Control devices, especially those for automobiles.
The control device simplifies assembly and maximizes circuit board space by fixing the connector strip between housing covers, eliminating additional screw connections and ensuring robustness and stability, thus reducing manufacturing costs and increasing usable space.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- JP · JP
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- ROBERT BOSCH GMBH
- Filing Date
- 2024-03-11
- Publication Date
- 2026-04-27
AI Technical Summary
Existing control devices for motor vehicles face challenges in assembly complexity and limited available space on the printed circuit board, necessitating additional screw connections and reducing the usable area for electronic components.
A control device with a connector strip that is fixed between upper and lower housing covers via a fixing mechanism, allowing the connector strip to protrude beyond the printed circuit board, eliminating the need for additional screw connections and increasing the usable space on the circuit board, while ensuring robustness and mechanical stability.
Simplifies assembly, reduces manufacturing costs, and maximizes the use of circuit board space, enhancing the device's robustness and mechanical stability, and allowing for full utilization of installation space.
Smart Images
Figure 2026513485000001_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] The present invention relates to a control device, particularly for motor vehicles, as described in the superordinate concept of the independent claims.
[0002] Prior Art From European Patent No. 3222126, a system consisting of a control device and a holder for housing this control device, as well as a method for forming housing variations of the control device, are known. The control device comprises at least one housing, which is formed by at least a housing bottom and a housing cover connected to this housing bottom, and further has a geometric connection for mechanically housing the control device within the holder. The retaining elements are mechanically and / or materially connected to the housing, where the lower surface of the control device is formed by the housing bottom, the upper surface of the control device is formed by the housing cover connected to the housing bottom, the lower and / or upper surfaces are defined by an edge region, at least one retaining element is connected to the housing in at least one section of the edge region, at least one section of the edge region is formed as a bent portion bent with respect to the lower and / or upper surfaces, and this bent portion is connected to at least one retaining element.
[0003] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2008-235473 relates to an electronic circuit device having a plug-in connector for a printed circuit board and other electronic components mounted on the printed circuit board within a space formed by a bottom and a cover. The connector housing portion is assembled on the printed circuit board.
[0004] The problem underlying the present invention is to provide a control device that makes assembly easier while increasing the available area on the printed circuit board with a simple structure. This problem is solved by the features of the independent claims.
[0005] Disclosure of the Invention The connector strip has at least one fixing surface, particularly a fixing opening, that holds it between the upper and lower housing covers via a fixing mechanism, and the fixing surface of the connector strip protrudes beyond the printed circuit board, further simplifying the assembly flow. Thus, the connector strip is fixed to the housing when screwing in the control device without requiring additional assembly steps. Only one fixing mechanism is used for both fixing the two housing covers and securely holding the connector strip. This eliminates the need for additional screw connections, for example, as existing screw connections in the housing are utilized. Furthermore, the usable area on the printed circuit board can be increased because fixing the connector strip to the printed circuit board is no longer necessary, and can be done particularly by the housing that protrudes laterally. In this way, the space on the circuit board, which is often densely designed, can be fully utilized for electronic components and, according to layout requirements. As a result, overall cost reduction (reduced manufacturing costs, miniaturization of the control device) and increased printed circuit board area or full utilization of installation space are achieved. Indeed, in demands concerning the load on connector strips by wire harnesses, or high demands concerning the clamping moment in connector strips, the proposed control device is superior in terms of robustness and mechanical stability. The basic concept of the proposal is also suitable for the geometric shapes of other control devices and therefore forms the basis for a platform concept. In this way, existing manufacturing lines without additional means can be used.
[0006] In a favorable development, the connector strip has a width greater than the width of the printed circuit board, and / or, when assembled, the fixing surface of the connector strip protrudes laterally beyond the side edge of the printed circuit board. As a result, the connector strip is not fixed within the area of the printed circuit board, thus increasing the utilization rate of the installation space on the printed circuit board.
[0007] In a favorable development, at least one seal is positioned between the connector strip and the upper and / or lower housing cover. This provides additional protection for the control device from ambient conditions that are particularly unfavorable in an automobile. Particularly favorably, the seal is positioned between the printed circuit board and the fixing surface of the connector strip. This allows the fixing means to be positioned outside the particularly protected area of the printed circuit board.
[0008] In a favorable development, the two housing covers are formed such that they apply a clamping force to the connector strip via a fixing mechanism, particularly via a seal, to secure the connector strip. This eliminates the need for an assembly process involving only the assembly of the two housing covers for the connector strip assembly. Furthermore, the seal is improved by applying a corresponding clamping force.
[0009] In a preferred development, the connector strip has at least one side wall, and more particularly two side walls. This further improves the stability of the device, especially if these side walls are also positioned outside the area of the printed circuit board. Conveniently, the side walls extend substantially parallel to the insertion direction of the connector into the connector strip. This allows them to withstand forces in the insertion direction to a reasonable extent. Furthermore, more or wider interfaces can be attached to the front of the connector strip. Particularly convenient, the connector strip has fixed surfaces on both sides, further improving the stability of the device.
[0010] Particularly advantageous, the fixing surface is formed as a fixing opening, preferably as a metal sleeve. This allows for stable and spatially precise positioning of the connector strip between the two housing halves. The connector strip itself can preferably be formed as a single, integrated plastic part. Particularly preferable, fixing mechanisms include fixing means and / or screw connections and / or rivet connections and / or deformable connections and / or clinch connections and / or edge bending. This allows for the use of an appropriate fixing method depending on the application and whether the requirement is for stability or sealing.
[0011] Particularly preferably, the upper housing cover and / or the lower housing cover are provided with at least one opening and / or at least one through-notch and / or at least one housing, in particular a socket, especially preferably a blind-hole socket, for accommodating the fastening means, wherein the fastening means also protrudes through the fastening opening of the connector strip. Thus, assembly can be performed in only one assembly step. The socket here is provided with, for example, threads as a separate component, and this socket can be pre-connected to the housing cover, thus further simplifying manufacturing.
[0012] In a favorable development, the fixed surface is positioned relative to the printed circuit board such that the fixing mechanism having the fixed surface, particularly the sleeve, works together on the outside of the printed circuit board. This prevents the fixing mechanism from being guided through the printed circuit board, thereby increasing the usable area of the printed circuit board.
[0013] In a favorable development, the seal surrounds the printed circuit board, and / or the fixing surface of the connector strip is located outside the area surrounded by the seal. This improves the airtightness of the control unit's interior because it eliminates the need to separately seal the fixing area itself, which has a relatively complex mechanical configuration.
[0014] In a favorable development, at least one, and especially two, of the housing covers are formed as mounting surfaces for fixing, particularly for the sleeve. This achieves mechanically stable fixing of the connector strip within the housing.
[0015] In a favorable development, preferably, in addition to the two lateral fixing points or fixing surfaces, another fixing surface, particularly another fixing point, is provided, on this other fixing surface, where another fixing mechanism, particularly another fixing means, protrudes through another fixing opening in the connector strip and / or printed circuit board and acts on the upper housing cover and / or lower housing cover. This ensures stable fixing of the connector strip, even in the case of relatively large geometric shapes.
[0016] In a favorable development, at least one of the housing covers has at least one stepped section, which is oriented at least partially parallel to the side of the printed circuit board and cooperates with a fixing mechanism for clamping the fixed surface between the two housing covers. This results in a particularly compact and stable device.
[0017] A more favorable further development can be derived from further dependent claims and the following description. The figure illustrates the following: [Brief explanation of the drawing]
[0018] [Figure 1] This is an exploded view showing the control unit. [Figure 2] This is a cross-sectional view showing the control device in the region of the connector strip. [Figure 3] This is a perspective view showing the connector strip. [Figure 4] This is a perspective view showing the corner area of the control device. [Figure 5] This is a cross-sectional view showing the corner area of the control device. [Figure 6] This is a perspective view showing the underside of the control device. [Figure 7]This is a perspective view showing various control devices. [Figure 8] A partial perspective view showing an alternative embodiment with additional fixing points and a cross-sectional view showing the fixing points therein.
[0019] Embodiments of the Invention The present invention has been schematically shown in reference to several embodiments, and the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to these drawings.
[0020] Figure 1 shows an exploded view of the control device 10. The control device 10 has an upper housing cover 12 and a lower housing cover 14 that surround at least one printed circuit board 20 when assembled. The two housing covers 12, 14 form the housing of the control device 10. The upper housing cover 12 has at least one housing 13 in its lateral region for a fixing mechanism 26, in particular for fixing means. In this embodiment, four substantially rectangular housing 13 are shown, respectively, located in the corner regions of the upper housing cover 12. The housing 13 can be formed, for example, as sockets, in particular as blind sockets. The housing 13 is open toward the inner surface of the housing or toward the lower housing cover 14 and is aligned with a corresponding opening (not shown) in the upper housing cover 12 to accommodate at least one fixing means. As the fixing mechanism 26, a fixing means, such as a corresponding screw that can cooperate with the threads in the housing 13, is used. Alternatively, other fixing means, such as bolts, may be provided. Alternatively, the fixing mechanism 26 may include screw connections or rivet connections, as well as deformable connections and / or clinch connections and / or edge bending. In some cases, the design of the connector strip 18 is preferably adapted to absorb load forces during operation. The fixing means is located outside the enclosed area of the control device 10, which includes at least the printed circuit board 10. The fixing mechanism 26 or fixing means is located outside the printed circuit board 10.
[0021] The control device 10 further includes a connector strip 18. The connector strip 18 includes at least one plug-in connector 17 for a connector (not shown) for contact connection to the printed circuit board 20. In this embodiment, three plug-in connectors 17 are shown exemplary. The connector strip 18 is positioned in the front region of the control device 10 between the upper housing cover 12 and the lower housing cover 14 so as to close a hollow chamber formed within the housing. The upper transverse edge of the connector strip 18 is terminated to align flush with the upper housing cover 12. Preferably, a seal 16 can be placed between the upper transverse edge of the connector strip 18 and the upper housing cover 14. The lower transverse edge of the connector strip 18 is terminated to align flush with the lower housing cover 14. Preferably, a seal 22 can be placed between the lower transverse edge of the connector strip 18 and the lower housing cover 12. Thus, the upper and / or lower transverse edges of the connector strip 18 do not rest on the printed circuit board 10. The connector strip 18 is formed, for example, as a single, integrated plastic component. A fixing opening 19 is provided in the lateral region of the connector strip 18. The fixing opening 19 is oriented laterally with respect to the connector insertion direction of the connector strip 18. The fixing surface 19 or fixing opening of the connector strip 18 aligns with the corresponding opening in the housing 13 or the upper housing cover 12 when assembled. The fixing surface 19 is formed to guide the fixing means 26 through. Once the fixing means 26 is fixed, the connector strip 18 is clamped and thus fixed between the two housing covers 12, 14. For this purpose, the upper housing cover 12 is pressed against the upper transverse edge of the connector strip 18, and / or the lower housing cover 14 is pressed against the lower transverse edge of the connector strip 18, and optionally against the seals 16, 22 located between them, respectively. The fixing surface 19 or fixing opening of the connector strip 18 is located outside the area of the printed circuit board 20, relative to the printed circuit board 20. Therefore, the fixing means 26 does not penetrate the printed circuit board 20, but only penetrates and protrudes from the fixing surface 19.For this reason, the fixing surface 19 of the connector strip 18 protrudes beyond the printed circuit board 10. The width of the fixing surface 19, particularly the connector strip 18 including the components surrounding the fixing opening, is wider than the width of the printed circuit board 20. Therefore, the fixing surface 19 protrudes beyond the corresponding lateral section on the side of the printed circuit board 20. In this embodiment, corresponding fixing surfaces 19 are provided on both sides respectively. The fixing surface 19, particularly the fixing opening, is formed by, for example, the sleeve 32 shown later. The sleeve 32 is made of, for example, a metallic material. The sleeve 32 can be injection molded so as to be surrounded by, for example, a plastic part which is a component of the connector strip 18. Alternatively, it is also possible to provide through holes in the covers 12, 14. In this case, an additional (press - fitted) socket or sleeve 32 is not required. In this case, preferably, the fixing surface 19 of the connector strip is formed of a particularly stable plastic, whereby the separate sleeve 32 can be omitted.
[0022] A corresponding seal 16 is arranged between the upper housing cover 12 and the upper surface of the connector strip 18 for sealing. The seal extends substantially across the entire front surface of the control device 10 and further laterally across the side walls 34 of the connector strip 18 respectively. Further, another particularly annular seal 22 is provided for sealing between the two housing covers 12, 14 and / or between one of the housing covers 12, 14 and the connector strip 18. Corresponding receiving portions for the seals 16, 22 can also be provided on the housing covers 12, 14 and / or on the connector strip 18.
[0023] The lower housing cover 14 has at least one through-hole 15 in its lateral region and at least one through-hole 15 in its front region. In this embodiment, for example, four through-notches 15 are shown in the corner regions of the control device 10. These through-notches 15, when assembled, are aligned with a fixed surface 19, particularly a fixed opening or sleeve 32, and a housing portion 13 in the upper housing cover 12 having a corresponding opening for accommodating each fixing means 26. For example, the lower housing cover 14 has a housing portion 28 that protrudes inward, and a thermal conductive material 24 (TIM) can be attached to this housing portion 28. The other side of the thermal conductive material 24 is thermally conductively connected to an electronic component or thermal conductive component (not shown) for dissipating heat toward the lower housing cover 14. The housing covers 12, 14 may also be provided with thermal conductive material (TIM) and / or cooling rails.
[0024] Figure 2 shows a corresponding cross-sectional view in the region of the connector strip 18 of the components assembled to the control device 10. Here, for example, a fixing mechanism 26 or fixing means formed as a screw extends from the lower housing cover 14 through a corresponding through-hole 15, then through the fixing opening 19 of the connector strip 18, is guided through the opening of the upper housing cover 12, and can be seen to terminate or be screwed into the receiving portion 13 for the fixing mechanism 26. In this figure, a corresponding electrical contact element 30 is shown, and this electrical contact element 30 forms an electrical contact between each connector introduced into the insertion connection portion 17 and the printed circuit board 20 or electronic components correspondingly arranged on this printed circuit board 20. Similarly, from this figure, it can also be clearly seen how another seal 22 is inserted or attached between the lower surface of the connector strip 18 and the upper surface of the lower housing cover 14 for a corresponding seal. A seal 16 is also located on the upper surface of the connector strip 18, and this seal 16 cooperates with the upper housing cover 12. The fixing surface 19 for the connector strip 18, in particular the fixing opening 19 or the sleeve 32, is attached to the component on the side. Thereby, when joining or screwing the control device 10, the connector strip 18 is clamped or fixed to the housing between the upper housing cover 12 and the lower housing cover 14 without the need for additional assembly steps such as another screw connection portion.
[0025] Figure 3 shows a perspective view of the connector strip 18. Viewed from above, it is clear that the fixed surface 19 is formed as a fixed opening (or the area surrounding this fixed opening), preferably by a metal sleeve 32. Furthermore, the connector strip 18 protrudes somewhat on both sides in the insertion direction in the form of side walls 34. Preferably, the side walls 34 protrude laterally beyond the printed circuit board 10. The side walls 34 also contact the upper housing cover 12 and the lower housing cover 14, respectively, via sealing components 16 and 22, which are sometimes positioned between them. This provides additional stability to the entire device, which is advantageous when inserting or removing the connector. The seal 22 extends across the upper surface of the connector strip 18 in the direction lateral to the insertion direction, and also across the upper surface of the side walls 34 that extend parallel to the insertion direction. In Figure 3, the electrical contact elements 30 are particularly clearly visible. Furthermore, as can be seen from Figure 4, the contact element 30 has a certain degree of bending to make contact connection between the printed circuit board 20 and the plug-in connector 17. Alternatively, there may be a vertical orientation of the connector strip 18 having an upward and / or downward connector termination.
[0026] Furthermore, Figure 4 shows a side wall 34 that is slightly beveled. The side wall 34 is sealed to the upper housing cover 12 or the lower housing cover 14 by a seal 16 on the top surface and by another seal 22 on the bottom surface. To ensure a secure seal of the entire connector strip 18, seal 16 is in contact with another seal 22 at a predetermined point. Seal 22 is located between the printed circuit board 20 and the fixed surface 19 of the connector strip 18. This seals the interior of the control device 10 with the printed circuit board 20, while the fixed point is located outside that area.
[0027] Figure 5 shows a cross-sectional view of the fixing mechanism 26, which is formed as a fixed position or, exemplary, as a screw connection. The screw head cooperates with the lower housing cover 14. A sleeve 32 is located between the lower housing cover 14 and the upper housing cover 12. Particularly based on a metal configuration, the fixing mechanism 26 can absorb the corresponding force generated when the two housing covers 12,14 are fixed together. Alternatively, the sleeve 32 can be omitted if, for example, the fixing surface 19 on which the clamping force acts when the screw connection is tightened is sufficiently stable. Thus, the connector strip 18 is held in a clamped state between the two housing covers 12,14. The housing 13 for the fixing mechanism 26, in particular a socket or a blind socket or blind hole, is fixedly connected to the upper housing cover 12. The fixing portion of the connector strip 18 is located outside the area of the printed circuit board 20 and / or outside the side wall 34. The fixing of the connector strip 18 is performed by the fixing mechanism 26, which is originally present for the assembly of the housing. This absorbs most of the load on the connector strip 18. In this case, the load on the connection point between the printed circuit board 20 and the electrical contact element 30 of the connector strip 18 is reduced.
[0028] The upper housing cover 12 has a stepped shape in its lateral region, as shown in Figure 5. This stepped shape is formed such that the upper housing cover 12 surrounds the upper edge of the connector strip 18 on one side. When assembled, this section of the upper housing cover 12 is pressed against the upper edge of the connector strip 18 via the seal 16. This section of the housing cover 12 is oriented substantially parallel to the end face, which is one of the sides of the printed circuit board 10. Following this section, there is a section of the housing cover 12 that is oriented laterally to the end face of the printed circuit board 10 or extends into the printed circuit board 10. This section of the housing cover 12 extends substantially, at least partially, parallel to the side 34. Subsequently, another section of the housing cover 12 extends substantially parallel to the end face of the printed circuit board 10. This other section of the housing cover 12 has an opening for accommodating the fastening means 26. The other section of the upper housing cover 12 cooperates with the fixing surface 19 of the connector strip 18 by the fixing means 26 applying a lateral force to the end face or top surface of the printed circuit board 10. This pulls the other section of the housing cover 12 toward the fixing surface 19. At the same time, the section of the lower housing cover 14 formed parallel to the other section of the upper housing cover 12 is pressed upward against the lower fixing surface 19 of the connector strip 18. This clamps the fixing section 19 of the connector strip 18 between the two housing covers 12 and 14. Here, a sleeve 32 can be used as the fixing surface 19 of the connector strip 18. Alternatively, the fixing surface 19 may be formed from an incorporated component of the connector strip 18, preferably from a stronger material, particularly a stronger plastic. In another section following the upper housing cover 12, the upper housing cover 12 extends downward in a direction laterally to the end face of the printed circuit board 10, toward the lower housing cover 14.In this embodiment, the subsequent section of the upper housing cover 12 protrudes beyond the edge of the lower housing cover 14. In the stepped region above the upper housing cover 12, the housing 13 is preferably positioned so as not to protrude beyond the upper section of the upper housing cover 12. This allows for the maintenance of a compact structure of the control device 10.
[0029] The lower housing cover 14 is also stepped at the rear of the housing area for the seal 22. This holds the seal 22 in the desired position. The portion of the lower housing cover 14 that continues outward from the printed circuit board 10 terminates at the edge region of the lower housing cover 14, where an opening for the fixing means 26 is formed. The edge region of the lower housing cover 14 is pressed upward from the head portion of the fixing means 26 against the fixing surface 19 of the connector strip 18 or the corresponding sleeve 32.
[0030] Figure 6 shows a view of the control device 10 from below, or a view of the lower housing cover 14. Here, the housing portion 28 that protrudes inward to dissipate heat is indirectly shown. The through-notches 15 each protrude somewhat outward than if the lower housing cover 14 were configured as a pure rectangle. Furthermore, the screw heads of the fixing mechanism 26 are visible, and these screw heads, when assembled, are located within the through-holes 15 and act on the lower housing cover 14.
[0031] As shown in Figure 7, the fixing portion of the connector strip 18 can be used for various geometric shapes of the control devices 10.1, 10.2, 10.3, and 10.4. These fixing portions of the connector strip 18 provide a kit that has various control device sizes, can be scaled according to customer requirements, and can be optimally assembled on the manufacturing line.
[0032] For control devices 10 having extremely wide connector strips 18, or for control devices 10 where the connector strips 18 are subjected to heavy loads, additional fixing points 36 can be introduced to the connector strips 18. As shown in Figure 8, the connector strips 18 for this purpose have another fixing surface 19 with a sleeve 32, which is positioned to align with another through-hole 15 in the lower housing cover 14, and also with an opening and another housing portion 13 in the upper housing cover 12, if an opening is located in that area of the printed circuit board 20, although this is not shown in detail.
[0033] The fixing portion of the connector strip 18 described above is suitable for control devices 10, particularly control devices in the automotive sector. Here, the control device 10 may be a sealed control device 10 or an unsealed control device 10. However, its use is not limited to these.
Claims
1. A control device, particularly for automobiles, comprising at least one housing, The aforementioned housing is At least one upper housing cover (12) and a lower housing cover (14) connected to each other via at least one fixing mechanism (26), wherein each housing cover (12, 14) surrounds at least one printed circuit board (20), The control device (10) is connected to at least one connector strip (18) and Equipped with, The connector strip (18) has at least one fixed surface (19) that is held between the upper housing cover (12) and the lower housing cover (14) via the fixing mechanism (26), and the fixed surface (19) of the connector strip (18) protrudes beyond the printed circuit board (20). Control device.
2. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the connector strip (18) has a width greater than the width of the printed circuit board (20), and / or, in the assembled state, the fixing surface (19) of the connector strip (18) protrudes laterally further than the side edge of the printed circuit board (20).
3. The apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein at least one seal (16, 22) is disposed between the connector strip (18) and the upper housing cover (12) and / or the lower housing cover (14).
4. The apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the two housing covers (12, 14) are configured to apply a clamping force to the connector strip (18) via the fixing mechanism (26), particularly via the seals (16, 22), for fixing the connector strip (18).
5. The connector strip (18) has at least one side wall (34), in particular two side walls (34), and / or One side wall (34) of the connector strip (18) extends substantially parallel to the insertion direction of the connector into which the connector is inserted. The apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4.
6. The apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the connector strip (18) has one fixing surface (19) on each side.
7. The aforementioned fixing surface (19) is formed as a fixing opening, particularly preferably as a metal sleeve (32), and / or As a fixing mechanism (26), fixing means and / or screw connection and / or rivet connection and / or deformable connection and / or clinch connection and / or edge bending are used. The apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 6.
8. The apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the upper housing cover (12) and / or the lower housing cover (14) are provided with at least one opening and / or at least one through-notch (15) and / or at least one housing (13), in particular a socket, particularly preferably a blind socket, the housing (13) being provided to accommodate the fixing mechanism (26), in particular a fixing means (26).
9. The apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the fixing surface (19) is positioned relative to the printed circuit board (20) such that the fixing mechanism (26) cooperates with the fixing surface (19), particularly the sleeve (32), on the outside of the printed circuit board (20).
10. The apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the seals (16, 22) are disposed between the printed circuit board (20) and the fixing surface (19) of the connector strip (18).
11. The seal (22) surrounds the printed circuit board (10) and / or The fixing surface (19) of the connector strip (18) is located outside the area surrounded by the seals (16, 22). The apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 10.
12. The apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein at least one, and in particular two, of the housing covers (12, 14) are formed as mounting surfaces for the fixing surface (19), and in particular for the sleeve (32).
13. The apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein at least one other fixing surface (19), in particular another fixing point (36), is provided, and on the other fixing surface (19), another fixing mechanism (26), in particular another fixing means (26) protrudes through another fixing opening (19) of the connector strip (18) and / or the printed circuit board (20) and acts on the upper housing cover (12) and / or the lower housing cover (14).
14. The connector strip (18) is formed in particular as a single piece of plastic, and the plastic piece additionally surrounds a particularly metal sleeve (32), and / or The connector strip (18) is connected so as to be flush with the two housing covers (12, 14). The apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 13.
15. The apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein at least one of the housing covers (12, 14) is oriented parallel to the side surface of the printed circuit board (20) at least by section and has at least one stepped section for clamping the fixing surface (19) between the two housing covers (12, 14) in cooperation with the fixing mechanism (26).