ELECTRONIC CONTROL UNIT WITH AIR HOLE IN THE HOUSING

Abstract

Electronic control unit comprising: a housing (21) accommodating a substrate (10) with an electronic component mounted thereon; and a connector (12) electrically connecting the substrate and an external device, wherein the electronic control unit is mounted on a motor vehicle in a position in which the connector is directed downwards, the housing comprising: a connector receiving surface (15) projecting towards a side opposite a mounting surface (13a) for attachment to the vehicle, and in which at least a portion of the connector is received, a top surface (24a, 34a) on a side opposite the mounting surface (13a) with respect to the substrate (10), and an inclined surface (16a) the distance of which from the mounting surface decreases towards the connector side, the inclined surface being formed with an air hole (18).which is closed with an air filter (19) arranged on the inside of the housing, and a drainage groove (30) which extends to an outer end edge of the housing and drains water in the air hole and has an inner surface with an inverted conical shape which widens towards the outer end edge.

Description

Technical field

[0001] The present invention relates to an electronic control unit mounted on a motor vehicle. State of the art

[0002] Patent document 1, for example, discloses an electronic control unit mounted on a motor vehicle. The electronic control unit comprises a printed circuit board housed in a casing. The casing is designed with an air hole, and a waterproof, air-permeable film is attached to an inner opening portion of the air hole. State of the art documents Patent specification

[0003] Patent specification 1: JP-2014-209639-A Brief description of the invention; Problem to be solved by the invention

[0004] The air hole in patent document 1 is provided in a sloping wall section that is larger because the distance from a mounting surface of the electronic control unit to the vehicle is greater on one connector side. Therefore, the housing is formed integrally with a protective wall to cover the air hole, preventing the ingress of water or similar substances into the air hole when the electronic control unit is mounted to the vehicle in a position where the connector is facing downwards.

[0005] The present invention was conceived in light of the above circumstances. One object of the present invention is to provide an electronic control unit that enables the improvement of the water tightness of an air vent when mounted on a motor vehicle. Means to solve the problem

[0006] An electronic control unit, according to one aspect of solving the above problem, is an electronic control unit comprising: a housing that accommodates a substrate with an electronic component mounted thereon; and a connector that electrically connects the substrate and an external device, wherein the electronic control unit is mounted to a motor vehicle in a position in which the connector is facing downwards. In the electronic control unit, the housing has a sloping surface, which is smaller because the distance from a mounting surface for attachment to the vehicle is greater on the connector side, and the sloping surface is formed with an air hole that is closed by an air filter. Effect of the invention

[0007] According to the present invention, it is possible to improve the water resistance of an air hole when an electronic control unit is mounted on a motor vehicle. List of characters Fig. Figure 1 is a perspective view of an electronic control unit according to embodiment 1. Fig. 2 is a sectional view along line AA in Fig. 1. Fig. Figure 3 is a sectional view of a conventional electronic control unit. Fig. Figure 4 is a perspective view of an electronic control unit according to embodiment 2. Fig. 5 is a sectional view along line BB in Fig. 4. Fig. 6 is a section view along line CC in Fig. 4. Fig. Figure 7 is a sectional view of an electronic control unit according to embodiment 3. FORMS OF EXECUTION OF THE INVENTION

[0008] Some embodiments are described in detail with reference to the drawings. It should be noted that the embodiments described below do not limit the claimed invention, and that the elements and their combinations described in the following embodiments are not necessarily all required for the means of solution according to the invention. Design 1

[0009] Fig. Figure 1 is a perspective view of an electronic control unit according to embodiment 1. In the description of Fig. 1. The connection direction of a connector is referred to as a forward direction, the direction of a mounting surface of the electronic module for mounting to a vehicle is referred to as a downward direction, and the direction along the mounting surface and orthogonal to the forward direction is referred to as the lateral direction. The electronic control unit of the present embodiment is mounted to the motor vehicle in a position in which the connector is oriented downwards.

[0010] The electronic control unit 1 has a configuration in which an engine control unit (ECU) is an electronic device to be mounted on a vehicle in a waterproof housing. 11 is housed as an example of a "housing".

[0011] The waterproof case 11 It is molded from synthetic resin or the like and includes a waterproof base. 13 and a waterproof cover 14, which has a waterproof base 13 is connected. The waterproof base 13 and the waterproof cover 14 They are essentially assembled in the form of a rectangular parallelepiped, open on one side. Through this opening in the side, connections are made to connector housings of a variety of connectors. 12 Exposed to the outside. Each of the connectors 12 connects a circuit board 10 and an external device electrically connected to each other.

[0012] The waterproof base 13 has a rectangular floor area 13a and side surfaces 13b on, which are formed by the outer circumferential edges (each of the end edges) of the floor surface 13a are erected. The ground surface 13a serves as a mounting surface for the electronic control unit 1 For mounting on a vehicle not shown. Two brackets. 13cfor mounting the electronic control unit 1 The vehicle, not shown, has features on each of its two outer edges in relation to the width direction of the side surfaces. 13b planned.

[0013] The waterproof cover 14 has an essentially rectangular top surface 14a and side surfaces 14b on, which are from the outer circumferential edges (each of the end edges) of the top surface 14a , with the exception of the connector 12-sided, are upright. The top side 14a is with a lead 16 at a central section, a connector receiving section 15 at a front end, and a protective section 17 formed in one piece on a front side adjacent to the projection, which extends in directions leading away from the mounting surface.

[0014] Fig. 2 is a sectional view along line AA in Fig. 1.

[0015] On the circuit board 10 Electronic components are installed, but these are not shown. Connectors are also present. 12 to the front end of the circuit board 10 Assembled. An electronics section, not shown, is also located on the circuit board. 10 mounted. The circuit board 10 is attached by small screws or the like to a mounting section that is located in a recess on the back of the base surface 13a slightly spaced condition at the rear of the floor surface 13a the waterproof base 13 is planned.

[0016] The lead 16 It is essentially in the shape of a truncated pyramid with a square face. The projection 16 comprises a single piece with a sloping front surface 16a as an example of a "sloping surface" extending backwards and upwards, an upper surface 16b, extending from a rear end edge of the sloping front surface 16a extends to the rear, and has a sloping rear surface 16c , extending from a rear end edge of the upper surface 16b extends backwards and downwards.

[0017] The sloping front surface 16a is smaller, because of the distance from the ground surface 13a on the connector side 12 is higher.

[0018] The sloping rear surface 16c is from the rear end edge of the upper surface 16a backwards and downwards to the top 14a trained.

[0019] The sloping front surface 16a is with an air hole 18 to eliminate an air pressure difference between the inside and outside of the waterproof housing 11 provided with the air hole 18 penetrates the sloping front surface 16a in the direction of the plate thickness. The air hole 18It is directed forwards and upwards. It is an air filter formed from a thin film. 19 made of Gore-Tex (registered trademark) or similar materials to prevent the ingress of dust or water, is made from the inside of the waterproof housing. 11 to the air hole 18 welded. This closes the air hole. 18 from the inside of the waterproof case 11 off with the air filter 19 sealed.

[0020] Like the sloping front surface 16a Is the air filter also included? 19 smaller, because of the distance from the ground surface 13a on the connector side 12 is higher.

[0021] The angle of inclination 20 the sloping front surface 16a to the floor area 13a The angle of inclination is approximately 45 degrees. This is not restrictive, and the angle of inclination is 20 the sloping front surface 16a to the floor area 13aIt can be between 30 and 60 degrees.

[0022] The upper surface 16b is in relation to the circuit board 10 arranged on the opposite side of the floor surface.

[0023] The connector receptacle section 15 It features a single, sloping surface extending forwards and upwards. 15a and a connector mounting surface 15b on. The connector mounting surface 15b jumps on the ground surface 13a opposite side up to such a height that a connector housing of the connector 12 can be accommodated. The connector mounting surface 15b jumps on the ground surface 13a opposite side up to the same height as the upper surface 16b before.

[0024] The protective section 17 covers the air hole 18 from the outside of the waterproof case 11off. The protective section 17 includes an expansion area 17a , extending from a front end edge of the upper surface 16b to the connector mounting surface 15b extends, a sloping surface 17b , extending from a front end edge of the expansion surface 17a extending forwards and downwards, a left side surface and a right side surface.

[0025] The expansion area 17a jumps on the ground surface 13a opposite side up to the same height as the upper surface 16b and the connector mounting surface 15b before.

[0026] The sloping surface 17b is from a front end edge of the expansion surface 17a forwards and downwards to the top 14a trained.

[0027] Belt-shaped slots 17c (see Fig. 1) along the sloping surface 17bThe slots are located on the front of the left and right side surfaces. 17c penetrate the left and right side surfaces in the direction of the plate thickness.

[0028] This is the electronic control unit to be mounted on a vehicle. 1 It is mounted in the vehicle's engine compartment. Therefore, the electronic control unit 1 exposed to an operating environment in which the ingress of dust and water is possible.

[0029] Fig. Figure 3 is a sectional view of a conventional electronic control unit.

[0030] The conventional electronic control unit 101 has a configuration in which it has an air filter 119 sealed air hole 118 on a sloping surface 115a a connector receptacle 115 is formed and the air hole 118on the outside of a waterproof case 111 with a protective section 117 is covered.

[0031] The electronic control unit 101 is in a position in which a connector 112 They are mounted downwards in the engine compartment of a vehicle. If the electronic control unit 101 in a position in which the connectors 112 The air hole is mounted in the engine compartment and is directed downwards. 118 open at the top, with its underside fitted with the air filter 119 It is sealed. Therefore, there is a possibility that water could get into the air hole. 118 penetrates, and when the air hole 118 The air filter is flooded. 119 no longer permeable to air, and between the inside and outside of the waterproof case 111 A difference in air pressure can occur.

[0032] If, on the other hand, the electronic control unit 1 of embodiment 1 in a position in which the connectors 12 The air hole is mounted in the engine compartment and is directed downwards. 18 open at the bottom, with its top surface fitted with the air filter 19 is sealed. Therefore, there is no possibility that the air hole 18 through into the air hole 18 intruding water is flooded, making it possible to create a situation in which the air filter 19 to prevent it from becoming no longer permeable to air.

[0033] This configuration ensures that the air hole 18 is directed downwards when the electronic control unit 1 in a position in which the connector 12 It is mounted facing downwards, in the engine compartment, so that it is possible to prevent air from entering the air hole. 18Ingressing water easily settles on the air filter 19 collects. This makes it possible to check the water resistance of the air hole. 18 to improve.

[0034] Since the air filter 19 moreover, further on the inside of the waterproof case 11 is arranged as the upper surface 16b Is it possible to close the air hole? 18 through the upper surface 16b to protect.

[0035] Since the waterproof case 11 in addition the connector mounting surface 15b exhibits which are related to the floor area 13a protrudes on the opposite side, and in which part of the connector 12 when recorded, the air hole 18 between the upper surface 16b and the connector mounting surface 15b be arranged, and while the air hole 18 through the upper surface 16b and the connector mounting surface 15bIf it is protected, it is possible to prevent the electronic control unit from 1 during the installation of the electronic control unit 1 into the engine compartment on the sloping front surface 16a gets stuck.

[0036] Since the angle of inclination of the sloping front surface 16a to the floor area 13a If the temperature is approximately 45 degrees, it is possible to ensure the water resistance of the air hole. 18 and the degree of freedom of the mounting position of the electronic control unit 1 to improve the internal volume of the waterproof case 11 is secured.

[0037] Since the protective section 17 the expansion area 17a exhibits features that extend from the upper surface 16b to the connector mounting surface 15b extends, it is also possible to the air hole 18 through the protected area 17a to protect.

[0038] And since the air hole 18from the inside of the waterproof case 11 off with the air filter 19 Even if the protective section is closed, it is still closed. 17 to cover the air hole 18 one piece with the top 14a shaped, it is possible to use the air filter 19 to the air hole 18 to assemble. Design 2

[0039] The following describes an electronic control unit. 2 according to embodiment 2 described. It should be noted that the electronic control unit 2 according to embodiment 2, from the electronic control unit 1 according to embodiment 1, it differs only in the configuration of the top of the waterproof cover and in the other configurations the electronic control unit 1 according to embodiment 1. Therefore, the primary difference to embodiment 1 is... 1 described.

[0040] Fig. Figure 4 is a perspective view of the electronic control unit according to embodiment 2. Fig. 5 is a sectional view along line BB in Fig. 4.

[0041] A waterproof case 21 of the electronic control unit 2 features a waterproof cover 24 up. The waterproof cover 24 as an example of a "top" is a top 24a on. At a position that, in relation to the direction from front to back of the top. 24a A pair of drainage grooves is located closer to the front than a central section. 30 designed to drain water that is trapped in an air hole 18 is present. In addition, there is a protective section. 27 , which the air hole 18 from the outside of the waterproof case 11 from covers, at a central section (between both drainage grooves) 30 ) the top 24aformed in one piece.

[0042] The pair of drainage grooves 30 is on both sides of the air hole 18 trained. The drainage grooves 30 They each extend to an outer edge in relation to the width direction of the waterproof housing. 21 The drainage groove 30 is in a trapezoidal cross-sectional shape by a sloping surface 15a a connector receptacle 15 , a floor area 30a , extending from a rear end edge of the inclined surface 15a extends to the rear, and forms a sloping surface 30b formed, extending from a rear end edge of the floor surface 30a extends backwards and upwards.

[0043] Fig. 6 is a section view along line CC in Fig. 4.

[0044] The sloping surface 30b is with an air hole 18designed to be equipped with an air filter from inside the waterproof housing 19 is locked.

[0045] The inner surfaces of the drain groove 30 , that is, the sloping surface 15a , the floor area 30a and the sloping surface 30b , are formed in an inverted conical shape, which is oriented in relation to the width direction of the waterproof housing 21 It widens towards an outer edge. The cone angle is approximately 2 degrees.

[0046] The protective section 27 It essentially has the form of an inverted square truncated pyramid, which faces in the opposite direction to a ground surface 13a protrudes. The protective section 27 includes a connecting surface 27a , which extend from a central section in the width direction of a connector receiving surface 15bextending backwards, a left side surface and a right side surface. The connecting surface 27a is with the connector mounting surface 15b tied together.

[0047] The left and right sides each have a strap-shaped slot. 27c (see Fig. 4) as an example of a “drainage opening” along the sloping surface 30b the drainage groove 30 provided. The slots 27c The slots penetrate the left and right side surfaces in a direction consistent with the thickness of the plate. 27c form a connection between the air hole 18 and the drainage grooves 30 Here. An inner circumferential surface of the slot 27c It has an inverted conical shape that widens towards the drain groove 30 side. The cone angle is approximately 2 degrees, as with the drain groove. 30 .

[0048] According to this configuration, the top side 24aof the waterproof case 21 with the drainage grooves 30 formed, extending to an outer edge in relation to the width direction of the waterproof housing 21 extend towards, and through which water is drained away in the air hole. The inner surfaces of the drainage groove 30 , that is, the sloping surface 15a , the floor area 30a and the sloping surface 30b are designed in an inverted conical shape, which faces the outer edge of the waterproof housing. 21 It widens towards the air hole. This allows for easy drainage into the air hole. 18 The water that had penetrated can be reached. Since the air hole is located in part of the inner surfaces of the drainage grooves... 30 Since a new inclined surface can be formed, it is not necessary to provide one.

[0049] Since the drainage grooves 30 on both sides of the air hole 18 of the waterproof case 21are trained, the formation of the drainage grooves 30 This is easily possible on both lateral sides by means of shapes. Since it is possible to determine the length of the inclined surface. 30b To ensure that the air hole is not blocked, it is guaranteed that the air hole will be blocked. 18 through the top 24a is protected while the electronic control unit 1 during the installation of the electronic control unit 1 the engine compartment is prevented from reaching the sloping surface 30b to get stuck.

[0050] Since the protective section 27 also with slots 27e is trained, which is equipped with the drainage grooves 30 are connected, and the inner circumferential surface of the slots 27e are formed in an inverted conical shape, which is oriented in relation to the width direction of the waterproof housing 21 Widened towards the outer edge, the drainage property can be improved by the air hole. 18Water that has penetrated will be improved, while water will be prevented from entering the interior of the protective section. 27 to penetrate.

[0051] And since the protective section 27 the connecting surface 27a features which aligns with the rear end edge of the connector receiving surface 15b Once connected, it is possible to change the air filter. 19 to protect while preventing water from entering the air hole 18 to penetrate. embodiment 3

[0052] The following describes an electronic control unit. 3 as described in embodiment 3. It should be noted that the electronic control unit 3 according to embodiment 3 from the electronic control unit 2 according to embodiment 2, it differs only in the configurations of the top of the waterproof cover and the air filter, and in other configurations the electronic control unit 2This corresponds to embodiment 2. Therefore, the difference to embodiment 2 is primarily described.

[0053] Fig. Figure 7 is a sectional view of the electronic control unit according to embodiment 3.

[0054] On one top 34a a waterproof cover 24 of the electronic control unit 3 is not a protective section 27 provided, and an air filter 39 is from the outside of a waterproof case 31 out to an air hole 18 mounted on a sloping surface 30b is trained.

[0055] In particular, the air filter includes 39 a filter main body 40 and a multitude of hooks 41 for attaching the main filter body 40 to the air hole 18 .

[0056] Each of the hooks 41 is flexible. Every hook 41Its tip features an outward-projecting locking claw. 41a provided.

[0057] With the air filter configured in this way 39 will the hooks 41 from the outside of the waterproof case 31 out into the air hole 18 introduced. Each hook is then removed. 41 elastically deformed so that the hooks 41 approaching each other, whereupon every hook 41 returns to its original position when the locking claws 41a the inner circumferential edges of the air hole 18 have passed through. This causes the locking claws to... 41a at the inner circumferential edges of the air hole 18 locked. In this way, the main filter body is secured. 40 to the outside of the air hole 18 assembled.

[0058] Since the air filter corresponds to this configuration 39 the main filter body 40and the hooks 41 for mounting the main filter body 40 to the air hole 18 The air filter is included. 39 Easy to attach and remove.

[0059] The hooks 41 are flexible, and after the hooks 41 at the air hole 18 were locked by inserting them into the air hole from the outside. 18 were introduced, the air hole 18 from the outside of the waterproof case 31 with the main filter body 40 sealed. This prevents the air filter from being used. 39 slightly from the outside of the air hole 18 to be attached and removed from it.

[0060] The present invention is not limited to the above embodiments and includes various modifications.

[0061] For example, in the embodiment above, 1 is the waterproof housing. 11 with the protective section 17designed, and in embodiment 2 the waterproof housing 21 with the protective section 27 trained. However, this is not a limitation, and the waterproof cases 11 and 21 do not necessarily have to be connected to the protective sections 17 and 27 be trained. Reference symbol list 1: Electronic control unit 2: Electronic control unit 3: Electronic control unit 10: Circuit board 11: Waterproof case 12: Connectors 13a: Floor area 15a: Inclined surface 15b: Connector mounting surface 16a: Inclined surface 16b: Upper surface 17: Protection section 17a: Expansion area 18: Air hole 19: Air filter 21: Waterproof case 24a: Top 27: Protection section 27a: Connecting surface 27c: Slot 30: Drain groove 30a: Floor area 30b: Inclined surface 31: Waterproof case 39: Air filter 40: Main filter body 41: Hook 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] JP 2014209639 A

[0003]

Claims

[1] Electronic control unit, comprising: a housing that accommodates a substrate with an electronic component mounted on it; and a connector that electrically connects the substrate and an external device, wherein the electronic control unit is mounted on a motor vehicle in a position in which the connector is facing downwards, wherein the housing has a slanted surface that is smaller, as the distance from a mounting surface to the vehicle is more towards the connector side, and The sloping surface is formed with an air hole that is sealed with an air filter. [2] Electronic control unit according to claim 1, wherein the housing has a top side on one side that is opposite to the substrate of the mounting surface, and The air filter is positioned further on the inside of the housing than on the top. [3] Electronic control unit according to claim 2, wherein the housing has a connector receiving surface which projects towards a side opposite the mounting surface and in which at least a part of the connector is received. [4] Electronic control unit according to claim 3, wherein The housing is also designed with a drainage groove that extends to an outer end edge of the housing and drains water into the air hole, and The inner surface of the drainage groove is formed in an inverted conical shape, which widens towards the outer end edge. [5] Electronic control unit according to claim 4, wherein the drainage grooves are formed on both sides of the air hole of the housing. [6] Electronic control unit according to claim 5, wherein the housing is also designed with a protective section that covers the air hole from the outside of the housing, the protective section is designed with a drainage opening that is connected to the drainage groove, and The inner circumferential surface of the drain opening is formed in an inverted conical shape, which widens towards the outer end edge of the housing. [7] Electronic control unit according to claim 6, wherein the protective section has a connecting surface for connection to the connector receiving surface. [8] Electronic control unit according to claim 1, wherein the air filter includes a filter main body and a hook for mounting the main filter body to the air hole. [9] Electronic control unit according to claim 8, wherein the hook is flexible and is locked by being inserted into the air hole from the outside of the housing, and The air hole is closed from the outside of the housing with the main filter body when the hook on the air hole is locked. [10] Electronic control unit according to claim 1, wherein the inclination angle of the inclined surface to the mounting surface is approximately 45 degrees. [11] Electronic control unit according to claim 3, wherein the housing is also designed with a protective section that covers the air hole from the outside of the housing, and The protective section has an expansion area that extends from the top to the connector receiving surface. [12] Electronic control unit according to claim 7 or 11, wherein the air hole is closed from the inside of the housing with the air filter.