealing gap corresponds in particular to a sealing plane formed between the flange section and the edge section. Within the scope of the present invention, a sealing gap is understood to mean both a contacting and a spaced-apart interface between the flange section and the edge section. In particular, the sealing gap extends to the outside along the sealing gap opening. In particular, the flange section and the edge section each face each other with a sealing surface. The sealing surface corresponds in particular to an outer surface of the flange section and an inner surface of the edge section.

[0030] In particular, the support section has its inner side on the outer side of the edge section. Specifically, the drip edge extends downwards beyond the sealing gap opening, i.e., in a designated drip direction. Specifically, the drip edge is located at a lower or bottommost end of the drip edge. Specifically, the drip direction runs vertically downwards, i.e., in the direction of gravity. Specifically, the drip edge is connected to the support section at an angle. Specifically, the drip edge runs along an outer surface of the housing body.

[0031] In particular, the cover unit completely covers the housing opening. In particular, the housing assembly includes at least one receiving space for the electronic device. The cover unit can include at least one externally accessible connection unit for contacting the enclosed electronic device. In particular, the connection unit is arranged on the base section. In particular, the connection unit is arranged on the base section such that, due to its inclination, it protrudes less or not at all from the housing body. In particular, a connecting wall extending transversely to both the edge section and the base section is formed at least partially between the base section and the edge section.

[0032] The electronic device serves in particular to control the traction battery and / or another vehicle component. The traction battery is specifically designed as a high-voltage battery. The electronic device is specifically a control electronics unit with a multitude of interacting electronic components. The vehicle electronics component can comprise at least one electronic device.

[0033] Further advantages and features of the present invention will become apparent from the exemplary embodiments, which are explained below with reference to the accompanying figures.

[0034] The figures show: Fig. 1 a purely schematic detailed representation of a vehicle electronics component according to the invention in a cutaway perspective view; Fig. 2 the vehicle electronics component of the Fig. 1 without protective frame; and Fig. 3 a detailed representation of the vehicle electronics component of the Fig. 1 in a cutaway view.

[0035] The Fig. Figure 1 shows a vehicle electronics component 1 according to the invention, comprising a housing 2 for enclosing an electronic device 3, which is not visible here and is located inside a housing body 12. The housing body 12 is shown only partially and has a housing opening 22, which is tightly closed by a cover unit 4.

[0036] The vehicle electronics component 1 is part of a control unit 10 for a traction battery of an electric or hybrid vehicle. The electronic device 3 serves to control the traction battery and is, for example, part of a battery management system or provides such a system. The housing 2 can therefore also be referred to as a control unit housing.

[0037] The following section describes vehicle electronics component 1 in relation to the Fig. 1 to 3 are described in more detail as examples. The vehicle electronics component 1 is located in the Fig. 2 without the one in the Fig. 1 and Fig. The protective frame 6 is shown in Figure 3. This makes it easier to see the components of the housing assembly 2 located below the protective frame 6.

[0038] The housing body 12 has a flange section 32 surrounding the housing opening 22. The cover unit 4 has an edge section 24 which rests on the flange section 32. As shown in the Fig. As can be clearly seen, the cover unit 4 is attached to the flange section 32 in the area of ​​its edge section 24 by a plurality of fastening means 34, for example screws.

[0039] The edge section 24 surrounds a base section 14, which is recessed in the housing opening 22 and inclined relative to the cross-sectional area of ​​the housing opening 22. The edge section 24 projects beyond the outer circumference of the flange section 32. A connection unit 13 for contacting the electronic device 3 located inside the housing body 12 is located on the base section 14. Due to the inclination of the base section 14, the connection unit 13 does not protrude from the housing body 12 at all or only to a minimal extent.

[0040] A sealing gap 5 is formed between the flange section 32 of the housing body 12 and the edge section 24 of the cover unit 4. A sealing medium 25 and, for example, a sealing ring are arranged in the sealing gap 5. As shown in the Fig. As can be clearly seen, the sealing gap 5 extends into the open air along an outwardly facing sealing gap opening 15.

[0041] To counteract corrosion in the area of ​​the sealing gap 5 due to the ingress of, for example, corrosion solution or dirt, a protective frame 6 is arranged on the outer side of the edge section 24. The protective frame 6 has a support section 16 resting on the outer side of the edge section 24 and a skirt-like water flange 26 extending around the support section 16. The support section 16 and the water flange 26 together form the cross-sectional geometry of an angle profile 56.

[0042] The water leg 26 extends beyond the sealing gap opening 15 and has a drip edge 36. This allows liquid to drip off the drip edge 36 without running along the sealing gap 15 or penetrating the sealing gap 5. Thus, the protective frame 6 reliably prevents crevice corrosion and undermining of the seal.

[0043] The drip edge 36 runs along an outermost side edge 46 of the water leg 26. At the drip edge 36, two side surfaces of the water leg 26 meet at an angle of less than 90°.

[0044] The protective frame 6 runs completely closed along the edge section 24. The protective frame 6 is, for example, screwed and / or snapped or clipped to the cover unit 4. The protective frame 6 is formed in one piece and is made, for example, of a plastic material. The housing body 12 is, for example, a cast component. Cover caps 66 for the fasteners 34 are located on the support section 16.

[0045] To protect the sealing gap 5, the support section 16 projects beyond the outer circumference of the edge section 24. The water leg 26 with its drip edge 36 is arranged such that it is spaced away from the edge section 24 and also from the housing body 12.

[0046] To ensure reliable drainage in as many different installation situations as possible for the control unit 10, the water-draining arm 26 extends almost over the entire circumference of the support section 16. For example, the protective frame 6 is only formed without the water-draining arm 26 in the area of ​​a drainage point 7. The drainage point 7 serves to facilitate the drainage of liquids located on the base section 14. For this purpose, the base section 14 slopes diagonally towards the edge section 24 in the direction of the drainage point 7. Reference symbol list: 1 Vehicle electronics component 2 Housing setup 3 Electronic equipment 4 lid unit 5 Sealing gap 6 protective frames 7 Exit point 10 Control unit 12 Housing bodies 13 Connection unit 14 Basic section 15 Sealing gap opening 16 Support section 22 Case opening 24 marginal section 25 Sealants 26 Water thighs 32 Flange section 34 Fasteners 36 drip edge 46 side edge 56 Angle profile 66 Cover

Claims

[1] Vehicle electronics component (1) with a housing device (2) for enclosing an electronic device (3), in particular for a traction battery of a motor vehicle that is at least partially electrically powered, wherein the housing device (2) comprises a housing body (12) with at least one housing opening (22) and with at least one flange section (32) surrounding the housing opening (22) and at least one cover unit (4) for closing the housing opening (22), wherein the cover unit (4) has a base section (14) and an edge section (24) resting on the flange section (32) and wherein a sealing gap (5) with at least one outwardly facing sealing gap opening (15) is formed between the flange section (32) and the edge section (24), wherein a protective frame (6) is arranged on an outer side of the edge section (24) facing away from the flange section (32) and wherein the protective frame (6) has a support section (16) resting on the outer side of the edge section (24) and a water leg (26) extending at an angle to the support section (16) with at least one drip edge (36) and wherein the water leg (26) projects beyond the sealing gap opening (15) so that a liquid can drip off the drip edge (36) without having to pass through the sealing gap opening (15), characterized by , that the protective frame (6) is attached to the cover unit (4). [2] Vehicle electronics component (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein the support section (16) extends beyond the outer circumference of the edge section (24) and wherein the water leg (26) is spaced apart from the cover unit (4). [3] Vehicle electronics component (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the edge section (24) extends beyond the outer circumference of the flange section (32). [4] Vehicle electronics component (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the water leg (26) extends over at least three quarters and preferably over at least 85% and particularly preferably over at least 90% of the circumference of the support section (16) along the support section (16). [5] Vehicle electronics component (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the drip edge (36) runs along an outermost side edge (46) of the water leg (26). [6] Vehicle electronics component (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the support section (16) and the water leg (26) together form the cross-sectional geometry of an angle profile (56). [7] Vehicle electronics component (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the base section (14) is arranged at least partially recessed in the housing opening (22) in relation to the edge section (24) and wherein the base section (14) slopes obliquely towards the edge section (24) in the direction of a drain point (7) so that liquid located on the base section (14) can drain off via the drain point (7). [8] Vehicle electronics component (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein the protective frame (6) is designed at least partially without water legs (26) in the area of ​​the drain point (7). [9] Vehicle electronics component (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the protective frame (6) is attached to the outside of the edge section (24). [10] Vehicle electronics component (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the support section (16) has cover hoods (66) for fastening means (34) for fastening the cover unit (4) to the housing body (12). [11] Vehicle electronics component (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the protective frame (6) is formed in one piece. [12] Vehicle electronics component (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the protective frame (6) is fully enclosed and / or wherein the protective frame (6) fully encloses the edge section (24). [13] Vehicle electronics component (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one sealing means (25) is arranged between the flange section (32) and the edge section (24). [14] Control unit (10) in particular for a traction battery of a motor vehicle which is at least partially electrically powered, comprising at least one vehicle electronics component (1) according to one of the preceding claims.

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