Printed circuit board device for automotive projector

Abstract

To provide a printed circuit board device having an improved means for fixing the printed circuit board to a cooling body. [Solution] A printed circuit board device (10) for an automobile floodlight includes a printed circuit board (50) and a cooling body (60), which are spaced apart from each other at an interval (X) at least in each region so that a clearance space (70) is formed between the printed circuit board (50) and the cooling body (60), and the printed circuit board (50) is fixed to the cooling body (60) using at least one fixing device (80) while maintaining the clearance space (70), and the at least one fixing device (80) includes the following: a fixing opening (100) that completely passes through the printed circuit board (50), a hole portion (200) that is disposed in the cooling body (70) and has an insertion opening (210), and a longitudinal axis (A). and a fixing element (300) that is fixed in the hole portion (200) by form-fitting and that is deformed by applying a force (F) to the engagement portion (310) and applying a reaction force in a direction opposite to the force (F) to the abutment portion (320), the fixing element (300) is deformed such that the fixing element (300) is clamped and fixed in the hole portion (200) by form-fitting and a first extension portion (330a) and a second extension portion (330b) of the fixing element (300) are formed, the first extension portion (330a) extends into the gap space (70) and beyond an opening size of the fixing opening (330a) such that the first extension portion (330a) supports the printed circuit board (50), and the second extension portion (330b) extends beyond the opening size in a radial direction relative to the longitudinal axis (A).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a printed circuit board device for an automotive projector, the printed circuit board device including a printed circuit board and a cooling body that is in thermal contact with the printed circuit board and is configured to dissipate the heat of the printed circuit board. The printed circuit board and the cooling body are spaced apart from each other at least region by region such that a gap space is formed between the printed circuit board and the cooling body. The printed circuit board is fixed to the cooling body using at least one fixing device while maintaining the gap space. The fixing device includes at least the following, namely: - A fixing opening that completely passes through the printed circuit board and has a predetermined opening size; - A hole provided in the cooling body and having an insertion opening; - A fixing element having a longitudinal axis, the fixing element having an engaging portion and a contact portion located on the opposite side along the longitudinal axis.

[0002] Furthermore, the present invention relates to an automotive projector including at least one printed circuit board device according to the present invention.

Background Art

[0003] In order to thermally connect a printed circuit board and a corresponding cooling body to each other, the printed circuit board is mechanically attached to the cooling body. However, in this case, especially due to manufacturing errors, the printed circuit board does not come into flat contact in every region of the cooling body, and there may be gaps or gap spaces region by region between the printed circuit board and the cooling body.

[0004] A common fixing method according to the prior art for fixing a printed circuit board to a cooling body is, especially, screw fixing or rivet fixing.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0005]

Patent Document 1

[0006] However, the use of such fixing means causes the printed circuit board to be bent and distorted by the continuous pressing force of screws or rivets in the fixing area, thereby breaking the components and their electrical connections, or damaging or destroying the conductor tracks and components arranged on the printed circuit board.

[0007] Due to this distortion, which occurs particularly strongly near the fixing points, electronic components can only be assembled at a relatively large distance from the fixing points. Therefore, a fixing device that reduces the pressing force and thereby also reduces the distortion of the printed circuit board will make it possible to shorten the distance between the electronic components and the fixing points and minimize the overall size of the printed circuit board.

[0008] The object of the present invention is to provide an improved printed circuit board device. [Means for Solving the Problems]

[0009] The above problems are solved by the following configuration, that is, The fixing opening and the insertion opening are arranged overlappingly such that the fixing element is received through the fixing opening and the insertion opening, and the fixing element passes through the printed circuit board via the fixing opening. Also, the fixing element is deformed such that by applying a force to the engaging portion and an opposing reaction force in the opposite direction to the abutting portion, the fixing element is tightly fixed by shape engagement within the hole portion and the first and second expanding portions of the fixing element are formed. The first expanding portion extends radially with respect to the longitudinal axis of the fixing element into the gap space between the printed circuit board and the cooling body. The first expanding portion extends into the gap space beyond the opening size of the fixing opening so as to support the printed circuit board in order to maintain the spacing between the printed circuit board and the cooling body in the region of the fixing opening. Also, the second expanding portion extends radially with respect to the longitudinal axis of the fixing element, and the second expanding portion extends beyond the opening size of the fixing opening in order to maintain the spacing between the printed circuit board and the cooling body in the region of the fixing opening. Also, the printed circuit board is tightly fixed by shape engagement between the first and second expanding portions of the fixing element in the region of the fixing opening, which solves the problem. That is, according to the first aspect of the present invention, A printed circuit board device for an automotive projector, The printed circuit board device includes a printed circuit board and a cooling body that is in thermal contact with the printed circuit board and is configured to dissipate the heat of the printed circuit board. The printed circuit board and the cooling body are spaced apart from each other at least in regions such that a gap space is formed between the printed circuit board and the cooling body. The printed circuit board is fixed to the cooling body using at least one fixing device while maintaining the gap space. The at least one fixing device includes the following, namely, - A fixing opening that completely passes through the printed circuit board and has a predetermined opening size, - A hole portion that is provided in the cooling body and has an insertion opening, - A fixing element having a longitudinal axis, provided that the fixing element has a configuration having an engaging portion and an abutting portion located on the opposite side along the longitudinal axis. The fixed opening and the insertion opening are arranged to overlap such that the fixing element is received through the fixed opening and the insertion opening, and the fixing element passes through the printed circuit board via the fixed opening, Also, by applying a force to the engaging portion of the fixing element and applying a reaction force in the opposite direction to the contact portion, the fixing element is tightly fixed by shape engagement within the hole portion and is deformed such that a first expansion portion and a second expansion portion of the fixing element are formed, The first expansion portion extends radially with respect to the longitudinal axis of the fixing element into the gap space between the printed circuit board and the cooling body, and the first expansion portion extends into the gap space beyond the opening size of the fixed opening so as to support the printed circuit board in order to maintain the interval between the printed circuit board and the cooling body in the region of the fixed opening, Also, the second expansion portion extends radially with respect to the longitudinal axis of the fixing element, and the second expansion portion extends beyond the opening size of the fixed opening in order to maintain the interval between the printed circuit board and the cooling body in the region of the fixed opening and to fix the printed circuit board against movement in a direction opposite to the hole portion, Also, the printed circuit board is tightly fixed by shape engagement between the first expansion portion and the second expansion portion of the fixing element, A printed circuit board device is provided, which is characterized by the above. More specifically, from the first perspective, A printed circuit board device for an automotive projector, The printed circuit board device includes a printed circuit board and a cooling body that is in thermal contact with the printed circuit board and is configured to dissipate the heat of the printed circuit board. The printed circuit board and the cooling body are spaced apart from each other at least in regions such that a gap space is formed between the printed circuit board and the cooling body. The printed circuit board is fixed to the cooling body using at least one fixing device while maintaining the gap space. The at least one fixing device includes the following, namely, - A fixing opening that completely passes through the printed circuit board and has a predetermined opening size, - A hole disposed in the cooling body and having an insertion opening, - A fixing element having a longitudinal axis, where the fixing element has a configuration including an engaging portion and a contact portion located on the opposite side along the longitudinal axis, The fixing opening and the insertion opening are arranged to overlap such that the fixing element is received through the fixing opening and the insertion opening. The fixing element passes through the printed circuit board via the fixing opening, Also, by applying a force to the engaging portion of the fixing element and applying a reaction force in the opposite direction to the contact portion, the fixing element is deformed such that it is clamped and fixed within the hole by snap-fit engagement and a first expansion portion and a second expansion portion of the fixing element are formed, The first expansion portion extends radially with respect to the longitudinal axis of the fixing element into the gap space between the printed circuit board and the cooling body. The first expansion portion extends into the gap space beyond the opening size of the fixing opening so as to support the printed circuit board in order to maintain the interval between the printed circuit board and the cooling body in the region of the fixing opening, Also, the second expansion portion extends radially with respect to the longitudinal axis of the fixing element. The second expansion portion extends beyond the opening size of the fixing opening in order to maintain the interval between the printed circuit board and the cooling body in the region of the fixing opening and to fix the printed circuit board against movement in the direction opposite to the hole, Also, the printed circuit board is located between the first extended portion and the second extended portion of the fixing element and is fastened and fixed by a snap-fit engagement. This is the feature. Furthermore, according to a second aspect of the present invention, an automotive projector including at least one printed circuit board device according to the first aspect is provided. It should be noted that the reference signs in the drawings appended to the claims of the present application are solely for facilitating the understanding of the present invention and are not intended to limit the illustrated forms.

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0010] In the present invention, the following forms are possible. (Form 1) A printed circuit board device for an automotive projector, The printed circuit board device includes a printed circuit board and a cooling body that is in thermal contact with the printed circuit board and is configured to dissipate the heat of the printed circuit board. The printed circuit board and the cooling body are spaced apart from each other at least in regions so that a gap space is formed between the printed circuit board and the cooling body. The printed circuit board is fixed to the cooling body using at least one fixing device while maintaining the gap space. The at least one fixing device includes the following, namely, - A fixing opening that completely passes through the printed circuit board and has a predetermined opening size, - A hole portion that is disposed in the cooling body and has an insertion opening, - A fixing element having a longitudinal axis, provided that the fixing element has a configuration having an engagement portion and a contact portion located on the opposite side along the longitudinal axis, The fixing opening and the insertion opening are arranged to overlap so that the fixing element is received through the fixing opening and the insertion opening. The fixing element passes through the printed circuit board via the fixing opening, Also, the fixing element is fastened and fixed by shape engagement within the hole portion and deformed so that a first extended portion and a second extended portion of the fixing element are formed by applying a force to the engagement portion and applying a reaction force in the direction opposite to the force to the contact portion, The first extended portion extends radially with respect to the longitudinal axis of the fixing element into the gap space between the printed circuit board and the cooling body. The first extended portion extends into the gap space beyond the opening size of the fixing opening so that the first extended portion supports the printed circuit board to maintain the interval between the printed circuit board and the cooling body in the region of the fixing opening. Further, the second extended portion extends in a radial direction with respect to the longitudinal axis of the fixing element, and the second extended portion extends beyond the opening size of the fixing opening in order to maintain the interval between the printed circuit board and the cooling body in the region of the fixing opening and to fix the printed circuit board against movement in a direction opposite to the hole portion. Also, the printed circuit board is fastened and fixed by shape engagement between the first extended portion and the second extended portion of the fixing element. (Embodiment 2) Preferably, the fixing element is formed in a pin shape. (Embodiment 3) Preferably, the fixing element is manufactured from plastic or metal, and more preferably from aluminum or an aluminum alloy. (Embodiment 4) Preferably, the hole portion includes at least one undercut portion, whereby the fixing element is secured against movement along the longitudinal axis by a connection by shape engagement between the fixing element and the hole portion. (Embodiment 5) Preferably, the hole portion is formed as a blind hole in the cooling body, the blind hole has a support portion, and the contact portion of the fixing element abuts against the support portion, which is provided to apply the reaction force. (Embodiment 6) Preferably, the hole portion is formed as a hole that completely passes through the cooling body. (Embodiment 7) Preferably, the fixing element is formed in a trapezoidal shape in a cross section parallel to the longitudinal axis, and more preferably, two leg elements are arranged at intervals from each other in a lateral direction with respect to the longitudinal axis at the bottom of the trapezoid. (Embodiment 8) Preferably, the fixing element is deformed by extrusion. (Embodiment 9) Preferably, at least one spacer is disposed in the gap space between the cooling body and the printed circuit board in order to ensure the maintenance of the gap space. (Embodiment 10) The printed circuit board device includes a support element provided for the contact portion of the fixing element to abut and apply the reaction force, the support element is constituted by a component separate from the cooling body, and the support element is preferably removable after applying a force to the fixing element and after the resulting shape engagement occurs. (Embodiment 11) An automotive projector including at least one printed circuit board device according to any one of Embodiments 1 to 10.

[0011] The fixing element can be formed in a pin shape.

[0012] The fixing element is manufactured from plastic or metal and preferably can be manufactured from aluminum or an aluminum alloy.

[0013] Generally speaking, it should be mentioned that the material of the fixing element should be selected such that the elastic modulus of the fixing element is smaller than that of the cooling body. In addition, consideration should be given to the fact that the expansion coefficients of these different materials are selected such that relaxation of the connection part is impossible even when the temperature variation is strong within the operating temperature range. Furthermore, when selecting the material of the fixing element, environmental influences occurring in the automotive field such as large temperature variations and vibrations should be taken into account.

[0014] In order to enable better thermal coupling between the printed circuit board and the cooling body, a thermally conductive material can be disposed in the gap space.

[0015] The hole can include at least one undercut, whereby the fixing element is fixed against movement along the longitudinal axis by a connection by form fit between the fixing element and the hole.

[0016] The hole can be formed in the cooling body as a blind hole, where the blind hole has a support part against which the contact part of the fixing element abuts, and the support part is provided for applying a reaction force.

[0017] The hole can be formed as a hole that completely passes through (penetrates) the cooling body.

[0018] The printed circuit board device includes a support element (support element or anti-support element) provided for the contact portion of the fixed element to contact and apply a reaction force. At this time, the support element is constituted by a component separate from the cooling body. Further, the support element can be removed again from the cooling body as necessary after applying a force to the fixed element and after the resulting form fit has occurred.

[0019] The fixed element is formed in a trapezoidal shape in a cross-section (cross-section) parallel to the longitudinal axis. At this time, preferably two leg elements are arranged at the bottom of the trapezoid at intervals in the lateral direction with respect to the longitudinal axis.

[0020] The fixed element can be deformed by extrusion. The concept of "extrusion (Fliesspressen)" can be understood as causing compressive stress in the material from the force acting on the material, and when this compressive stress exceeds the compressive yield point of the material, the yield (or flow (Fliessen)) of the material is characterized by the occurrence of plastic deformation, i.e., irreversible deformation, of the material by exceeding the yield point. When no force acts on the component anymore, plastic deformation of the component remains after elastic resilience.

[0021] In order to ensure the maintenance of the gap space, preferably in order to ensure the maintenance of the minimum gap height between the cooling body and the printed circuit board, at least one spacer can be arranged in the gap space between the cooling body and the printed circuit board.

[0022] Furthermore, the above problem is similarly solved by an automotive projector including at least one printed circuit board device according to the present invention.

[0023] Hereinafter, the present invention will be described in more detail based on the exemplary drawings.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0024]

Figure 1

Figure 2a

Figure 2b

Fig. 3a

Fig. 3b

Fig. 4a

Fig. 4b

Fig. 5

Fig. 6

Example

[0025] FIG. 1 shows, as a view seen from above, an exemplary printed circuit board device 10 for an automotive projector including a printed circuit board 50 and a cooling body 60. At this time, the cooling body 60 is in thermal contact with the printed circuit board 50 and is configured to dissipate the heat of the printed circuit board 50 generated by the operation of the printed circuit board 50.

[0026] As shown in FIGS. 2a to 2b, the printed circuit board 50 and the cooling body 60 are spaced apart from each other by a distance X at least in each region such that a gap space 70 is formed between the printed circuit board 50 and the cooling body 60. At this time, the printed circuit board 50 is fixed to the cooling body 60 using a plurality of fixing devices 80 (FIG. 1) while maintaining the gap space 70. Possible embodiments of the fixing device 80 are shown in the subsequent figures.

[0027] Each of the fixing devices 80 includes a fixing opening 100 that completely passes through (penetrates) the printed circuit board 50 and has a predetermined opening size, a hole 200 disposed in the cooling body 60 and having an insertion opening 210, and a fixing element 300 having a longitudinal axis A. At this time, as can be seen in FIG. 2b for example, the fixing element 300 has an engaging portion 310 and a contact portion 320 located on the opposite side along the longitudinal axis A. In the illustrated example, the fixing element 300 is formed in a pin shape. At this time, for example, other shapes such as a trapezoidal fixing element in a cross section (cross-section) parallel to the longitudinal axis A are also conceivable. Those other shapes are also illustrated in FIG. 6.

[0028] The fixing element 300 is manufactured from aluminum or an aluminum alloy in the illustrated example.

[0029] At this time, the fixing opening 100 and the insertion opening 210 are arranged to overlap such that the fixing element 300 is received through the fixing opening 100 and the insertion opening 210. At this time, the fixing element 300 passes through (penetrates) the printed circuit board 50 through the fixing opening 100.

[0030] By applying a force F to the engaging portion 310 and a reaction force in the direction opposite to the force F to the contact portion 320, the fixing element 300 is clamped and fixed by shape engagement within the hole 200 and is deformed such that a first expansion portion 330a and a second expansion portion 330b of the fixing element 300 are formed. This deformation is performed using extrusion forming in the illustrated example.

[0031] In the example illustrated in FIG. 2a, the hole 200 is formed as a blind hole in the cooling body 60. At this time, the blind hole has a support portion 230, and the contact portion 320 of the fixing element 300 abuts against the support portion 230. The support portion 230 is provided to apply a reaction force.

[0032] The first extension portion 330a extends radially with respect to the longitudinal axis A of the fixing element 300 into the gap space 70 between the printed circuit board 50 and the cooling body 60. At this time, the first extension portion 330a extends into the gap space 70 beyond the opening size of the fixing opening 100 so that the first extension portion 330a supports the printed circuit board 50 in order to maintain the interval X between the printed circuit board 50 and the cooling body 60 in the region of the fixing opening 100.

[0033] The second extension portion 330b extends radially with respect to the longitudinal axis A of the fixing element 300. At this time, the second extension portion 330b extends beyond the opening size of the fixing opening 100 in order to maintain the interval X between the printed circuit board 50 and the cooling body 60 in the region of the fixing opening 100 and to fix the printed circuit board 50 against movement in a direction opposite to the hole 200.

[0034] At this time, the printed circuit board 50 is fastened and fixed by form fit (snug fit) between the first extension portion 330a and the second extension portion 330b of the fixing element 300.

[0035] FIG. 2b shows the fixing device 80 of FIG. 2a in a state before the fixing element 300 is deformed or shaped using extrusion forming.

[0036] FIG. 3a shows another example of the fixing device 80, and in this case, the above description applies as well. The difference from the previous example is that the hole 200 is formed as a hole that completely passes through (penetrates) the cooling body 60, and that the hole 200 includes an undercut portion 220, whereby the fixing element 300 is secured (fixed) against movement along the longitudinal axis A in addition to being fastened and fixed by the form fit connection between the fixing element 300 and the hole 200.

[0037] Figure 3b shows the fixing device 80 of Figure 3a in a state before the fixing element 300 is deformed or shaped using extrusion molding. At this time, a temporarily arranged opposing retainer or support element (support or anti-support element) 500 is provided to generate a reaction force.

[0038] Figures 4a and 4b show a further example of the fixing device 80. At this time, in order to generate a reaction force, the hole 200 includes a support portion 230, and the support portion 230 simultaneously functions as an undercut portion in the sense of the previous example.

[0039] Figure 5 shows a further example of the exemplary fixing device 80. At this time, the above content similarly applies to this example as well. The difference from the previous example, particularly the example shown in Figures 2a to 2b, is that the fixing device 80 includes a spacer 400 disposed in the gap space 70 between the cooling body 60 and the printed circuit board 50 in order to additionally improve or guarantee the maintenance of the gap space 70.

[0040] Figure 6 shows a possible embodiment of the fixing element 300. At this time, the scope of protection is not limited to only the geometric shapes illustrated here. The particularly preferred shape for the fixing element is the first shape from the right in Figure 6. At this time, the fixing element is formed in a trapezoidal shape in a cross-section parallel to the longitudinal axis. At this time, two leg elements are disposed at the bottom of the trapezoid at intervals from each other in a direction transverse to the longitudinal axis.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0041] 10 Printed circuit board device 50 Printed circuit board 60 Cooling body 70 Gap interval 80 Fixing device 100 Fixing opening 200 Hole 210 Insertion opening 220 Undercut portion 230 Support portion 300 Fixing element 310 engaging portion 320 abutting portion 330a first extension portion 330b second extension portion 400 spacer 500 opposing retainer A longitudinal axis X interval

Claims

1. A printed circuit board device for an automotive projector, The printed circuit board device (10) includes a printed circuit board (50) and a cooling body (60) that is in thermal contact with the printed circuit board (50) and is configured to dissipate the heat of the printed circuit board (50). The printed circuit board (50) and the cooling body (60) are spaced apart from each other at least in regions by an interval (X) such that a gap space (70) is formed between the printed circuit board (50) and the cooling body (60). The printed circuit board (50) is fixed to the cooling body (60) using at least one fixing device (80) while maintaining the gap space (70). The at least one fixing device (80) includes the following, namely, - A fixing opening (100) that completely passes through the printed circuit board (50) and has a predetermined opening size, - A hole (200) disposed in the cooling body (60) and having an insertion opening (210), - A fixing element (300) having a longitudinal axis (A), where the fixing element (300) has an engaging portion (310) and a contact portion (320) located on the opposite side along the longitudinal axis (A), The fixing opening (100) and the insertion opening (210) are arranged to overlap such that the fixing element (300) is received through the fixing opening (100) and the insertion opening (210). The fixing element (300) passes through the printed circuit board (50) via the fixing opening (100), Also, the fixing element (300) is deformed such that by applying a force (F) to the engaging portion (310) and an opposing force in the direction opposite to the force (F) to the contact portion (320), the fixing element (300) is clamped and fixed within the hole (200) by a snap - fit engagement and a first expansion portion (330a) and a second expansion portion (330b) of the fixing element (300) are formed, The first extension portion (330a) extends radially with respect to the longitudinal axis (A) of the fixing element (300) into the gap space (70) between the printed circuit board (50) and the cooling body (60), and the first extension portion (330a) extends into the gap space (70) beyond the opening size of the fixing opening (100) so that the first extension portion (330a) supports the printed circuit board (50) in order to maintain the interval (X) between the printed circuit board (50) and the cooling body (60) in the region of the fixing opening (100). Further, the second extension portion (330b) extends radially with respect to the longitudinal axis (A) of the fixing element (300), and the second extension portion (330b) extends beyond the opening size of the fixing opening (100) in order to maintain the interval (X) between the printed circuit board (50) and the cooling body (60) in the region of the fixing opening (100) and to fix the printed circuit board (50) against movement in a direction opposite to the hole portion (200). Further, the printed circuit board (50) is sandwiched between the first extension portion (330a) and the second extension portion (330b) of the fixing element (300) and is fastened and fixed by a snap-fit engagement. A printed circuit board device, characterized by the above.

2. The fixing element (300) is formed in a pin shape. The printed circuit board device according to claim 1, characterized by the above.

3. The fixing element (300) is manufactured from plastic or metal, or is manufactured from aluminum or an aluminum alloy. The printed circuit board device according to claim 1, characterized by the above.

4. The hole portion (200) includes at least one undercut portion (220), whereby the fixing element (300) is fixed against movement along the longitudinal axis (A) by a connection by a snap-fit engagement between the fixing element (300) and the hole portion (200). The printed circuit board device according to claim 1, characterized in that

5. The hole portion (200) is formed in the cooling body (60) as a blind hole, the blind hole has a support portion (230), and the contact portion (320) of the fixing element (300) abuts against the support portion (230), and the support portion (230) is provided for applying the reaction force. The printed circuit board device according to claim 1, characterized in that

6. The hole portion (200) is formed as a hole portion (200) that completely passes through the cooling body (60). The printed circuit board device according to claim 1, characterized in that

7. The fixing element (300) is formed in a trapezoidal shape in a cross section parallel to the longitudinal axis (A). The printed circuit board device according to claim 1, characterized in that

8. Two leg elements are arranged at intervals from each other in the lateral direction with respect to the longitudinal axis (A) at the bottom of the trapezoid. The printed circuit board device according to claim 7, characterized in that

9. The fixing element (300) is deformed as an extrusion forming element. The printed circuit board device according to claim 1, characterized in that

10. In order to ensure the maintenance of the gap space (70), at least one spacer (400) is arranged in the gap space (70) between the cooling body (60) and the printed circuit board (50). The printed circuit board device according to claim 1, characterized in that

11. The printed circuit board device (10) includes a support element (500) provided for the contact portion of the fixing element (300) to contact and apply the reaction force, and the support element (500) is constituted by a component separate from the cooling body (60), and the support element (500) is removable. The printed circuit board device according to claim 1, characterized in that. [

12. ] An automotive projector including at least one printed circuit board device according to any one of claims 1 to 11.

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