Control unit system for accommodating at least one control unit, method and vehicle

Abstract

The invention relates to a control unit system (100) for receiving at least one control unit (110), comprising: - Control unit (110) with a first lead (111) and a second lead (112), - a housing (105) comprising at least one receptacle (120) with a first connection area (121), a second connection area (122) and a linear connection area (123) which connects the first connection area (121) and the second connection area (122) together, wherein the control unit (110) can be inserted into the receptacle (120) along a longitudinal axis of the linear connection area (123) and, when inserted, the first projection (111) moves through the linear connection area (123) to the first connection area (121), wherein the inserted control unit (110) can be moved at least partially transversely to the longitudinal axis of the linear connection area (123) into a positive locking position (I) in which the first projection (111) is arranged in the first connection area (121) and the second projection (112) is arranged and positively locked in the second connection area (122). Furthermore, the invention relates to a method (200) and a vehicle (300).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a control unit system, a method, and a vehicle.

[0002] Particularly in the automotive industry, it is frequently necessary to install and maintain control units for various vehicle components. These control units can contain one or more PCBs (printed circuit boards) required for controlling the respective components. To facilitate installation and maintenance, it is desirable that the control units can be mounted quickly and easily in a housing. It may also be necessary to temporarily remove the control units for maintenance or to replace them in case of a defect or for an upgrade. Mounting aids are known, for example, from CN 1 02 538 371 A, CN 1 07 360 689 A, or DE 297 16 229 U1.

[0003] However, a common problem is that the control units are not properly connected to the housing, or the installation is very complex. This can have various reasons, such as inadequate fastening, incorrect alignment, or an insufficient connection between the control units and the housing.

[0004] This problem leads to an increased workload and increased costs in assembly and maintenance, and can even lead to an increased failure rate of the control units.

[0005] It is an object of the present invention to at least partially overcome the aforementioned disadvantages known from the prior art. In particular, it is an object of the present invention to provide a control unit system, a method, and a vehicle in which a simple, safe, cost-effective, and compact connection between a control unit and a housing can be ensured.

[0006] The foregoing problem is solved by a control unit system with the features of claim 1, a method with the features of claim 8, and a vehicle with the features of claim 10. Further features and details of the invention will become apparent from the respective dependent claims, the description, and the drawings. Features and details described in connection with the control unit system according to the invention naturally also apply in connection with the method and / or the vehicle according to the invention, and vice versa, so that the disclosure of the individual aspects of the invention always includes, or allows for, reciprocal reference.

[0007] According to a first aspect of the invention, a control unit system is provided for receiving at least one control unit, comprising: - Control unit with a first advantage and a second advantage, - a housing comprising at least one receptacle with a first connection area, a second connection area and a linear connection area which connects the first connection area and the second connection area together, wherein the control unit can be inserted into the receptacle along a longitudinal axis of the linear connection area and, when inserted, the first projection moves through the linear connection area to the first connection area, wherein the inserted control unit can be moved at least partially transversely to the longitudinal axis of the linear connection area into a positive locking position in which the first projection is arranged in the first connection area and the second projection is arranged in the second connection area and held in a positive locking position.

[0008] In other words, according to the invention, an assembly can be provided that includes a control unit with at least two geometric features which, in an inserted state, are positively connected to corresponding receptacles of a housing. The housing has a region between the two receptacles that, on the one hand, connects the two receptacles and, on the other hand, guides the movement of the first geometric feature of the control unit along a longitudinal axis of the region. Once the first geometric feature has passed through this region, the control unit can be moved, at least partially in a transverse direction to the longitudinal axis of the region, into the position in which both geometric features are positively connected to the receptacles.

[0009] In connection with the invention, a control unit system can be an assembly suitable for accommodating one or more control units in a housing.

[0010] A control unit can be understood as a device capable of performing at least one control function. This control function can relate to the control unit system itself or to a higher-level unit, such as a vehicle component like a battery. The control unit can comprise one or more circuit boards, particularly printed circuit boards (PCBs).

[0011] In this context, protrusions are understood to be spatially defined physical areas that protrude from a surface. These protrusions can have various forms, which will be described in more detail below.

[0012] A housing can be designed to accommodate one or more control units. It is also conceivable that the housing can accommodate other electronic components, such as PCBs, connectors, or an energy storage device. The housing can be made from various materials, such as plastic, aluminum, or steel.

[0013] A receptacle can be understood as an assembly designed to lock the control unit within the housing. According to the invention, one or more receptacles can be provided within the housing.

[0014] The housing can be designed to securely mount the control unit and protect it from external influences such as moisture or vibrations. The housing can be either closed or open. In a closed design, seals may be provided to protect the control unit from external environmental influences such as moisture.

[0015] The first and second connection areas can be understood as a geometric design feature of the receptacle, which is specific to the geometric design of the first and second projections. In particular, the connection areas can be designed as recesses.

[0016] In particular, it may be provided that at least part of the connection areas or the linear connection area is designed as an elongated hole.

[0017] The linear connection area connects the two connection areas and guides the first projection, when the control unit is inserted into the receptacle, up to the first receiving area. The linear connection area can be designed as a recess. Alternatively, the linear connection area can form a rail-like connection between the first and second receiving areas, within which the first projection is linearly movable.

[0018] Insertion can refer to moving, particularly translationally, the control unit into the housing's receptacle. The first projection is positioned ahead of the second projection in the direction of movement, so the first projection is moved into the receptacle first. It may be designed so that the first projection is inserted into the linear connection area when the control unit is plugged into the receptacle.

[0019] The movement, which can be performed at least partially transversely to the longitudinal axis of the linear connection area, can be a type of tilting movement. Furthermore, the connection areas and / or the linear connection area can be designed such that, when the first projection has been moved to one end of the linear connection area, a rotational and / or translational movement is permitted that is at least partially transverse to the longitudinal axis of the linear connection area. Through the described movement, at least the first projection or the second projection can leave the longitudinal axis of the linear connection area. In particular, it can be provided that, in the positive-lock position, the first and second projections form an axis that lies parallel to the longitudinal axis of the linear connection area.

[0020] The term "positive locking" can be understood to mean that at least one direction of movement is blocked by the interaction of two components. In the device control system according to the invention, the connecting areas, in conjunction with the projections, prevent movement in at least one direction.

[0021] In principle, a body can be moved translationally along three axes and thus in six directions. It can be designed so that, through positive locking, movement is only possible in a single direction. This ensures that the control unit is held particularly securely within its housing. Furthermore, the installer receives perceptible feedback when inserting the control unit, indicating that it can only be moved in one direction and thus knowing that the positive locking position has been reached.

[0022] Overall, the control unit system according to the invention offers the advantage of providing a simple, secure, cost-effective, and compact connection between a control unit and a housing. The first and second projections are inexpensive to manufacture and can be designed, as required, to form a compact connection with the first and second connection areas when the housing is in the positive-locking position. The linear connection area allows the control unit to be inserted along its longitudinal axis, thus simplifying assembly. The positive-locking connection ensures the secure seating of the control unit and, during assembly, provides easily recognizable feedback that the correct position has been reached.

[0023] Furthermore, in a control unit system according to the invention, it is conceivable that the first projection is larger than the second connection area. In other words, the first projection can be larger than the second connection area in at least one of its dimensions. For example, if the first projection is designed as a cylinder, the second connection area can have a radius that is smaller than that of the cylindrical projection. In any case, the different size of the first projection compared to the second connection area prevents the first projection from being accidentally inserted into the second connection area when the control unit is inserted. This further simplifies the assembly of the control unit system.

[0024] Preferably, in a control unit system according to the invention, at least one fastening element is provided in a locked state, which can be connected to the mounting and / or the control unit, wherein, in particular, the control unit and the housing are firmly connected to each other. The fastening element can be designed as a screw, rivet, or adhesive bond. A screw offers the advantage of being easy to install and the resulting connection can be easily undone. This simplifies, for example, the maintenance and replacement of control units. A rivet can be installed particularly quickly and reduces the risk of the control unit being removed by unauthorized persons. An adhesive bond offers the additional advantage of compensating for tolerances and providing protection against environmental influences at the connection point.

[0025] Within the scope of the invention, it is further conceivable that at least one additional pair of first and second projections, as well as first and second connection areas with a linear connection area, are provided, particularly on opposite sides of the control unit and the housing body. The additional pair of projections and connection areas offers the advantage of more precise and symmetrical movement of the control unit. This further improves handling during assembly. The projections can be located on a longitudinal or transverse side of the control unit.

[0026] Furthermore, in a control unit system according to the invention, it can advantageously be provided that at least the first projection or the second projection has at least a chamfer or a rounding, which is designed in particular to initiate movement at least partially transverse to the longitudinal axis of the linear connection area when a force is applied parallel to the longitudinal axis of the linear connection area. The chamfer or rounding simplifies handling during assembly. For example, the first projection can be more easily inserted into the linear connection area. In addition, by means of an angle or radius of rounding adapted to the first connection area, the movement of the control unit can be directed towards the positive locking position when a force is applied parallel to the longitudinal axis of the linear connection area.In other words, during assembly, it only needs to be pushed in one direction; the slight change perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the linear connection area is essentially initiated or guided by the shape of the first projection through its interaction with the end of the linear connection area. This further simplifies assembly.

[0027] Furthermore, in a control unit system according to the invention, it can advantageously be provided that the first projection differs from the second projection at least in its size or shape. The different sizes make it immediately apparent that the control unit can only be inserted into the receptacle in a predetermined direction. It can also be advantageously provided that the second projection cannot be inserted into the linear connection area. These measures further simplify the assembly of the control unit.

[0028] Furthermore, in a control unit system according to the invention, it can advantageously be provided that at least one further receptacle and one further control unit are provided, wherein, in particular, the receptacles are arranged parallel to each other in the housing. In other words, a plurality of control units can be accommodated in corresponding receptacles within the housing. This allows the control unit system to provide more functions. In addition, simplified assembly for a plurality of control units is achieved, so that the assembly of the control unit system as a whole becomes even more efficient, compact, and simpler.

[0029] According to a further aspect of the invention, a method for assembling a control unit system, in particular a control unit system according to the invention, is provided, comprising: - Inserting a control unit with a first projection and a second projection into a receptacle with a first connection area, a second connection area and a linear connection area which connects the first connection area and the second connection area together, wherein the control unit is inserted into the receptacle along a longitudinal axis of the linear connection area and, during insertion, the first projection moves through the linear connection area to the first connection area, - Moving the inserted control unit at least partially transversely to the longitudinal axis of the linear connection area into a positive locking position in which the first projection is arranged in the first connection area and the second projection is arranged in the second connection area and held in a positive locking position.

[0030] The process steps can be carried out at least partially simultaneously and / or sequentially, whereby the order of the process steps is not limited by the specified sequence, so that individual steps can be carried out in different orders. Furthermore, individual or all steps can be repeated.

[0031] Thus, a method according to the invention offers the same advantages as those already described in detail with reference to a control unit system according to the invention.

[0032] Furthermore, in a method according to the invention, it is conceivable that a locking mechanism is also provided, wherein at least one fastening element is connected to the receptacle and / or the control unit, and in particular, the receptacle has no degree of freedom of movement. The locking mechanism has the advantage that the control unit cannot be removed from the receptacle even when the control unit is moved. This ensures that the control unit is always in the intended, mounted position until replacement or removal is necessary or desired.

[0033] According to another aspect of the invention, a vehicle is provided comprising at least one control unit system according to the invention.

[0034] Thus, a vehicle according to the invention offers the same advantages as those already described in detail with reference to a control unit system and / or a method according to the invention.

[0035] Further advantages, features, and details of the invention will become apparent from the following description, in which exemplary embodiments of the invention are described in detail with reference to the drawings. The features mentioned in the claims and in the description can each be essential to the invention individually or in any combination. The drawings schematically show: Fig. 1: A perspective view of a control unit system according to the invention, Fig. 2: a side view of a control unit system according to the invention, Fig. 3: a perspective view in which a control unit is inserted into the recording, Fig. 4: A perspective view showing a control unit being inserted into the mount along the linear connection area and reaching one end of the linear connection area. Fig. 5: a perspective view in which a control unit has reached the positive locking position and has additionally been moved into a locked state by a fastening device, Fig. 6: a method according to the invention, and Fig. 7: a vehicle according to the invention.

[0036] In the following description of some embodiments of the invention, the same reference numerals are used for the same technical features even in different embodiments.

[0037] Fig. Figure 1 shows a control unit system 100 for receiving at least one control unit 110. The control unit system 100 has a control unit 110 with a first projection 111 and a second projection 112. Furthermore, the control unit system 100 has a housing 105, comprising at least one receptacle 120 with a first connection area 121, a second connection area 122 and a linear connection area 123, which connects the first connection area 121 and the second connection area 122 to each other.

[0038] The control unit 110 can be inserted into the receptacle 120 along a longitudinal axis of the linear connection area 123. During insertion 210, the first projection 111 moves through the linear connection area 123 to the first connection area 121.

[0039] The inserted control unit 110 can be moved into a positive locking position I by a movement at least partially transverse to the longitudinal axis of the linear connection area 123. In the positive locking position I, the first projection 111 is located in the first connection area 121 and the second projection 112 is located in the second connection area 122 and is held in a positive locking position.

[0040] The control unit 110 can in particular comprise one or, as shown, several printed circuit boards 140.

[0041] Overall, the control unit system 100 according to the invention offers the advantage of providing a simple, secure, cost-effective, and compact connection between a control unit and a housing 105. The first and second projections 111, 112 are inexpensive to manufacture and can be designed, as required, to form a compact connection with the first and second connection areas 121, 122 when the housing 105 is in the positive-locking position I. The linear connection area 123 allows the control unit to be inserted along its longitudinal axis, thus simplifying assembly. The positive-locking connection ensures the secure seating of the control unit 110 and simultaneously provides easily recognizable feedback during assembly that the correct position has been reached.

[0042] The Fig. Figure 2 also shows a control unit system 100 according to the invention in a side view. As shown, it can be provided that, in a locked state II, at least one fastening element 130 is provided which can be connected to the receptacle 120 and / or the control unit 110, wherein, in particular, the control unit 110 and the housing 105 are firmly connected to each other. The fastening element 130 can be designed as a screw, rivet, or adhesive bond. A screw offers the advantage that it is easy to install and the resulting connection can be easily undone. This simplifies, for example, the maintenance and replacement of control units. A rivet can be installed particularly quickly and reduces the risk of the control unit being removed by unauthorized persons.Bonding offers the additional advantage that tolerances can be compensated for and protection against environmental influences is provided at the joint.

[0043] Furthermore, as shown, the first projection 111 may differ from the second projection 112, at least in its size or shape. The different sizes make it immediately apparent that the control unit can only be inserted into the receptacle 120 in one predetermined direction. It may also be advantageous that the second projection 112 cannot be inserted into the linear connection area 123. These measures further simplify the assembly of the control unit 110.

[0044] The Fig. Figures 3 to 5 show the process of inserting and moving the control unit into the recess.

[0045] First, as in Fig. As shown in Figure 3, the control unit with the first projection 111 is inserted into the linear connection area 123 of the receptacle 120. By a linear movement along the longitudinal axis of the linear connection area 123, the control unit with the first projection 111 finally reaches an end of the linear connection area 123, as shown in the Fig. Figure 4 shows that from this point on, the inserted control unit 110 is at least partially positioned transversely to the longitudinal axis of the linear connection area 123 (along the arrow in Figure 4). Fig. 4) moved into a positive locking position I, as described in the Fig. Figure 5 is shown. The control unit can then be fixed in place by attaching a fastening device 130.

[0046] The Fig. Figure 6 shows a method 200 according to the invention for mounting a control unit system 100, in particular according to the invention. The method 200 comprises inserting 210 a control unit 110 having a first projection 111 and a second projection 112 into a receptacle 120 having a first connection area 121, a second connection area 122, and a linear connection area 123, which connects the first connection area 121 and the second connection area 122. The control unit 110 is inserted into the receptacle 120 along a longitudinal axis of the linear connection area 123. During the insertion 210, the first projection 111 moves through the linear connection area 123 to the first connection area 121.It is also provided that the inserted control unit 110 is moved 220 at least partially transversely to the longitudinal axis of the linear connection area 123 into a positive locking position I, in which the first projection 111 is arranged in the first connection area 121 and the second projection 112 is arranged in the second connection area 122 and held in a positive locking position.

[0047] Furthermore, in a method 200 according to the invention, a locking device 230 can be provided, wherein at least one fastening means 130 is connected to the receptacle 120 and / or the control unit 110, wherein in particular the receptacle 120 has no degree of freedom of movement.

[0048] The Fig. Figure 7 finally shows a vehicle 300 according to the invention with a control unit system 100 according to the invention.

[0049] The preceding explanation of the embodiments describes the present invention solely by way of examples. Naturally, individual features of the embodiments can be freely combined with one another, provided this is technically feasible, without departing from the scope of the present invention. Reference symbol list 100 control unit systems 105 cases 110 Control unit 111 first lead 112 second lead 120 recordings 121 first connection area 122 second connection area 123 Linear connection area 130 fasteners 140 printed circuit boards 200 procedures 210 Insert 220 Move 230 locks 300 vehicles I Form-lock position II locked state

Claims

[1] Control unit system (100) for accommodating at least one control unit (110), comprising: - control device (110) with a first projection (111) and a second projection (112), - a housing (105) comprising at least one receptacle (120) with a first connecting region (121), a second connecting region (122) and a linear connecting region (123) which connects the first connecting region (121) and the second connecting region (122) to one another, wherein the control device (110) can be inserted into the receptacle (120) along a longitudinal axis of the linear connection region (123) and, upon insertion, the first projection (111) moves through the linear connection region (123) to the first connection region (121), wherein the inserted control device (110) can be moved by a movement at least partially transverse to the longitudinal axis of the linear connection region (123) into a positive-locking position (I), in which the first projection (111) is arranged in the first connection region (121) and the second projection (112) is arranged in the second connection region (122) and is held in a positive-locking manner. [2] Control device system (100) according to claim 1, characterized by that the first projection (111) is larger than the second connecting area (122). [3] Control device system (100) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by that in a locked state (II) at least one fastening means (130) is provided which can be connected to the receptacle (120) and / or the control device (110). [4] Control unit system (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized bythat at least one further pair of first and second projections (111, 112) and first and second connecting regions (121, 122) with a linear connecting region (123) are provided. [5] Control unit system (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that at least the first projection (111) or the second projection (112) have at least one chamfer or one rounding. [6] Control unit system (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the first projection (111) differs at least in its size or shape from the second projection (112). [7] Control unit system (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that at least one further receptacle (120) and one further control device (110) are provided. [8] Method (200) for assembling a control unit system (100), comprising: - Inserting (210) a control device (110) with a first projection (111) and a second projection (112) into a receptacle (120) with a first connection region (121), a second connection region (122) and a linear connection region (123) which connects the first connection region (121) and the second connection region (122) to one another, wherein the control device (110) is inserted into the receptacle (120) along a longitudinal axis of the linear connection region (123) and, upon insertion, the first projection (111) moves through the linear connection region (123) to the first connection region (121), - moving (220) the inserted control unit (110) at least partially transversely to the longitudinal axis of the linear connection region (123) into a positive-locking position (I), in which the first projection (111) is arranged in the first connection region (121) and the second projection (112) is arranged in the second connection region (122) and is held in a positive-locking manner. [9] Method (200) according to claim 8, characterized by that a locking device (230) is further provided, wherein at least one fastening means (130) is connected to the receptacle (120) and / or the control device (110). [10] Vehicle (300) comprising at least one control unit system (100) according to one of claims 1 to 7.

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