Securing of control devices in a motor vehicle

Abstract

The invention relates to a control device for an on-board power supply of a vehicle, a system for securing such a control device, and a method for securing such a control device on or in the vehicle. One exemplary embodiment of the control device comprises: at least one electronic component (14); and at least one positioning element (40) which is designed to enable a positioning of the control device (10) at a positioning position on or in the vehicle, said positioning being carried out by way of a guide element (140) which is or can be attached on or in the vehicle, the control device (10) being secured on or in the vehicle at said positioning position, a connection between an interface (20, 22) of the at least one electronic component (14) and a counterpart interface (120, 122) provided on the vehicle side being established, or being able to be established, at the same time.

Description

[0001] MOUNTING CONTROL UNITS IN A MOTOR VEHICLE

[0002] The present invention generally relates to a mounting system for control units for a vehicle's electrical system. More specifically, the present invention relates to a control unit for a vehicle's electrical system, a system for mounting such a control unit, and a method for mounting such a control unit on or in the vehicle.

[0003] Vehicles today are increasingly becoming mobile information systems. The rapid development of vehicle capabilities brings with it new challenges and requirements for automotive network systems. For example, the amount of information transmitted in a vehicle increases significantly with the use of additional electronic and digital components. For example, to realize a vehicle with autonomous driving capabilities, hundreds of individual electronic control units (ECUs) and sensors must be installed and networked together.

[0004] Today, ECUs are installed in the vehicle and then connected to the vehicle's power and / or data lines. This process is very time-consuming and inefficient.

[0005] EP 0 927 508 A1 discloses an airbag control unit comprising a housing in which the electronic components are housed on a circuit board and which has a cover and means for fastening to a motor vehicle. The housing has a substantially central passage as fastening means, against which the housing interior is sealed. This allows the control unit to be mounted using a single bolt.

[0006] While the aforementioned document discloses a simple method for attaching an airbag control unit to a motor vehicle, the control unit's interfaces still require complex and / or subsequent connection to counterpart interfaces on the motor vehicle.

[0007] There is therefore a need for an improved fastening or manufacturing approach.

[0008] According to a first aspect of the invention, a control unit for an on-board electrical system of a vehicle is proposed. The control unit has at least one electronic component and at least one positioning element. The positioning element is designed to enable positioning of the control unit on or in the vehicle in a positioning position via a guide element attached or attachable to or in the vehicle. In the positioning position, the control unit is fastened to or in the vehicle. At the same time, in the positioning position, a connection is established or can be established between an interface of the at least one electronic component and at least one counterpart interface provided on the vehicle.

[0009] The control unit according to the first aspect, when the control unit is mounted on or in the vehicle in a positioning position, also or simultaneously enables the establishment or producibility of a connection between an interface of the at least one electronic component of the control unit and at least one counterpart interface provided on the vehicle. An additional step of subsequently connecting the interface of the at least one electronic component of the control unit to the at least one counterpart interface on the vehicle can be omitted. This simplifies and / or accelerates the mounting and / or installation of control units on or in a vehicle.

[0010] The control unit can also be referred to in long form as an electronic control unit (ECU). The control unit can have a zone control unit or be designed as a zone control unit. Conventional vehicle communication network architectures are based on the concept of vehicle system domains. In this concept, ECUs, sensors, and / or actuators for similarly functioning systems are grouped behind a domain control unit (DCU). This architecture is based on the function of the systems in the vehicle, not necessarily on the position of the systems in the vehicle. The physical cabling of ECUs, sensors, and / or actuators of a domain of the entire vehicle is arranged behind a DCU.As the number of ECUs, sensors, and / or actuators required and arranged in vehicles has increased, the concept of a zone-based, centralized, computer-aided vehicle communication network architecture in the vehicle and, furthermore, a cross-domain concept have been proposed. This zone-based architecture uses a series of universal, configurable zone control units (ZCUs) at various locations in the vehicle. Each ZCU is located in front of a series of ECUs, sensors, and / or actuators that are physically located in the area, i.e., "zone," of the vehicle assigned to the ZCU, regardless of the commonality of system function. In addition to vehicles with domain-based vehicle network architectures and vehicles with zone-based vehicle network architectures, there are also vehicles with hybrid (i.e., a mixture of domain-based and zone-based architectures) vehicle network architectures.What all of these on-board network architectures have in common is that the control units are first installed and then connected to the respective interface(s) of the vehicle.

[0011] In the positioning position, the control unit can be positioned in or along a longitudinal direction of the guide element and / or in a circumferential direction of the guide element such that the control unit is fastened to or in the vehicle and, at the same time, a connection is established or can be established between the interface of the at least one electronic component and the at least one counter-interface provided on the vehicle side. For example, in the positioning position, the control unit is oriented such that the interface of the at least one electronic component and the at least one counter-interface provided on the vehicle side are located at least almost identically in the circumferential direction of the guide element.If, in addition, the interface of the at least one electronic component and the at least one counter-interface provided on the vehicle side are located at least almost at the same position along the longitudinal direction of the guide element, an automatic connection of the interface to the counter-interface can take place or be present in the positioning position.

[0012] The control unit may have a housing. The at least one electronic component may be arranged on or in the housing.

[0013] The at least one positioning element can have one or more openings on or in the control unit or can be designed as one or more openings on or in the control unit. For example, the at least one positioning element can have one or more openings in the housing or can be designed as one or more openings in the housing. According to one example, it is conceivable that the positioning element can have an opening in each of opposite sides of the housing or can be designed as an opening in each of opposite sides of the housing. The one or more openings in the housing can interact with the guide element in such a way that the control unit can be brought into the positioning position.For example, the one or more openings in the housing can interact with the guide element in such a way that the control unit can only be attached to or in the vehicle at a predetermined or predefined attachment position. The predetermined or predefined attachment position can be determined by the guide element.

[0014] The interface of the at least one electronic component can have at least one plug connector, for example at least one plug and / or at least one pin strip, or can be designed as at least one plug connector, for example at least one plug and / or at least one pin strip. The interface of the at least one electronic component can have at least one electrical or electronic interface or can be designed as at least one electrical or electronic interface. The interface of the at least one electronic component can have at least one outer surface of the at least one electronic component or can be designed as at least one outer surface of the at least one electronic component.In this respect, the terms "interface" and "counter-interface" can be understood very broadly as any type of connection or coupling option between a first component and a second component. The situation is different if the interface and / or the counter-interface are explicitly referred to as electrical or electronic interfaces or electrical or electronic counter-interfaces, which implies that an electrical or electronic connection or coupling is / are established via the electrical or electronic interface and / or the electrical or electronic counter-interface.

[0015] The interface of the at least one electronic component can be arranged on an underside of the control unit or protrude from the underside of the control unit. For example, although the at least one electronic component can be arranged at least partially within the housing, the interface of the at least one electronic component can at least partially protrude from the underside of the housing / control unit or protrude from the underside of the housing / control unit. The term “underside” can be understood in particular as a side of the control unit which, in the positioning position or when the control unit is fastened, points toward or in the direction of the inside of the vehicle body or the at least one vehicle-side counter-interface.

[0016] According to a second aspect, a system for mounting a control unit for a vehicle's electrical system in a vehicle is proposed. In other words, according to a second aspect, a system for mounting a control unit according to the first aspect in a vehicle is proposed. The system comprises at least one guide element mounted or mountable on or in the vehicle.

[0017] The system has at least one counter-interface provided on the vehicle side. The system has a control unit for an on-board electrical system of a vehicle, in particular the control unit according to the first aspect. The control unit has at least one electronic component and at least one positioning element. The at least one positioning element is designed to enable positioning of the control unit on or in the vehicle in a positioning position via the at least one guide element attached or attachable to the vehicle. In the positioning position, the control unit is fastened to or in the vehicle. In the positioning position, a connection is simultaneously established or can be established between an interface of the at least one electronic component and the at least one counter-interface provided on the vehicle side.

[0018] The control unit may have a housing. The at least one electronic component may be arranged on or in the housing.

[0019] The at least one guide element can have an elongated element or be designed as an elongated element. The at least one guide element can have at least one bolt, in particular at least one ground bolt / earthing bolt or supply bolt of the vehicle, or can be designed as at least one bolt, in particular as at least one ground bolt / earthing bolt or supply bolt of the vehicle. The at least one guide element can have at least one pin or be designed as at least one pin. The at least one guide element can have at least one screw or be designed as at least one screw. Regardless of the exact design, the at least one guide element can have a thread, in particular an external thread.

[0020] As mentioned above, the at least one positioning element can have one or more openings in the housing or can be designed as one or more openings in the housing. According to one example, it is conceivable that the positioning element can have an opening in each case in opposite sides of the housing or can be designed as an opening in each case in opposite sides of the housing. The one or more openings in the housing can interact with the, for example, elongated guide element in such a way that the control unit can be brought into the positioning position. For example, the positioning element having an opening can be positioned by interacting with the, for example, elongated guide element in such a way that the elongated guide element is inserted into the opening.Since the elongated guide element, for example, can only be inserted into the opening of the control unit, a predetermined or predefined mounting position of the control unit can be or become predetermined relative to the vehicle in or on the vehicle. The predetermined or predefined mounting position of the control unit can be or become determined by the position of the guide element, since, for example, the insertion of the guide element into the one or more openings of the control unit determines the mounting position. The mounting position can describe a position of the control unit in or on the vehicle or relative to a vehicle body.

[0021] The system may include a counter housing. The counter housing may be arranged or mountable on or in the vehicle. The counter housing may be arranged or mountable directly on or in the vehicle via suitable connecting elements.

[0022] The at least one counter-interface can be arranged or can be arranged on or in the vehicle. For example, the at least one counter-interface can be arranged or can be arranged directly on or in the vehicle via suitable connecting elements. Additionally or alternatively, the at least one counter-interface can be arranged or can be arranged on or in the counter-housing. For example, the counter-housing can have one or more compartments or regions on or in which at least one counter-interface can be arranged or can be arranged, for example can be accommodated. The compartments or regions can be provided in the counter-housing such that they have a predetermined position relative to any positioning element that may be present.This ensures that the at least one interface and the at least one counter interface connect when the control unit is brought into the positioning position or is in the positioning position.

[0023] The housing and the counter-housing can be designed to be connectable to one another. For example, the housing and the counter-housing, when connected, can together form an overall housing of the control unit. In this case, for example, the at least one electronic component can be arranged on or in the overall housing formed from the housing and counter-housing. For example, the housing and the counter-housing can only be connected to one another in one or two ways or orientations, e.g. due to their respective shape and / or due to connecting elements. In this way, it can be ensured that the housing can assume the positioning position that allows the connection between the respective interface and counter-interface.

[0024] Accordingly, the respective interface can be arranged on or in the overall housing formed by the housing and the counter housing. Alternatively, the housing can serve as the overall housing of the control unit, and the counter housing can be designed as a coupling element for connecting the control unit to the vehicle, for example, the vehicle body. In this case, for example, the at least one counter interface can be arranged on or in the counter housing.

[0025] The mating interface provided on the vehicle side can have one or more mating connectors, in particular one or more mating connectors and / or one or more pin strips, or can be designed as one or more mating connectors, in particular as one or more mating connectors and / or one or more pin strips. Additionally or alternatively, the mating interface provided on the vehicle side can have one or more electrical or electronic mating interfaces or can be designed as one or more electrical or electronic mating interfaces. Additionally or alternatively, the mating interface provided on the vehicle side can have at least one current-conducting rail or can be designed as at least one current-conducting rail. Additionally or alternatively, the mating interface provided on the vehicle side can have at least one data-conducting rail or can be designed as at least one data-conducting rail.Additionally or alternatively, the interface provided on the vehicle side may have an outer surface of one or more cooling devices or be designed as an outer surface of one or more cooling devices.

[0026] As mentioned above, the interface of the at least one electronic component can have at least one plug connector, for example at least one plug and / or at least one pin strip, or can be designed as at least one plug connector, for example at least one plug and / or at least one pin strip. Additionally or alternatively, the interface of the at least one electronic component can have at least one electrical or electronic interface or can be designed as at least one electrical or electronic interface. Additionally or alternatively, the interface of the at least one electronic component can have at least one outer surface of the at least one electronic component or can be designed as at least one outer surface of the at least one electronic component.

[0027] The interface of the at least one electronic component and the at least one counterpart interface provided on the vehicle side can establish or enter into a connection with one another in the positioning position. While the aforementioned fastening position can describe a position of the control unit relative to or in the vehicle, the positioning position can specify or contain an orientation of the control unit relative to the vehicle. In the orientation of the control unit determined by the positioning position, the control unit can be fastened to or in the vehicle, and at the same time, the interface of the at least one electronic component can be connected to the counterpart interface provided on the vehicle side.

[0028] For example, a plurality of electronic components can be provided on or in the control unit. Each of the plurality of electronic components can have one or more interfaces. The plurality of interfaces of an electronic component can be configured in various ways. Furthermore, a plurality of mating interfaces provided on the vehicle side can be present. In the positioning position, the control unit can be fastened to the fastening position, and furthermore, each of the one or more interfaces of the plurality of electronic components can be connected to associated mating interfaces of the plurality of mating interfaces.

[0029] If, for example, the elongated guide element is inserted into the exemplary opening of the positioning element, the control unit can be located in the desired or intended fastening position. By appropriately adjusting the interaction between the guide element and the positioning element, the control unit can be brought into the desired orientation, moved towards the counter interface(s) provided on the vehicle, and assume the positioning position. By moving in the direction of the counter interface(s) and assuming the desired orientation, ultimately, in addition to fastening the control unit, a connection between the interface(s) and counter interface(s) can be achieved. The at least one guide element can be provided on a current-conducting and / or data-conducting rail of the vehicle.The at least one guide element can be designed and arranged to be or be mechanically and / or electrically connected or coupled to a busbar and / or a circuit board of the control unit. In this way, a current flow from a power supply, for example a current-conducting rail, of the vehicle can be guided via the at least one guide element to a busbar of the control unit. The control unit can thus be supplied with power from a power supply of the vehicle via the guide element. Furthermore, a data flow from a data network, for example a data-conducting rail, of the vehicle can be guided via the at least one guide element to a circuit board of the control unit. The control unit can thus be coupled or connected to a data network of the vehicle via the guide element.

[0030] According to a third aspect, a method for fastening a control unit for a vehicle's electrical system in a vehicle is proposed. In other words, according to a third aspect, in particular a method for fastening a control unit according to the first aspect in a vehicle is proposed. The method comprises providing at least one guide element attached or attachable to the vehicle. The method comprises providing at least one counter interface provided on the vehicle. The method comprises providing a control unit for a vehicle's electrical system. The control unit can be embodied as the control unit according to the first aspect. The control unit has an electronic component. The control unit has at least one positioning element.The method comprises positioning, via the guide element attached or attachable to or in the vehicle, the control unit on or in the vehicle in a positioning position in which the control unit is attached to or in the vehicle and at the same time a connection is or can be established between an interface of the at least one electronic component and the at least one counter-interface provided on the vehicle side.

[0031] By using the control unit according to the first aspect and / or the system according to the second aspect and / or the method according to the third aspect, the assembly or installation of a control unit on or in a vehicle is (significantly) simplified and / or accelerated, in particular when assembling or installing a plurality of control units on or in a vehicle. Even though some of the aspects described above were described with reference to the control unit according to the first aspect, these aspects can also be implemented in a corresponding manner in the system according to the second aspect and / or the method according to the third aspect, and vice versa.

[0032] The present disclosure will be further explained with reference to figures. These figures schematically show:

[0033] Figure 1 shows an embodiment of a system for attaching a control unit of an on-board network of a vehicle to or in a vehicle;

[0034] Figure 2 shows a variant of the embodiment of the system from Figure 1;

[0035] Figure 3 shows an embodiment of a system for attaching a control unit of an on-board network of a vehicle to or in a vehicle;

[0036] Figure 4 shows an embodiment of a system for attaching a control unit of an on-board network of a vehicle to or in a vehicle;

[0037] Figures 5a to 5d show an embodiment of a system for attaching a control unit of a vehicle's electrical system to or in a vehicle; and

[0038] Figure 6 is a block diagram of a method for attaching a control unit of a vehicle's electrical system to or in a vehicle.

[0039] In the following, specific details are set forth, without being limited thereto, in order to provide a complete understanding of the present disclosure. However, it will be apparent to one skilled in the art that the present disclosure may be used in other embodiments that may differ from the details set forth below. For example, specific configurations and embodiments of a system are described below and are not to be considered limiting. Even though the aspects described below have been described with reference to a controller and / or a system, these aspects may also be implemented in a corresponding manner in a method, and vice versa. Furthermore, in the following description of embodiments of a system, an embodiment of a controller used in the respective embodiment of the system is always described.

[0040] Figure 1 shows an exemplary embodiment of a system 1 for fastening a control unit 10 for a vehicle electrical system to or in a vehicle. The system 1 has, as at least one guide element attached or attachable to or in the vehicle, a bolt-shaped or pin-shaped element, which can be designed in particular as a bolt, a pin, or a screw. In the exemplary embodiment shown in Figure 1 (as well as the variant from Figure 2 and the exemplary embodiment from Figure 3), the guide element is designed, for example, as a bolt 140 with an external thread and is therefore referred to as bolt 140 in relation to Figures 1 to 3. The bolt 140 is, for example, attached directly to a vehicle body 100. Alternatively, the bolt 140 can be directly connected to a metal foil with which the vehicle body 100 is coated, for example.Furthermore, in Figure 1, an outer surface 120 of a cooling device 110 of the vehicle is provided as at least one counter-interface provided on the vehicle side. In the example of Figure 1, the cooling device 110 is arranged directly on the vehicle body 100.

[0041] The system 1 comprises a control unit 10 according to one exemplary embodiment. The control unit 10 is a control unit 10 for the vehicle's electrical system. The control unit 10 comprises a housing 12. In the housing 12, a plurality of MOSFET transistors (power MOSFETs) 14, or MOSFETs 14 for short, are arranged on a circuit board 30 as an example for at least one electronic component. The circuit board 30 serves as a carrier for electronic parts or components. In addition to the plurality of MOSFETs 14 shown as an example, further electronic parts or components (not shown) can be mounted on the circuit board 30. In the example from Figure 1, an outer surface 20 of the MOSFETs 14 is assumed to be the interface of the MOSFETs 14. The control unit 10 further comprises an opening 40 or recess in the housing 12 as at least one positioning element. The opening 40 is designed to pass over the guide element attached or attachable to the vehicle, iein the example from Figure 1, the bolt 140, to enable positioning of the control unit 10 in the vehicle in a positioning position. In this way, the control unit 10 can be applied, for example, directly to the bolt 140. In the positioning position, the control unit 10 is fastened in or on the vehicle. The example from Figure 1 shows a vehicle body 100 to which the control unit 10 can be fastened. In the positioning position, a connection is or can be established between an interface of the at least one electronic component, in the example from Figure 1 an outer side 20 of the MOSFETs 14, and the counter interface provided on the vehicle side, in the example from Figure 1 an outer surface (top side) 120 of the cooling device 110. Furthermore, a fastening bushing 50 is provided in Figure 1.The mounting bushing 50 is connected to the housing 12 of the control unit 10 and to the circuit board 30. The bolt 140 penetrates the mounting bushing 50. For example, a screw nut is screwed onto the bolt 140 via its external thread. In the example from Figure 1, the screw nut presses the control unit 10 toward the vehicle body 100, thus creating the final or permanent connection between the interfaces 20, 120.

[0042] With reference to Figure 1, a control unit 10 is proposed which can be attached to a vehicle in an automated assembly process. The control unit 10 can also be referred to as an electronic control unit or Electronic Control Unit (ECU). The control unit 10 can be designed as a (zonal) control unit. Regardless of the exact design of the control unit 10, several MOSFETs 14 are arranged on the underside of the circuit board 30 of the control unit 10. The MOSFETs 14 each have an outer surface 20 as an interface, which can be contacted at a defined location on the vehicle with an outer surface 120 of a cooling device 110 as corresponding mating interfaces. For positioning the control unit 10, a bolt 140 is provided on the vehicle, which can be designed, for example, as a grounding bolt / mass bolt or as a supply bolt.The bolt 140, for example the ground bolt (negative pole) or the supply bolt (positive pole), can be attached to any location on the vehicle, in the example from Figure 1 on the body / vehicle body 100. The bolt 140 serves, on the one hand, as a guide socket for the automated positioning of the control unit 10 and, on the other hand, for electrically contacting the control unit 10. To accommodate the bolt 140, the control unit 10 has a corresponding opening 40 on two opposite sides of the housing 12, through which the bolt 140 can be passed. Furthermore, the bolt 140 can be mechanically connected to the control unit 10 via the positioning bushing 50 on the printed circuit board (PCB) 30 of the control unit 10. A screw nut can mechanically fix the bolt 140 to the control unit. Furthermore, electrical contact between the bolt 140 and the printed circuit board 30 can be established via the fastening bushing 50.During the plugging process of the control unit 10 onto the bolt 140 through the opening 40, the interfaces 20 of the MOSFETs 14 can be brought into contact with the mating interfaces 120 of the cooling device 110.

[0043] Figure 2 shows a variant of the exemplary embodiment from Figure 1, in which the vehicle body 100 is formed in steps (completing a step). On the lower step in Figure 2, a mating connector 122 is provided as a mating interface of the vehicle. The bolt 140 is, for example, attached directly to the vehicle body 100. Alternatively, the bolt 140 can be directly connected to a metal foil with which the vehicle body 100 is coated, for example. On the upper step in Figure 2, as in Figure 1, an outer surface 120 of a cooling device 110 is provided as the mating interface.

[0044] In the example from Figure 2, a connector 22 and an outer surface 20 of a MOSFET 14 are provided as interfaces of the control unit 10. These interfaces extend from an underside (= a side oriented toward the vehicle body 100) of the control unit 10. The interfaces can be contacted at a defined vehicle location with corresponding mating interfaces, namely, in the example shown, with the outer surface 120 of the cooling device 110 and a connector 122. In the example shown, the control unit 10 is also positioned by placing the opening 40 of the control unit 10 around the bolt 140 and receiving the bolt 140 in the opening 40 of the control unit 10. The bolt 140 is also attached to the vehicle body 100 by way of example in the example from Figure 2.The bolt 140 is passed through the opening 40 and mechanically connected to the control unit 10 via the positioning bushing 50 on the circuit board 30 of the control unit 10. In the example from Figure 2, the bolt 140 is also fixed to the control unit 10 by applying a screw nut to the bolt 140. During this mating process, the connector 22 and the mating connector 122 are connected to each other.

[0045] In this way, one or more cables are electrically contacted and also electrically brought together by simply inserting the plug-in partners (connector 22 and mating connector 122) into one another during the assembly process.

[0046] Figure 3 shows an embodiment of a system 1 for fastening a control unit 10 for a vehicle electrical system on or in a vehicle. In the example from Figure 3, two mating connectors 120, 122 are arranged, for example, on the vehicle body 100 as mating interfaces. The mating connectors 120, 122 serve to connect to a wiring harness of a vehicle and can therefore also be referred to as wiring harness mating connectors 120, 122. The mating connectors 120, 122 each have, for example, a pin strip 121, 123. The mating connectors 120, 122 are each connected to the vehicle body 100 via a plurality of pre-fixing wiring harness connectors 130. The mating connectors 120, 122 are each connected, for example, to the wiring harness and thus to the vehicle electrical system via a wiring harness bundle 160. The bolt 140 is, for example, attached directly to a vehicle body 100.Alternatively, the bolt 140 can be directly connected to a metal foil with which the vehicle body 100 is coated, for example. Accordingly, two connectors 20, 22 are provided on the control unit 10 as interfaces. The connectors 20, 22 are arranged on the circuit board 30 and protrude downward from the circuit board (=in the direction of the vehicle body 100). In the example from Figure 3, the connectors 20, 22 are each designed as pin strips, for example. Reference numerals 21, 23 designate individual pins of the pin strips 20, 22 at their connection points to the circuit board 30.

[0047] The control unit 10 shown in Figure 3 can also be mounted on a vehicle in an automated assembly process. For this purpose, various connectors 20, 22 (two connectors 20, 22 in the example shown) are arranged as interfaces on the control unit 10. For example, the connectors 20, 22 are mounted on the underside of a circuit board 30 of the control unit 10 and protrude from the underside of the control unit 10. The connectors 20, 22 can be contacted at a defined vehicle location with corresponding mating connectors 120, 122 as counter interfaces. In this example, a bolt 140 placed on the vehicle, e.g., a grounding bolt or supply bolt, is used as a guide socket. In addition to electrically contacting the control unit 10, the bolt 140 serves as a guide socket and enables automated positioning of the control unit 10.To accommodate this bolt 140, the control unit 10 in turn has a corresponding opening 40 (not visible in Figure 3), through which the bolt 140 is passed and mechanically connected, for example with a screw nut, to the control unit 10 via the positioning bushing 50 (also not visible in Figure 3) on the circuit board 30 of the control unit 10. During this plug-in process, the plug connectors 20, 22 are mechanically and electrically connected to the mating plug connectors 120, 122. The connection is fixed using the screw nut if necessary. Various lines are electrically contacted via the connection. The mechanical and electrical connection is achieved by simply inserting the plug partners (the plug connectors 20, 22 and the mating plug connectors 120, 122) into one another during the assembly process.Figure 4 shows an embodiment of a system 1 for fastening a control unit 10 for an on-board network of a vehicle on or in a vehicle.

[0048] Figure 4 shows a control unit 10, for example a zonal one, which can be attached to a vehicle in an automated assembly process. For this purpose, interfaces, for example various connectors and / or electronic interfaces and / or mechanical interfaces, are attached, for example, to an underside of a control unit 10. The interfaces are not shown in Figure 4, but have been described in detail with reference to Figures 1 to 3. These interfaces can be contacted at a defined vehicle location with corresponding mating interfaces, for example corresponding mating connectors and / or electronic mating interfaces and / or mechanical mating interfaces. For this purpose, a bolt 140 placed on the vehicle, for example a grounding bolt or supply bolt, is provided.In the example from Figure 4, the bolt 140 is designed as a ground bolt / earthing bolt and is arranged on a ground rail 150. Alternatively, the bolt 140 can be designed as a supply bolt. In the following, it is assumed, for example, that the bolt 140 is designed as a ground bolt and the rail 150 is designed as a ground rail. In addition, a supply bolt 142 is provided, which is arranged on a supply rail 152 (power backbone), e.g., a current-conducting rail. In addition to making electrical contact with the control unit 10, the bolt 140 also serves as a guide socket for the automated positioning of the control unit 10. To accommodate this bolt, the control unit has a corresponding opening (not shown in Figure 4 but described with reference to Figures 1 to 3), through which the bolt 140 is passed and mechanically connected to the power rail of the control unit 10.During this mating process, several connectors, through which various cables are electrically contacted, are also electrically connected by simply inserting the mating partners into one another during the assembly process. Such a ground bolt (negative pole) 140 or a supply bolt (positive pole) 142 can be installed anywhere in the vehicle. In the example shown, the bolt 140 is not directly connected to the vehicle body, but rather is arranged on a ground rail 150. The bolt 140 serves to ground the control unit. The bolt 142 (supply bolt 142) serves to electrically and mechanically contact the control unit 10.

[0049] In the example from Figure 4, the control unit 10 has an input side and an output side. The input side is provided with power connectors and / or data connectors, and the output side is connected to local sensors and / or actuators. The input side is connected to the supply rail 152 in Figure 4 via suitable interfaces. In addition, a data connection can be established via suitable interfaces. With the system from Figure 4, fastening the control unit 10 to the vehicle is simplified and / or accelerated and / or carried out more reliably. In particular, the fastening can also be carried out at least largely automatically. This is achieved, for example, by connecting all connectors and / or interfaces in one step and / or simultaneously during installation.

[0050] In Figure 4, various elements are stacked on top of one another along a common self-centering system. First, a power supply (power backbone) with or as a ground rail 150 and a supply rail 152 is arranged or installed in the vehicle. A ground bolt 140 is arranged on the ground rail 150. A supply bolt 142 is arranged on the supply rail 152. By way of example, it is assumed that the ground bolt 140 serves as a guide element and thus as a self-centering center. The ground bolt 140 has a flank angle to improve or simplify the self-centering of the other elements to be stacked. Additionally or alternatively, the supply bolt 142 can have a corresponding flank angle.Corresponding designs as bolts 140 with a thread and consequently a flank angle of the thread are shown in Figures 1 to 3 and can accordingly be used in the embodiment according to Figure 4.

[0051] A modular connector 60 is then positioned. The modular connector can also be designed, for example, as a mating housing 60, which is described with reference to Figures 5a to 5d. The modular connector 60 has a connector frame and various mating interfaces 120, e.g., inlets and / or connectors. Screw holes can also be provided. The mating interfaces 120, e.g., inlets and / or connectors, can be supplemented or combined as needed. The mating interfaces 120, e.g., inlets and / or connectors, are arranged on the connector frame 60 and point upwards (toward the control unit 10) to enable a connection to the control unit 10, more precisely, to the underside of the control unit 10.

[0052] The control unit 10 is then positioned, for example, by a robot using a gripper. In this way, the control unit 10 can be brought into the desired positioning position. In the positioning position, a desired position along the longitudinal axis of the ground bolt 140 can be provided. In the positioning position, a desired position in the circumferential direction of the ground bolt 140 can be achieved. The control unit 10 has corresponding interfaces on its underside (not shown in Figure 4, but described with reference to Figures 1 to 3), for example inlets and / or connectors. The control unit 10 is guided such that it is plugged or stacked onto the ground bolt 140 with an opening provided in the control unit 10 (not visible in Figure 4 but described with reference to Figures 1 to 3).When the control unit 10 is moved into the positioning position, the control unit 10 is, for example, in the desired position along the longitudinal axis of the ground bolt 140 and is, for example, correctly oriented, i.e., it has, for example, a desired orientation in the circumferential direction of the ground bolt 140. By stacking, the control unit 10 is connected to the ground rail 150, the supply rail 152 (e.g., the current-conducting rail), and the modular connector 60. Furthermore, a connection can be established in the control unit 10 between the ground bolt 140 and / or the supply bolt 142 and the circuit board 30, as described with reference to Figures 1 to 3.

[0053] The flank angle of the ground bolt 140 and / or the power bolt 142 can simplify centering of the control unit 10 with respect to other elements, such as the bolts 140, 142, and / or the modular connector 60. The final mating can be achieved, for example, by screwing a nut onto the ground bolt 140 and / or the power bolt 142, thereby pressing the control unit 10 downward toward the vehicle body, the interfaces 120, the power supply 150, 152, and / or the modular connector 60.

[0054] If no power supply is available, a self-retaining screw, for example, can be used. This cannot fall off. In addition, an eyelet 62, 64 can be provided between the control unit 10 and the modular connector 60. Instead of the ground bolt 140, the supply bolt 142 can also be used for centering. For this purpose, the positions of the bolts in Figure 4 can be swapped, for example. In a special embodiment, the eyelet 62 and / or the eyelet 64 can be designed as a positioning bushing 50, as described with reference to Figures 1 to 3 and shown schematically in Figures 1 and 2. Figures 5a to 5d show a variant of the exemplary embodiments shown in Figures 1 to 4.In Figures 5a to 5d, as in Figure 4, a type of modular connector 60 is provided for attachment to the vehicle, which in Figures 5a to 5d is designed as a counter housing by way of example and is accordingly referred to as counter housing 60.

[0055] Figure 5a shows a control unit 10 with a housing 12 with, for example, five interfaces 20, 22, 24, 26, 28, to illustrate that, in principle, any number of interfaces can be provided in the control unit 10. An opening 40 (a circular hole in the example shown) is arranged in the housing 12 as a positioning element.

[0056] Figure 5b shows an exploded view of a system 1 for fastening the control unit 10 from Figure 5a. Two bolts 140, 142 are fastened, for example, directly to a vehicle body 100. One of the bolts 140, 142 can be a ground bolt, the other a supply bolt. With reference to Figures 5b to 5d, the bolts 140, 142 are only generally referred to as bolts 140, 142, since both configurations (bolt 140 as a ground bolt and bolt 142 as a supply bolt and vice versa) are possible. Figure 5 shows a counter housing 60. The counter housing 60 also has an opening 40 as a positioning element. By placing the counter housing 60 with its opening 40 onto the bolt 140, it can be connected, for example, directly to the vehicle body 100. The counter housing 60 further has another opening 42. The bolt 142 can penetrate the opening 42.By inserting the bolts 140, 142 into the openings 40, 42 while moving the counter housing 60 toward the vehicle body, the counter housing 60 is clearly and firmly positioned. Counter interfaces 120, 122, 124, 126, 128 can be arranged in the counter housing 60 before or after positioning the counter housing 60.

[0057] Figure 5c shows details of the counter housing 60. In particular, the five exemplary counter interfaces 120, 122, 124, 126, 128 can be seen. The counter interfaces 120, 122, 124, 126, 128 are received in associated compartments, for example, by form-fitting and / or frictional engagement. The compartments are defined by the inner and / or outer sides of the counter housing 60. The size of the compartments is matched to the size of the counter interfaces 120, 122, 124, 126, 128; for example, the size of the compartments and the size of the counter interfaces 120, 122, 124, 126, 128 correspond at least almost. Figure 5d shows a state of the system 1 in which the housing 12 and the counter housing 60 are detachably connected to one another. The connection can be made via snap or locking hooks or other connecting elements on the housing 12 and / or counter housing 60.In the state shown in Figure 5d, the housing 12 is connected to the counter housing 60, and the overall housing formed from the housing 12 and the counter housing 60 is connected to the vehicle body 100 via the bolts 140, 142 and by screwing a respective nut onto the bolts 140, 142. It is possible, in accordance with the disclosure described, to first connect the housing 12 and the counter housing 60 to one another and then to connect the overall housing formed therefrom to the vehicle body via the bolts 140, 142. It is equally possible to first place the counter housing onto the bolts 140, 142 and then connect the housing 12 to the counter housing 60 and then secure it via the nuts screwed onto the bolts 140, 142.In the state shown in Figure 3d, the housing 12 is in the positioning position in which the control unit 10 is connected to the vehicle body 100 via the bolts 140, 142 and, in addition, the interfaces 20, 22, 24, 26, 28 are connected to the counter interfaces 120, 122, 124, 126, 128.

[0058] Figure 6 shows a block diagram of a method for attaching a control unit 10 for a vehicle electrical system in a vehicle. The method can be implemented with reference to any of Figures 1 to 5d. The method comprises providing at least one guide element attached or attachable to the vehicle (step S602). The method comprises providing at least one counter-interface provided on the vehicle side (step S604). The method comprises providing a control unit 10 for a vehicle electrical system of the vehicle (S606). The control unit has at least one electronic component 14 and at least one positioning element. The method comprises positioning the control unit 10 on or in the vehicle in a positioning position via the guide element attached or attachable to or in the vehicle (step S608).In the positioning position, the control unit 10 is fastened to or in the vehicle and at the same time a connection is established or can be established between an interface of the at least one electronic component 14 and the at least one counter-interface provided on the vehicle side.

[0059] In all embodiments illustrated in Figures 1 to 6, the control unit 10 may comprise a zone control unit or be configured as a zone control unit, or may comprise a conventional electronic control unit (ECU) or be configured as an ECU. All details described with reference to Figures 1 to 6 can be combined with one another in a suitable manner.

Claims

Patent claims 1. A control unit (10) for an on-board electrical system of a vehicle, the control unit (10) comprising: at least one electronic component (14); and at least one positioning element (40) which is designed to enable positioning of the control unit (10) on or in the vehicle in a positioning position via a guide element (140) attached or attachable to or in the vehicle, in which position the control unit (10) is attached to or in the vehicle and at the same time a connection is or can be established between an interface (20, 22) of the at least one electronic component (14) and at least one counter-interface (120, 122) provided on the vehicle.

2. Control unit (10) according to claim 1, wherein in the positioning position the control unit (10) is positioned in a longitudinal direction of the guide element (140) and / or in a circumferential direction of the guide element (140) such that the control unit (10) is fastened to or in the vehicle and at the same time a connection between the interface (20, 22) of the at least one electronic component (14) and the at least one counter-interface (120, 122) provided on the vehicle side is established or can be established, for example the interface (20, 22) of the at least one electronic component (14) and the at least one counter-interface (120, 122) provided on the vehicle side are located at the same position in the circumferential direction of the guide element (140).

3. Control unit (10) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the control unit (10) has a housing (12) and the at least one electronic component (14) is arranged on or in the housing (12).

4. Control unit (1) according to one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the at least one positioning element (40) has one or more openings on or in the control unit (10), in particular in the housing (12), or is designed as one or more openings on or in the control unit (10), in particular in the housing (12).

5. Control unit (10) according to one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the interface (20, 22) of the at least one electronic component (14) has at least one Connector, for example at least one plug and / or at least one pin strip, and / or at least one electrical or electronic interface and / or at least one outer surface of the at least one electronic component (14).

6. A system (1) for fastening a control unit (10) for a vehicle's electrical system in a vehicle, the system (1) comprising: at least one guide element (140) attached or attachable to or in the vehicle; at least one counter-interface (120, 122) provided on the vehicle side; and a control unit (10) for a vehicle's electrical system, the control unit (10) comprising: at least one electronic component (14);and at least one positioning element (40) which is designed to enable the control unit (10) to be positioned on or in the vehicle in a positioning position via the guide element (140) which is or can be mounted on or in the vehicle, in which the control unit (10) is fastened to or in the vehicle and at the same time a connection is or can be established between an interface (20, 22) of the at least one electronic component (14) and the at least one counter-interface (120, 122) provided on the vehicle side.; 7. System (1) according to claim 6, wherein the control unit (10) has a housing (12) and the at least one electronic component (14) is arranged on or in the housing (12) 8. System (1) according to claim 6 or 7, wherein the at least one guide element (140) has at least one bolt, in particular at least one ground bolt or supply bolt of the vehicle, and / or at least one pin and / or at least one screw or is designed as at least one bolt, in particular as at least one ground bolt or supply bolt of the vehicle, and / or at least one pin and / or at least one screw.

9. System (1) according to one of claims 6 to 8, wherein the system (1) comprises a counter housing (60) which is arranged or can be arranged on or in the vehicle.

10. System (1) according to one of claims 6 to 9, wherein the at least one counter interface is arranged or can be arranged on or in the vehicle and / or the at least one counter interface is arranged or can be arranged on or in the counter housing (60).

11. System (1) according to one of claims 6 to 10, wherein the at least one mating interface (120, 122) has one or more mating connectors, in particular one or more mating connectors and / or one or more pin strips, and / or one or more electrical or electronic mating interfaces and / or at least one current-conducting rail (152) and / or at least one data-conducting rail and / or an outer surface of one or more cooling devices (110).

12. System (1) according to one of claims 6 to 11, wherein the guide element (140) is provided on a current-conducting rail (152) and / or data-conducting rail of the vehicle.

13. System (1) according to one of claims 6 to 12, wherein the at least one guide element (140) is designed and arranged to be or be mechanically and / or electrically connected or coupled to a busbar and / or a printed circuit board (30) of the control unit (10).

14. A method for mounting a control unit (10) for a vehicle electrical system in a vehicle, the method comprising: Providing (S602) at least one guide element (140) attached or attachable to or in the vehicle; Providing (S604) at least one counter interface (120, 122) provided on the vehicle side; and Providing (S606) a control unit (10) for an on-board network of the vehicle, wherein the control unit (10) comprises: at least one electronic component (14); and at least one positioning element (40); and Positioning (S608), via the guide element (140) attached or attachable to or in the vehicle, the control unit (10) on or in the vehicle (10) in a positioning position in which the control unit (10) is attached to or in the vehicle and at the same time a connection is or can be established between an interface (20, 22) of the at least one electronic component (14) and the at least one interface (120, 122) provided on the vehicle.

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