Functional assembly of a vehicle, with a functional unit thermally connected to an electronic assembly for dissipating heat

Abstract

A functional assembly (2, 2') of a vehicle (1) comprises an electronic assembly (22) for generating an electrical power signal and a functional unit (21) configured to convert the power signal to perform a function. The functional unit (21) is thermally connected to the electronic assembly (22) to dissipate heat generated at the electronic assembly (22).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a functional assembly of a vehicle according to the preamble of claim 1 and to a vehicle with such a functional assembly.

[0002] Such a functional assembly comprises an electronic assembly for generating an electrical power signal and a functional unit configured to convert the power signal to perform a function.

[0003] Such a functional assembly can be configured to perform a wide variety of functions in a vehicle. The functional unit can, for example, be a loudspeaker that converts a power signal supplied via the electronic assembly into an acoustic signal and outputs the acoustic signal. However, the functional unit can also be configured, for example, as an adjustment device for adjusting a vehicle assembly, such as a vehicle seat, a window lifter, a sunroof, a cargo area cover, or another assembly in a vehicle.

[0004] During operation, an electronic assembly of such a functional assembly generates waste heat when generating the electrical power signal. This waste heat must be dissipated into the environment to prevent excessive heating of the electronic assembly. For this reason, an electronic assembly conventionally has a heat sink that is thermally connected to a waste heat-generating unit, such as a power amplifier, of the electronic assembly and is made of metal, for example, to absorb heat from the electronic assembly and dissipate it from the electronic assembly into the environment. However, the provision of such a dedicated heat sink contributes to the weight of the electronic assembly and thus to the weight of the vehicle's functional assembly, and also represents a cost factor.

[0005] The object of the present invention is to provide a functional assembly of a vehicle which can be constructed simply and cost-effectively, while reliably dissipating heat during operation.

[0006] This object is achieved by an article having the features of claim 1.

[0007] Accordingly, the functional unit for dissipating heat generated on the electronic assembly is in thermal connection with the electronic assembly.

[0008] The electronic assembly is designed to generate an electrical power signal during operation. The electrical power signal is fed to the functional unit of the functional assembly and is converted at the functional unit, for example, into an acoustic output signal or a mechanical movement. The power signal is thus converted at the functional unit, for example, to generate an output signal or to generate a mechanical force.

[0009] To absorb heat from the electronic assembly during operation and dissipate it into the environment, the functional unit is thermally connected to the electronic assembly. The functional unit can thus serve as a heat sink for the electronic assembly, providing a cooling effect by absorbing and dissipating heat from the electronic assembly. Because waste heat can thus be conducted in a thermally favorable manner from the electronic assembly into the functional unit and dissipated into the environment via the functional unit, an additional, dedicated heat sink is no longer required.

[0010] Because an additional, dedicated heat sink can be dispensed with if necessary, as cooling is provided to the electronic assembly via the functional unit (which in itself fulfills a different function of the functional assembly), the functional assembly can be constructed simply and cost-effectively. In particular, the weight of the functional assembly can be reduced if no additional, dedicated heat sink is required on the electronic assembly to provide cooling.

[0011] The functional unit serves to perform a function assigned to it by the functional module by converting the power signal of the electronic module during operation. In addition, the functional unit also serves to provide a cooling effect on the electronic module by thermally coupling the functional unit to the electronic module, allowing it to absorb heat from the electronic module and dissipate it from the electronic module.

[0012] In one embodiment, the functional unit is a loudspeaker that converts the electrical power signal generated by the electronic assembly and supplied to the functional unit into an acoustic signal and outputs it. The loudspeaker is thermally connected to the electronic assembly, allowing the speaker to absorb heat generated by the electronic assembly. Heat is thus dissipated from the electronic assembly during operation via the loudspeaker, providing a cooling effect for the electronic assembly.

[0013] In another embodiment, the functional unit can be, for example, an adjustment device of the vehicle, for example, an adjustment device for a vehicle seat, an adjustment device for a window lifter, or an adjustment device for a cover element such as a sunroof, a sun blind, or a cargo area cover. The adjustment device has, for example, an adjustment motor with a gear. The adjustment device can be thermally connected to the electronic assembly, for example via a gear housing, so that heat can be dissipated at the electronic assembly and released via the adjustment device.

[0014] In one embodiment, the electronic assembly comprises an amplifier device, in particular in the form of a power amplifier, for example a power output stage. A signal for generating the power signal is electrically amplified via the amplifier device and fed to the functional unit.

[0015] In one embodiment, the amplifier device is a so-called Class-D amplifier. A Class-D amplifier converts an analog input signal into a pulse-width-modulated signal, which is amplified in a power output stage circuit. The power signal output by the amplifier device thus corresponds to a pulse-width-modulated signal generated based on an input signal provided, for example, by a control device.

[0016] In one embodiment, the functional unit is connected to the electronic assembly via a heat-conducting element. The thermal connection between the functional unit and the electronic assembly is established via the heat-conducting element, so that a thermally favorable coupling between the functional unit and the electronic assembly is established via the heat-conducting element, and heat can be absorbed by the electronic assembly, in particular an amplifier device of the electronic assembly, via the functional unit.

[0017] The heat-conducting element consists of a material with good thermal conductivity, which preferably has an electrically insulating effect in order to ensure electrical insulation between the functional unit and the electronic assembly.

[0018] The heat-conducting element can be made, for example, from a plastic and / or a ceramic material. The heat-conducting element is a good conductor of heat. The heat-conducting element can, for example, consist of a plastic material to which an additive has been added, for example, a graphite-based mineral additive. Other additives in particle form, such as metal particles or ceramic particles, can also be embedded in a plastic matrix of the plastic material. The base matrix of the plastic material can, for example, be a polymer, for example, a thermoplastic, such as polycarbonate.

[0019] It is also possible to manufacture the heat-conducting element from a silicone material, for example, whereby the silicone material can be thermally modified, for example by adding particles.

[0020] In another embodiment, the heat-conducting element can be made of a metal material and not have an electrically insulating effect.

[0021] If necessary, a mechanical connection between the functional unit and the electronic assembly is also established via the heat conducting element.

[0022] In one embodiment, the electronic assembly comprises a printed circuit board with which the functional unit is thermally connected. In particular, electrical and electronic functional components can be arranged on the printed circuit board, where heat loss occurs during operation. This heat loss can be introduced into the functional unit via the thermal connection and dissipated into the environment via the functional unit. For example, the printed circuit board is a component of an amplifier device of the electronic assembly, in particular a power amplifier.

[0023] In one embodiment, the functional unit is (mechanically) firmly connected to the circuit board. The connection can be established in a variety of ways, for example, via a press fit, a screw connection, or even a material-to-material connection, such as an adhesive bond.

[0024] The mechanical connection between the functional unit and the circuit board can be established via a heat-conducting element. In another embodiment, however, the mechanical connection can also be functionally separate from the thermal connection, for example, by the functional unit being mechanically firmly connected to the circuit board and, independent of the mechanical connection, a thermal connection being established between the functional unit and the circuit board to create a thermal transition.

[0025] In one embodiment, a heat-conducting element is arranged between the functional unit and the circuit board to establish the thermal connection. The functional unit is thus thermally coupled to the circuit board via the heat-conducting element, allowing heat to be introduced from the circuit board into the functional unit and dissipated into the environment.

[0026] In one embodiment, the functional assembly is an AVAS assembly. Such an AVAS assembly may, for example, have a surrounding, e.g., box-shaped housing in which the functional unit and the electronic assembly are enclosed. Such an AVAS assembly may be installed at different locations in a vehicle, in particular an electric vehicle, for example in the area of a front vehicle compartment (e.g., in a front engine compartment or frunk) or in the area of a rear vehicle compartment (e.g., in or below a rear cargo area).

[0027] An AVAS assembly provides an acoustic vehicle alert system (AVAS) that generates an acoustic warning sound to indicate a vehicle's movement in low-noise vehicles, particularly electric vehicles. For example, such a warning system can be designed to generate a sound similar to that of an internal combustion engine so that other road users, particularly pedestrians, can acoustically perceive the vehicle's approach. It may be prescribed that a warning sound is always generated below a predetermined driving speed, for example, at a driving speed below 20 km / h or 30 km / h, whereby it is assumed that rolling and wind noise from the vehicle are sufficiently loud and audible to other road users at higher speeds.The generation of the warning sound can be controlled, for example depending on the driving speed, whereby the volume of the warning sound is changed depending on the driving speed.

[0028] A control device can be part of the AVAS module. However, a control device can also be implemented by another control device in a vehicle, such as a central control device.

[0029] In one embodiment, a vehicle comprises a functional assembly of the type described above. Such a vehicle can, for example, be an electrically powered vehicle, referred to as an electric vehicle.

[0030] The concept underlying the invention will be explained in more detail below with reference to the exemplary embodiments illustrated in the figures. They show: Fig. 1 is a schematic view of a vehicle with an acoustic vehicle warning system (AVAS); Fig. 2 a schematic view of a functional assembly comprising an electronic assembly and a functional unit; Fig. 3 a view of a functional unit together with an electronic assembly; and Fig. 4 a view of a functional unit on a printed circuit board.

[0031] Fig. 1 shows a schematic view of a vehicle 1 having a vehicle warning system in which a functional assembly 2, 2' for emitting an acoustic warning signal is arranged on the outside of the vehicle 1, for example in the area of a front or rear bumper or in the area of a floor of the vehicle 1. A control device 3 is operatively connected to the (respective) functional assembly 2, 2' in order to control the (respective) functional assembly 2, 2' to emit the acoustic signal.

[0032] For example, an acoustic vehicle warning system can generate a warning sound that resembles the sound of a conventional combustion engine, for example, in a low-noise vehicle, particularly an electric vehicle, to alert other road users that vehicle 1 is traveling. The vehicle warning system can be designed, in particular, to generate such a warning sound at slow driving speeds, for example, at speeds below 20 km / h or 30 km / h. At higher driving speeds, however, this is usually not necessary because the rolling and wind noise that occurs is comparable to the noise generated by other vehicles.

[0033] Functional modules 2, 2' can be used in a vehicle 1, as shown in Fig. 1, can be arranged at different locations, for example, in a front vehicle area, for example in the area of an engine compartment or a front frunk (functional assembly 2), or in a rear vehicle area, for example in the area of a rear cargo area (functional assembly 2'). Such functional assemblies 2, 2' can, for example, be part of an acoustic vehicle warning system (AVAS).

[0034] Other functional assemblies can, for example, be components of adjustment devices in the vehicle 1, for example for adjusting a vehicle seat, a window lifter, a sunroof, a load compartment cover, a sun blind or other adjustment assemblies in or on the vehicle 1.

[0035] A functional assembly 2, 2', for example, an AVAS assembly, comprises a functional unit 21, for example, in the form of a loudspeaker, and an electronic assembly 22, for example, in the form of an amplifier device. The components 21, 22 are enclosed, for example, in a common housing 20, for example, in the form of a moisture-tight box, and can thus be installed as a unit in the vehicle 1.

[0036] A control device 3 controls the functional assembly 2, 2'. The control device 3 can be a component of the functional assembly 2, 2' and is, for example, enclosed in the housing 20. However, it is also conceivable and possible for the control device 3 to be designed separately from the functional assembly 2, 2' and to be implemented, for example, by a central electronic control system of the vehicle 1.

[0037] As shown schematically in Fig. 3, the functional unit 21 is arranged on the electronic assembly 22 in such a way that a thermal connection is created between the functional unit 21 and the electronic assembly 22. The electronic assembly 22 forms, for example, an amplifier device 223, in particular in the form of a power amplifier, for example in the form of a so-called Class D amplifier, and during operation generates an electrical power signal which is fed to the functional unit 21 and converted at the functional unit 21, for example (in the case of a loudspeaker) into an acoustic signal or (in the case of an electromechanical adjustment device) into a mechanical movement, for example for adjusting an associated adjustment assembly, for example on a vehicle seat or on a window lifter.

[0038] During operation, waste heat is generated at the electronic assembly 22, in particular the amplifier device 223, which should be dissipated and released into the environment in order to avoid excessive heating of the electronic assembly 22 and thus provide a cooling effect on the electronic assembly 22. Because the functional unit 21 is thermally connected to the electronic assembly 22, heat is introduced from the electronic assembly 22 into the functional unit 21 during operation and can be released outwards into the environment via the functional unit 21, thus providing heat dissipation from the electronic assembly 22.

[0039] The functional unit 21 itself fulfills another function within the functional assembly 2, 2' for converting the electrical power signal. In addition, the functional unit 21 also serves as a heat sink for the electronic assembly 22, allowing heat to be introduced into the functional unit 21 and dissipated into the environment via the functional unit 21.

[0040] Because the functional unit 21 serves (in addition to its intended function) as a heat sink for the electronic assembly 22, an additional, dedicated heat sink on the electronic assembly 22 may be omitted. This reduces the weight of the electronic assembly 22 and thus also of the functional assembly 2, 2'. Furthermore, costs are reduced.

[0041] The functional unit 21 is in the Fig. In the embodiment shown in Figure 3, the functional unit 21 is connected to the electronic assembly 22, for example, via a heat-conducting element 23. The heat-conducting element 23 consists of a material with good thermal conductivity, for example, a thermally modified plastic material, a thermally modified ceramic material, a thermally modified silicone material, or a metal material. The functional unit 21 can also be mechanically connected to the electronic assembly 22 via the heat-conducting element 23, so that both a thermal and a mechanical connection is established between the functional unit 21 and the electronic assembly 22 via the heat-conducting element 23.

[0042] The amplifier device 223 of the electronic assembly 22 can, as shown in an embodiment in Fig.4, for example, on a printed circuit board 220. In the illustrated embodiment, the printed circuit board 220 is firmly connected to a functional unit 21 in the form of a loudspeaker, for example by establishing a press connection 221, a screw connection, or an adhesive connection between the functional unit 21 and the printed circuit board 22. In addition, a heat-conducting element 23 is arranged between the printed circuit board 220 and the functional unit 21, which heat-conducting element establishes a thermal connection between the printed circuit board 220 and the functional unit 21.

[0043] The heat conducting element 23 can, as a flat, for example annular element, on the one hand lie flat against one side of the circuit board 220 and on the other hand lie flat against a body 210 of the functional unit 21. Magnets, for example, are arranged on the body 210 of the functional unit 21, which in the illustrated embodiment is implemented by a loudspeaker, which magnets, together with a pole core, can cause a membrane of the functional unit 21 to vibrate in order to convert an electrical power signal into an acoustic signal.

[0044] A supply line, for example for an electrical supply to the amplifier device 223, can be connected to a plug connector 222.

[0045] The idea underlying the invention is not limited to the preceding embodiments, but can also be implemented in other ways.

[0046] A functional module of the type described can be used in particular in a vehicle warning system. However, such a functional module can also be used for other purposes in a vehicle.

[0047] A functional assembly of the type described can be used in particular in an electrically powered vehicle, although this is not limiting. List of reference symbols 1 vehicle 2 Functional module 20 housings 21 Functional unit (loudspeaker) 210 bodies 22 Electronic assembly 220 circuit board 221 press connection 222 connectors 223 Amplifier device (power output stage) 23 Heat conducting element 3 Control device

Claims

[1] Functional assembly (2, 2') of a vehicle (1), with an electronic assembly (22) for generating an electrical power signal and a functional unit (21) which is designed to convert the power signal to perform a function, characterized by that the functional unit (21) is in thermal connection with the electronic assembly (22) for dissipating heat generated at the electronic assembly (22). [2] Functional assembly according to claim 1, characterized by that the functional unit (21) serves as a heat sink for the electronic assembly (22). [3] Functional assembly according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by that the functional unit (21) is a loudspeaker. [4] Functional assembly according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized by that the electronic assembly (22) has an amplifier device (223). [5] Functional assembly according to one of the preceding claims, characterized bythat the functional unit (21) is connected to the electronic assembly (22) via a heat-conducting element (23). [6] Functional assembly according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the electronic assembly (22) has a printed circuit board (220) with which the functional unit (21) is in thermal connection. [7] Functional assembly according to claim 6, characterized by that the printed circuit board (220) is part of an amplifier device (223) of the electronic assembly (22). [8] Functional assembly according to claim 6 or 7, characterized by that the functional unit (21) is firmly connected to the circuit board (220). [9] Functional assembly according to one of claims 6 to 8, characterized by that a heat conducting element (23) for establishing the thermal connection is arranged between the functional unit (21) and the printed circuit board (220). [10] Functional assembly according to one of the preceding claims, characterized bythat the functional module is an AVAS module. [11] Vehicle (1) with a functional assembly (2, 2') according to one of the preceding claims.

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