Electronic control unit with variable height

Abstract

The invention relates to an electronic control unit (1) comprising a housing (2) with at least a first part (3) and a second part (4). The electronic control unit (1) further comprises an electronic control unit (5) and at least one user interface (6). The electronic control unit (5) is housed in the first part of the housing (2), and the user interface (6) is arranged in at least one region of the second part (4) of the housing (2). At least one rigid information transmission device (7, 8) is used, which is designed and configured to transmit an optical (8) and / or an electrical (7) signal between the electronic control unit (5) and the user interface (6).The at least one rigid information transmission device (7, 8) is arranged between the electronic control unit (5) and the user interface (6) and is designed separately from the electronic control unit (5) and the user interface (6).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to an electronic control unit comprising a housing, an electronic control unit, and at least one user interface. The invention further relates to a kit comprising at least one electronic control unit of the aforementioned type. The invention also relates to a method for arranging an electronic control unit and a user interface at different distances.

[0002] Electronic control units (ECUs) are used in a wide variety of technical fields. They are employed in both stationary and mobile applications. A common feature is that they consist of a housing containing an electronic control unit, such as a printed circuit board controller. The control unit can be programmable or non-programmable. Because the control unit must be monitored and / or controlled by an operator, the electronic control unit typically includes a user interface (control panel) where information is displayed and commands can be entered.

[0003] Due to the widespread use of such electronic control units, it is not surprising that a large number of standard components are available on the market. In particular, the user (either an end user or a manufacturer of specific products) can choose from a wide variety of components that are readily available. This is especially true for electronic control units for performing various tasks, as well as for user interfaces.

[0004] While the technical aspects are largely standardized, a certain problem arises with the housing in which such standard components are to be accommodated. Such housings are often limited to the specific type of series product for which they are used. The large number of housing variants is not surprising, as design considerations, available assembly space, side effects related to the machine's function, and other factors must be taken into account and influence the housing's design and dimensions. Consequently, the housing dimensions are chosen individually, and the resulting housings must be manufactured accordingly.

[0005] A problem arises particularly when the height of the housing of an electronic control unit needs to be varied, which typically results in a different distance (height difference; offset) between the electronic control unit and the operator interface of the electronic control unit.

[0006] Here too, due to the widespread use of electronic control units, some standard solutions from the state of the art are known.

[0007] The simplest solution, of course, is to customize the electronic control unit and / or the user interface to achieve a suitable distance between them and / or to ensure that the electrical connections protrude appropriately from the electronic control unit and / or the user interface. However, this requires at least a modification of the design of the electronic control unit and / or the user interface, which is costly, necessitates additional stock of prefabricated parts (and later, spare parts for maintenance), and generally contradicts the approach of component standardization.

[0008] The other common approach is to use flexible cable connections between the electronic control unit and the user interface. However, the associated wiring is somewhat cumbersome and sometimes requires rather tricky assembly steps. This also applies if the wiring between the electronic control unit and the user interface is done via plug connectors. Furthermore, flexible electrical cables tend to move when subjected to vibrations (which are common in both stationary and mobile applications), potentially leading to cable breakage over time.

[0009] It is therefore obvious that in the present technical field there is a need to simplify the arrangement of standard components, in particular an electronic control unit and an operator interface of an electronic control device, at different distances, even when using standard components.

[0010] It is therefore an object of the invention to propose an electronic control unit comprising a housing with at least a first part and a second part, an electronic control unit and at least one user interface, and which is improved compared to electronic control units of this type known in the prior art.

[0011] Another objective of the invention is to propose a kit with at least one electronic control unit that is improved compared to kits of this type known from the prior art.

[0012] A further object of the invention is to propose a method for arranging an electronic control unit and an operator interface at different distances, which is improved compared to such methods known in the prior art.

[0013] An electronic control unit according to claim 1 solves this problem. Furthermore, a kit according to claim 8 solves this problem. Finally, a method for arranging an electronic control unit and a user interface at different distances according to claim 9 solves the problem.

[0014] It is proposed to design an electronic control device comprising a housing with a first part and a second part, and further comprising an electronic control unit and at least one operator interface, wherein the electronic control unit is arranged in the first part of the housing and the operator interface is arranged in at least one area of ​​the second part of the housing, such that it further comprises at least one rigid information transmission device, which is designed and configured to transmit a signal between the electronic control unit and the operator interface, and which is arranged between the electronic control unit and the operator interface and is designed separately from the electronic control unit and the operator interface.Preferably, the signal transmitted by the at least one rigid information transmission device is an optical and / or an electrical signal.

[0015] The housing typically comprises two parts that can preferably be reversibly attached to one another. This allows the housing to be opened and closed. Reopening it can be advantageous for maintenance or repair purposes. However, it is also possible for the housing to be lockable only once (e.g., by using a barb or similar mechanism), making it difficult to open, particularly preventing damage or even destruction of the housing. This can be advantageous in safety-relevant systems to make tampering with the electronic control unit more difficult or at least reduce the likelihood of such tampering.

[0016] According to the present proposal, the electronic control unit is located in the first part of the housing. This does not necessarily preclude at least parts of the electronic control unit from forming part of the housing surface or even protruding from the housing surface. An example of this would be a plug / socket soldered to the electronic control unit that fits into a recess provided for this plug / socket in the relevant area of ​​the housing (first part of the housing). The electronic control unit can be fastened to the first part of the housing in any conventional manner, e.g., with screws, barbs, or similar fasteners.

[0017] The user interface is located in at least one area of ​​the second part of the housing. Typically, the user interface (or parts of it) forms an outer surface of the housing or even protrudes from it. This is because, typically, at least the surface of the user interface must be visible (to provide the user with some kind of visual display) and / or accessible from the outside (so that the user can input data). This is well known in the prior art.

[0018] At least one rigid information transmission device is provided, which is designed and configured to transmit a signal, in particular an optical and / or electrical signal, between the electronic control unit and the operator interface.

[0019] It should be noted that, depending on the type of housing chosen for the specific electronic control unit (the use of a third or further housing component is also conceivable), the distance between the electronic control unit and at least one user interface typically varies. This variation in distance between the two components (user interface and electronic control unit) must therefore be bridged. However, this requires not only considering the physical distance, but also—depending on the specific situation—establishing electrical and / or optical communication between the electronic control unit and the user interface.

[0020] For this reason, a rigid information transmission device is arranged between the electronic control unit and the operator interface. Furthermore, the rigid information transmission device is designed as a separate component, distinct from the electronic control unit and the operator interface. This allows the use of identical electronic control units and operator interfaces for virtually all realistic distances between the electronic control unit and the operator interface. The distance is bridged by one or more rigid information transmission devices. Therefore, apart from the housing, only the rigid information transmission devices need to be adapted. In particular, their length needs to be adjusted.Since typically certain discrete distances are realized between the electronic control unit and the operator interface, it is sufficient to have a corresponding (limited) number of appropriately dimensioned (especially in terms of length) rigid information transmission devices on hand, from which the correct one is selected and placed between the electronic control unit and the operator interface.

[0021] Thanks to the rigid design of the rigid information transmission device, a reduction in service life due to cable breaks caused by bending / vibration of the electrical (and / or optical) conductors between the electronic control unit and the user interface can be advantageously reduced or even essentially avoided. Furthermore, the rigid information transmission device, due to its rigid construction, can serve as mechanical stabilization or even as a mechanical fixing for the various components, especially the electronic control unit and the user interface. This, too, can increase the reliability of the assembly.

[0022] While essentially all types of signals can be transmitted by a suitably designed rigid information transmission device (e.g., sound or the like), typically optical and / or electrical signals must be transmitted; therefore, it is preferred if the at least one rigid information transmission device is designed and configured to be able to transmit an optical and / or an electrical signal.

[0023] It should be noted that a relatively small number of rigid information transfer devices (especially a single one) simplifies the mounting of the electronic control unit. Conversely, a large number of rigid information transfer devices can improve the mechanical stability of the electronic control unit assembly. Following a common approach, a single rigid information transfer device is typically chosen to simplify the mounting of the electronic control unit. Adequate mechanical stability must then usually be ensured by additional means, such as the housing / housing components. Another typical approach uses a relatively small number of rigid information transfer devices, such as two, three, or four.This can represent a good compromise between a relatively simple installation of the electronic control unit, combined with a particularly high mechanical stability of the arrangement.

[0024] The electronic control unit can be used for a motor drive / drive motor assembly. Furthermore, the electronic control unit can be housed within a motor drive / drive motor assembly and / or be part of a motor drive / drive motor assembly. The motor drive / drive motor assembly can, in particular, include all electrical and electronic units necessary for controlling the drive of an (electric) motor. The motor drive or drive motor assembly therefore does not necessarily have to include a power source (e.g., a battery, accumulator, etc.), but may certainly include one. Specifically, the motor drive / drive motor assembly can include a PWM unit (pulse width modulation unit), power electronics, rectifiers, inverters, and the like.

[0025] It is proposed that the electronic control unit be designed such that at least one of the rigid information transmission devices has at least two, preferably multiple, lines. It is possible that the multiple lines are at least partially designed and configured for the same signal type. Additionally or alternatively, they can also be at least partially designed for different signal types. For example, electrical signals generally require at least two conductors / lines to complete the circuit. Having a larger number of electrical lines allows for the transmission of a greater number of signals, particularly without resorting to bus systems. However, even when a bus system is used, at least four electrical conductors are typically employed: two for power supply and two more for information transmission.Additionally or alternatively, one or more optical conductors can be used to transmit one or more optical signals. For example, light can be generated by one or more LEDs (or other light sources) connected / soldered to the electronic control unit, emitting light in various colors (e.g., red, green, blue, yellow, white, or any other color). It should be noted that even a single LED can emit different colors if so-called multicolor LEDs are used. The optical light transmission medium (e.g., a type of light guide, a type of light tube, or a type of optical fiber) then advantageously transmits the light thus generated to a designated output at the user interface. In this way, the light from different light sources is advantageously not mixed, thus preventing misinterpretation of the optical signal.Even if such a mixing of different light sources poses no problem (for whatever reason, e.g., because only one light source is present), the light intensity at the operator interface can typically be increased, which is naturally advantageous. It should be noted that the rigid information transmission device can be designed as a single unit. For example, a single unit could consist of four electrical lines and three optical lines. In this way, multiple signals can be transmitted through a single assembly operation, even if they are of a different physical nature.

[0026] Furthermore, it is proposed that the electronic control unit be designed such that at least one of the rigid information transmission devices is configured and set up as an electrical connector and / or an optical conductor. These are the most common signals that need to be transmitted. Therefore, the electronic control unit can be particularly advantageous.

[0027] It is further proposed that the electronic control unit be designed such that (at least one) of the rigid information transmission devices is configured and set up as a plug-in connector, preferably at least partially and / or at least at one of its ends. This further simplifies the assembly of the device. In particular, standardized plug-in connectors can be used. To give just one example: D-sub connectors, terminal blocks, contact pin connectors, or the like can be used for this purpose. It should be noted that plug-in connectors are generally particularly advantageous in connection with electrical signals.

[0028] It is further proposed to design the electronic control unit such that the first part of the housing has a lower surface wall, and / or that the second part of the housing has an upper surface wall, and / or that at least one of the parts of the housing has a side wall, and / or that the housing has a third part that is designed and configured as a side wall. Additionally or alternatively, the electronic control unit can be designed such that the distance between the electronic control unit and the at least one user interface can be varied, preferably in steps. It should be noted that part of the housing can be trough-shaped, with the side walls extending more or less vertically from the bottom wall (or, if applicable, the top wall). This design is common in the prior art for known reasons.The height of the enclosure (and thus typically the distance between the user interface and the electronic control unit) can then be varied by providing taller or shorter side walls. However, it is also possible to provide a third part (or even several additional parts) that serves as a side wall or extends the length of the side walls. Such a third part can essentially be collar-shaped, with its dimensions and cross-sections chosen to match the other parts of the enclosure / the other enclosure side walls. If a stepwise height change is provided, the number of enclosure parts (first part, second part, and / or possibly a third or even further parts) can be reduced. Consequently, the number of rigid information transmission devices of varying sizes can also typically be reduced.It should be noted that the distance between the electronic control unit and at least one user interface can also be varied in other ways, e.g. by providing protruding support struts or the like.

[0029] Furthermore, it is proposed that the electronic control unit be designed in such a way that it comprises multiple modules and / or is at least partially designed as a printed circuit board. This would increase the flexibility of the electronic control unit. In addition, the design of the electronic control unit's components could be more similar to, or even identical to, those already in use. This could increase the system's acceptance.

[0030] Furthermore, it is proposed that the electronic control unit be designed in such a way that at least one user interface is taken from the group that includes optical displays, buttons, touch surfaces, electronic displays, illuminated surfaces, control panels, and the like. In this way, the structure and functionality of the at least one user interface can again resemble (or be essentially identical to) known user interfaces, thus further increasing the acceptance of the electronic control unit.

[0031] Furthermore, a kit is proposed comprising at least one electronic control unit, wherein the at least one electronic control unit is designed and configured according to the present disclosure. The at least two housing parts result in a different distance between the electronic control unit and the user interface (where, in the present context, the two housing parts are generally identical housing parts, e.g., differently dimensioned first parts of the housing). Preferably, the at least two housing parts have different heights of the housing side walls. At least two rigid information transmission devices are provided, wherein the at least two rigid information transmission devices have different lengths.The lengths of the rigid data transmission devices correspond to the varying distances between the electronic control unit and the user interface (generally due to the use of at least two different housing components of the same type). This allows for the simple implementation of a wide variety of electronic control units, using standard components for the most expensive and complex parts, namely the electronic control unit and / or the user interface. The remaining components, particularly the corresponding housing parts and the differently sized rigid data transmission devices, can be adapted relatively easily. This increases cost efficiency. Furthermore, fewer components need to be stored for manufacturing (and / or repair), thus reducing space and logistics costs.

[0032] Furthermore, a motor drive / drive motor assembly is proposed which includes an electronic control unit according to the present disclosure. Additionally or alternatively, a kit for a motor drive / drive motor assembly is proposed which includes a kit with at least one electronic control unit according to the present disclosure.

[0033] Furthermore, a method for arranging an electronic control unit and a user interface at a different distance is proposed, wherein the signal connection between the electronic control unit and the user interface is established by at least one rigid information transmission device. Preferably, this different distance can be achieved in conjunction with a (differently dimensioned) housing. Additionally or alternatively, it is preferred that the signal connection be an electrical signal connection and / or an optical signal connection. With this proposal, the properties and advantages already described can be realized, at least analogously.

[0034] Furthermore, the process can be modified, at least by analogy, in accordance with the present disclosure. This can result, at least by analogy, in the corresponding properties and advantages already discussed.

[0035] In particular, the method can be applied to an electronic control unit and / or a kit as disclosed herein.

[0036] Further advantages, features and objectives of the invention will become apparent from the following detailed description of the invention in conjunction with the associated drawings, the drawings showing: Fig. 1: A possible embodiment of an electronic control unit in a schematic perspective exploded view; Fig. 2: the lower part of an electronic control unit according to Fig. 1 in three different variations for different case heights; Fig. 3: A detailed view of a rigid information transmission device in a schematic, perspective view.

[0037] Fig. Figure 1 shows an electronic control unit 1 in a schematic, perspective exploded view. In this view, the various components and their arrangement relative to each other are particularly easy to see. It should be noted that the in Fig. The electronic control unit 1 shown is only one exemplary possible embodiment of an electronic control unit 1 according to the present disclosure.

[0038] The electronic control unit 1 has a housing 2 which essentially comprises two parts 3, 4, namely a lower first part 2 and an upper second part 4. The upper second part 4 has a shorter length (in the axial direction) than the lower first part 3 of the housing 2, so that an additional cover (not shown) can be used to cover the corresponding area of ​​the upper surface of the first part 3 of the housing 2.

[0039] Furthermore, an electronic control unit 5, designed as a printed circuit board, is arranged in the lower area of ​​the first housing part 3 of the housing 2 of the electronic control unit 1. The electronic control unit 5 forms part of the bottom wall of the first part 3 of the housing 2. However, an embodiment is also possible in which the electronic control unit 5 is arranged inside the housing 2 or inside the first part 3 of the housing 2.

[0040] A user interface 6, designed as a control panel, is attached to the upper, second part 4 of the housing 2. This attachment can be achieved, for example, by a clamping device. The control panel 6 can be a standard version readily available on the market.

[0041] As in Fig. As indicated in Figure 1, the height h1 of the second part 4 of the housing 2 can be variable. For example, a base height of h 1,0 (as in Fig. 1 shown; cf. Fig. 2a) be chosen. This basic height h 1,0 can be varied to a different height. Preferably, a specific discrete multiplication scheme can be chosen, such as h. 1,a = 1 ∗ h 1,0 ( Fig. , h 1,b = 1.5 ∗ h 1,0 ( Fig. and h 1,c = 2 ∗ h 1,0 ( Fig. However, other multiplication factors can also be chosen, depending on the circumstances. These circumstances may be determined in particular by the machine in which the electronic control unit 1 is used.

[0042] The need for different heights can arise from a preferred embodiment of the electronic control unit 5, in which the electronic control unit 5 can have two parts, one of which (not shown) is interchangeable and can be connected to the first part by means of a connector. Due to different requirements, the interchangeable part can have a different height, so that a housing 2 (or parts thereof 3, 4) with a different height must be provided.

[0043] As in Fig. As can be seen in Figure 1, the electrical 7 and optical 8 connection of signals is realized by an electrical rigid information transmission device 7 (electrical information) and an optical rigid information transmission device 8 (optical signals). Currently, the electrical rigid information transmission device 7 is implemented separately from the optical rigid information transmission device 8.

[0044] The electrical rigid information transmission device 7 has a plurality of several electrical conductors (see also Fig. 2 and Fig. 3) The electrical connection with the electronic control unit 5 and the operator interface 6 is realized in this case by a connector, which in this case is designed as a standard D-sub connector.

[0045] The optical information is transmitted by three different optical rigid information transmission devices 8, which in this case are designed as three light guides made of a transparent plastic material.

[0046] The optical, rigid information transmission devices 8 transmit information towards the control panel 6, the optical information being generated by a plurality of LEDs soldered onto the electronic control unit 5 so that they are visible to a user of the machine in a top view.

[0047] In Fig. Figure 2 shows three different variants of the first part 3 (lower part) of the housing 2, together with corresponding variants of the electrical rigid information transmission devices 7 and the optical rigid information transmission devices 8. In particular, the heights h2 of the respective rigid information transmission devices 7, 8 are varied to accommodate a housing 2 with a different height h1 and thus a different distance between the electronic control unit 5 and the operator interface 6. The possible heights have already been mentioned above. However, it should be emphasized again that the figures given are only examples and other figures could also be used. Furthermore, it should be emphasized that a “corresponding length of the rigid information transmission device 7, 8 in relation to the height of the housing 2” does not necessarily mean that h 2,a = 1 ∗ h 2,0 , h 2,b1 = 1.5 * h 2,0and / or h 2,c1 = 2 ∗ h 2,0 applies if h 1,a = 1 ∗ h 1,0 , h 1,b = 1.5 ∗ h 1,0 and h 1,c = 2 ∗ h 1,0 This applies because the sizes of plugs / sockets, the exact positioning of the electronic control unit 5 and the operator interface 6, and similar factors must be taken into account.

[0048] In Fig. Figure 3 shows a detailed view of the electrical rigid information transmission device 7 and the three optical rigid information transmission devices 8.

[0049] The respective devices 7, 8 are held in position by appropriately designed guides 10, 11, namely by a guide 10 which is provided for the electrical rigid information transmission device 7, and by a guide 11 which is provided for the optical rigid information transmission devices 8.

[0050] It should be noted that one or more features of one, several or all of the detailed embodiments disclosed herein may be used in combination with the general description of the present disclosure.

Claims

[1] Electronic control unit (1), in particular electronic control unit (1) for a drive motor arrangement, comprising a housing (2) with at least a first part (3) and a second part (4), an electronic control unit (5) and at least one operator interface (6), wherein the electronic control unit (5) is arranged in the first part (3) of the housing (2) and the operator interface (6) is arranged in at least one area of ​​the second part (4) of the housing (2), characterized byat least one rigid information transmission device (7, 8) which is designed and arranged to transmit a signal, in particular an optical (8) and / or an electrical (7) signal, between the electronic control unit (5) and the operator interface (6), wherein the at least one rigid information transmission device (7, 8) is arranged between the electronic control unit (5) and the operator interface (6) and is designed separately from the electronic control unit (5) and the operator interface (6). [2] Electronic control unit (1) according to claim 1, characterized by , that at least one of the rigid information transmission devices (7, 8) has at least two, preferably a plurality of lines, preferably at least partially of the same signal type and / or at least partially of a different signal type. [3] Electronic control unit (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by, that at least one of the rigid information transmission devices (7, 8) is designed and configured as an electrical connection (7) and / or as an optical conductor device (8). [4] Electronic control unit (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the rigid information transmission device (7, 8) is preferably designed and arranged at least partially and / or at least at one of its ends as a connector device (9). [5] Electronic control unit (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the first part (3) of the housing (2) has a lower surface wall and / or the second part of the housing (2) has an upper surface wall and / or at least one of the parts of the housing (2) has a side wall and / or the housing (2) has a third part which is designed and configured as a side wall and / or characterized by, that the distance (h2) between the electronic control unit (5) and at least one operator interface (6) is variable, preferably in steps. [6] Electronic control unit (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the electronic control unit (5) has a plurality of assemblies and / or characterized by , that the electronic control unit (5) is at least partially designed as a printed circuit board. [7] Electronic control unit (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that at least one user interface (6) is taken from the group comprising optical displays, buttons, touch surfaces, electronic displays, illuminated surfaces and control panels. [8] Kit comprising at least one electronic control unit (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized byat least two housing parts (3, 4) which result in a different distance (h2) between the electronic control unit (5) and the operator interface (6), wherein preferably the at least two housing parts (3, 4) result in a different height (h1) of the side walls of the housing (2), and at least two rigid information transmission devices (7, 8) with different lengths (h2) are provided, wherein the lengths (h2) of the rigid information transmission devices (7, 8) correspond to the different distances between the electronic control unit (5) and the operator interface (6). [9] Method for arranging an electronic control unit (5), in particular an electronic control unit (5) for a drive motor arrangement, and an operator interface (6) at a different distance (h2), preferably in conjunction with a housing (2), characterized by, that the signal connection (7, 8), in particular an electrical signal connection (7) and / or an optical signal connection (8) between the electronic control unit (5) and the operator interface (6) is established by at least one rigid information transmission device (7, 8). [10] Method according to claim 9, characterized by , that it is used for an electronic control unit (1) according to one of claims 1 to 7 and / or for a kit according to claim 8.

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