Metal housing with an interface, especially for a functional unit of a motor vehicle

Abstract

The invention relates to a metal housing (1) with an interface (3), in particular for a functional unit of a motor vehicle, which are connected to each other by frictional locking. In a metal housing in which a sealing effect between the metal housing and the interface can be achieved without the use of a sealing element, a cover (5) is arranged between the interface (3) and the metal housing (1), the surface of which forms the contact surface to the interface (3), wherein the cover (5) is bonded to the metal housing (1) via an adhesive layer (7).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a metal housing with an interface, in particular for a functional unit of a motor vehicle, which are connected to one another in a force-locking manner.

[0002] In technical functional units enclosed in an aluminum housing, there is an increased tendency for corrosion at an interface because the housing is machined at this point, meaning a corrosion-inhibiting oxide layer is missing. CN 205779646U discloses an arrangement in which an electronic fuel pump control for a vehicle has a modular structure. The upper housing of the control module has a sealing element arranged between an upper cover and the base housing of the control module. The upper housing is fastened to the base housing with screws. Without an adhesive bond, the upper housing, which is made of metal, is coated with a protective film or the upper housing is made of plastic, whereby the sealing effect is achieved by the screw fastening.

[0003] The object of the invention is to provide a metal housing with an interface, in particular for a functional unit of a motor vehicle, with which a sealing effect between the metal housing and the interface can be realized without using a sealing element.

[0004] The invention is based on the features of the independent claims. Advantageous developments and refinements are the subject of the dependent claims. Further features, possible applications, and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following description and the explanation of an exemplary embodiment of the invention, which is illustrated in the figure.

[0005] The problem is solved by the subject matter of patent claim 1.

[0006] In the metal housing described above with an interface, in particular for a functional unit of a motor vehicle, which are connected to one another by a force fit, a cover is arranged between the interface and the metal housing, the surface of which forms the contact surface with the interface, whereby the cover is bonded directly to the metal housing via an adhesive layer. Since the interface rests only on the cover and not on the metal housing, corrosion effects occurring between the interface and the metal housing are reduced, as the relevant surface of the metal housing is sealed watertight and airtight by the adhesive layer. The metal housing does not require pretreatment and still offers a contact surface with the required tolerances of the interface component. An additional sealing element can be dispensed with.

[0007] In one embodiment, the flat shape and extent of the adhesive layer are adapted to the shape and dimensions of the cover. This ensures that the interface component actually rests only on the cover and does not touch the metal housing.

[0008] In a further embodiment, the cover is flat. This allows for a reliable bond between the cover and the adhesive layer, and thus to the metal housing.

[0009] In a further embodiment, the cover is designed to follow the shape of the housing. This prevents contact of corrosive media with the corresponding area of ​​the metal housing. Hollow spaces between the cover and the metal housing, in which corrosive media can accumulate, are avoided.

[0010] In a further embodiment, the cover is made of a corrosion-resistant material, particularly plastic. Alternatively, the cover, which is made of a non-corrosive material, is completely coated with a corrosion-resistant material. Both variants allow the cover to be mechanically connected to the untreated metal housing, reducing corrosion damage even without a sealing element, thus reducing the costs of manufacturing the metal housing.

[0011] In a further embodiment, the interface to be applied to the metal housing establishes an electrical and / or hydraulic and / or pneumatic connection to the metal housing. Since the interface can be designed, among other things, as an electrical plug connection, water connection, or pressure compensation element, the adhesive-applied cover allows for reliable sealing of the corrosion-critical connection point in every application, both from the outside and from the inside, without the use of a sealing element.

[0012] Further advantages, features, and details will become apparent from the following description, which describes at least one exemplary embodiment in detail. Described features may form the subject matter of the invention alone or in any meaningful combination, possibly even independently of the claims, and may, in particular, also be the subject matter of one or more separate applications.

[0013] It shows: Fig. 1 an embodiment of the metal housing according to the invention.

[0014] In Fig.Figure 1 shows an embodiment of the metal housing according to the invention, which encloses a wide variety of components in automotive technology. Such components must be connected to electrical, pneumatic, or hydraulic control units in the motor vehicle. The connection is made via corresponding interfaces. In the example under consideration, an interface 3 in the form of an electrical plug connection is connected to the metal housing 1. A cover 5 is arranged between the interface 3 and the metal housing 1. This cover 5 is either made entirely of plastic or is completely coated with a corrosion-resistant material. The cover 5 is attached to the metal housing 1 via an adhesive layer 7.

[0015] The flat shape and extent of the cover 5 and the adhesive layer 7 correspond to the support surface 11 of the interface 3, with which the interface rests directly on the cover 5 without touching the metal housing 1. The cover 5, the adhesive layer 7, and the metal housing 1 comprise through-openings 13, 15 into which plug sockets 17, 19 of the interface engage in a form-fitting manner, thereby establishing electrical connections to the component arranged in the metal housing 1. The support surface 11 of the interface 3 comprises several through-holes 21, which lie directly above corresponding through-openings 23 of the cover 5 and further through-openings 25 of the adhesive layer 7.The interface 3 is fastened to the metal housing 1 by means of screws 27, which are inserted through a respective through-hole 21 of the support surface 11 and through the through-openings 23 and 25 of the cover 5 and the adhesive layer 7 into a respective screw bushing 29 of the metal housing 1, the cover 5 being pressed against the adhesive layer 7 by the screwing process, this surface of the metal housing 1 being sealed airtight and protected against corrosion. QUOTES CONTAINED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents submitted by the applicant was generated automatically and is included solely for the convenience of the reader. This list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] CN 205779646U

[0002]

Claims

[1] Metal housing (1) with an interface (3), in particular for a functional unit of a motor vehicle, which are connected to one another in a force-locking manner, characterized by that a cover (5) is arranged between the interface (3) and the metal housing (1), the surface of which cover represents the contact surface to the interface (3), the cover (5) being glued to the metal housing (1) via an adhesive layer (7). [2] Metal housing according to claim 1, characterized by that the flat shape and extent of the adhesive layer (7) is adapted to the shape and dimensions of the cover (5). [3] Metal housing according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by that the cover (5) is flat. [4] Metal housing according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by that the cover (5) is designed following the housing shape of the metal housing (1). [5] Metal housing according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized bythat the cover (5) is made of a corrosion-resistant material, in particular plastic. [6] Metal housing according to at least one of the preceding claims 1 to 4, characterized by that the cover (5) consisting of a corrosion-resistant material is completely coated with a corrosion-resistant material. [7] Metal housing according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the interface (3) to be applied to the metal housing (1) establishes an electrical and / or a hydraulic and / or pneumatic connection to the metal housing (1).

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