Arrangement with a circuit board

Abstract

The invention relates to an arrangement (19) comprising a housing with a housing wall and a printed circuit board (2), wherein the printed circuit board (2) is fastened with its underside spaced from the housing wall by means of fastening means, wherein a stability bar (1,1a) is provided, wherein the stability bar (1,1a) is attached to the top of the circuit board (2) to increase the stability of the circuit board (2), and wherein the stability strip (1,1a) has a strip section (9) extending beyond the circuit board (2), wherein the strip section (9) is bent in the direction of the housing wall and wherein the strip section (9) and the housing wall are fastened directly to one another by means of at least one fastening element, in order to increase the stability of the stability strip (1,1a) and thus of the arrangement (19).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to an arrangement comprising a housing with a housing wall and a printed circuit board, wherein the printed circuit board is fastened with its underside spaced from the housing wall by means of fastening means.

[0002] Electronic components such as power modules / control units are used in the automotive sector and are assembled in a sturdy housing or housing parts together with at least one circuit carrier, such as a printed circuit board with electronic components arranged on it. Since control units / power modules in the automotive sector are exposed to high mechanical stress, especially vibrations, it is necessary to securely anchor the individual circuit board components to the housing.

[0003] The circuit board carries, for example, the electronic components, which are soldered to the circuit board. The circuit board is connected to the sturdy housing using screws positioned in a tight grid, for example. However, this entails increased manufacturing costs.

[0004] If there are multiple circuit boards or electronic connections to other devices in the vehicle, the connections are sometimes made using stranded wires and cables.

[0005] Cables consist of one or more stranded wires, each covered with its own and / or a common insulation, which are intended for direct soldering into a circuit board or are connected to the circuit board by means of plug-in systems.

[0006] For example, defined connection areas must be provided on the circuit board into which the stranded wire is inserted and soldered or welded (contacted), or plugged into a mating connector.

[0007] Fixing and positioning of strands and cable connections is achieved using cable ties or additional fastening elements such as clamps or a cable clip.

[0008] Adjacent components, additional cable ties, or insufficient space for installation limit the use of the required screws or their optimal positioning. Additional clamps or cable clips are difficult to install and require additional installation tools.

[0009] US 6824399 B2 discloses a countersunk fastener adapter device for countersunk a fastener on a printed circuit board (PWB), the device comprising: a board interface for connecting the adapter device to the PWB at a mounting hole, wherein the mounting hole is a non-countersunk through-hole, the board interface being connected to the PWB at the mounting hole and having a top surface; and, a fastener head engaging surface for receiving and recessing a fastener head having a top surface, wherein the fastener head engaging surface engages and recesses a fastener head, and wherein neither the top surface of the board interface nor the top surface of the fastener head protrudes from the top surface of the circuit board.

[0010] It is therefore an object of the invention to provide an arrangement by which the above-mentioned problems can be overcome.

[0011] This problem is solved by the features of independent patent claim 1. Advantageous embodiments are the subject of the dependent claims.

[0012] The object is achieved by an arrangement comprising a housing with a housing wall and a printed circuit board, wherein the printed circuit board is fastened with its underside at a distance from the housing wall by means of fastening means, wherein a stability bar is provided, wherein the stability bar is fastened to the upper side of the printed circuit board to increase the stability of the printed circuit board, and wherein the stability bar has a bar section extending beyond the printed circuit board, wherein the bar section is bent in the direction of the housing wall and wherein the bar section and the housing wall are fastened directly to one another by means of at least one fastening element to increase the stability of the stability bar and thus of the arrangement.

[0013] In particular, the circuit board has at least one cable strand with a contacting area on an upper side of the circuit board for the at least one cable strand.

[0014] A printed circuit board (PCB), also known as a printed circuit board (PCB), is a carrier for electronic components. A printed circuit board (PCB) serves to mechanically mount the components and connect them electrically.

[0015] A top side of a circuit board is any flat side of the board—in this case, the surface that contains, for example, cable strands but no edges. A bottom side is the (back) side opposite the top side.

[0016] Fastening elements and fastening means are used to fasten or fix several components together; in particular, these can be screw connections.

[0017] A housing wall is, for example, the underside of the housing wall, wherein the housing wall is designed such that the printed circuit board can be arranged thereon. For this purpose, the housing wall has a corresponding width and length, for example, an inner housing edge and an outer housing edge.

[0018] Stranded wires should also be understood to mean cables / cable connections.

[0019] Such an arrangement can be arranged, for example, on an electric motor / electric component / power control unit, etc.

[0020] In particular, the curved strip section has a flat section which, for example, has a bore, so that a screw connection as a fastening element of the stability strip to the housing wall is possible. This enables easy connection / attachment of the stability strip to the housing. In particular, the curved section is designed such that the flat section is positioned close to the housing wall, so that, for example, a simple screw connection of the stability strip to the housing wall is possible. This screw connection enables the stability of the stability strip and thus an increase in the stability of the entire arrangement. The stability strip also increases the stiffening of the circuit board.

[0021] Such a stability bar can also be used to protect a large circuit board, which, due to structural constraints, can only be secured with very large screw spacing at the edges, from vibration. The stable stability bar can be made of glass-fiber reinforced plastic, for example, and can be positioned on the circuit board between the large screw spacings of the circuit board's screw bosses on the enclosure wall.

[0022] In addition, the stability bar can be used to achieve a different height for the screw bosses in the housing, which cannot be extended to the bottom edge of the circuit board for design reasons or space constraints. This allows the circuit board to be connected to the housing at a different height.

[0023] The stability bar is screwed directly to the circuit board at several specifically distributed fastening points, for example screw points, as a fastening means and thus increases the stability of the circuit board against vibration and other mechanical influences such as plug-in forces, heavy components, stranded wires, etc.

[0024] By means of such a stability bar according to the invention, the stabilization of the circuit board against occurring forces and vibrations is achieved with the screw connection to the circuit board and the screw connection to the housing.

[0025] In one embodiment, the stability bar further comprises positioning means, for example, at least two positioning domes and corresponding openings in the circuit board, so that the positioning of the stability bar on the circuit board is simplified. The positioning domes thus serve as a positioning aid when mounting the stability bar on the circuit board.

[0026] In particular, the circuit board and the stability bar are screwed together. The circuit board and stability bar are screwed together at so-called screw points.

[0027] In a further embodiment, the stability bar has a ribbed contour, particularly a U-shaped profile. Furthermore, the screwing points are connected to such a ribbed contour. This allows the stability bar to be formed as a single piece and thus easy to assemble as a single component.

[0028] Furthermore, the circuit board is fastened to the housing wall by means of at least two opposing fastening means, wherein the stability bar extends substantially between the two opposing fastening means. Opposite here means opposite on the same side. This extension can represent the length of the stability bar. In particular, the circuit board is screwed to the housing wall, for example at four fastening points arranged in the corners. For example, the edge of the circuit board can be stabilized if the stability bar is arranged at two opposite fastening points. This stiffens the entire circuit board. For example, two stability bars can also be provided to stiffen two edges of the circuit board and thus the circuit board itself.

[0029] In a further embodiment, the stability strip has at least one guide channel through which at least one cable strand can be passed through the stability strip. In particular, the circuit board has at least one cable strand with a contact area on a top side of the circuit board for the at least one cable strand. Thus, the stability strip serves as a guide for cables and strands, allowing them to be mounted in a predetermined position.

[0030] In a further embodiment, at least one guide channel is incorporated as a U-shaped recess in the stability strip. Several separate U-shaped recesses can be incorporated, for example, for various separate cable strands. The recesses can be easily cut to the width of the cable strands.

[0031] In particular, the stability bar has a length and a width formed perpendicular thereto, wherein the stability bar is mounted with its length on the circuit board and the at least one guide channel is arranged continuously in the width, in particular as a recess.

[0032] Furthermore, a cover is provided for covering the at least one guide channel. In particular, the cable strand arranged therein can also be covered. This prevents the cable strand from falling out. In order to protect the cable strand from accidentally coming loose from the plug connection, i.e. the guide channel, the additional cover is fitted. The cover thus corresponds more or less to the width of the guide channel. A complete cover is not required. The cover can protrude above the guide channel and, by means of teeth, for example a tooth bent towards the housing wall, can further guide the cable strand guided through the guide channel, in this case a bend. This enables the cable strand to be bent towards the housing wall.

[0033] In particular, the cover features three snap hooks for clamping the cover to the stability bar. This means that the cover is clamped onto the stability bar. This allows the cover to be easily attached to the guide channel or stability bar.

[0034] In particular, the cover can be connected to the stability bar by a screw connection. This can be implemented in addition to or as an alternative to the clamping mechanism, providing both positioning and additional protection against the cover falling off in the event of strong vibrations.

[0035] In a further embodiment, the at least one guide channel has a recess for guiding at least one cable strand through it, and the cover has a clamping rib arranged corresponding to the recess, so that the cable strand arranged in the recess can be secured by the clamping rib. The clamping force of the clamping rib for pressing the cable strand into the recess can thereby provide strain relief. The clamping rib in conjunction with the recess thus allows for simple strain relief, essentially without requiring additional space.

[0036] In a further embodiment, a plurality of separate guide channels are provided for the separate passage of existing multiple cable strands, wherein each of the guide channels has a recess for the passage of the respective cable strand and the cover has a separate clamping rib arranged corresponding to the recess, so that the cable strand arranged in the respective recess can be fixed by the respective clamping rib.

[0037] This allows the different cable strands to be routed separately from one another.

[0038] In a further development, the clamping ribs can each have a different height, tailored to the thickness of the cable strand. This allows for separate and improved fixation of cable strands / cables, some of which are designed as flat cables, for example.

[0039] Further features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following description with reference to the accompanying figures. Fig. 1: a stability bar in plan view, Fig. 2: the stability bar from a frog’s perspective, Fig. 3: the stability bar with circuit board and its fixing and fastenings, Fig. 4: a further design of a stability bar with guide channels, Fig. 5: the stability bar with two separate guide channels and strands, Fig. 6: a cover in plan view, Fig. 7: a cover from a frog’s perspective, Fig. 8: a cover with stability bar, Fig. 9: the stability bar with recess and cover and clamping rib.

[0040] Fig. 1 shows a stability bar 1 from above. Fig. Figure 2 shows the stability bar 1 from below. This has a length and a width. Furthermore, the stability bar 1 is directly screwed to the top of a printed circuit board 2 at several specifically distributed attachment points, for example, screw points 3 (screw connection 4, Fig. 3 with screw domes as fastening means) and thus increases the stability of the circuit board 2 against vibration and other mechanical influences such as plug-in forces, heavy components, stranded wires in this area, etc. The top side of the circuit board 2 can accommodate cable strands 7 ( Fig. 5) and cable connections.

[0041] Furthermore, the stability bar 1 has positioning domes 5, as well as the circuit board 2 ( Fig. 3) corresponding openings, allowing easy mounting of the stability bar 1 on the circuit board 2. The positioning domes 5 thus serve as a positioning aid when mounting the stability bar 1 on the circuit board 2.

[0042] In the area of ​​the screwing points 3, the stability bar 1 has a rib contour 6, in particular a U-shaped profile. In particular, the screwing points 3 are connected to such a rib contour 6 / rib structure. This allows the stability bar 1 to be formed in one piece and thus easy to assemble as a single part.

[0043] Furthermore, the stability bar 1 has a bar section 9 extending beyond the circuit board 2, wherein the bar section 9 is bent toward the housing wall. Thus, the bar section 9 and the housing wall can be directly fixed to one another by means of a screw connection as a fastening element, increasing the stability of the stability bar 1 and thus the assembly. In particular, the bent bar section 9 has a flat section 8, which, for example, has a bore, thus enabling the screw connection of the stability bar 1 to the housing wall.

[0044] A metal bushing can be injected into the flat section 8 to reinforce the mechanical properties during screwing.

[0045] In particular, the curved strip section 9 is designed such that the flat section 8 is positioned close to the housing wall, so that, for example, a simple screw connection is possible.

[0046] Fig. 3 shows the stability bar 1 attached to the circuit board 2 to form an arrangement 19. The stability bar 1 has two positioning domes 5, and the circuit board 2 has two corresponding openings, so that a simple mounting of the stability bar 1 on the circuit board 2 and a positioning of the bar relative to the circuit board 2 is possible.

[0047] Furthermore, there are three screwing points 3, at which the stability bar 1 is directly screwed to the circuit board 2 by means of three screw connections 4 using screw bosses. In addition, there are two opposing fastening points at which the circuit board 2 is attached to the housing wall by means of two screws 12.

[0048] The two positioning domes 5 ensure that the screw domes of the stability bar 1 are always directly above the holes in the circuit board 2 during assembly and that the screw connection functions smoothly.

[0049] In addition, the flat section 8 is present, with which the stability bar 1 is screwed directly to the housing (screw connection 13).

[0050] Fig. 4 shows a further embodiment of a stability bar 1a.

[0051] The stability bar 1a is connected to the top side of a printed circuit board 2 ( Fig. 3) directly screwed to several specifically distributed fastening points, for example screwing points 3 (screw connection 4 with screw domes, Fig. 3)

[0052] Furthermore, the stability bar 1a has positioning domes 5, and the circuit board 2 has corresponding openings, so that a simple mounting of the stability bar 1a on the circuit board 2 is possible.

[0053] In the area of ​​the screwing points 3, the stability strip 1a has the rib contour 6, in particular a U-shaped profile. In particular, the screwing points 3 are connected to such a rib contour 6 / rib structure.

[0054] Furthermore, the stability strip 1a has the strip section 9 extending beyond the circuit board 2, wherein the strip section 9 is bent toward the housing wall. In particular, the bent strip section 9 has the flat section 8.

[0055] The stability bar 1a also has two separate guide channels 14 for two different cable strands 7 or cable connections, which are arranged on the circuit board 2. The guide channels 14 can be incorporated as a U-shaped recess in the stability bar 1a. Furthermore, the stability bar 1a can have a widened portion to extend the guide channels 14.

[0056] The guide channels 14 can also be easily cut to the width of the cable strands 7.

[0057] Fig. 5 shows such a stability bar 1a with the two separate guide channels 14 and the cable strands 7 arranged therein.

[0058] Thus, the stability bar 1a with the two separate guide channels 14 serves as a guide for two separate cable connections or cable strands 7 so that they can be mounted in a predetermined position.

[0059] Furthermore, a cover 15 is provided for covering the at least one guide channel 14 and the cable strand 7 arranged therein.

[0060] Fig. 6 shows such a cover 15 from above and Fig. 7 from below for two guide channels 14. The cover 15 can protect the cable strands 7 from accidental detachment from the guide channels 14. The cover 15 can protrude beyond the guide channels 14 and, through teeth 16 bent toward the housing wall, can further guide the cable strands 7 guided through the guide channels 14, in this case, a bend.

[0061] In particular, the cover 15 has three snap hooks 17 for clamping the cover 15 to the stability bar 1a. This means that the cover is clamped onto the stability bar 1a. This allows the cover 15 to be easily attached to the guide channels 14, i.e., onto the stability bar 1a.

[0062] Fig. Figure 8 shows such a cover 15, which is arranged on the stability bar 1a. The cover 15 is additionally connected to the stability bar 1a by means of a screw connection 18.

[0063] Fig. 9 shows the stability bar 1a and one of the guide channels 14 in cross section.

[0064] The guide channel 14 has a recess 10 and the cover 15 has a clamping rib 11 arranged corresponding to the recess 10.

[0065] By arranging the cover 15 on the stability bar 1a, the clamping rib 11 presses the cable strand 7 arranged in the recess 10 into the recess 10. Strain relief can be achieved through the contact force of the clamping rib 11 for pressing the cable strand 7 into the recess 11. Thus, strain relief can be implemented essentially without requiring additional space.

[0066] Such a stable stability bar 1,1a, which is made, for example, of glass-fiber-reinforced plastic, can be arranged on the circuit board 2 between the two opposing attachment points at which the circuit board 2 is fixed to the housing wall by means of two or more screws 12. The stability bar 1,1a is screwed directly to specifically distributed screw points 3 in order to increase the stability of the circuit board 2 against vibration and other mechanical influences such as insertion forces, heavy components, and stranded wires in this area.

[0067] The screw points 3 are connected by a ribbed structure 6. This allows the stability bar 1, 1a to be easily installed as a single part. Furthermore, the stable stability bar 1a serves as a guide for cable connections and / or stranded wires 7, allowing them to be installed in a predetermined position. To protect the cables / stranded wires 7 from accidental detachment from the stability bar 1a or the guide channel 14, a cover 15 is also installed.

[0068] The guide channel 14 has a recess 10, and the cover 15 has a clamping rib 11 arranged corresponding to the recess 10. This clamping rib 11 on the cover 15 presses the cable / strand 7 into the recess 10 in the stability strip 1a. This creates an easily manufactured strain relief.

[0069] Thus, even a large circuit board 2, which due to design requirements can only be fastened with a large distance between the screws 12 in the edge area, can be protected against vibration.

[0070] Likewise, the arrangement 19 according to the invention protects cables / strands 7 against vibration and tension and can be mounted and guided at defined positions. List of reference symbols 1.1a stability bar 2 circuit board 3 screwing points 4 screw connection 5 positioning domes 6 Rib contour 7 cable strands 8 flat section 9 Groin section 10 trough 11 clamping rib 12 screws 13 Screw connection 14 guide channels 15 Cover 16 teeth 17 snap hooks 18 screw connection 19 Arrangement 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] US 6824399 B2

[0009]

Claims

[1] Arrangement (19) comprising a housing with a housing wall and a printed circuit board (2), wherein the printed circuit board (2) is fastened with its underside spaced from the housing wall by means of fastening means, characterized by , that a stability bar (1,1a) is provided, wherein the stability bar (1,1a) is attached to the top of the circuit board (2) to increase the stability of the circuit board (2), and wherein the stability strip (1,1a) has a strip section (9) extending beyond the circuit board (2), wherein the strip section (9) is bent in the direction of the housing wall and wherein the strip section (9) and the housing wall are fastened directly to one another by means of at least one fastening element, in order to increase the stability of the stability strip (1,1a) and thus of the arrangement (19). [2] Arrangement (19) according to claim 1, characterized by that the stability bar (1,1a) has a rib contour (6). [3] Arrangement (19) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by that the stability bar (1,1a) is formed in one piece. [4] Arrangement (19) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the printed circuit board (2) is fastened to the housing wall by means of at least two opposing fastening means and the stability strip (1,1a) extends substantially between the two opposing fastening means. [5] Arrangement (19) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the stability bar (1,1a) has at least one guide channel (14) for guiding at least one cable strand (7) through the stability bar (1,1a). [6] Arrangement (19) according to claim 5, characterized by that the at least one guide channel (14) is introduced as a U-shaped recess in the stability bar (1,1a). [7] Arrangement (19) according to claim 5 or 6, characterized bythat the stability bar (1,1a) has a length and a width, wherein the stability bar (1,1a) is mounted with its length on the circuit board (2) and the at least one guide channel (14) is arranged continuously in the width. [8] Arrangement (19) according to one of the preceding claims 5 to 7, characterized by that a cover (15) is provided for covering the at least one guide channel (14). [9] Arrangement (19) according to claim 8, characterized by that the cover (15) has three snap hooks (17) for clamping the cover (15) to the stability bar (1,1a). [10] Arrangement (19) according to claim 8 or 9, characterized by that the cover (15) is connected to the stability bar (1,1a) by a screw connection (18). [11] Arrangement (19) according to one of the preceding claims 8 to 10, characterized bythat the at least one guide channel (14) has a trough (10) for guiding at least one cable strand (7) through, and the cover (15) has a clamping rib (11) arranged corresponding to the trough (10). [12] Arrangement (19) according to one of the preceding claims 8 to 11, characterized by that a plurality of separate guide channels (14) are provided for the separate passage of a plurality of cable strands (7), wherein each of the guide channels (14) has a trough (10) for the passage of the respective cable strand (7) and the cover (15) has a separate clamping rib (11) arranged corresponding to the trough (10).

Images