Housing half for a housing and housing for an electrical component

Abstract

A housing half (110) for a housing (100) comprising a housing half (110) and a further housing half (115) for an electrical component for a vehicle, includes a receiving surface (130) that extends circumferentially along an edge of the housing half (110) and is shaped to receive a sealant (120). It also includes a web (125) that extends circumferentially along an inner surface (145) of the receiving surface (130) facing an interior of the housing half (110) and has a smooth surface shaped to form an EMC seal together with a smooth counter surface (140) of the further housing half (115).Furthermore, the housing half (110) has a contour (135) that runs along an outer surface (150) opposite the inner surface (145) of the receiving surface (130) and is shaped to allow the formation of a sealant bead when the housing half (110) and the other housing half (115) are joined together to form the housing (100).

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a housing half for a housing and a housing for an electrical component for a vehicle.

[0002] Electronic components of a vehicle can be protected by housings.

[0003] The JP 2008 - 53 472 A, the DE 10 2023 202 924 B3 and the JP 2008 - 8 210 A each disclose a housing half with a groove for receiving a sealing material.

[0004] Against this background, the present invention provides an improved housing half and an improved housing according to the main claims. Advantageous embodiments are described in the dependent claims and the following description.

[0005] By forming a bead of sealant, a gap between two housing halves can be reliably sealed against moisture. Furthermore, by forming a ridge on the housing half, a seal against electromagnetic radiation is possible.

[0006] One housing half for a housing comprising one housing half and another housing half for an electrical component for a vehicle has the following features: a receiving surface that runs around the perimeter of an edge of the housing half and is shaped to receive a sealant; a bridge that runs circumferentially along the inside of the receiving surface and has a smooth surface that is shaped to form an EMC seal together with a smooth counter-surface of the other housing half; and a contour that runs along the outside of the receiving surface and is shaped to allow the formation of a sealant bead when the housing half and the other housing half are joined together to form the housing.

[0007] The housing can be formed by assembling one housing half and the other housing half. The housing can completely enclose and thus protect the electrical component. According to one embodiment, the electrical component can form part of an electric drive or a power converter for the vehicle. The vehicle can, for example, be an electric vehicle. According to one embodiment, the receiving surface is shaped to receive the sealant, which can seal any gaps when the two housing halves are joined. This prevents the ingress of moisture. According to one embodiment, the sealant can be liquid or viscous when applied to the receiving surface. The housing half can be made of metal, for example, aluminum. The web can additionally shield the housing against electromagnetic radiation.According to one embodiment, the contour can form a surface for receiving the sealant bead. According to another embodiment, the sealant bead can be formed by sealant oozing from the receiving surface.

[0008] According to one embodiment, the contour can be recessed relative to the receiving surface. This facilitates the formation of the sealant bead. Additionally or alternatively, the receiving surface can be recessed relative to the rib. This prevents the sealant from running onto the rib. According to another embodiment, one surface of the rib can be formed as a bare metallic surface. By pressing the housing half and the other housing half together, no sealant can get onto or into the rib during assembly, and the bare surface of the rib ensures EMC protection.

[0009] According to one embodiment, the housing half can have a hole for receiving a screw and a dome that at least partially surrounds the hole. The hole and the dome can be arranged adjacent to the outer surface of the receiving area, with the dome having a screw bearing surface projecting beyond the receiving area and the contour. According to one embodiment, the hole can be configured as a blind hole that does not extend completely through. According to an alternative embodiment, the hole can also be configured as a through hole. According to one embodiment, the screw bearing surface of the dome can be configured as a bare metal surface. The screw can be used to bolt the housing half and the other housing half together.

[0010] According to one embodiment, the contour can be interrupted by the dome. The dome can, for example, completely surround the hole. In another embodiment, the screw bearing surface of the dome and a mating screw bearing surface can be pressed together so tightly that the high screw preload eliminates the need for a sealant bead. This embodiment is advantageous when the housing halves are very thick-walled and held together by large-diameter screws. This achieves high compression around the screw holes and between the screws, counteracting the tendency for corrosion.

[0011] Alternatively, the contour can run around the entire circumference of the dome, spaced apart from it. The dome can completely or partially surround the hole. This allows the contour to run continuously between the hole and the receiving surface. This is advantageous, for example, when the housing is held together by a low screw preload. In this case, the screw bearing surface of the dome and the mating screw bearing surface are not pressed together as tightly. Such a design is suitable when the housing halves are thin-walled and held together by screws with a small diameter. This results in low compression around the screw holes and between the screws, which promotes corrosion. Because the contour is uninterrupted in the area of ​​the hole, the sealant bead can be formed in this area and seal it as well.According to one embodiment, a groove can run between the contour and the dome. This allows the corrosion medium to drain or drip off around the seal.

[0012] A housing has the following features: a named housing half; the sealant that is absorbed by the receiving surface; the other housing half, which is joined to the housing half, with part of the sealant forming the sealant bead along the contour.

[0013] According to one embodiment, the housing halves can be screwed together using at least one screw. Depending on the screw preload, one housing half can have a continuous contour to form a continuous sealing bead, while the other can have a discontinuous contour to form a discontinuous sealing bead.

[0014] According to one embodiment, the other housing half can have a counter-receiving surface that extends circumferentially along an edge of the other housing half and is shaped accordingly. The counter-receiving surface can be shaped similarly to the receiving surface in order to receive the sealant.

[0015] Additionally or alternatively, the other housing half can have a further ridge that runs circumferentially along the inner surface of the mating mounting surface. This additional ridge can have a smooth mating surface, similar to the ridge itself. When assembled, the surface of the ridge and the mating surface of the additional ridge can be pressed directly together, thereby forming an EMC seal.

[0016] Additionally or alternatively, the other housing half can have a counter contour that runs along the outer surface of the mating surface. The counter contour can be shaped according to the contour.

[0017] Alternatively, the other housing half can, for example, have a continuous surface that is positioned opposite the bridge, the receiving surface and the contour of the housing half when the housing half and the other housing half are connected to each other.

[0018] Thus, the other housing half can be shaped like the other housing half, at least with respect to its edge. According to an alternative embodiment, the other housing half may not have a corresponding ridge and / or a corresponding receiving surface and / or a corresponding contour.

[0019] A process for manufacturing a housing may include the following steps: Providing one half of the housing; Applying the sealant to the receiving surface of the housing half; Providing the other half of the housing; and Joining the housing half and the other housing half, whereby part of the sealant forms the sealant bead.

[0020] The electrical component enclosed by the housing can, for example, be a power converter or part of a power converter. Thus, a power converter can comprise such a housing.

[0021] The electrical component enclosed by the housing can be part of an electric axle drive for a motor vehicle, comprising at least one electric motor, a transmission unit, and an inverter. The transmission unit can include a gearbox for reducing the speed of the electric motor and a differential.

[0022] Furthermore, the present approach concerns a motor vehicle with an electric axle drive and / or a power converter. The motor vehicle is characterized by the fact that the electric axle drive and / or the power converter are designed as described.

[0023] The invention is explained in more detail by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings. These show: Fig. 1 a schematic representation of a housing according to an exemplary embodiment; Fig. 2 a representation of one half of a device according to an exemplary embodiment; Fig. 3 a representation of one housing half according to an exemplary embodiment; Fig. 4 a representation of one housing half according to an exemplary embodiment; Fig. 5 a side view of a housing according to an exemplary embodiment; Fig. 6. A flowchart for a method for manufacturing a housing for an electrical component according to an exemplary embodiment; and Fig. 7 an exemplary embodiment of a vehicle.

[0024] In the following description of preferred embodiments of the present invention, the same or similar reference numerals are used for the elements shown in the various figures and having a similar effect, without repeating these elements.

[0025] Fig. Figure 1 shows a schematic representation of a housing 100 according to an exemplary embodiment. According to this embodiment, the housing 100 encloses an electronic component 105, for example, a circuit for a vehicle inverter. The housing 100 consists of a housing half 110 and another housing half 115. The housing halves 110 and 115 each have a circumferential contact area along which they are connected. To prevent moisture or similar substances from reaching the electronic component 105 and to prevent electromagnetic radiation from entering or exiting the interior of the housing 100, the contact areas have a suitable shape which, with the use of a sealant 120, provides both a seal against moisture and EMC shielding.

[0026] For this purpose, at least the housing half 110 has a web 125, a receiving surface 130, and a contour 135. The receiving surface 130 is arranged between the web 125 and the contour 135. The web 125 borders an inner surface of the receiving surface 130 facing an inner wall 145 of the housing half 110. The contour 135 borders an outer surface of the receiving surface 130 facing an outer wall 150 of the housing half 110.

[0027] The other housing half has, for example, a flat counter surface 140 in the contact area. Alternatively, the contact area of ​​the other housing half 115 can be shaped according to the contact area of ​​the housing half 110.

[0028] According to one embodiment, the housing halves 110, 115 are made of metal, for example aluminum or stainless steel.

[0029] Before the housing halves 110, 115 are assembled, the sealant 120, in a liquid state according to one embodiment, is applied to the receiving surface 130. The receiving surface 130 extends around an edge of the housing half 110. This forms a closed ring of sealant 120. When the housing halves 110, 115 are assembled, excess sealant 120 oozes out of a gap formed between the receiving surface 130 of the housing half 110 and the other housing half 115 in the direction of the contour 135 and forms a sealing bead 137 at the level of the contour 135. For this purpose, the contour 135 has a lower height relative to the receiving surface 130 than the rib 125, so that the sealant does not emerge over the rib 125, but over the contour 135. According to one embodiment, the contour 135 is arranged lowered relative to the receiving surface 130.Alternatively, the contour 135 is positioned higher than the receiving surface 130, so that the receiving surface 130 forms a groove between the web 125 and the contour 135. The sealing bead 137 reliably prevents moisture from penetrating the interior of the housing 100.

[0030] The bridge 125 is used for EMC shielding. According to one embodiment, the bridge 125 is formed continuously around an edge of the housing half 110 and terminates with the other housing half 115 to form an EMC seal with the mating surface 140. In one embodiment, the bridge 125 has a bare metallic surface that contacts the mating surface 140. Accordingly, the mating surface 140 also has a bare metallic surface, at least in the section contacting the bridge 125.

[0031] According to an alternative embodiment, the contact area of ​​the further housing half 115 is at least partially shaped to correspond to the housing half 110. According to one embodiment, the further housing half 115 has a counter-receiving surface corresponding to the receiving surface 130, which extends circumferentially along an edge of the further housing half 115, corresponding to the receiving surface 130. When the housing halves 110 and 115 are assembled, the sealant 120 is located in a gap between the receiving surface 130 and the counter-receiving surface.

[0032] According to one embodiment, the further housing half 115 has a further web which, corresponding to the web 125, runs circumferentially along the edge of the further housing half 115 on the inside of the counter-receiving surface and has the smooth counter-surface 140.

[0033] According to one embodiment, the further housing half 115 has a counter contour that runs along the edge of the further housing half 115 on the outside of the mating surface, corresponding to the contour 135. When the housing halves 110, 115 are assembled, a portion of the sealant 120 oozes into a gap between the contour 135 and the counter contour, forming the sealant bead 137.

[0034] According to different embodiments, the contour 135 and thus the sealant bead 137 is formed as an uninterrupted ring or as an interrupted ring.

[0035] Based on the Fig. 2 and Fig. 3 describes an embodiment in which the contour 135 is interrupted by domes that serve to accommodate fasteners, for example screws.

[0036] Based on the Fig. 4 and Fig. Section 5 describes an embodiment in which the contour 135 is not interrupted.

[0037] Fig. Figure 2 shows an embodiment of a housing half 110, as illustrated, for example, by Fig. 1 is described. Shown is a section of a contact area of ​​the housing half 110 with the bridge 125, the receiving surface 130 and the contour 135.

[0038] For example, housing half 110 can be screwed to the other housing half using several screws. For this purpose, housing half 110 has at least one hole 210 and a screw bearing surface 215, and optionally further holes, whereby in the illustrated section only a second hole 220 and a second screw bearing surface 225 are shown. According to one embodiment, housing half 110 has several corresponding holes and screw bearing surfaces distributed over the entire edge of the housing half.

[0039] The holes 210, 220 and the screw bearing surfaces 215, 225 are arranged on the outside of the receiving surface 130, i.e. on a side of the receiving surface 130 facing an outer wall of the housing half 110.

[0040] According to one embodiment, the in Fig. The second half of the device shown, 110, is shaped to be screwed to the other half of the device with a high screw preload.

[0041] Due to the high bolt preload, it is not necessary for the sealant bead to be formed in the area of ​​holes 210, 220 and bolt bearing surfaces 215, 225, as shown below. Fig. 3 is described in more detail.

[0042] Fig. Figure 3 shows a detailed representation of the in Fig. 2 Housing half 110 shown according to an exemplary embodiment. An area around the further hole 220 is shown in more detail.

[0043] According to one embodiment, the additional screw bearing surface 225 is a surface of a dome 310, which surrounds the additional hole 220. According to one embodiment, the additional hole 220 is shaped to receive a screw. The dome 310, and thus the screw bearing surface 225, completely surrounds the hole 220. The screw bearing surface 225 is raised above the receiving surface 130 and the contour 135. Optionally, the screw bearing surface 225 and the surface of the web 125 have the same height. One side of the dome 310 facing the receiving surface 130 abuts directly against the receiving surface 130. This interrupts the contour 135 in the area of ​​the dome 310. Therefore, when the housing half 110 is assembled with the other housing half, no sealant bead forms in the area of ​​the dome 310.

[0044] According to one embodiment, the contour 135 is interrupted at each point where a corresponding dome 310 is present. This is made possible by bolting the sealing partners, here the housing half 110 and the other housing half, together with a high bolt preload. This eliminates a capillary gap in the area of ​​the bolt bearing surface 225, thus preventing the initiation of corrosion.

[0045] According to one embodiment, pressing together metallically bare surfaces, here the surface of the bridge 125 and a corresponding counter-surface of the further housing half, results in the formation of an EMC seal.

[0046] According to one embodiment, the width of the web 125 is less than one-third or less than one-quarter of the width of the receiving surface 130, and / or the width of the contour 135 is less than one-third or less than one-quarter of the width of the receiving surface 130. According to another embodiment, the web 125 and the receiving surface 130 each have the same width along their entire length. According to yet another embodiment, the web 125 and the receiving surface 130 are curved in the region of the dome 310. The receiving surface 130 runs along an outer surface of the dome 310.

[0047] Based on the Fig. 2 and Fig. Figure 3 illustrates an embodiment in which high compression is achieved by using very thick-walled housing parts, i.e., housing half 110 and the other housing half, and by using screws with a large diameter that pass through holes 210 and 220. This results in high compression around the holes 210 and 220 (also referred to as screw holes) and between the screws, thus counteracting corrosion. In this embodiment, the sealant bead 137 around the screw bearing surfaces 215 and 225 (also referred to as screwing surfaces or screw surfaces) is not continuous, since the high compression makes corrosion of the sealing surfaces near the screws negligible. The sealant bead 137 between the screw bearing surfaces 215 and 225 counteracts corrosion.

[0048] Fig. Figure 4 shows a representation of a housing half 110 according to an exemplary embodiment. According to an exemplary embodiment, the housing half 110 can be the one described in Fig. The housing half 110 described in Figure 1 has a circumferential receiving surface 130 and a circumferential rib 125, as described in the preceding figures. In contrast to the housing half 110 described in Figure 110, the housing half 110 has a circumferential receiving surface 130 and a circumferential rib 125. Fig. 2 and Fig. In the embodiment shown in Figure 3, the contour 135 is continuous. This is made possible by the fact that there is a distance 415 between the receiving surface 130 and the dome 310 and the further dome 410, so that the contour 135 can be guided along one side of the respective dome 310, 410 and the respective hole 210, 220 facing the receiving surface 130.

[0049] Optionally, dome 310 only partially surrounds hole 210, and the other dome 410 only partially surrounds the other hole 220. For example, dome 310 surrounds hole 210 only on one side facing away from the receiving surface 130. The screw bearing surface 215 and the other screw bearing surface 225 are smooth and raised relative to the contour 135.

[0050] According to one embodiment, the raised surfaces of the screw bearing surface 215 and the further screw bearing surface 225 are each formed as a metallically bright surface.

[0051] Optionally, the contour 135 forms a groove, which, for example, prevents sealant from running from the receiving surface 130 into one of the holes 210, 220. According to one embodiment, the groove runs directly adjacent to the receiving surface 130.

[0052] According to one embodiment, the electrical component is inserted into housing half 110 before the other housing half is attached. Two busbars 460, 462 of the electrical component are shown as examples.

[0053] Fig. Figure 5 shows a side view of a housing 100 according to one embodiment. The housing 100 can be described in one embodiment as the one shown in Fig. The housing described in section 1 is shaped as follows. Housing half 110 is shaped according to an exemplary embodiment as shown in the following: Fig. 4 described as a housing half with a distance of 415 between the receiving surface 130 and the domes, of which dome 310 and the further dome 410 are shown here as examples.

[0054] According to one embodiment, the distance 415 is chosen such that there is a free space between the domes 310, 410 and the sealant bead 137.

[0055] This embodiment is suitable for use with sealing partners, here the housing half 110 and the other housing half 115, with low screw preload. The separation of the sealing surface from the screw bearing surface is achieved by a recess on both sides. The contour 135 for forming the sealant bead 137 remains as shown in the Fig. 1 to 4 are described. Fig. Figure 5 shows an illustration of an EMC seal achieved by injecting bare metal surfaces of the web and the screw bearing surface. The sealant and the sealant bead 137 eliminate the capillary gap to prevent corrosion initiation.

[0056] The increased screw bearing surfaces of the domes 310, 410 also prevent corrosive undercutting of corrosion originating from screws. This is made possible by two metallic sealing partners to prevent corrosive undercutting of the seal.

[0057] Based on the Fig. 4 and Fig. Figure 5 illustrates an embodiment in which low compression is achieved by using thin-walled housing parts, i.e., housing half 110 and the other housing half, and by using screws with a small diameter that pass through holes 210 and 220. This results in low compression around the holes 210 and 220 (also referred to as screw holes) and between the screws, which promotes corrosion. In this embodiment, the sealant bead 137, also referred to as a sealing bead, is continuous around the screw bearing surfaces 215 and 225 (also referred to as screwing surfaces or screw surfaces), since the low compression makes corrosion of the sealing surfaces in the vicinity of the screws critical.

[0058] The continuous recess surrounding the sealing contour promotes the formation of the sealing bead 137 and allows corrosive medium to drain away. If corrosion starts at the screw holes, it is decoupled from the sealing contour by the recessed interruption. Because the corrosive medium can drip away all around, the exposure time is greatly reduced.

[0059] Fig. Figure 6 shows a flowchart for a method 600 for manufacturing a housing for an electrical component according to an embodiment.

[0060] Method 600 comprises a step 601 of providing a housing half, as described, for example, with reference to the preceding figures. In a step 603, a sealant is applied to the receiving surface of the housing half. After application, the sealant is, for example, liquid, viscous, or at least deformable. In a step 605, another housing half is provided. In a step 607, the housing half and the other housing half are joined together, with part of the sealant forming the sealant bead. Depending on which variant was used as the housing half, the sealant bead is formed as a closed ring or as an interrupted ring.

[0061] According to one embodiment, the housing half is already provided with the electrical component installed in step 601. Alternatively, the electrical component is inserted into the housing half, for example, before or after step 603.

[0062] According to one embodiment, the housing halves are fixed together using fixing devices during the assembly step. For example, screws are inserted into the holes described with reference to the preceding figures, and the housing halves are screwed together using these screws. Depending on the tightening force of the screws, a high or a low screw preload is achieved, with which the housing halves are pressed against each other.

[0063] Fig.Figure 7 shows a schematic representation of a vehicle 700 according to an exemplary embodiment. The vehicle 700, also referred to as a motor vehicle, has an electric axle drive 702, an electric machine 704, a power converter 706, and optionally a transmission unit 708. The electric machine 704, also referred to as a drive unit or electric motor, is coupled, for example, to the transmission unit 708 to drive a wheel of the vehicle 700. The vehicle 700 further has a power supply unit 710, which is referred to, for example, as a battery. According to this exemplary embodiment, the power converter 706 is connected between the power supply unit 710 and the electric machine 704 and is configured to convert a supply voltage provided by the power supply unit 710 into an operating voltage for operating the electric machine.

[0064] As an example, at least one housing 100 with an electrical component, as described in the preceding figures, is installed in the power converter 706 and / or in the electrical machine 704. Reference sign 100 cases 105 electrical components 110 Housing half 115 more case half 120 sealant 125 Steg 130 recording area 135 contour 137 Sealant bead 140 opposite surface 145 inside 150 outside 210 holes 215 screw bearing surface 220 more holes 225 additional screw bearing surfaces 310 Cathedral 410 more cathedrals 415 distance 460 busbar 462 additional power rails 600 procedures Step 601 of providing the housing half 603 Step of application Step 605 of providing the other half of the housing Step 607 of the assembly process 700 vehicles 702 electric axle drive 704 electric machine 706 Power converters 708 Gearbox unit 710 Energy supply facility

Claims

[1] Housing half (110) for a housing (100) comprising the housing half (110) and a further housing half (115) for an electrical component (105) for a vehicle, wherein the housing half (110) has the following features: a receiving surface (130) which runs circumferentially along an edge of the housing half (110) and is shaped to receive a sealant (120); a bridge (125) extending circumferentially along the receiving surface (130) and having a smooth surface shaped to form an EMC seal together with a smooth counter-surface (140) of the further housing half (115); and a contour (135) which runs along the outside of the receiving surface (130) and is shaped to allow the formation of a sealant bead (137) when the housing half (110) and the other housing half (115) are joined together to form the housing (100), characterized by , that the housing half (110) has a hole (210) for receiving a screw and a dome (310) at least partially surrounding the hole (210), wherein the hole (210) and the dome (310) are arranged adjacent to the outside (150) of the receiving surface (130), and wherein the dome (310) has a screw bearing surface (215) projecting beyond the receiving surface (130). [2] Housing half (110) according to claim 1, wherein the contour (135) is arranged recessed to the receiving surface (130), and / or the receiving surface (130) is arranged recessed to the web (125). [3] Housing half (110) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the smooth surface of the bridge (125) is formed as a metallically bright surface. [4] Housing half (110) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the contour (135) is interrupted by the dome (310). [5] Housing half (110) according to one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the contour (135) extends around and spaced apart from the dome (310). [6] Housing half (110) according to claim 5, with a trench running between the contour (135) and the dome (310). [7] Housing (100) with the following features: a housing half (110) according to one of the preceding claims; the sealant (120) which is received by the receiving surface (130); and the further housing half (115) which is joined to the housing half (110), wherein part of the sealant (120) forms the sealant bead (137) along the contour (135). [8] Housing (100) according to claim 7, wherein the further housing half (115) has a counter-receiving surface which extends circumferentially along an edge of the further housing half (115) and is shaped to receive the sealant (120), and / or has a further web which extends circumferentially on the inside along the counter-receiving surface and has the smooth counter-surface (140), and / or has a counter-contour which extends on the outside along the counter-receiving surface and is shaped to enable the formation of the sealant bead (137). [9] Power converter (706) with a housing (100), characterized by , that the housing (100) is designed according to one of the preceding claims 7 to 8. [10] Electric axle drive (702) for a motor vehicle (700) comprising at least one electric machine (704), a transmission device (708) and a power converter (706), characterized by , that the power converter (706) is configured according to claim 9. [11] Motor vehicle (700) comprising an electric axle drive (702) according to claim 10 and / or a power converter (706) according to claim 9 and / or a housing (100) according to any one of claims 7 to 8.

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