Housing arrangement, method for mounting the housing arrangement and housing

Abstract

The invention relates to a housing suitable for accommodating an electromechanical component, and to a housing assembly. The housing comprises two housing components which are connected to each other by means of a guide groove and a complementary element engaging into said groove. A mounting guide is arranged on the housing in a housing assembly, which mounting guide engages into a plug-in point guide arranged on a carrier, whereby the housing can be guided into a plug-in position.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a housing suitable for enclosing an electromechanical component, as well as a housing arrangement.

[0002] A wide variety of electrical and electromechanical applications, such as components of fuses or control devices, but especially contactors, require enclosures.

[0003] DE 196 38 971 A1, EP 0 948 016 A2 and KR 2021 0009002 A each describe aspects of the assembly of a housing.

[0004] Regarding the housings, it is important that they themselves are robust, meaning that the enclosed component is well protected. Furthermore, it is necessary that the housings are securely integrated into a device or assembly.

[0005] These requirements apply not exclusively, but especially, to the housings of contactors. Power contactors are a particular focus here. Contactors are typically electromechanical safety components in circuits carrying high currents of up to 1000 A and, in particular, voltages in the range of around 1000 V and, for example, up to a maximum of 1500 V. Contactors are usually connected to a load circuit via suitable contacts. Contactors can be remotely operated switches that can be switched on or off via a control circuit, which is a second power or signal circuit connected to the contactor.

[0006] A key application for such contactors is typically found in the field of electromobility as a safety component for opening or disconnecting battery circuits. A common combination, for example, is the use of a contactor in conjunction with a fuse between a battery and an electric motor. The battery could, for instance, be a lithium-ion battery.

[0007] However, such requirements are met through various aspects, as described below. Furthermore, advantageous embodiments that offer additional benefits are described.

[0008] According to a first aspect of the invention, a housing arrangement is described comprising a housing which has a plug-in side and encloses an electromechanical component and which is designed for mounting on a carrier. Furthermore, according to this present aspect, the housing has a first mounting guide which is designed to engage with a plug-in guide arranged on the carrier, wherein the plug-in side of the housing can be guided into a plug-in position on the carrier by means of this engagement.

[0009] The support structure can, for example, have a box-like shape. A printed circuit board (PCB) can be mounted on the support structure. The PCB can also be part of the support structure.

[0010] In this first aspect of the invention, the housing is preferably placed in a plug-in position on a slot on the carrier or on a circuit board on or in the carrier. For example, an electrical connection can exist between a terminal in the slot and the electromechanical component.

[0011] The inventors of the invention have discovered that inserting a housing into a carrier can be significantly facilitated by providing a mounting guide on the housing that engages with the slot guide. For example, the housing can be brought close to the slot or the insertion position. In particular, it can be positioned as a pre-insertion point, in which the mounting guide begins to engage with the slot guide. Using this guide, the housing can then be easily moved into the insertion position along a defined insertion direction.

[0012] Furthermore, the interaction of the mounting guide and the slot guide can increase the stability of the housing assembly. In particular, the mechanical stability against forces acting perpendicular to the insertion direction can be improved.

[0013] If a suitable combination of mounting guide and slot guide is implemented in a housing arrangement, a positioning accuracy in the insertion position, or a positioning accuracy to a slot, of up to 0.2 mm, and in some cases even less, can be achieved. For example, such a positioning accuracy can be sufficient for typical housings with an internal volume of 100 to 1000 mm³ to insert a plug into a mating plug for electrical contact.

[0014] Thus, according to this aspect of the invention, a precise and easy-to-use housing in a stable housing arrangement can be made possible.

[0015] The housing can generally be approximately cuboid in shape. However, the shape may deviate from a perfect cuboid. For example, corners or edges may be rounded. Furthermore, the housing may have areas, parts, or additional components that protrude from a cuboid core.

[0016] According to another preferred aspect, the first assembly guide is shaped complementarily to the first slot guide.

[0017] Complementary in this context means that the shapes of the mounting guide and the slot guides fit together or interlock. For example, they can be shaped like positive or negative forms relative to each other. However, the positive or negative form does not have to be fully realized. The respective shapes can also have interruptions or, for example, be made of a material other than solid.

[0018] If the assembly guide and the slot guide are shaped complementarily to each other, the precision of the guide can be enhanced.

[0019] Furthermore, the first mounting guide is located on a side that lies to the side of the plugging side of the housing.

[0020] This means that the mounting guide is preferably located on a side of the housing that is neither the plug-in side itself nor a side opposite the plug-in side, which can be described as a base side of the housing.

[0021] The assembly guide preferably extends in the insertion direction.

[0022] Furthermore, the direction of the mounting guide is preferably oriented in the insertion direction and thus preferably perpendicular to the orientation of the plug-in side of the housing. This facilitates or enables insertion into the plug-in position.

[0023] According to another aspect, the assembly guide can be rail-shaped. Preferably, the complementary slot guide can be groove-shaped, with the rail shape preferably fitting into the groove shape.

[0024] Furthermore, the mounting guide can, for example, have an insertion chamfer at the end closest to the plug-in side; it can therefore be beveled. This can facilitate the engagement of the mounting guide with the slot guide. Alternatively, the mounting guide can also be rounded, or its shape can similarly facilitate engagement with the slot guide.

[0025] According to another preferred aspect, the first mounting guide forms a projection. This can mean, for example, that the first mounting guide protrudes from the side surface on which it is arranged.

[0026] Therefore, the shape of the complementary slot guide is preferably an elongated groove. This facilitates the engagement of the mounting guide with the slot guide.

[0027] According to a further preferred aspect, the housing has a second mounting guide on another side surface located laterally to the plug-in side of the housing. This second mounting guide is also designed and suitable for engaging a second slot guide. The second slot guide is preferably also arranged on the carrier.

[0028] A second mounting guide, positioned on a different side surface than the first, offers the advantage of allowing the housing to be fixed on two sides. This increases the precision of insertion into the slot. The insertion position itself can also be defined more precisely.

[0029] Furthermore, the mechanical stability, especially in directions perpendicular to the insertion direction, can be increased by the second mounting guide and slot guide.

[0030] This advantage is particularly pronounced when the second mounting guide is located on the side surface of the housing opposite one of the first mounting guides.

[0031] According to a further and preferred aspect, a mounting guide is provided or arranged on each side surface of the housing adjacent to the plug-in side. This guide is suitable for engaging with a corresponding slot guide, which is preferably arranged on the carrier.

[0032] Therefore, assuming a cuboid housing, a first, second, third, and fourth mounting guide can each be arranged on a side surface facing the plug-in side. If the housing has multiple side surfaces facing the plug-in side, further mounting guides can be arranged analogously. Preferably, a corresponding number of plug-in guides are provided on the carrier.

[0033] Four mounting guides and four slot guides can further increase stability and precision compared to the case where only one or two slot guides are provided.

[0034] Furthermore, two openings for the insertion of electrical contacts or contact elements are arranged on the side surface of the housing described above. Between these openings, a mounting guide—that is, one of the first or a further mounting guide—is arranged, which is designed and configured to form an electrical shield for the contact elements in the area between the openings.

[0035] The contact elements could be the load circuit contacts of a contactor.

[0036] Consequently, one of the mounting guides can serve as a shield positioned between the electrical contacts. This can, for example, provide shielding when connecting or electrically contacting such contacts, if the connections are already live during the contacting process.

[0037] Such shielding can also protect exposed contacts or connections from each other during operation, e.g. to prevent flashovers.

[0038] The conductors, which are attached to corresponding contacts in a contactor, for example, can preferably be characterized such that they carry voltages exceeding 1000 volts and currents exceeding 500 amperes. This means that power levels between 50 kilowatts and over 500 kilowatts can be applied to them. According to a further particularly preferred aspect, an electrical connector can be arranged in the plug-in side of the housing. Furthermore, the electrical connector contacts a mating connector on or in the carrier.

[0039] This allows the housing to be preferably guided into the plugging position, while at the same time the plug electrically engages with the mating plug, thus establishing an electrical contact.

[0040] The plug and mating plug can preferably be part of a control circuit for a contactor or other electromechanical component enclosed in a housing. Thus, the electromechanical component is preferably electrically connected to the plug, so that electrical contact is made during installation.

[0041] According to a further preferred aspect, the housing has a base side opposite the plug-in side. On this base side, fastening points can be arranged, for example, on parts projecting from the base side, the fastening points being designed and suitable for being attached to the carrier by means of a screw connection.

[0042] The screw connection can be made, for example, on a retaining bolt which is located in the carrier.

[0043] The screw connection allows for a stable attachment of the housing to the carrier in all directions.

[0044] According to a further preferred aspect, at least one external fine-guiding element can be arranged on or in the plug-in side. Preferably, such an external fine-guiding element can be arranged near or directly on a plug as described above. The external fine-guiding element is designed to engage with a first fine-positioning element arranged on the carrier. The fine-positioning element is preferably arranged at the plug slot.

[0045] Accordingly, the plug-in side of the housing can be positioned even more precisely on the carrier in the plug-in position by means of this last described engagement of the external fine guide element into the fine positioning element.

[0046] For some electrical contacts, the precision achieved with mounting guides and slot guides alone may not be sufficient. In such cases, an external fine guide element can be provided which, during insertion, for example in the last few millimeters in the insertion direction, precisely guides the mating side into the mating position.

[0047] In this way, guiding accuracies of significantly less than 0.2 mm, for example 0.1 mm or less, can be achieved.

[0048] According to a further preferred aspect, a method for assembling the housing assembly is described. Here, the housing is first brought into a pre-insertion position in which the assembly guide begins to engage with the slot guide. This pre-insertion position can be performed, for example, manually or by a suitable insertion machine. Subsequently, the housing can be pushed into the insertion position along an insertion direction under the guidance of the interlocking assembly guide and the slot guide.

[0049] This assembly method offers the advantages explained for the housing.

[0050] Preferably, the method for mounting a housing can be carried out in such a way that the insertion direction is oriented in the direction of gravity.

[0051] Preferably, the housing is oriented with the plug-in side facing downwards, i.e., in the direction of gravity. It is also inserted in this direction during the insertion process. That is to say, the direction of gravity is preferably the insertion direction.

[0052] This has the advantage that the housing is held in position by gravity before any screws are inserted.

[0053] Furthermore, forces which often act perpendicular to the direction of gravity in mobile applications can be better absorbed by the mounting guides and the slot guides.

[0054] As a further aspect, a housing for accommodating an electromechanical component is described, comprising a first housing component and a second housing component. The accommodation of an electromechanical component can here be an enclosure, i.e., an enclosing or surrounding of the electromechanical component. According to this first aspect, the second housing component has a first guide groove. The first housing component has a first complementary element. Here, the first complementary element and the first guide groove are designed such that a connection between the housing components can be achieved, or is achieved, by sliding them together along a guide direction.

[0055] A contactor housing is particularly preferred, i.e., a housing that is designed and suitable for enclosing a contactor as an electromechanical component.

[0056] These housing features described in accordance with the aspect mentioned here may be provided on the housing as an alternative or in addition to the features previously described in connection with the housing arrangement.

[0057] According to the current interpretation, the housing can be assembled, but it does not necessarily have to be. The first and second housing components, which together form the housing, can also exist separately, but in any case, they are suitable for assembly.

[0058] The enclosure can comprise more than two enclosure components. Preferably, it mainly comprises the first and second enclosure components.

[0059] The first and second housing components can each be a first and a second housing half.

[0060] Preferably, the first complementary element fits into the guide groove. The first guide groove can have any shape. For example, the guide groove can be notched into the material that forms a side surface of the second housing component. The shape can also have undercuts. That is, the shape can be wedge-shaped, trapezoidal, T-shaped, or L-shaped with respect to its cross-section. This shape is preferably formed or engraved into the material that forms a side surface of the second housing component.

[0061] The complementary element has a shape that matches the guide groove. For example, the complementary element can have a rail-like shape. This means that the complementary element can be guided in the guide groove like a rail. However, this does not necessarily mean that the complementary element must be longer in the guiding direction than it is wide perpendicular to the guiding direction. For example, it can also be wider than it is long.

[0062] In principle, the guide groove and / or the complementary element can have a stop that limits the relative positions of the housing components. This stop can be achieved, for example, by ensuring that the housing components abut each other in a specific position, thereby preventing further sliding together in the guiding direction. The stop can also be part of the guide groove itself. For instance, the stop can be the end of the guide groove beyond which the complementary element cannot be guided.

[0063] Furthermore, the guide groove or the complementary element, or both, can include a locking or clamping element which can provide a certain degree of stability in the guiding direction.

[0064] However, securing or stabilizing in the direction of travel is preferably achieved by the measures described below.

[0065] According to this first aspect, a particularly stable connection between the two housing components can be achieved. By firmly sliding the first complementary element into the first guide groove, a significantly more stable connection can be achieved than if two-part housings are connected to each other solely via unstable latches.

[0066] In particular, the housing, when assembled, can be especially resistant to forces acting perpendicular to the guiding direction due to the guide groove and the complementary element. Furthermore, the housing can also be particularly resistant to torsion or twisting about an axis parallel to the guiding direction.

[0067] Furthermore, this housing configuration allows for simple and straightforward assembly of the housing components or enclosure of the electromechanical component. As described above, the two housing components simply need to be pushed together around the electromechanical component to be protected.

[0068] This type of enclosure can therefore be simpler than with multi-part enclosures, in which the enclosure components are cast together with the component to be enclosed using a resin or other filler material. Furthermore, a significantly lighter bond between the enclosure and the component to be enclosed can be achieved this way than in the case of casting.

[0069] Thus, a synergistic effect can also be achieved with the aspects described for the housing arrangement, since this can facilitate or ensure both a stable housing and a stable installation in a housing arrangement.

[0070] In principle, these individual aspects mentioned above can also be implemented separately, as they offer at least a gradual advantage even for housings that do not have the other feature.

[0071] According to a preferred aspect, the connection of the housing components is force-fit perpendicular to the guide direction. Even more preferably, the connection is force-fit in all directions perpendicular to the guide direction.

[0072] This can mean, for example, that the two housing components can only be assembled, or pushed together or apart, along the guide direction, at least as long as no other components are arranged on the housing that prevent this. In this case, the movement of the housing component apart can be restricted in at least one, or preferably in all, directions perpendicular to the guide direction by the interlocking of the complementary element in the guide groove.

[0073] This ensures that the housing is particularly stable in all directions perpendicular to the guide direction. This also applies to twisting around an axis parallel to the guide direction.

[0074] According to another preferred aspect, the force-fit connection can be supported or achieved in particular by the shape of the guide groove and the complementary shape of the complementary element.

[0075] Complementary form can be understood here as a form that essentially fits together in a form-fitting manner. However, the form of the guide groove and the form of the complementary element do not necessarily have to behave as positive and negative, but they can. For example, the complementary element could have interruptions in its form in the guide direction.

[0076] Alternatively or additionally, the complementary element could be wing-like, with the wings engaging in undercuts.

[0077] Alternatively, the guide groove can also be formed only partially along the guide direction, for example as a kind of clamp into which the complementary element engages.

[0078] According to another aspect, the housing may also contain a second guide groove and a second complementary element, or the housing may have these. Here too, the second complementary element is designed and suitable to be inserted into the second guide groove, or to interlock with each other in the same way as the first guide groove and the first complementary element.

[0079] Preferably, the two complementary elements are arranged on the first housing component and the two guide grooves are arranged on the second housing component.

[0080] Preferably, the second complementary element fits into the second guide groove. Preferably, the second guide groove and the second complementary element are shaped and arranged on the housing in such a way that, when the two housing halves are pushed together with the first guide groove and the first complementary element, they can be pushed together simultaneously, with the second complementary element engaging in the second guide groove.

[0081] Preferably, the second guide groove is arranged on the first housing component in the same way as the first guide groove. Similarly, the second complementary element is preferably also arranged on the first housing component.

[0082] If two guide grooves are formed with two complementary elements, these can, for example, be arranged symmetrically to a plane of symmetry or an axis of symmetry of the housing.

[0083] With two guide grooves and two complementary elements, a connection between the two housing components that is just as stable against twisting can be achieved as with a very wide single guide groove and a single complementary element, although the material required to form two elements may be less.

[0084] According to a further preferred aspect, the housing has a locking device or a locking device is arranged on it, wherein this locking device causes a fixed connection of the first and second housing components in the guiding direction.

[0085] Here too, the housing can be considered a set of individual components that together form the housing; that is, the housing comprises the first housing component, the second housing component, and elements that serve as a locking device. These do not necessarily have to be assembled together.

[0086] The aforementioned preferred aspect has the advantage that, at the end of the assembly process, the housing components are, for example, firmly connected to each other in the guiding direction, for example by means of a force-fit connection.

[0087] This means that the locking device synergistically complements the connection of the housing components through a guide groove and complementary element.

[0088] According to a preferred aspect, this safety device can, for example, be implemented by two or more safety elements, or the safety device can comprise two or more safety elements.

[0089] For example, the safety device can consist of two or more safety elements.

[0090] For example, these two or more locking elements can be elongated tenons inserted, for instance, into overlapping side surfaces of the two housing components in a direction perpendicular to the guide direction. These locking elements can be rivets, pins, screws, or nails. They are preferably metallic, for example, made of steel, bronze, or aluminum. The locking elements can also be alloys of these materials, particularly those with similar mechanical strength to steel. The locking elements can also incorporate materials from the housing, such as its plastic. They can also be made of these materials.

[0091] According to a preferred aspect, the locking elements comprise at least one hollow sleeve arranged in aligned holes of the first and second housing components.

[0092] In particular, the locking elements can be designed as one or more hollow sleeves, wherein the first housing component has holes which are aligned with corresponding holes in the second housing component and the one or more hollow sleeves are arranged in these aligned holes.

[0093] The hollow sleeves are preferably made of metal and can have a round or oval cross-section. They can also be hollow rivets, for example.

[0094] The resulting hole-shaped openings on the housing can serve as attachment points to which the housing is externally attached.

[0095] For example, the holes or mounting points can be arranged on a base side of the housing. Preferably, the holes are arranged in an overlapping area of ​​the first and second housing components, which can also be referred to as the overlap area. Even more preferably, they are arranged on wing-like components of the first and second housing components that project from the main body of the housing.

[0096] The mounting points thus created can be used, for example, for screw connections. Screws or threaded studs can be inserted through these points, either securing the housing directly to a mounting element with the base side against it, or securing it to a slot with the plug-in side, which is usually opposite the base side.

[0097] Thus, a synergistic effect can be achieved in which the locking elements serve both to secure, i.e., to firmly connect the first and second housing components in the guide direction, and as attachment points for external mounting of the housing.

[0098] According to a further preferred aspect, the housing has at least one locking mechanism. The first and second housing components are preferably assembled together. The locking mechanism engages the first and second housing components together.

[0099] In particular, the second housing component has a snap-in element comprising a spring-loaded or flexible part and a hook-shaped part. This hook-shaped part can, for example, engage in an opening in the first housing component.

[0100] Furthermore, several similar or identically designed locking mechanisms can also be provided or arranged on the housing.

[0101] The locking mechanism can be located on any part of the housing. Alternatively, the interlocking parts of the locking mechanism can be arranged on the respective housing components in such a way that they can interlock.

[0102] The locking mechanism can offer several advantages. Firstly, it can serve as additional stabilization or fastening of the two housing components together in the guide direction, either in addition to or instead of the locking device.

[0103] For example, the locking mechanism can also act as a depth stop in the guide direction by fixing the first housing component to the second housing component in a specific position relative to each other by snapping it into place. For instance, in such a position the holes can be aligned, allowing the locking device to be inserted into the holes.

[0104] Furthermore, such a locking mechanism can make it more difficult or even impossible for the housing components to slip against each other during or after installation.

[0105] According to a preferred aspect, the at least one detent or the multiple detents are arranged on a side of the housing opposite the guide groove.

[0106] In particular, the locking mechanism or mechanisms may preferably be arranged on a side of the housing opposite a side of the housing in which the first guide groove is arranged.

[0107] By positioning the locking mechanism and the guide groove opposite each other, with the complementary element engaging in it, a particularly stable connection between the housing halves can be achieved. This opposing arrangement prevents the housing components from gapping open on the plug-in side under load.

[0108] According to another preferred aspect, the housing has openings which are arranged on the housing in such a way as to be suitable for guiding electrical contacts from the inside of the housing to the outside in a guiding direction.

[0109] These electrical contacts could, for example, be the load circuit contacts of a contactor.

[0110] The openings can be arranged, for example, on a side surface of the housing, which is oriented perpendicular to the guide direction. For instance, the contactor or another electromechanical component could then be placed or inserted into the second housing component, and, in the guide direction, the first housing component can be slid around the electromechanical element to be protected and onto the second housing component. Load circuit contacts can then protrude through the openings to the outside. Contact can then be easily made at these contacts without the need for an additional step of routing load circuit leads to the outside.

[0111] These can be the openings between which, as described above, a mounting guide can be arranged as a shield.

[0112] The invention is described in more detail below with reference to exemplary embodiments. These exemplary embodiments are illustrated in the following figures, which are not to scale. Lengths, as well as relative and absolute dimensions, cannot therefore be determined from the figures. The invention is also not limited to the following illustrations. Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a first embodiment of the housing in the assembled state, enclosing an electromechanical component. Figure 2 shows a first perspective view of the first embodiment of the housing with housing components separated from each other in the insertion direction. Figure 3 shows a second perspective view of the first embodiment of the housing with housing components separated from each other in the insertion direction. Figure 4shows a first embodiment of a complementary element and guide groove in schematic cross-section. Figure 5 shows a second embodiment of the complementary element and guide groove in schematic cross-section. Figure 6 shows a third embodiment of the complementary element and guide groove in schematic cross-section. Figure 7 shows a first embodiment with two complementary elements and two guide grooves in schematic cross-section. Figure 8 shows a perspective view of a second embodiment of the housing in the assembled state, enclosing an electromechanical component. Figure 9 Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a third embodiment of the housing enclosing an electromechanical component. Figure 10 shows a schematic top view of the plug-in side of the third embodiment of the housing. Figure 11shows a schematic top view of the plug-in side of a fourth embodiment of the housing. Figure 12 shows a schematic top view of the plug-in side of a fifth embodiment of the housing. Figure 13 Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a sixth embodiment of the housing enclosing an electromechanical component. Figure 14 shows a schematic top view of the plug-in side of the sixth embodiment of the housing. Figure 15 shows a cross-section through an exemplary embodiment of a housing arrangement. Figure 16 shows a top view of the exemplary embodiment of the housing arrangement.

[0113] In Figure 1 A first embodiment of a housing 1 according to the invention is shown in a schematic perspective view.

[0114] The housing 1 can be characterized by an internal orthogonal coordinate system spanned by x, y, z. The housing 1 is largely cuboid-shaped with rounded corners and edges.

[0115] The housing 1 has a plug-in side 2 which is oriented parallel to the xy-plane of the internal coordinate system.

[0116] The housing is designed and suitable for insertion into a housing assembly with the plug-in side facing forward. The surface normal of the plug-in side, which here lies parallel to the z-direction, can therefore be defined as the insertion direction.

[0117] Opposite the plug-in side 2 is the base side 14. The other side surfaces are numbered as first side surface 3, second side surface 4, which is opposite the first side surface 3, third side surface 5 and fourth side surface 6.

[0118] The housing 1 comprises a first housing component 7 and a second housing component 8, which enclose an electromechanical component, such as a contactor. It should be noted, however, that the invention is not limited by the fact that an electromechanical component is enclosed in the housing. Furthermore, the two housing components 7 and 8, which can be considered housing halves, do not necessarily have to be joined together. They are suitable for assembly.

[0119] The plug-in side 2 of the housing 1 in or on the plug-in side 2 has a plug 12 which is suitable and intended to be plugged into a mating plug, as explained below.

[0120] Furthermore, the second housing component 8 has a first guide groove 17, which will be used in the following Figure 2 and 3more precisely shown. The first complementary element 16 engages with this, which, together with the guide groove 17, is shown in more detail below.

[0121] The housing 1 can be assembled from the first housing component 7 and the second housing component 8 by sliding the two housing components 7 and 8 together in the guide direction via the guide groove 17 and the complementary element 16, which engages in the guide groove 17. The direction of sliding together is the guide direction and is oriented parallel to the x-axis. The guide direction is oriented in the -x direction (negative x-direction).

[0122] The interlocking of the first guide groove 17 and the first complementary element 16 creates a force-fit connection of the housing 1 in all directions perpendicular to the guide direction.

[0123] Furthermore, the housing has three openings on the first side surface, which are openings with load circuit contacts 10', the load circuit contacts being guided through the openings. These load circuit contacts can be those of a contactor. A shield 11 is arranged between the openings with load circuit contacts 10'. This shield 11 provides electrical shielding between the contacts. When assembling the housing components 7 and 8, the load circuit contacts can easily pass through the openings in the first housing component 7, since the openings are oriented perpendicular to the guide direction, i.e., in the yz plane.

[0124] Furthermore, the housing has a total of four mounting points, namely two first mounting points 9 and two second mounting points 9'. All mounting points 9 and 9' are arranged in areas projecting from the cuboid housing, which are preferably formed as flat surfaces within the xy-plane. The mounting points 9 and 9' are suitable and designed so that the housing can be attached to an external element, such as a support, via screws, as shown in more detail below.

[0125] The first fastening points 9 are formed by inserting a metallic hollow sleeve 13 into aligned holes in the first housing component 7 and the second housing component 8, which are part of an overlap area of ​​the first housing component 7 and the second housing component 8, as explained in more detail below. The hollow sleeves are oval in the current design, but can also be circular.

[0126] The second attachment points 9' can also have corresponding hollow sleeves.

[0127] The first fastening points 9 with the hollow sleeves 13 serve as a locking device. In particular, the hollow sleeves 13 can be considered a locking component. The locking mechanism thus created prevents the first housing component 7 and the second housing component 8 from being displaced relative to each other in the guide direction (i.e., parallel to the x-direction).

[0128] Thus, the first guide groove 17 ensures a force-fit connection between the two housing components in all three spatial directions for the first complementary element 16 and the locking mechanism.

[0129] In principle, the housings 1 shown here and below can be manufactured by any method.

[0130] Preferably, an injection molding process is used. Preferably, a starting material comprising a polymer component and glass wool is used in the injection molding process. The polymer component can be, for example, polyamide, but polybutylene terephthalate (PPT) is preferred. Furthermore, glass wool can be used in the starting material with a weight fraction of 20 wt.% to 40 wt.%, and preferably 30 wt.%, to provide a largely temperature-resistant housing 1.

[0131] The dimensions of the housing 1 can, in principle, be varied as desired, depending on the electromechanical component to be enclosed.

[0132] Preferred and suitable for a wide range of applications, the plug-in side 2 has an area of ​​25 to 100 cm². The depth of the housing in the direction perpendicular to plug-in side 2 can be 4 to 10 cm. However, the characteristics described here are also generally applicable to housings that deviate from these dimensions.

[0133] For a plug-in side with the aforementioned dimensions, a plug 12 can, for example, have an area of ​​10 to 600 mm².

[0134] Figure 2 Figure 1 shows the first embodiment of the housing 1 in a perspective view, with the housing components spaced apart or separated from each other in opposite directions. That is, the first housing component 7 is shown offset from the second housing component 8 in the x-direction. This allows the guide groove 17 in the overlap area 142 to be shown more clearly. All other components correspond, unless otherwise indicated, to those shown in Figure 1. Figure 1 were shown.

[0135] In this illustration, housing 1 contains no electromechanical component. The interior of the housing is empty, and no load circuit contacts are shown in the holes 10. Furthermore, housing 1 has a free slot 12' for a connector instead of a plug, into which a plug can be inserted. Alternatively, wiring could also be routed through the free slot 12'.

[0136] Figure 2 This clearly shows that the base side 14 of the housing 1, when assembled, is formed from an overlapping part of the first housing component 7 and the second housing component 8. These overlapping parts are each referred to as overlap area 141 of the first housing component 7 and overlap area 142 of the second housing component 8.

[0137] In the present embodiment, the entire side of the first housing component 7 facing away from the viewer is the overlap area 141 of the first housing component 7.

[0138] For the second housing component 8, the overlap area 142 is marked by the dashed line. In the assembled state, the overlap area 141 and the overlap area 142 overlap when viewed in the z-direction.

[0139] In the overlap area 142, the first guide groove 17 is also formed, which is designed and suitable for the first complementary element 16 to engage in. Alternatively, the first complementary element 16 can be pushed into the first guide groove 17 along the guide direction (here x-direction).

[0140] The extent of the first guide groove 17 and the first complementary element 16 in the guide direction (-x-direction) can be defined as the length of the first complementary element 16 and the first guide groove 17, respectively. The width of these components is defined perpendicular to the x-direction, i.e., parallel to the y-direction.

[0141] The end of the guide groove 17 in the guide direction (-x direction), starting from the nearest edge of the housing 1, can be understood as a depth stop up to which the housing components 7 and 8 are pushed into each other and, after this pushing together, remain in a fixedly defined position relative to each other.

[0142] Furthermore, the second housing component 8 has a plug-in area 15, which is a recessed area of ​​the second housing component 8 onto which a corresponding area of ​​the first housing component is plugged to achieve additional stability.

[0143] Furthermore, the second housing component has 8 holes 9b which, when assembled, align with holes 9a of the first housing component 7. These holes can be inserted as described in... Figure 1 Then a hollow sleeve 13 is inserted.

[0144] Furthermore, the housing can be made of 1 Figure 2 internal structural components 18, which, for example, here as lamellar ribs, reinforce the mechanical stability of the housing 1.

[0145] In Figure 3 Figure 1 shows another view of the first embodiment of the housing 1 with a view to the base side 14.

[0146] All components of housing 1 correspond to those as they are in Figure 2are shown. In particular, the shape of the first guide groove 17 can be traced here. This groove has undercuts into which the correspondingly complementary shaped complementary element 16 engages. In the present embodiment, the complementary element 16 and the guide groove 17 behave as positive and negative.

[0147] The complementary element 16 shown here is wider in the y-direction than in the leading direction (-x-direction). For example, the width of the complementary element 16 can be between 20 and 80% of the width of the base side.

[0148] For a single complementary element 16 and a single guide groove 17, the length can be arbitrary. In the depicted form, it corresponds to between 10 and 90% of the corresponding extent of the base side in the same direction. Generally, the longer the guide groove 17, the more stable the connection can be, particularly against torsion.

[0149] The shape of the guide groove 17 and the associated complementary element 16 can be varied and is not further restricted, as long as it allows the first and second housing components to be slid or guided together as described above. Figures 4 to 6 Various exemplary embodiments of the complementary element 16 and the guide groove 17 are shown in schematic cross-sections of the overlap area 141 of the first housing component 7 and the overlap area 142 of the second housing component 8.

[0150] Figure 4 Figure 17 shows a first guide groove 17, which corresponds to the guide groove of the first embodiment. The guide groove 17 is trapezoidally recessed into the overlap area 142 of the second housing component 8, with the shorter of the parallel sides of the trapezoid oriented towards the contact surface of the overlap areas 141 and 142. Due to its trapezoidal shape, it has undercuts. The complementary element 16 is formed on the overlap area 141 of the first housing component 7 and engages in the undercuts of the guide groove 17 with a shape complementary to that of the guide groove 17, thus preventing the housing components from falling apart or being disassembled in all directions perpendicular to the guidance direction, i.e., in all directions within the plane of the cross-section. The guide groove 17 and the complementary element 16 therefore establish a force-fit connection in all directions perpendicular to the guidance direction.

[0151] The first complementary element 16 need not necessarily be fully or continuously formed along the entire length of the first guide groove 17 in the guiding direction. For example, the first complementary element 16 may have interruptions in the guiding direction. Preferably, however, both the first complementary element 16 and the first guide groove 17 are continuous in the guiding direction, which facilitates uniform guidance when the housing components are pushed together.

[0152] The first guide groove 17 need not necessarily be continuous. It could also be formed with increased thickness in partial areas of the overlap area 142 of the second housing component 8 and not in other, flatter areas. However, for the reasons mentioned above, a continuous first guide groove 17 is preferable here as well.

[0153] As in Figure 5The first complementary element 16 does not necessarily have to replicate the complete shape of the first guide groove 17 as a positive to the negative in order to be considered complementary with respect to its shape. Accordingly, in the Figure 5 In the embodiment shown, the first complementary element 16 is designed as two wings, each of which engages in the trapezoidal undercut of the first guide groove 16.

[0154] Thus, the material required for the first complementary element 16 can be reduced.

[0155] In Figure 6 Another embodiment of a first guide groove 17 and a first complementary element 16 is shown, wherein, unlike in the previous examples, there are no inclined undercuts here, but the first guide groove 17 and the first complementary element 16 have a T-shape and thus have undercuts parallel to the base side 14 of the housing 1.

[0156] The cross-section in Figure 7 Figure 1 shows an embodiment in which both a first guide groove 17 and a second guide groove 17' are provided. The first complementary element 16 and the second complementary element 16', respectively, engage in these grooves.

[0157] These structures can, for example, be arranged symmetrically to a plane of symmetry of the housing. This allows for a level of stability against twisting that would otherwise require a single, very wide complementary element.

[0158] Preferably, in the case of two guide grooves and complementary elements, their respective extension in the guide direction can be greater than their width.

[0159] Similarly, further complementary elements and guide grooves can also be provided in principle.

[0160] Figure 8shows a perspective view of a second embodiment of the present invention or of the housing 1.

[0161] This includes all components, as they are used in Figure 1 The described features are provided. Furthermore, the housing has a locking mechanism 19 on the plug-in side 2.

[0162] This locking mechanism 19 includes openings located in the first housing component 7. Hook-shaped elements of a locking element engage in these openings; this element also includes spring-loaded or bendable parts. These are part of, or attached to, the second housing component 8.

[0163] The hook-shaped parts engage in the openings and allow an additional mechanically stable connection between the first housing component 7 and the second housing component 8. In particular, this prevents the two housing components from gapping open, as the locking mechanism 19 forms a connection between the housing components that is arranged opposite the connection formed by the first guide groove 17 and the first complementary element 16.

[0164] In Figure 9 shows a perspective view of a third embodiment of housing 1.

[0165] The third embodiment of housing 1 corresponds to the preceding embodiments except for the following features.

[0166] The housing 1 of the present third embodiment has a first mounting guide 21 on the third side surface 5. Furthermore, a fourth mounting guide 24 is arranged on the first side surface 3 of the housing. The further mounting guides (second mounting guide 22 and third mounting guide 23) are provided in the present embodiment, but are not visible due to the perspective view.

[0167] This means that all four side surfaces 3, 4, 5, and 6 of the housing 1 have mounting guides. The mounting guides are elongated in the z-direction and thus oriented in this direction. They are suitable and designed to be inserted into and guided in corresponding slot guides in a direction defined as the insertion direction. The length of the mounting guides is approximately 20 to 90% of the recess of the side surface on which they are arranged, and preferably 50 to 80%. Furthermore, the mounting guides are oriented as planar elements perpendicular to the respective side surface.

[0168] For the purpose of facilitating access to a slot guide, the mounting guides on the side of the plug side 2 can have an insertion ramp, i.e. be beveled.

[0169] In Figure 10 A schematic top view of the plug-in side of the third embodiment of housing 1 is shown.

[0170] All four assembly guides 21, 22, 23, 24 can be seen here.

[0171] Basically, it's like in Figure 11 As shown in a schematic top view using a fourth embodiment, a housing 1 with only one first mounting guide 21 according to the invention is also possible, provided that this guide is designed to engage in a corresponding slot guide in order to guide the housing 1 onto a slot or to bring it into a plug-in position on a carrier. Here, the single first mounting guide 21 is preferably not arranged on the first side surface 3 of the housing 1, which, in the examples used here, is the side surface with openings for load circuit contacts. The single first mounting guide 21 can therefore be explicitly attached to the housing in addition to a label.

[0172] Otherwise, the features of housing 1 can be those from the preceding embodiments, for example the housing as described in Figure 10 was shown, correspond.

[0173] As in Figure 12 An embodiment of the housing 1 is also shown, featuring a first mounting guide 21 and a second mounting guide 22. The first mounting guide 21 is arranged opposite the second mounting guide 22. For example, the first mounting guide 21 is located on the second side surface of the housing, and the second mounting guide 22 is located on the first side surface of the housing.

[0174] The advantage of two mounting guides can be that one guide is more precise and stable than a single guide. However, the advantage of two mounting guides over four can be that the number of structures, and therefore the weight of the housing, can be reduced. The mold used for manufacturing can also be less complex.

[0175] In Figure 13 and 14 A sixth embodiment of a housing 1 is shown, which largely corresponds to the one described in Figure 9 can correspond to the housing shown in 1.

[0176] However, one of the mounting guides, specifically the fourth mounting guide 24, is also designed as a shield 11. This can provide electrical shielding between contacts, such as the load circuit contacts of a contactor.

[0177] In order to function efficiently as a shield, the fourth mounting guide 24 is designed with a larger surface area than the other mounting guides, for example, than the first mounting guide 21. "Larger surface area" here means that the length, i.e., the extent on the first side surface, can correspond approximately to the length of the other mounting guide, but the height, i.e., the x-direction, i.e., the extent in the direction of the normal to the first side surface, is preferably greater than for the other mounting guides.

[0178] In the Figures 15 and 16 Each figure represents a schematic cross-section of a housing arrangement, for example using a housing 1 as shown in Figure 1. Figure 9 or Figure 10 The cross-sectional line is shown here. Figure 10 indicated by line AB shown there.

[0179] Figure 16 shows a schematic top view looking at the base of the housing 1.

[0180] The cross-section in the Figure 15 This is simplified by not showing the attachment points on the flat components of housing 1 that protrude from the housing core, in order to make the other components more visible.

[0181] The housing assembly includes a support 26 in or on which, for example, a circuit board or printed circuit board can be arranged. Furthermore, the housing assembly includes an electromechanical component 25, for example, a contactor, which is arranged or enclosed in the housing 1.

[0182] In particular, it can be seen how the mounting guides 21 and 24 engage in corresponding slot guides 27, which are arranged on the carrier 26. The mounting guides 21 and 24 preferably have an insertion chamfer on the side oriented towards the insertion side 2. The slot guides 27 are also chamfered, specifically at the end facing away from the carrier 26. Furthermore, a notch, which represents the complementary shape of the slot guide to the mounting guide, can be wider at the chamfered end than would be necessary for a complementary shape to the mounting guide. Thus, in a pre-insertion position, which is the position in which the mounting guide begins to engage with the slot guide during an insertion process, this engagement is facilitated.

[0183] Furthermore, the power circuit contacts 10' and power circuit lines 101 are shown in the housing arrangement shown here, which are parts of the power circuit and to which the electromechanical component is connected.

[0184] Furthermore, the housing 1 has a connector 12 on or in the plug side. This connector 12 is electrically connected to the electromechanical component 25, which may in particular be a contact for a control circuit.

[0185] The connector 12 has a shape that is complementary to a mating connector 121, which is arranged on the carrier as part of the slot. This allows an electrical connection to be established between a control unit and the control circuit thus formed.

[0186] As schematically illustrated by the corresponding triangular shape of the connector 12, an external fine insertion element can be provided and arranged on the connector 12 as part of the mating side 2. This engages in a fine positioning element in the socket, so that the connector 12 and the mating connector 121 fit together precisely. Alternatively, an external fine insertion element can also be arranged in the vicinity of the connector on the mating side 2.

[0187] Thus, the basic positioning of the housing in the plug-in position can be ensured with a positioning accuracy of up to approximately 2 mm by the mounting guides 21, 22, 23 and 24 and the slot guides 27, and more precise positioning for electrical contact can be further supported by the external fine guide. This allows the plug-in side to be positioned even more accurately, thereby facilitating efficient engagement of the plug 12 with the mating plug 121.

[0188] Figure 16 shows a corresponding top view of the base side of the housing in the housing arrangement.

[0189] The components correspond to those from Figure 15 , where the fastening points 91 are additionally shown. The fastening points 91 can correspond to the fastening points 9 or 9' from the preceding examples, but here they additionally have screw connections. These may also include washers.

[0190] These screw connections can be screwed into corresponding retaining bolts, which may be arranged on the support.

[0191] Thus, in addition to the four mounting and slot guides, the housing 1 can be firmly fixed in the plug-in position by means of the corresponding screw connection.

[0192] In applications such as mobile applications, the z-direction preferably corresponds to the direction of gravity, as this allows the assembly and slot guides to absorb acceleration and deceleration forces that occur perpendicular to the direction of gravity particularly efficiently. Reference symbol list

[0193] 1 Housing 2 Plug-in side 3 First side surface 4 Second side surface 5 Third side surface 6 Fourth side surface 7 First housing component 8 Second housing component 9 First mounting point 9a Hole in first housing component 9b Hole in second housing component 9' Second mounting point 10 Opening 10' Opening with load circuit contacts 11 Shield 12 Plug 12' Free space for plug 13 Hollow sleeve 14 Base side 15 Plug area 16 First complementary element 16' Second complementary element 17 First guide groove 17' Second guide groove 18 Structural component 19 Detent 21 First mounting guide 22 Second mounting guide 23 Third mounting guide 24 Fourth mounting guide 25 Electromechanical component 26 Carrier 27 Slot guide 91 Screwed mounting points 101 Load circuit lines 121 Mating connector 141 Overlap area of ​​the first housing component 142 Overlap area of ​​the second housing component x first direction y second direction z third direction

Claims

1. Housing assembly with a housing (1) which has a plug-in side (2) and a side surface (3), which is arranged laterally with respect to the plug-in side (2), and encloses an electromechanical component (25), and which is provided for mounting on a carrier (26), wherein the housing (1) has a first mounting guide (11, 24) on the side surface (3), which is provided for engagement in a first slot guide (27) arranged on the carrier (26), wherein the plug-in side (2) of the housing (1) can be guided by means of the engagement into a plug-in position on the carrier (26), and characterized in that the side surface (3) of the housing (1) has two openings (10) for leading through electrical contact elements, wherein the first mounting guide (11, 24) is arranged between the openings (10) in such a way that it is suitable for electrically shielding the contact elements in the region between the openings (10).

2. Housing assembly according to claim 1, wherein the first mounting guide (11, 24) is shaped to be complementary to the first slot guide (27).

3. Housing assembly according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the first mounting guide (11, 24) is designed in the shape of a rail.

4. Housing assembly according to any of claims 1 to 3, wherein the first mounting guide (11, 24) forms a projection.

5. Housing assembly according to any of claims 1 to 4, wherein the housing (1) has, on a further side surface (4, 5, 6) lying laterally with respect to the plug-in side (2) of the housing (1), a second mounting guide (21, 22, 23) which is provided for engagement in a second slot guide (27).

6. Housing assembly according to claim 5, wherein the second mounting guide (21, 22, 23) is arranged on a side surface (4, 5, 6) of the housing (1) lying opposite the first mounting guide (11, 24).

7. Housing assembly according to any of claims 3 to 6, wherein mounting guides (21, 22, 23, 24) are arranged on each side surface (3, 4, 5, 6) of the housing (1) lying laterally with respect to the plug-in side (2), said mounting guides each being provided for engagement in matching slot guides (27) of the carrier (26).

8. Housing assembly according to any of claims 1 to 7, wherein an electrical plug (12) is arranged in the plug-in side (2) of the housing (2), and the electrical plug (2) electrically contacts a mating plug (121) in the carrier (26).

9. Housing assembly according to any of claims 1 to 8, wherein the housing (1) has, opposite the plug-in side (2), a base side (14) with at least two fastening points (9, 9') which are provided and suitable for being fastened to the carrier (26) by means of a screw connection.

10. Housing assembly according to any of claims 1 to 9, wherein the plug-in side (2) has at least one outer fine guiding element which is provided for engagement in a first fine positioning element arranged on the carrier (26), wherein the plug-in side (2) of the housing (1) can be positioned even more precisely in the plug-in position on the carrier (26) by means of the engagement.

11. Housing assembly according to any of claims 1 to 10, which is a contactor housing assembly with a contactor housing which encloses a contactor.

12. Method for mounting the housing assembly according to any of claims 1 to 11, wherein the housing (1) is first brought into a pre-plug-in position, in which the mounting guide (21, 22, 23, 24) begins to engage in the slot guide (26), and then the housing (1) is slid along an insertion direction, guided by the interlocking mounting guide (21, 22, 23, 24) and slot guide (26), into the plug-in position.

13. Method for mounting the housing according to claim 12, wherein the insertion direction is oriented in the direction of gravity.

14. Housing (1) having the features according to any of claims 1 to 11 for receiving an electromechanical functional component (25), comprising a first housing component (7) and a second housing component (8), wherein the second housing component (8) has a first guide groove (17), the first housing component (7) has a first complementary element (16) and the first complementary element (16) and the first guide groove (17) are formed in such a way that a connection of the housing components (7, 8) to form a housing (1) is achieved by sliding them into one another along a guiding direction.

15. Housing (1) according to claim 14, wherein the connection in a direction perpendicular to the guiding direction is force-fitting.

16. Housing (1) according to claim 15, wherein the force-fitting connection is supported by the shape of the guide groove (17) and the shape of the complementary element (16) which is complementary thereto.

17. Housing (1) according to any of claims 14 to 16, which has a second guide groove (17') and a second complementary element (16'), wherein the second complementary element (16') is provided and suitable for being slid into the second guide groove (17').

18. Housing (1) according to any of claims 14 to 17, wherein a securing device brings about a fixed connection of the first and second housing component (7, 8) in the guiding direction.

19. Housing (1) according to claim 18, wherein the securing device comprises two or more securing elements.

20. Housing (1) according to claim 19, wherein securing elements comprise at least one hollow sleeve (13), which are arranged in mutually aligned holes (9a, 9b) in the first and second housing component (7, 8).

21. Housing (1) according to any of Claims 14 to 20, wherein the first and second housing component (7, 8) can be assembled, wherein the housing (1) has at least one latching means (19) by means of which the first and the second housing component can be latched to one another.

22. Housing (1) according to Claim 21, wherein the at least one latching means (19) is arranged on a side of the housing (1) lying opposite the guide groove (17, 17').

23. Housing (1) according to any of Claims 14 to 22, which has openings (10) which are arranged on the housing (1) in such a way that they are suitable for guiding electrical contacts outwards in the guiding direction out of the housing interior.

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