Control unit, in particular for a motor vehicle, and methods for its manufacture

Abstract

The invention relates to a control unit and a method for mounting the control unit. The control unit, particularly for a motor vehicle, comprises at least one connector receptacle (15) for contacting a connector, at least one housing (12), wherein the housing (12) at least partially encloses at least one circuit board (14), wherein the housing (12) comprises at least one opening (13) for the connector receptacle (15), wherein the connector receptacle (15) comprises at least one plug connection (16) and at least one shielding body (22) for electromagnetic shielding, and at least one signal contact (24), wherein the signal contact (24) is contactable with the circuit board (14). The connector receptacle (15) comprises at least one adhesive surface (18), wherein the adhesive surface (18) is configured such that an adhesive (28) can be applied between the adhesive surface (18) and the housing (12).wherein the adhesive (28) is configured both for fastening the connector (16) to the housing (12) and for electromagnetic shielding, wherein the shielding element (22) can be arranged between the connector (16) and the circuit board (14), wherein at least one shielding element (20, 32) is arranged which can be connected to the connector receptacle (15) on the one hand and to the housing (12) on the other, wherein the shielding element (20, 32) can be connected at least partially to a side of the housing (12) oriented towards the circuit board (14) by means of adhesive (28).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a control unit, in particular for a motor vehicle, and to a method for its manufacture according to the preamble of the independent claims. State of the art

[0002] A connector with interference suppression is already known from EP 085315 A2. The connector is provided with an auxiliary circuit board, which is mounted in close proximity to the connector's insulating body. The interference suppression elements are arranged in bores in the circuit board, and one side of the interference suppression elements is connected to the respective corresponding terminal of the connector via short conductor traces. The other side of the interference suppression elements is connected to a ground terminal or the metallic connector housing via a common, connecting conductor trace on the circuit board.

[0003] The invention is based on the objective of providing a control unit with an associated manufacturing method, which is characterized by high functional reliability and a small size. This objective is achieved by the features of the independent claims. Disclosure of the invention

[0004] Because the connector receptacle includes at least one adhesive surface, designed such that an adhesive can be applied between the adhesive surface and the housing, and the adhesive is designed both for securing the connector to the housing and for electromagnetic shielding, and because at least one shielding element is arranged which can be connected to both the connector receptacle and the housing, and because the shielding element can be at least partially bonded to a side of the housing facing the circuit board by means of an adhesive, a particularly space-saving design of the control unit can be achieved. Furthermore, the mechanical force dissipation, the sealing, especially against water, as well as the EMC sealing are reliably and equally space-savingly implemented. Due to the space-saving arrangement, the area on the circuit board can be used for additional functions or...The components to be placed can be used. The multitude of functions can be achieved in just one manufacturing step through the single application of the adhesive.

[0005] In a suitable further development, the shielding element is designed to absorb forces in one insertion direction of a plug being inserted into the connector. This allows the shielding element to perform multiple functions. Damaging deflection of the circuit board can be reduced.

[0006] In a practical further development, the shielding element is bonded to the housing, particularly to a side of the housing facing the circuit board, using adhesive. The mechanical stability of the assembly can also be improved by appropriately designing the shielding element.

[0007] In a practical further development, the adhesive surface is designed so that it can be arranged within the housing opening. This allows for a space-saving and mechanically protected arrangement.

[0008] In a practical further development, the shielding element is formed completely around the housing opening. Since the shielding element can also serve as a surface for the adhesive, a continuous seal between the housing opening and the connector receptacle can be achieved in this way. This reliably protects the interior of the housing from external environmental influences.

[0009] In a practical further development, the adhesive surface is designed as a circumferential edge or flange. This allows for a particularly space-saving and reliable fastening function of the connector receptacle.

[0010] In a suitable further development, the shielding element is designed to be connectable to the connector receptacle, particularly with a circumferential edge of the adhesive surface and / or with a portion of the connector extending beyond the shielding body. This allows the protruding edge of the adhesive surface to also be used for support perpendicular to the adhesive surface.

[0011] In a suitable further development, the shielding element is designed as a separate part, in particular as a stamped metal part, or as an integral component of the shielding body. This allows for different installation situations. When designed as an integral component, assembly is simplified.

[0012] In a suitable further development, the shielding body includes at least a projection for electrically conductive contact with the circuit board. This allows for a reliable and secure connection between the connector receptacle and the circuit board. The connector is particularly advantageous if it is made of plastic and / or the shielding body is made of die-cast metal.

[0013] Furthermore, a method for manufacturing a control unit is proposed, comprising the following steps: contacting the connector receptacle with the circuit board, applying adhesive to the housing and / or the adhesive surface and / or the shielding element, at least partially inserting the connector receptacle through the housing opening, and connecting it to the housing. This allows for a particularly reliable and simple manufacturing process for the control unit.

[0014] Further appropriate training courses result from other dependent requirements and from the description. Brief description of the drawing

[0015] They show the Fig. 1 a section through a first embodiment of a connector receptacle arranged in a housing with a separate shielding element and the Fig. 2 a section through a second embodiment of a connector receptacle arranged in a housing with a shielding element integrated in the shielding body. embodiment of the invention

[0016] The invention is schematically illustrated using several exemplary embodiments and is described in detail below with reference to the drawing.

[0017] Fig. Figure 1 shows a section through a connector receptacle 15, which is at least partially arranged in a housing 12. The connector receptacle 15 comprises a connector 16 and a shielding body 22 connected to the connector 16.

[0018] The connector 16 is connected to the circuit board 14 via the shielding body 22. The circuit board 14 is at least partially enclosed by a housing 12. The housing 12 has at least one opening 13 from which the connector receptacle 15 protrudes for contact with a plug. The connector receptacle 15 is part of a control unit 10, which also includes the circuit board 14 and the housing 12.

[0019] The connector 16 is preferably made of plastic. The connector 16 at least partially encloses at least one signal contact 24. In the exemplary embodiment, two signal contacts 24 are provided. These are shielded, for example, by shielding contacts 26. The connector 16 shown can, for example, be an RF connector for receiving a plug (not shown). The plug is inserted into the connector 16 in a plugging direction 17, as indicated by an arrow, so that corresponding mating contacts are electrically connected to the signal contacts 24. Similarly, plug-side shields are also connected to the shielding contacts 26. For example, this can be a coaxial interface or similar. The connector 16 includes at least one adhesive surface 18. The adhesive surface 18 can be a flange, protrusion, or...The adhesive surface 18 is a projection that extends slightly beyond the base body of the connector 16. It is preferably formed around the entire perimeter of the connector 16. The geometry of the outer surface of the adhesive surface 18 is adapted to the housing opening 13 of the housing 12 surrounding the adhesive surface 18. The adhesive surface 18, which is provided with an adhesive 28, is oriented transversely to the insertion direction 17. Alternatively, the adhesive surface 18 could also be stepped. The adhesive surface 18 interacts with the inner surface of the housing 12 of the housing opening 13, which is also oriented transversely to the insertion direction 17. The adhesive 28 is applied in such a way that a preferably circumferential bond is created between the adhesive surface 18 and the inner surface of the housing 12 of the housing opening 13.

[0020] The adhesive 28 is selected to ensure, firstly, high mechanical strength of the connection between the connector receptacle 15 and the housing 12. Secondly, the adhesive 28 is characterized by electromagnetic shielding properties. For this purpose, the adhesive 28 is electrically conductive, for example, by incorporating or consisting entirely of conductive materials. Furthermore, the adhesive 28 is selected to provide a watertight seal, preventing any liquid from entering the housing 12 of the control unit 10. Therefore, it is essential to ensure that the adhesive 28 cures or is compressed completely around the perimeter between the housing opening 13 and the bonding surface 18 after application. This ensures a seamless bond.

[0021] In the exemplary embodiment, the shielding body 22 is an integral part of the connector receptacle 15 and is connected to the connector 16. Alternatively, the shielding body 22 and the connector 16 could be designed as separate components that are connected to each other. The shielding body 22 is made of metal for electromagnetic shielding. The shielding body 22 could, for example, be a die-cast part. At least one signal contact 24, and optionally further signal contacts 24, passes through the shielding body 22. The signal contact 24 is electrically connected to at least one corresponding contact on the circuit board 24. This can be done by suitable soldering methods. In the exemplary embodiment, the shielding body 22 also includes contact elements 27, such as pins or protruding posts, which are oriented towards the circuit board 14. The connector receptacle 15 is connected via these contact elements 27.The shielding body 22 is also electrically connected to the circuit board 24. The contact elements 27 are arranged in such a way that a shielding cage is formed to protect the signal contact 24 in conjunction with corresponding structures on the circuit board 14.

[0022] In the embodiment according to Fig. A shielding element 20 is provided. The shielding element 20 is designed as a separate part. For example, it is collar-shaped and surrounds the base body of the connector 16. Furthermore, a portion of the shielding element 20 projects parallel to the underside of the housing 12, so that it is positioned below the underside of the housing 12 around the housing opening 13. An adhesive 28 can then be applied to the surface of the shielding element 20 facing the underside of the housing 12, thus bonding the shielding element 20 to the underside of the housing 12. The shielding element 20 is designed, by way of example, to rest against the underside of the outwardly projecting adhesive surface 18. This allows the shielding element 20 to absorb forces in the insertion direction 17.Furthermore, the shielding element 20 can be stepped so that it is in contact with the underside of the base body of the connector 16 (the part of the connector that projects laterally beyond the shielding body 22, perpendicular to the insertion direction 17). This allows it to absorb forces acting on the connector 16 in the insertion direction 17. The shielding element 20 is also designed to be connected to the surface of the printed circuit board 14. For a more stable connection to the printed circuit board 14, the shielding element 20 could also include an L-shaped (foot) section that is, for example, soldered to the printed circuit board 14. Thus, the shielding element 20 can be designed as an SMD (surface-mounted device) component. In the assembled state, the shielding element 20 is connected to both the housing 12 and the printed circuit board 14. The shielding element 20 is also designed to absorb forces in the insertion direction 17.This protects the circuit board 14 from deflection. Furthermore, the shielding element 20 also provides reliable electromagnetic shielding. For this purpose, the shielding element 20 is connected to the electrically conductive housing 12 and also to the circuit board 14 via an electrically conductive adhesive 28. The adhesive 28, applied completely and without gaps around the housing opening 13 and cured, also provides a seal against moisture (waterproofing). The shielding element 20 can, for example, be clipped to the connector receptacle 15. The shielding element 20 completely surrounds the housing opening 13.The outwardly projecting receptacle for the adhesive 28, which runs parallel to the underside of the housing 12, can be designed as a component with a relatively thin section, so that the connector receptacle 15 can be designed to be relatively narrow, i.e., for example, with a clear opening that is less than the housing opening 13. The shielding element 20 can be designed as a separately mountable stamped part. The embodiment according to... Fig. Figure 1 is shown as an example of an RF connector receptacle 15 due to the existing shielding body 22. In principle, however, the shielding element 20 can be used for any connector receptacle or for any connector.

[0023] The exemplary embodiment according to Fig. 2 differs from the one after Fig. The only difference is that, instead of the separate shielding element 20, projections 32 are now provided as shielding elements. These projections 32 are components of the shielding body 22. The projections 32 extend further outwards (perpendicular to the insertion direction 17) than the housing opening 13. The projections 32 are oriented such that they serve as a receiving surface for the adhesive 28 for bonding the connector receptacle 15 to the underside of the housing 12, in particular the edge regions of the housing 12 that surround the housing opening 13. The projections 32 can thus be components of the metallic shielding casting of the corresponding shielding body 22. The mechanical connection between the housing 12 and the connector receptacle 15 is achieved via the metallic shielding body 22 with integral projections 32. This transfers forces in the insertion direction 17 towards the housing 12, thus minimizing the deflection of the circuit board 14.The electrical connection and shielding between the housing 12 and the circuit board 14 is achieved via the metallic shielding body 22 with integral projections 32. The projections 32 again form a complete circumference around the housing opening 13. They thus serve to seal the (electrically conductive and therefore shielding) adhesive 28, which connects the housing 12 to the connector receptacle 15.

[0024] The RF connector receptacle 15 shown is characterized by signal connectors with at least one signal contact 24, which is used as a separate shield contact in the interface such as coaxial connectors or (high-speed) Ethernet connectors by means of corresponding shielding contacts 26.

[0025] The assembled arrangements of the control unit 10 shown in the figures are manufactured in the following steps. First, as an optional step in the embodiment according to Fig. 1 - The separate shielding element 20 is connected to the connector receptacle 15 (comprising the connector 16 and, as an integral component, the shielding body 22), for example, by clipping it on. In a further step, the connector receptacle 15 is connected to the circuit board 14. Here, for example, the protrusions 27 (which project in the insertion direction 17 towards the circuit board 14) are soldered to the circuit board 14, for example, by so-called reflow soldering. Subsequently, the adhesive 28 is applied to the housing 12 and / or the shielding element 20 and / or to the protrusions 32 (in the embodiment according to Fig.2) and / or applied or dispensed onto the adhesive surface 18 of the connector 16. In a further step, the connector receptacle 15, together with the circuit board 14, is moved through the housing opening 13 towards the inside of the housing 12 and connected to the underside of the housing 12. The adhesive 28 is then cured, resulting in a permanent and tight bond between the connector receptacle 15 and the housing 12.

[0026] The described arrangement is particularly suitable for a control unit 10 in the automotive sector, where the control unit 10 may be exposed to particularly harsh environmental conditions. However, its use is not limited to this. QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

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

[0000] EP 085315 A2

[0002]

Claims

[1] Control unit, in particular for a motor vehicle, comprising at least one connector receptacle (15) for contacting a connector, at least one housing (12), wherein the housing (12) at least partially encloses at least one printed circuit board (14), wherein the housing (12) comprises at least one opening (13) for the connector receptacle (15), wherein the connector receptacle (15) comprises at least one plug connection (16) and at least one shielding body (22) for electromagnetic shielding of at least one signal contact (24), wherein the signal contact (24) is contactable with the printed circuit board (14), wherein the connector receptacle (15) comprises at least one adhesive surface (18), wherein the adhesive surface (18) is configured such that an adhesive (28) can be applied between the adhesive surface (18) and the housing (12), wherein the adhesive (28) is configured both for fixing the plug connection (16) to the housing (12) and for electromagnetic shielding,wherein the shielding body (22) can be arranged between the connector (16) and the circuit board (14), wherein at least one shielding element (20, 32) is arranged which can be connected to the connector receptacle (15) on the one hand and to the housing (12) on the other, wherein the shielding element (20, 32) can be connected at least partially to a side of the housing (12) oriented towards the circuit board (14) by means of adhesive (28). [2] Device according to claim 1, characterized by , that the shielding element (20,32) is designed to absorb forces in a plugging direction (17) of a plug that can be inserted into the plug connection (16). [3] Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the shielding element (20,32) is connected to the housing (12), in particular to a side of the housing (12) oriented towards the circuit board (14), by means of adhesive (28). [4] Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the adhesive surface (18) is designed in such a way that it can be arranged within the housing opening (13). [5] Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the shielding element (20,32) is formed completely around the housing opening (13). [6] Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the adhesive surface (18) is designed as a circumferential edge or flange. [7] Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the shielding element (20,32) is designed to be connectable to the plug receptacle (15), in particular in the case of a circumferential edge of the adhesive surface (18) and / or in the case of a part of the plug connection (16) that extends beyond the shielding body (22). [8] Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by, that the shielding element (20) is designed as a separate part, in particular as a metallic stamped part, or that the shielding element (32) is designed as an integral part of the shielding body (20). [9] Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the shielding body (22) comprises at least one contacting element (27) for contacting the printed circuit board (14), in particular for electrical conductivity. [10] Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the plug connection (16) is designed as a plastic part and / or the shielding body (22) is designed as a metallic die-cast part. [11] A method for manufacturing a control unit (10) comprising at least one connector receptacle (15) for contacting a connector, at least one housing (12) wherein the housing (12) at least partially encloses at least one printed circuit board (14), wherein the housing (12) comprises at least one opening (13) for the connector receptacle (15), wherein the connector receptacle (15) comprises at least one plug connection (16) and at least one shielding body (22) for electromagnetic shielding of at least one signal contact (24), wherein the signal contact (24) is contacted with the printed circuit board (14), wherein the connector receptacle (15) comprises at least one adhesive surface (18), wherein the adhesive surface (18) is configured such that an adhesive (28) is applied between the adhesive surface (18) and the housing (12), wherein the adhesive (28) is configured both for fixing the plug connection (16) to the housing (12) and for electromagnetic shielding,wherein the shielding body (22) is arranged between the connector (16) and the circuit board (14), wherein at least one shielding element (20, 32) is arranged which is connected on the one hand to the shielding body (22) and on the other hand to the housing (12), wherein the shielding element (20, 32) is at least partially connected to a side of the housing (12) oriented towards the circuit board (14) by means of adhesive (28), , characterized by The following steps are taken: contacting the connector receptacle (15) with the circuit board (14), applying adhesive (28) to the housing (12) and / or the adhesive surface (18) and / or the shielding element (20, 32), at least partially passing the connector receptacle (15) through the housing opening (13) and connecting it to the housing (12). [12] Procedure according to the preceding procedure claim, characterized by , that the adhesive (28) is cured. [13] Method according to any of the preceding method claims, characterized by , that the adhesive (28) is applied to the adhesive surface (18) inside the housing opening (13). [14] Method according to any of the preceding method claims, characterized by , that the adhesive (28) is applied around the housing opening (13) on the housing (12) and / or on the adhesive surface (18) and / or the shielding element (30,32) for electromagnetic shielding and / or for complete sealing between the housing (12) and the connector receptacle (15).

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