Electronic casing including an electronic circuit board that supports a connector

Abstract

Electronic casing (1) comprising: - an electronic substrate (4) carrying at least two connectors (6); - two half-shells (2, 3) configured to be assembled together to form the casing, one of the half-shells having at least two openings (33), the electronic substrate (4) being positioned within the casing such that the ends (61) of the bodies of each connector face outward through the corresponding openings (33); - an intrusion prevention device (5) comprising at least two frames (51), each frame (51) configured to surround the body (62) of the corresponding connector (6) to close a passage formed between the end (61) of the body and the edge (34) of the opening (33); and - a flexible connector (52) that attaches two adjacent frames together to absorb positional tolerances of the connectors (6) on the electronic substrate (4).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of electronic substrates that carry connectors and are installed in an electronic casing for applications implemented, for example, in the automotive field.

Background Art

[0002] It is known to place an electronic substrate within a rigid casing in order to have electromagnetic protection and mechanical protection.

[0003] Such an electronic casing generally comprises a chassis and a cover joined to each other so as to form a housing in which the substrate is received.

[0004] The electronic substrate has electronic components connected to conductive tracks that extend on the substrate up to a connector of a connection part that enables the electronic substrate to be connected to a connector of an automotive electronic circuit.

[0005] The connector is fastened near the edge of the electronic substrate. This includes a body that defines an open housing in which conductors, generally pins, extend. The conductors have one end connected to the conductive tracks that extend on the substrate and an opposite end directed outside the casing through an opening located in the side wall of the casing. Generally, the pins are arranged in rows and columns in order to enable an accurate connection between the substrate and an external circuit of the substrate, such as an automotive circuit.

[0006] Then, the cover, the chassis, and the printed circuit board are fastened together using fastening elements such as screws to hold the substrate within the electronic casing. In order to enable the cover and the chassis to be fastened to the substrate to hold the substrate within the casing, for example, an opening having a shape complementary to the shape of the body of the connector is provided in the chassis. When the cover and the chassis are fastened to the substrate, the peripheral boundary of the opening surrounds the body of the connector, and their respective contours face each other and correspond.

[0007] Electronic casings must have some degree of resistance to the introduction of solids and liquids, depending on the environment in which they are used and their application. When the casing must be protected from solids, the degree of protection ranges from 1 to 6. The first (1) corresponds to solids larger than 50 mm, and the sixth (6) corresponds to total protection against microscopic dust particles. For example, the IP4X standard imposes protection against the ingress of foreign solids larger than 1 mm in diameter. However, in the case of an electronic circuit board that holds a connector and is enclosed in a casing, the sum of the geometric tolerances and positioning tolerances of various elements inevitably results in a residual clearance that can reach 1.2 mm (±0.6 mm) at the boundary between the connector and the opening boundary. Therefore, a casing containing an electronic circuit board that supports a connector cannot be guaranteed to be protected from solids with dimensions smaller than 1.2 mm and cannot comply with the IP4X standard.

[0008] One known solution is to manufacture a suitable connector with an intrusion-proof collar incorporated around it, or to have a supplier create a specific connector at a very high cost. However, such a solution is not very satisfactory in terms of manufacturing costs, as incorporating this intrusion-proof collar requires a systematic and very expensive fitting step of all connectors by specific molding. [Overview of the Initiative] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0009] The objective of this invention is to achieve effective protection of the inside of the casing against the intrusion of solid matter, while simultaneously limiting manufacturing costs and ensuring reliable removal of the casing. [Means for solving the problem]

[0010] For this purpose, the present invention is an electronic casing, - An electronic circuit board bearing at least two connectors, each connector comprising a body having one end that opens at the boundary of the electronic circuit board, - Two rigid half-shells configured to be joined together to form the casing, wherein the two half-shells define a hollow volume between them designed to accommodate an electronic substrate, one of the half-shells having at least two openings, and the electronic substrate is positioned within the casing such that the ends of the bodies of each connector face outwards from the casing through the corresponding openings, - An intrusion prevention device comprising at least two frames, each frame configured to surround the body of a corresponding connector at a distance from the end of the body, so as to close the passage formed between the end of the body and the boundary of the opening when an electronic circuit board is mounted inside the casing, - To absorb positional tolerances of connectors relative to each other on an electronic circuit board, a flexible connecting piece is interposed between two adjacent frames to attach them together, allowing relative movement of the frames. This relates to an electronic casing equipped with the following features.

[0011] The features described in the following paragraphs may be implemented selectively, independently of each other, or in combination.

[0012] The frame is formed from elastomer material.

[0013] The connecting piece is formed from an elastomer material.

[0014] The frame and the flexible connecting piece are manufactured as a single unit.

[0015] Each frame is sized to fit onto the body of its corresponding connector.

[0016] The frame has a material thickness of 0.3 mm to 5 mm, preferably 1 mm to 2.5 mm.

[0017] The boundary of the electronic circuit board is provided with two notches, each located on either side of the end of each body of the connector, and configured to allow the frame to pass through when the frame is fitted onto the body of the connector.

[0018] The depth of the notch corresponds to the distance between the end of the main body and the positioning of the connector frame on the main body.

[0019] The body of the connector is an open housing that defines an open housing into which a conductor extends, and the conductor has one end facing outward from the casing.

[0020] In another embodiment, a method is proposed for assembling an electronic casing including an electronic substrate supporting a connector, the method comprising the following steps, namely: a. A step of providing an electronic substrate bearing at least two connectors, wherein each connector includes a body having one end that opens at the boundary of the electronic plate, b. Providing two rigid half-shells configured to be joined together to form the casing, wherein the half-shells define a hollow volume between them designed to accommodate an electronic substrate, and one of the half-shells has at least two openings, c. A step of providing an intrusion prevention device comprising at least two frames, each frame configured to surround the body of a corresponding connector at a distance from the end of the body in order to close the passage formed between the end of the body and the boundary of the opening when an electronic circuit board is mounted inside the casing, The steps include: fitting each e-frame onto the body of the corresponding connector, f. The step of placing one side of the electronic circuit board on one of the two half-shells, g. arranging the other half shell provided with an opening facing the electronic substrate such that the end portion of the body is directed outside the casing through the corresponding opening; h. fastening together the electronic substrate and the two half shells; including.

[0021] Other features, details and advantages of the present invention will become apparent by reading the following detailed description and analyzing the accompanying drawings.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0022] [Figure 1] Schematically shows an exploded perspective view of an electronic casing according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] Schematically shows a perspective view of an electronic substrate carrying the two connectors of FIG. 1. The intrusion prevention frame is fitted onto the body of each connector so as to surround the body at a distance from the end portion of the body. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 schematically shows a front view of the electronic casing of FIG. 1 in the assembled configuration from the viewing angle of the connector. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 schematically shows a cross-sectional view taken along the cross-section B-B defined in FIG. 3.

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0023] The drawings and the following description mainly include elements of a specific nature. Therefore, they can be used not only to clarify the understanding of the present invention but also, if necessary, to contribute to its definition.

[0024] Here, reference is made to FIGS. 1 to 4 showing an electronic casing 1 provided with a substrate carrying connectors according to an embodiment.

[0025] The electronic casing 1 comprises a rigid chassis 3, a rigid cover 2, and an electronic substrate 4 to which a connector 6 is attached, the connector having one end 61 that opens through an opening 33 located in one of the side walls of the casing at the boundary 42 of the electronic substrate 4.

[0026] The electronic casing 1 must comply with the IP4X standard, which imposes protection against the ingress of solid foreign objects with a diameter greater than 1 mm, depending on its application and the external environment in which it is used. However, as described above, compliance with the IP4x standard is difficult on the electronic substrate that supports the connector and is enclosed within the casing. Specifically, the sum of the geometric tolerances and positioning tolerances of various elements means that a passage of up to 1.2 mm may be formed between the connector and the boundary 34 of the opening 33 of the casing through which one end of the connector opens. To close this passage and prevent solid foreign objects from entering the casing, the electronic casing of this disclosure further comprises an ingress prevention device 5 comprising a frame 51 configured to fit around the connector and close the passage formed between the connector 6 and the boundary 34 of the opening. The frames 51 are also attached to each other by flexible connecting pieces 52 to allow relative movement between the frames in order to absorb positioning tolerances of the connector 6 on the electronic substrate 4.

[0027] By using frames and flexible connector pieces, it is possible to comply with the IP4x standard based on standard connectors. Furthermore, it is possible to avoid specific molding steps for incorporating ingress prevention collars for each connector, or to create specific standards at the supplier's discretion, thereby reducing manufacturing costs.

[0028] The chassis 3 and cover 2 are two pairs of half-shells. They are configured to be joined together to form a casing 1. Each of the half-shells 2, 3 has a boundary 22, 32 that is shaped to be joined together to form a casing. The casing can then be held closed by assembly screws distributed along the periphery boundaries of the two half-shells.

[0029] One half of the half-shell is hollow. In the example in Figure 1, the chassis 3 forms a hollow half-shell. Therefore, when the chassis 3 and cover 2 are joined together, they define a hollow internal volume designed to accommodate the electronic substrate 4.

[0030] Both the chassis 3 and cover 2 are rigid to ensure good mechanical protection of the electronic circuit board 4. They also serve to dissipate heat generated by the electronic components supported by the circuit board. A third function of the casing is to function as an electromagnetic shield. Depending on the intended function, the casing may be fabricated from various materials and according to various manufacturing modes.

[0031] The electronic circuit board 4 is disposed inside the casing. As shown in Figure 4, the electronic circuit board 4 is positioned inside the peripheral boundaries 32, 22 of the chassis 3 and cover 2. The circuit board 4 is fastened and held to the chassis and / or cover. For example, the cover 2 and the electronic circuit board 4 are provided with a number of fastening holes intended to receive screws that allow the electronic circuit board and cover to be fastened to the chassis.

[0032] If the casing 1 is intended to receive an electronic substrate having a connector, one of the side walls of the half shell is provided with an opening 33 that allows the connector to be connected to an external connector of the electrical circuit. In an exemplary embodiment, the chassis 3 forming a hollow half shell has an opening 33 in one of its side walls 35.

[0033] The electronic circuit board 4 includes a plate 44 that supports electronic components in a known manner, connected to conductive tracks extending over the plate and to a peripheral boundary 42. The electronic components are not shown. The plate also supports a connector 6 fastened to the plate near the edge of the plate, thereby enabling connection of the electronic circuit board to a connector in the vehicle's electrical circuit.

[0034] The number of connectors supported on an electronic substrate varies depending on the intended application. In the examples shown in Figures 1 to 4, the substrate includes two connectors 6 fastened to the substrate's plate. In known methods, the connector 6 includes a body 62 made of, for example, a plastic material. For example, the body has a parallelepiped shape and defines an open housing 63 that accepts a plurality of conductors 64. One end 61 of the body is open at the boundary 42 of the substrate's plate 44. Generally, and as shown in Figure 4, the conductors 64 are pins, with one end connected to a conductive track 45 extending over the plate 44 of the substrate 4, and the other end extending into the open housing 63 of the body, facing outwards through an opening 33.

[0035] The pins 64 are arranged in rows and columns, for example, according to an arrangement that allows electronic components inside the casing to be connected to an external circuit.

[0036] To enable the connector pins to be electrically connected to the connectors of the external circuit, the circuit board is mounted inside the casing such that the ends 61 of the body of each connector open through the openings 33 in the chassis 3.

[0037] From Figure 4, it is clear that when the electronic circuit board 4, cover 2, and chassis 3 are joined together, a passage 46 is formed between the boundary 34 of the opening in the chassis and the end 61 of the body 62 of the connector 6 that opens into the opening. To prevent solid foreign matter from entering the casing through this passage, the casing 1 includes a frame 51 configured to fit onto the body of the connector and block the passage.

[0038] Each frame 51 is sized to fit onto the body of the corresponding connector such that the inner surface of the frame 51 matches the outer surface of the connector body.

[0039] The frame is mounted on the connector by mating it onto the connector in the direction of arrow F in Figure 1.

[0040] From Figures 1 and 2, it is clear that the boundary 42 of the electronic circuit board includes two notches 43 located on either side of each body 62 of the connector. The two notches have a U-shape. The distance between the two branches of the notches is adapted to the thickness of the frame so as to allow the frame to pass through when the frame is mated to the end of the connector. From Figure 2, it is clear that when the frame 51 is engaged with the body of the connector, it passes through the two notches and surrounds the body of the connector. Preferably, the frame is inserted into contact with the notches so as to be fixed and held on the connector. The notches 43 also serve to indicate the positioning of the frame on the body of the connector. The depth of the notches corresponds to the distance separating the end 61 of the body of the connector 6 from the positioning of the frame on the body of the connector.

[0041] The frame has a material thickness of 0.3 mm to 5 mm, preferably 1 mm to 2.5 mm, in order to close the passage formed between the connector and the boundary of the opening.

[0042] The frame can adopt various geometric shapes depending on the geometric shape of the connector. The examples shown in Figures 1 to 4 show frames with a roughly rectangular shape.

[0043] The frames are joined to each other by flexible connecting pieces 52 that allow the frames to move relative to each other in order to accommodate positioning tolerances of the connector 6 on the electronic circuit board 4.

[0044] For example, the spacing L1 between the frames 51 can be adjusted by changing the length of the flexible connecting piece 52 to correspond to the spacing L2 between the two connectors.

[0045] According to one embodiment, the frame 51 and the connecting piece 52 are formed of an elastomer material or any other material that allows the connecting piece 52 to have the flexibility necessary to perform its function.

[0046] Preferably, the frame and the flexible connecting piece are manufactured as a single unit.

[0047] From Figure 4, it is clear that when the electronic circuit board 4, cover 2, and chassis 3 are joined together, the frame 51 allows the passage 46 formed between the boundary 34 of the chassis opening and the end 61 of the connector 6 to be sealed. Since the thickness of the frame e is greater than the width of the passage e1, the passage 46 is sealed, preventing the intrusion of solid objects having a diameter of 1 mm or even less than 1 mm. The frame thus forms a protective barrier to prevent solid foreign objects from entering the opening. The presence of the frame surrounding the connector ensures that the electronic casing carrying the connector is protected from solid objects having dimensions greater than 1 mm, and thus conforms to the IP4X standard.

[0048] This eliminates the need to manufacture intrusion prevention collars by unique molding for each connector before assembly, or to create specific standards with suppliers. Therefore, manufacturing costs can be reduced. Furthermore, the frame can be easily removed if the circuit board is defective and reused to mate with a connector supported by a new circuit board. The detachability of the intrusion prevention frame also simplifies the electronic casing recycling process.

[0049] The method for assembling the various elements of the electronic casing 1 in Figure 1 is described below and includes the following steps.

[0050] An electronic circuit board 4 is provided, which includes a plate 44 to which two connectors 6 are attached, enabling the connection of electronic components in the casing to electronic units outside the casing. The connectors 6 are mounted on the electronic circuit board 4, near the edge of the board. Each connector 6 includes a body having one end 61 that opens at the boundary of the plate 44. The body 61 is an open housing 63, which defines an open housing 63 into which conductors 64, such as pins, extend.

[0051] Two rigid half-shells 2, 3 are provided, configured to be joined together to form a casing 1. One of the two half-shells is hollow and forms a chassis 3, while the other half-shell forms a cover 2. The half-shells define a hollow volume between them, designed to accommodate an electronic substrate 4. The chassis 3 has an opening 33 located in one of its side walls 35.

[0052] An intrusion prevention device 5 is provided, comprising two frames 51 connected together by a flexible connecting piece 52, the function of which is to absorb positional tolerances of two connectors 6 relative to each other on an electronic substrate. Thus, the flexible connecting piece 52 makes it possible to move the two frames 51 relative to each other so that they face the connectors and to mate them onto the corresponding connectors. In this case, the frames have a substantially rectangular geometric shape, but they can have other geometric shapes that are adapted to the geometric shape of the connectors. The frames are dimensioned relative to the dimensions of the connectors to allow for stress-free assembly.

[0053] Each of the two closure frames 51 is mated onto a zone of the connector body at a distance from the end 61 of the connector 6 in the direction indicated by the arrow F shown in Figure 1. Each frame 51 surrounds the outer surface of the peripheral zone of the connector and the outer surface of the peripheral zone of the plate so as to close the passage 46 formed between the end 61 of the connector 6 and the boundary 34 of the opening in the chassis when the electronic substrate is received into the casing. During this mating motion, the frame 51 slides on the body of the connector while being inserted into two notches 43 made in the boundary of the plate 44 of the electronic substrate 4 and positioned on both sides of each connector 6, thus allowing the frame to completely surround the outer surface of the body of the connector and the outer surface of the plate near the boundary.

[0054] The connector 6 and the electronic circuit board 4 supporting the components are placed on the bottom 21 of the cover 2.

[0055] The chassis 3 is positioned facing the electronic circuit board 4 and the cover 2 such that one end 61 of each connector opens through the opening 33 of the chassis at the boundary of the circuit board plate.

[0056] The electronic circuit board 4, cover 2, and chassis 3 are fastened together with assembly screws.

[0057] The different steps may be performed in the order described herein, or in some cases in a different order. Similarly, the steps may be performed sequentially, or in some cases simultaneously.

[0058] The solution in this disclosure makes it possible to improve the issue of compliance with the IP4x standard for electronic casings when the electronic circuit board supports the connector.

[0059] The intrusion prevention frame easily fits standard connectors.

[0060] By using a frame, it becomes possible to avoid certain molding steps in the process of manufacturing the connector, such as incorporating an intrusion prevention collar or creating specific standards at the supplier, thus reducing manufacturing time and costs. [Industrial applicability]

[0061] The electronic casing according to the present invention is particularly suitable for equipping electronic units in automobiles.

[0062] This disclosure is not limited to the exemplary electronic casings described above, but encompasses all variations that a person skilled in the art could conceive of within the desired scope of protection.

Claims

1. Electronic casing (1), - An electronic circuit board (4) supporting at least two connectors (6), each connector (6) including a body (62) having one end (61) that opens at the boundary of the electronic circuit board (4), - Two rigid half-shells (2, 3) configured to be joined together to form the casing, wherein the two half-shells define a hollow volume between them designed to accommodate the electronic substrate (4), and one of the half-shells has at least two openings (33), and the electronic substrate (4) is positioned within the casing such that the ends (61) of the body of each connector face outwards from the casing through the corresponding openings (33), - An intrusion prevention device (5) comprising at least two frames (51), wherein each frame (51) is configured to surround the body (62) of the corresponding connector (6) at a distance from the end (61) of the body, so as to close the passage formed between the end (61) of the body and the boundary (34) of the opening (33) when the electronic circuit board (4) is mounted inside the casing (1), - To absorb the positional tolerances of the connectors (6) relative to each other on the electronic substrate (4), a flexible connecting piece (52) is interposed between two adjacent frames to attach them together, allowing the relative movement of the frames (51) to each other. An electronic casing (1) equipped with the following:

2. The casing according to claim 1, wherein the frame (51) is formed of an elastomer material.

3. The casing according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the connecting piece (52) is formed of an elastomer material.

4. The casing according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the frame (51) and the flexible connecting piece (52) are manufactured integrally.

5. The casing according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein each frame (51) is sized to fit onto the body (62) of the corresponding connector (6).

6. The casing according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the frame has a material thickness of 0.3 mm to 5 mm, preferably 1 mm to 2.5 mm.

7. The casing according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the boundary (42) of the electronic substrate is provided with two notches (43), which are respectively located on both sides of the end (61) of each body (62) of the connector (6), and are configured to allow the frame (51) to pass through when the frame (51) is fitted onto the body (62) of the connector (6).

8. The casing according to claim 7, wherein the depth of the notch (43) corresponds to the distance between the end portion (61) of the main body and the positioning of the frame of the connector on the main body.

9. The casing according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the body (62) of the connector (6) is an open housing (63) defining an open housing (9) through which a conductor (64) extends, and the conductor (64) has one end facing outward from the casing.

10. A method for assembling an electronic casing (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the casing includes an electronic substrate (4) supporting a connector (6), and the method comprises the following steps: a. A step of providing an electronic substrate (4) that carries at least two connectors (6), wherein each connector (6) includes a body (62) having one end (61) that opens at the boundary (42) of the electronic plate (4), b. Providing two rigid half-shells (2, 3) configured to be joined together to form the casing, wherein the half-shells define a hollow volume between them designed to accommodate the electronic substrate (4), and one of the half-shells (3) has at least two openings (33), c. A step of providing an intrusion prevention device (5) comprising at least two frames (5), each frame being configured to surround the body (62) of a corresponding connector at a distance from the end (61) of the body in order to close a passage formed between the end (61) of the body and the boundary (34) of the opening (33) when the electronic circuit board is mounted in the casing, e. The step of fitting each of the frames (51) onto the body of the corresponding connector, f. The step of placing one surface of the electronic substrate (4) on one of the two half-shells (2, 3), g. The step of positioning the other half-shell (2, 3), which has an opening facing the electronic substrate, such that the end (61) of the main body (62) faces outwards through the corresponding opening (33) of the casing, h. The step of fastening the electronic substrate and the two half-shells together. A method that includes this.

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