Circuit board housing unit

Abstract

To provide a substrate housing unit that can reduce costs.SOLUTION: A substrate housing unit 1 has a substrate 4 on which electrical components are mounted, a first cover 2 capable of housing the substrate 4, and a second cover 3 mounted on the first cover 2 with the substrate 4 therebetween, the substrate 4 forms a through hole 41 through the front and back, the first cover 2 has a holding portion 22 protruding toward the second cover 3 and forming at least two protruding pieces 222 that are provided to hold the substrate 4 by inserting through the through hole 41 and extending in the protruding direction, and the second cover 3 comprises a protruding portion 31 that is provided protruding toward the first cover 2 and inserted between the protruding pieces 222 when mounted on the first cover 2 to expand the space between the protruding pieces 222.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a substrate housing unit.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, regarding the attachment of a substrate, for example, as described in Patent Document 1, for a hole penetrating the front and back of the substrate, a boss formed on a connector is inserted from the front side of the substrate, and a pin formed on another connector is inserted from the back side of the substrate, and the two connectors are attached to the substrate by connecting the pin to the boss.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] By the way, regarding the attachment of a substrate, when the substrate is housed in a case, the substrate may be fixed by screwing. When fixing the substrate in this way, for example, the substrate is screwed to the case, a lid member is attached to the case, and a substrate housing unit is manufactured. At this time, screwing the substrate and attaching the lid member are required, and the assembly man-hours increase. Therefore, in the manufacture of a substrate housing unit, a technical development that can reduce the assembly man-hours is desired.

[0005] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a substrate housing unit capable of reducing assembly man-hours.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] In other words, the substrate housing unit according to the present invention comprises a substrate on which electrical components are attached, a first cover capable of housing the substrate, and a second cover that is attached to the first cover with the substrate in between. The substrate has through holes that penetrate through both sides, the first cover is provided projecting toward the second cover and has a holding portion that holds the substrate by inserting it through the through holes and forms at least two protruding pieces extending in the projection direction, and the second cover is provided projecting toward the first cover and has a projection that is inserted between the protruding pieces when attached to the first cover and widens the gap between the protruding pieces. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the substrate housing unit of the present invention, the number of assembly steps in the manufacturing of the substrate housing unit can be reduced. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is an exploded perspective view of a substrate housing unit according to the first embodiment. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a perspective view of the holding portion in the substrate housing unit shown in Figure 1. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view of the substrate housing unit in line III-III of Figure 1. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is an explanatory diagram of the substrate fixing method in the substrate housing unit shown in Figure 1. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is an explanatory diagram of the substrate fixing method in the substrate housing unit shown in Figure 1. [Figure 6] Figure 6 shows a modified example of the first substrate housing unit in Figure 1. [Figure 7] Figure 7 shows a modified example of the first substrate housing unit in Figure 1. [Figure 8] Figure 8 shows a modified example of the first substrate housing unit in Figure 1. [Figure 9] Figure 9 shows a modified example of the first substrate housing unit in Figure 1. [Figure 10] Figure 10 shows a modified example of the first substrate housing unit in Figure 1. [Figure 11] Figure 11 shows a modified example of the first substrate housing unit in Figure 1. [Figure 12] Figures 12(A) to (E) show modified examples of the base portion in the first substrate housing unit of Figure 1. [Figure 13] Figure 13 is an exploded perspective view showing the main parts of the substrate housing unit according to the second embodiment. [Figure 14] Figure 14 is a cross-sectional view of a substrate housing unit according to the second embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0009] Embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings. However, the present invention is not limited by these embodiments. Furthermore, some of the components in the following embodiments may be easily substituted or substantially identical to those that are easily substituted by those skilled in the art.

[0010] [Embodiment] A substrate housing unit according to the first embodiment will be described.

[0011] Figure 1 is an exploded perspective view of a substrate housing unit according to the first embodiment, and Figure 2 is a perspective view of the holding portion in the substrate housing unit. Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view of the substrate housing unit along line III-III in Figure 1, and Figures 4 and 5 are explanatory diagrams of the substrate fixing method in the substrate housing unit of Figure 1.

[0012] As shown in FIG. 1, the substrate accommodating unit 1 includes a first cover 2, a second cover 3, and a substrate 4. The first cover 2 and the second cover 3 constitute a container for accommodating the substrate 4. For example, the first cover 2 is a lower cover and is configured as a box with an open upper surface and a rectangular horizontal cross-section. The second cover 3 is an upper cover, which is attached to the upper surface of the first cover 2 and is configured as a lid for closing the open portion of the first cover 2. For the attachment of the first cover 2 and the second cover 3, known attachment methods such as screwing and latching mechanisms can be used. In the substrate accommodating unit 1, the first cover 2 may be configured as a lid and the second cover 3 as a container, or the first cover 2 may be configured as a cover covering the lower part within the unit, and the second cover 3 as a cover covering the upper part within the unit.

[0013] The substrate 4 is a printed substrate for mounting electrical components, and is, for example, referred to as a printed circuit board, a printed wiring board, etc. In FIG. 1, the illustration of the electrical components mounted on the substrate 4 is omitted. Here, the electrical components include electronic components. The substrate 4 is accommodated so as to be sandwiched between the first cover 2 and the second cover 3. For example, the substrate 4 is arranged parallel to the bottom 21 of the first cover 2 and the second cover 3, and is accommodated between the bottom 21 of the first cover 2 and the second cover 3. The second cover 3 is attached to the open upper surface of the first cover 2 and is mounted on the first cover 2 so as to sandwich the substrate 4.

[0014] The first cover 2 has a holding portion 22. The holding portion 22 is a portion for holding the substrate 4, and is provided so as to project from the bottom 21 toward the second cover 3. For example, four holding portions 22 are provided within the first cover 2, and are respectively provided at the four corners of the rectangular bottom 21.

[0015] As shown in FIG. 2, the holding portion 22 has a plurality of protruding pieces 222 that protrude and extend from the upper surface 221a of the pedestal portion 221. The protruding piece 222 is a portion through which the through hole 41 of the substrate 4 is inserted, and the pedestal portion 221 is a portion that supports the substrate 4 from below. The protruding piece 222 extends in the protruding direction of the holding portion 22 and is formed, for example, by dividing a cylinder into four in the circumferential direction. The protruding piece 222 is formed to have a size that allows the through hole 41 of the substrate 4 to be inserted. For example, the outer diameter of the four protruding pieces 222 is smaller than the inner diameter of the through hole 41. Also, the outer diameter of the pedestal portion 221 is larger than the inner diameter of the through hole 41. Therefore, the substrate 4 inserted through the protruding piece 222 abuts against the upper surface 221a of the pedestal portion 221 and is supported by the pedestal portion 221. In FIG. 2, the protruding piece 222 is formed in a circular arc cross-section, but it may be formed in other shapes such as a rectangular cross-section. Also, in FIG. 2, four protruding pieces 222 are formed, but they may be formed in a number other than four as long as there are two or more.

[0016] As shown in FIG. 3, the substrate 4 has through holes 41 that penetrate the front and back. These through holes 41 are formed in accordance with the formation position of the holding portion 22 and, for example, four are formed. The through hole 41 is composed of a first through hole 41a, a second through hole 41b, a third through hole 41c, and a fourth through hole 41d. The second through hole 41b, the third through hole 41c, and the fourth through hole 41d are formed larger than the first through hole 41a. The first through hole 41a is a hole with a circular cross-section and is formed with the same inner diameter as the outer diameter of the protruding piece 222. The second through hole 41b is formed at a diagonal position of the first through hole 41a and is an elongated hole that extends long in the direction of the straight line connecting the first through hole 41a. The third through hole 41c and the fourth through hole 41d are holes with a circular cross-section and are formed with an inner diameter larger than the outer diameter of the protruding piece 222. By forming the first through hole 41a, the second through hole 41b, the third through hole 41c, and the fourth through hole 41d in this way, it is possible to absorb the tolerances of the diameter and position of the through holes of the substrate 4 and the diameter and position of the protruding piece 222. That is, even when there are manufacturing errors in the substrate 4 and the protruding piece 222, the protruding piece 222 can be inserted into the first through hole 41a, the second through hole 41b, the third through hole 41c, and the fourth through hole 41d, respectively.

[0017] In Figures 1 and 2, the second cover 3 has projections 31 formed on it. The projections 31 are formed on the inner surface of the second cover 3 and protrude toward the first cover 2. When the second cover 3 is attached to the first cover 2, these projections 31 are inserted between the protruding pieces 222, widening the gap between the protruding pieces 222. The projections 31 are formed according to the number and position of the retaining parts 22, with one projection 31 formed for each retaining part 22. In Figure 1, four projections 31 are formed for four retaining parts 22. The projections 31 are formed, for example, in a wedge shape that tapers toward the tip. Therefore, the gap between the protruding pieces 222 can be widened as the projections 31 are inserted between them.

[0018] Next, a method for fixing the substrate in the substrate housing unit according to this embodiment will be described.

[0019] First, in Figure 1, the substrate 4 is placed on the first cover 2. That is, the substrate 4 is housed inside the first cover 2, and the substrate 4 is positioned so that the through holes 41 are inserted into the holding portion 22. At this time, as shown in Figure 3, in the through holes 41, the second through hole 41b, third through hole 41c, and fourth through hole 41d are formed to be larger than the first through hole 41a. Therefore, even if there are manufacturing errors in the substrate 4, the first through hole 41a, second through hole 41b, third through hole 41c, and fourth through hole 41d can be passed through the protruding piece 222. Thus, the placement of the substrate 4 can be carried out smoothly.

[0020] As shown in Figure 4, when the substrate 4 is inserted through the protruding piece 222 and positioned, it rests on the upper surface 221a of the base portion 221. Then, the second cover 3 is attached to the first cover 2. That is, the second cover 3 is attached to the open upper portion of the first cover 2. At this time, as the second cover 3 approaches the first cover 2, the projection 31 approaches the space between the protruding pieces 222. Then, as shown in Figure 5, the projection 31 enters the space between the protruding pieces 222. As a result, the protruding pieces 222 bend so that they separate from each other, and the distance between them is widened. The widened protruding pieces 222 are pressed against the inner surface of the through hole 41. The tip portions of the protruding pieces 222 are widened beyond the through hole 41. Therefore, the substrate 4 is prevented from rattling and is firmly fixed so that it does not come off the holding portion 22. In this way, the substrate housing unit 1 allows for the attachment of the second cover 3 to the first cover 2 and the fixing of the substrate 4 at the same time, thereby reducing the assembly man-hours in manufacturing.

[0021] As described above, according to the substrate housing unit 1 of this embodiment, when the second cover 3 is attached to the first cover 2, the projection 31 is inserted between the protruding pieces 222, thereby securely fixing the substrate 4. Therefore, the substrate housing unit 1 can attach the second cover 3 to the first cover 2 and fix the substrate 4 simultaneously, thereby reducing the assembly man-hours in manufacturing.

[0022] Furthermore, since the substrate housing unit 1 according to this embodiment can fix the substrate 4 without using screws, the component cost of the substrate housing unit 1 can be reduced. In addition, because the substrate housing unit 1 does not require screws, the equipment for screw fastening and torque management for screw fastening are not required. Therefore, the manufacturing cost of the substrate housing unit 1 can be reduced.

[0023] Furthermore, according to the substrate housing unit 1 of this embodiment, the projection 31 is formed in a wedge shape that tapers towards the tip. Therefore, the space between the protruding pieces 222 can be widened to the extent that the projection 31 can be inserted between them. Consequently, the substrate 4 can be securely fixed to the holding portion 22.

[0024] In the substrate housing unit 1 according to the first embodiment described above, a protruding piece 222 is formed on the holding portion 22, but a hook portion 222a may also be formed on the protruding piece 222. That is, as shown in Figure 6, the substrate housing unit 1A may have a hook portion 222a that protrudes outward at the tip of the protruding piece 222. The hook portion 222a hooks the tip portion of the protruding piece 222, which is inserted through the through hole 41, onto the outer edge of the through hole 41. Therefore, the substrate housing unit 1A can hold the substrate 4 against the first cover 2 and temporarily fasten it before the second cover 3 is attached to the first cover 2.

[0025] Furthermore, in the substrate housing unit 1 according to the first embodiment described above, the projection 31 is inserted between the protruding pieces 222, but a check hole 23 may be formed between the protruding pieces 222 in the first cover 2. For example, as shown in Figure 7, the substrate housing unit 1B may have a check hole 23 formed in the first cover 2 that extends from between the protruding pieces 222 to the surface of the first cover 2. The check hole 23 is a hole that penetrates from between the protruding pieces 222 to the surface of the first cover 2. The projection 31 forms an extension 311 that extends from the portion inserted between the protruding pieces 222 toward the tip. The extension 311 is the portion that is inserted into the check hole 23. As shown in Figure 8, in the substrate housing unit 1B, when the second cover 3 is attached to the first cover 2, the projection 31 is inserted between the protruding pieces 222, and the extension 311 enters the check hole 23. The tip of the extension 311 then reaches the position on or near the surface of the first cover 2 in the check hole 23. Therefore, the substrate housing unit 1B can check from the outside whether the substrate 4 is fixed by the holding portion 22. In other words, the substrate housing unit 1B can check the extension portion 311 in the check hole 23 from the outside of the first cover 2 to confirm that the projection portion 31 is inserted between the protruding pieces 222 and the substrate 4 is fixed to the holding portion 22.

[0026] Furthermore, in the substrate housing unit 1 according to the first embodiment described above, a protruding piece 222 is formed on the holding portion 22, but the protruding piece 222 may also have a projection 222b that protrudes inward at its tip. That is, as shown in Figure 9, in the substrate housing unit 1C, the protruding piece 222 has a projection 222b that protrudes toward the opposing protruding piece 222. As a result, the gap between the protruding pieces 222 becomes narrower, and the protruding pieces 222 spread more easily when the projection 31 is inserted. In this case, the projection 31 is formed in a cylindrical shape with a circular cross-section, and the tip is tapered. As shown in Figure 10, in the substrate housing unit 1C, when the projection 31 is inserted between the protruding pieces 222, the protruding pieces 222 spread sufficiently with a small amount of insertion of the projection 31, and the substrate 4 can be firmly fixed by the holding portion 22.

[0027] Furthermore, in the substrate housing unit 1 according to the first embodiment described above, a protruding piece 222 is formed on the upper surface of the base portion 221, but the base portion 221 may be provided with a structure separate from the protruding piece 222. For example, as shown in Figure 11, the protruding piece 222 may be provided protruding from the bottom portion 21, and the base portion 221 may be provided around the protruding piece 222. The base portion 221 may be formed by providing a plurality of protrusions with a horizontal cross-section of a circle around the protruding piece 222, as shown in Figure 12(A), or by providing a plurality of protrusions with a horizontal cross-section of a rectangle around the protruding piece 222, as shown in Figure 12(B). Also, the base portion 221 may be a cylindrical body with a horizontal cross-section of an annular shape surrounding the protruding piece 222, as shown in Figure 12(C). Also, the base portion 221 may be a cylindrical body with a horizontal cross-section of a rectangular shape surrounding the protruding piece 222, as shown in Figure 12(D). Furthermore, the base portion 221 may be a cylindrical body with a grid-like horizontal cross-section surrounding the protruding piece 222, as shown in Figure 12(E). By providing the base portion 221 as a separate structure from the protruding piece 222 in this way, it becomes possible to increase the diameter of the projection 31 without increasing the size of the through hole 41, thereby increasing the holding force of the substrate 4.

[0028] Furthermore, the substrate housing unit 1 according to the first embodiment described above may be applied in combination with some or all of the modified examples shown in Figures 6 to 12.

[0029] Next, a substrate housing unit according to the second embodiment will be described.

[0030] The substrate housing unit 1E according to the second embodiment has substantially the same configuration as the substrate housing unit 1 according to the first embodiment, differing in that an elastic member 223 is positioned between the protruding piece 222 and the through hole 41. As shown in Figure 13, the substrate housing unit 1E according to this embodiment is configured with an elastic member 223 provided in the holding portion 22. The elastic member 223 is an elastically deformable cylindrical body and is provided so as to cover the outside of the protruding piece 222. This elastic member 223 is formed of, for example, rubber or elastic resin. As shown in Figure 14, when the through hole 41 of the substrate 4 is inserted into the holding portion 22, the elastic member 223 is positioned between the protruding piece 222 and the inner surface of the through hole 41. In this case, the elastic member 223 fills the gap between the protruding piece 222 and the through hole 41 and functions as a cushioning bush.

[0031] The vibration isolation function of the substrate housing unit 1E according to the second embodiment will be described.

[0032] As shown in Figure 13, the second cover 3 is attached to the first cover 2, and the projection 31 is inserted between the protruding pieces 222, causing the protruding pieces 222 to spread, thereby fixing the substrate 4 to the holding part 22.

[0033] In this case, electrical components 42 that generate vibration may be mounted on the circuit board 4. Here, electrical components 42 include electronic components. For example, electrical components 42 such as relays may generate vibration when they operate. When electrical components 42 vibrate, that vibration is transmitted to the circuit board 4. When this vibration is transmitted to the first cover 2 and the second cover 3 through the holding part 22, the first cover 2 and the second cover 3 vibrate, and this vibration may cause abnormal noise to be generated from the circuit board housing unit 1E. In particular, if the first cover 2 and the second cover 3 vibrate and resonate within the circuit board housing unit 1E, it is possible that a loud noise may be generated from the circuit board housing unit 1E.

[0034] In contrast, the substrate housing unit 1E according to this embodiment suppresses the transmission of vibrations from the substrate 4 to the holding portion 22 by arranging an elastic member 223 between the substrate 4 and the protruding piece 222. Therefore, vibrations of the first cover 2 and the second cover 3 can be suppressed. Consequently, the generation of abnormal noise from the substrate housing unit 1E can be suppressed. In particular, when the substrate housing unit 1E is installed in a hybrid vehicle or an electric vehicle, it is effective in suppressing the transmission of abnormal noise into the quiet vehicle interior. Furthermore, by providing the holding portion 22 and the protruding portion 31, the substrate housing unit 1E according to this embodiment can obtain the same effects as the substrate housing unit 1 according to the first embodiment described above.

[0035] In addition, in the substrate housing unit 1E according to the second embodiment, modified versions of the substrate housing unit 1 according to the first embodiment shown in Figures 6 to 12 may be applied, or some or all of these modified versions may be combined and applied.

[0036] Although embodiments of the present invention have been illustrated above, these embodiments are merely examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. The above embodiments can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, combinations, and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. Furthermore, each configuration, shape, and other specifications (structure, type, direction, form, size, length, width, thickness, height, number, arrangement, position, material, etc.) can be modified as appropriate. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0037] 1. Circuit board housing unit 2 First Cover 3. Second cover 4 circuit boards 22 Holding part 23 check holes 31 Protrusion 41 Through hole 222 Projecting piece 222a Hook part 222b Protrusion 223 Elastic members

Claims

1. A circuit board on which electrical components are mounted, A first cover capable of housing the aforementioned substrate, The system comprises a second cover which is attached to the first cover with the substrate in between, The aforementioned substrate has through holes that penetrate through both the front and back sides. The first cover is provided projecting toward the second cover, holds the substrate by inserting it through the through hole, and has a holding portion that forms at least two protruding pieces extending in the projection direction, The second cover has projections that extend toward the first cover and, when attached to the first cover, are inserted between the protruding pieces, and have projections that widen the gap between the protruding pieces. The aforementioned protruding piece has a projection that protrudes inward at its tip. Circuit board housing unit.

2. The aforementioned projection is formed in a wedge shape that tapers towards the tip. The substrate housing unit according to claim 1.

3. The aforementioned protruding piece has a hook portion that protrudes outward at its tip. A substrate housing unit according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The first cover has a check hole that extends from between the protruding pieces to the surface of the first cover. The projection is inserted into the check hole from between the protruding pieces. A substrate housing unit according to claim 1 or 2.

5. The holding portion is provided with an elastic member that covers the outside of the protruding piece and is positioned between the protruding piece and the inner surface of the through hole when the holding portion is inserted through the through hole, A substrate housing unit according to claim 1 or 2.

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