Electronic housing

Abstract

The invention relates to an electronic housing (1) with a hinge element (7), having at least three housing parts (3A, 3B, 3C) which can be placed next to one another in a row, wherein the three housing parts (3A, 3B, 3C) have corresponding opening portions (5A, 5B, 5C) of an opening (5) which extends through the housing parts (3A, 3B, 3C); and at least one elongated hinge element (7) which can be introduced into the opening (5). The hinge element (7) has three hinge regions (7A, 7B, 7C) for the three housing parts (3A, 3B, 3C) in order to hold a second and third housing part (3B, 3C) of the three housing parts (3A, 3B, 3C) relative to a first housing part (3A) of the three housing parts (3A, 3B, 3C).

Description

[0001] Electronics housing

[0002] The invention relates to an electronics housing with a hinge element.

[0003] Such electronics housings can have housing parts that are designed to be arranged in series with one another.

[0004] The electronics housings known from the prior art are used, for example, for sensor applications, Internet of Things (IoT) applications, Industrial Internet of Things (HoT) applications, for industrial controls, etc. Printed circuit boards (PCBs), such as custom PCBs for embedded systems or single-board computers, are often inserted into the electronics housing, and connection elements connected to the printed circuit board are led out of the electronics housing through openings. Depending on the application, the electronics housings are often designed according to an IP (Ingress Protection) protection class in order to protect the printed circuit board, or the electronics arranged in the electronics housing, from external influences such as dust or moisture. For example, the document US 2019 / 0289728 A1 shows an electronics housing known from the prior art.

[0005] Also known from the prior art are electronics housings whose housing parts are connected to one another by hinges. This ensures that the housing parts are correctly positioned relative to one another, allowing an installer to open and close the electronics housing with one hand, even in difficult and hard-to-access installation situations. Furthermore, the housing parts connected by hinges are captively connected to one another. The use of hinge elements in electronics housings is described, for example, in documents EP 1 352 457 A1, GB 1 306 649 A, DE 9 216 735 U1, and EP 2 095 478 A1.

[0006] However, the electronics housings known from the prior art have the disadvantage that the hinge elements are often arranged on the outside of the electronics housing, requiring a certain distance between the housing parts. Band-like designs of the hinge elements, for example, made of a plastic material, have proven to be less durable and also only allow for limited correct positioning of the connected housing parts. Furthermore, the electronics housings known from the prior art do not offer the possibility of a modular arrangement of hinge elements on the electronics housing, depending on the intended application.

[0007] The object of the present invention is to provide an electronics housing that has at least one modularly arranged hinge element for correctly and securely positioning the housing parts relative to one another. Furthermore, the hinge element should be located within the housing contour and should not have any elements protruding outward from the electronics housing.

[0008] This object is achieved by an article having the features of claim 1.

[0009] Accordingly, the electronics housing comprises at least three housing parts that are designed to be arranged in a row, wherein the three housing parts have corresponding opening sections of an opening extending through the housing parts. Furthermore, the electronics housing comprises at least one longitudinally configured hinge element that is designed to be inserted into the opening, wherein the hinge element has three hinge regions for the three housing parts in order to hold a second and third housing part of the three housing parts relative to a first housing part of the three housing parts.

[0010] The electronics housing has at least three housing parts that are designed to be arranged in a row. Arranging them in a row can mean assembling or connecting the housing parts to form the housing shell of the electronics housing, or the electronics housing can be assembled from the housing parts. The housing parts can be releasably connected to one another using locking or screw elements. In some examples, the base area of ​​the electronics housing can be rectangular. Alternatively, the base area can also be polygonal or, particularly in corner areas, partially rounded.

[0011] The three housing parts have corresponding opening sections of an opening extending through the housing parts. In the assembled position, when the housing parts are lined up or assembled, the first opening section can extend as a through-opening through the first housing part into the second opening section, which is also designed as a through-opening, and then merge into the second housing section, before subsequently merging into the third opening section in the third housing part. The third opening section can also be designed as a through-opening, or can extend only partially through the material of the third housing part, so that the opening does not protrude from a surface of the third housing part.A longitudinal or rod-shaped element, such as the longitudinally designed hinge element, can be inserted or inserted into the opening thus created in the three housing parts. The insertion can occur through the first opening section on a rear side of the first housing part, wherein the rear side is opposite the side of the first housing part with which the first housing part is arranged on the second housing part.

[0012] This allows the hinge element to be arranged within the housing contour and hinge elements on the outside of the electronics housing can be omitted.

[0013] Furthermore, the hinge element has three hinge areas for the three housing parts in order to hold a second and third housing part of the three housing parts relative to a first housing part of the three housing parts.

[0014] The three hinge areas can be connected to one another via joints. The joints can be understood as axes of rotation that run one behind the other in the direction of the hinge element and are arranged transversely to the direction of the hinge element. The inserted hinge element connects the housing parts to one another and enables the housing parts to be moved or folded relative to one another. For example, the first housing part can be arranged stationary on a support element, such as a wall, while the second and third housing parts can be moved or folded in one direction around the respective joints.

[0015] The movement or folding of the housing parts can be achieved by means of the hinge element, which is constructed in one piece or in one piece and can be inserted into the housing. In one embodiment, the first housing part is designed as a lower housing part, the second housing part as an upper housing part, and the third housing part as a cover frame.

[0016] The first and second housing parts can be shell-like and substantially complementary to one another in order to surround an electronic arrangement, for example an electronic arrangement on a printed circuit board, in the assembled state. When joined together, the first housing part and the second housing part can meet at a joining edge. Furthermore, the first housing part and the second housing part can have side walls that adjoin one another at the edges and form a housing shell. The housing parts can be shell-like, and the side walls can be arranged transversely, in particular at a right angle, on a respective base area of ​​the housing parts and enclose a volume. The side surfaces can extend from the base area to a free end of the housing parts. In examples, the base area can be rectangular.Alternatively, the base surface can also be polygonal, or, particularly in corner areas, partially rounded. The housing walls can also be arranged at an angle of more or less than 90° to the base surface. The joining edge can run along a free end of the side walls, with the free end also forming an edge to delimit an interior space of the housing parts.

[0017] The third housing part, designed as a cover frame, can serve as a visual cover for the fastening elements used to connect the first and second housing parts. Furthermore, the cover frame can serve as a label carrier or extend like a frame around an electronic element, such as a display, that is arranged in a side wall of the upper housing part. Furthermore, a protruding protective shield can be integrated into the cover frame. For example, the cover frame can be attached by simply pressing it onto the upper housing part, where it can lock together using corresponding locking elements.

[0018] In one embodiment, the first housing part has at least one mounting opening for mounting on a support element, in particular on a wall, and / or connecting elements for mounting on a mounting adapter. For example, the first housing part can be attached to the wall by means of one or more screws or arranged on a mounting adapter by means of connecting elements designed as locking elements.

[0019] In one embodiment, the hinge element is formed from a plastic material, in particular from a flexible plastic material, and has a first end region and an opposite second end region in the direction of travel.

[0020] For example, the hinge element can be formed cost-effectively from an elastic material using an injection molding process and extend longitudinally between the opposite end regions.

[0021] In one embodiment, the three hinge regions are arranged one behind the other in the direction of extension of the hinge element between the first and the second end region and are connected to one another via a first joint point between the first and the second hinge region and via a second joint point between the second and the third hinge region in a bendable manner in only one direction.

[0022] The articulation points can be understood as axes of rotation that run one behind the other in the material of the hinge element in the direction of travel of the hinge element and are arranged transversely to the direction of travel. The articulation points can be arranged such that, in the assembled position, the first articulation point is located between the first housing part and the second housing part, and the second articulation point is located between the second housing part and the third housing part. The inserted hinge element connects the housing parts to one another and enables the housing parts to be moved, bent, or folded relative to one another. For example, the first housing part can be arranged stationary on the holding element, such as the wall, and the second and third housing parts can be bent, moved, or folded in only one direction about the respective articulation points.The direction can be understood here as a common direction, for example, in the direction of gravity. Bending against this direction can be prevented by abutting edges arranged at the respective joint points. In one embodiment, the first and second joint points of the hinge element are designed as film hinges.

[0023] The joints designed as film hinges can be formed as thin-walled material sections between the hinge areas and do not require any bearings or sliding parts.

[0024] In one embodiment, the hinge element has a first locking element at the first end region for securing to the first housing part and a second locking element at the second end region for securing to the third housing part.

[0025] The hinge element can be inserted into the opening via the opening section in the first housing part and, when inserted, extend through the three housing parts. In the above-mentioned embodiment, locking elements are arranged at the opposite end regions, which allow insertion into the opening but prevent movement of the hinge element out of the first housing part. For example, the locking elements can be hook-shaped and designed to engage behind holding sections in the first and third opening sections on the first and third housing parts when inserted. For this purpose, in some embodiments, corresponding holding sections, which are designed, for example, as locking lugs, are arranged in the first and third opening sections on the first and third housing parts.

[0026] In one embodiment, the hinge element can be introduced into the opening through the first opening section for at least partially movable arrangement of the hinge element in the direction of extension between the housing parts.

[0027] For example, before assembling the electronics housing, the hinge element can be inserted from the rear side of the first housing part, which is designed as a housing base, when the three housing parts are lined up or connected to one another. In the inserted state, the hinge element can be arranged in the opening so that it can be moved in translation, at least in some areas, or can be moved or displaced along the direction of travel. For this purpose, the opening can, for example, be longer than the hinge element. By arranging the hinge element so that it can be moved or displaced in the direction of travel between the housing parts, it can be easier to fold the second and third housing sections.

[0028] In one embodiment, the hinge element is designed for positive insertion into the opening. This allows for improved retention of the hinge element in the opening.

[0029] In one embodiment, the hinge element has a U-shaped profile between the first and the second end region and has abutting edges at the joint points.

[0030] Thanks to the U-shaped profile and the abutting edges at the joint points, the hinge element can be designed to be pressure-resistant, allowing it to be easily inserted into the opening.

[0031] Abutting edges can be defined as sections of material in the material of the hinge element which form a mechanical stop with each other when the joints are not folded down.

[0032] The abutting edges can absorb the assembly pressure, particularly when overcoming the locking elements or one of the locking elements during installation of the hinge element in the opening. The design with abutting edges at the joints allows for a space- and material-saving design of the joints as film hinges while maintaining pressure stability. Furthermore, the abutting edges prevent bending in the opposite direction of the bending direction.

[0033] In one embodiment, the three housing parts have further corresponding opening sections of a further opening extending through the housing parts, and the electronics housing has a further longitudinally designed hinge element which is designed to be insertable into the further opening, wherein the further hinge element has three further hinge regions for the three housing parts in order to hold the second and third housing parts of the three housing parts relative to the first housing part of the three housing parts. The hinge element and the further hinge element can be designed identically. Furthermore, the opening and the further opening can also be designed identically. The openings can be arranged vertically mirrored around a central axis which runs vertically through the center of the electronics housing in the housing parts. Such an arrangement enables controlled movement or folding of the housing parts.

[0034] In one embodiment, the opening extending through the three housing parts and the further opening are arranged longitudinally spaced from one another on a plane for folding away the second and third housing parts longitudinally around the plane.

[0035] In one embodiment, the first and the second housing part can be joined together in a form-fitting and separable manner along a joining edge, and the first and the second housing part have side walls which adjoin one another at the edges and form a housing shell, wherein a first side wall of the first housing part is formed lower at least in one region than a second side wall of the first housing part opposite the first side wall.

[0036] This design makes it easier to fold the housing parts.

[0037] The concept underlying the invention will be explained in more detail below with reference to the exemplary embodiments illustrated in the figures. They show:

[0038] Fig. 1A, 1B views of an electronics housing according to an embodiment of the invention;

[0039] Fig. 2A, 2B are perspective views of the hinge element according to the previously shown embodiment of the invention;

[0040] Fig. 3 is a perspective view of the electronics housing according to the previously shown embodiment of the invention; Fig. 4 is a perspective side view of the electronics housing according to the previously shown embodiment of the invention with the third housing part unfolded;

[0041] Fig. 5 is a perspective side view of the electronics housing according to the previously shown embodiment of the invention with the second and third housing parts unfolded;

[0042] Fig. 6 is a perspective front view of the electronics housing according to the previously shown embodiment with housing parts arranged in a row; and

[0043] Fig. 7A, 7B a perspective view of the electronics housing according to the previously shown embodiment of the invention with the third housing part unfolded.

[0044] Figure 1A shows a side view of an embodiment of the electronics housing 1. The lower area with an opening 5 and a hinge element 7 is shown as a sectional view. Figure 1B shows the lower area shown in Figure 1A as a detailed view.

[0045] In the embodiment shown in Figures 1A and 1B, the electronics housing 1 comprises three housing parts 3A, 3B, 3C, which are shown in a row. In the embodiment shown, the first and second housing parts 3A, 3B are releasably connected to one another by means of screw elements 11A-11N, as shown in more detail in Figure 7B. In the embodiment shown, the second and third housing parts 3B, 3C are releasably connected to one another by means of locking elements.

[0046] Furthermore, in the embodiment shown, the first housing part 3A is designed as a lower housing part, the second housing part 3B as an upper housing part, and the third housing part 3C as a cover frame.

[0047] In the embodiment shown, the first and second housing parts 3A, 3B are shell-like and substantially complementary to one another in order to be able to accommodate an electronics arrangement when assembled. During assembly, the first housing part 3A and the second housing part 3B meet at a joining edge 31. As shown, the first housing part 3A and the second housing part 3B have side walls 3AA, 3AC, 3BA, 3BC which adjoin one another at the edges and form a housing shell. In the embodiment shown, a first side wall 3AA of the first housing part 3A is lower than a second side wall 3AC of the first housing part 3A opposite the first side wall 3AA. Correspondingly, a first side wall 3BA of the second housing part 3B is higher than a second side wall 3BC of the second housing part 3B opposite the first side wall 3BA.Due to the design of the side walls 3AA, 3AC, 3BA, 3BC in this way, the shown joining edge 31 runs diagonally along the side walls 3AB, 3BB. For mounting the electronics housing 1 on a support element, in particular on a wall, or for mounting on a mounting adapter, the first housing part 3A has mounting openings 9A-9N. For example, screws can be inserted through the mounting openings 9A-9N to fasten the first housing part 3A to the wall using the screws.

[0048] The third housing part 30, which in the embodiment shown is designed as a cover frame, serves as a cover for the screw elements 11A-11D used to connect the first and second housing parts 3A, 3B to one another and as a cover for the mounting openings 9A-9N.

[0049] In the embodiment shown in Figures 1A and 1B, the three housing parts 3A, 3B, 3C have corresponding opening sections 5A, 5B, 50 of an opening 5 extending through the housing parts 3A, 3B, 30. The hinge element 7 shown is inserted through the first opening section 5A on the rear side or bottom of the first housing part 3A shown. In the embodiment shown, the hinge element 7 has three hinge regions 7A, 7B, 70 for the three housing parts 3A, 3B, 30 in order to hold the second and third housing parts 3B, 30 relative to the stationary first housing part 3A, as shown in Figure 5. For this purpose, the three hinge regions 7A, 7B, 70 are connected to one another via joints 71A, 71B.

[0050] Furthermore, in the embodiment shown, the hinge element 7 has a first locking element 73A at the first end region 75A for securing it to the first housing part 3A, and at the second end region 75B, the hinge element 7 has a second locking element 73B for securing it to the third housing part 3A. The locking elements 73A, 73B shown enable insertion into the opening 5, but prevent movement of the hinge element 7 out of the first housing part 3A. In the inserted state shown in Figures 1A and 1B, the locking elements 73A, 73B engage behind corresponding holding sections 33A, 33B in the first and third opening sections 5A, 5B on the first and third housing parts 3A.

[0051] In the embodiment shown, in the inserted state, the hinge element 7 is arranged at least partially translationally movable, or movable or displaceable along the direction of travel in the opening 5.

[0052] Figures 2A and 2B show perspective views of the hinge element 7 according to the previously shown embodiment of the invention.

[0053] In the embodiment shown, the hinge element 7 is made of a flexible plastic material and has a U-shaped profile in the direction of extension V between the first end region 75A and the opposite second end region 75B. As shown, the three hinge regions 7A-7C are arranged one behind the other in the direction of extension V of the hinge element 7 and are connected to one another in a bendable manner in one direction via a first joint point 71A between the first and second hinge regions 7A, 7B and via a second joint point 71B between the second and third hinge regions 7B, 7B, as shown in detail below in Figures 4 and 5. The joint points 71A, 71B are formed transversely to the direction of extension V in the material of the hinge element 7 as so-called film hinges. The joint points 71A, 71B enable the housing parts 3A-3C to move, or bend, or fold relative to one another.As shown, abutting edges 72A, 72B are arranged at the joint points 71A, 71B, or on the parallel legs of the U-shaped profile. Furthermore, in the embodiment shown, the locking elements 73A, 73B are hook-shaped and arranged on the underside of the hinge element 7. In further embodiments, the locking elements 73A, 73B can also be designed differently, for example as material thickenings. When overcoming the locking element 73B during assembly, or when inserting the hinge element 7 in the direction of travel, V, into the opening 5, as previously shown in Figures 1A and 1B, the assembly pressure is absorbed by or via the abutting edges 72A, 72B.

[0054] Figure 3 shows a perspective view of a rear side of the electronics housing 1 according to the previously shown embodiment of the invention.

[0055] Figure 3 shows that the three housing parts 3A, 3B, 3C have, in addition to the opening 5 shown in the side views, another similarly designed opening 6 which extends through the housing parts 3A, 3B, 3C. As shown, another longitudinally designed hinge element 8 is inserted into the additional opening 6. In the embodiment shown, the hinge element 7 and the additional hinge element 8 are of similar design. The openings 5, 6 run parallel, mirrored around a vertically running central axis in the housing parts 3A, 3B, 3C. In the embodiment shown, the second and third housing parts 3B, 3C can be folded away about a rotation axis or plane which runs along an axis between the openings 5, 6, as shown in the following figures.

[0056] Figure 4 shows a perspective side view of the electronics housing 1 according to the previously shown embodiment of the invention with the third housing part 3C unfolded. In Figure 4, the third housing part 3C is folded around the second hinge point 71B of the hinge element 7. As shown, the third housing part 3C is held by the hinge element via the connection of the second locking element 73B to the second holding section 33B, while at the same time the first locking element 73A is held on the first holding section 33A of the first housing part 3A. As a result, the hinge element 7 can be moved at least partially in the opening 5 in order to ensure easy folding and holding of the third housing part 3C.

[0057] Furthermore, in Figure 4, the screw elements 11A-11N between the first and second housing parts 3A, 3B are loosened in order to also fold out the second housing part 3B, as shown below in Figure 5. In Figure 5, the first housing part 3A is arranged stationary and the second housing part 3B is folded around the first hinge point 71A of the hinge element 7 and the third housing part 3C is folded around the second hinge point 71B of the hinge element 7. As shown, the third housing part 3C is held by the hinge element 7 via the connection of the second locking element 73B to the second holding section 33B, wherein at the same time the first locking element 73A is held on the first holding section 73A of the first housing part 3A.

[0058] Figure 6 shows a perspective front view of the electronics housing 1 according to the previously shown embodiment with housing parts 3A, 3B, 30 arranged in a row in an assembled position in which the housing parts 3A, 3B, 30 are connected to one another. Figure 6 also shows a section of a tool 100 designed as a screwdriver, with which the locking connection between the second and third housing parts 3B, 30 can be released in order to open the third housing part 30, as shown in Figure 4.

[0059] Figures 7A and 7B show perspective views of the electronics housing 1 according to the previously shown embodiment of the invention with the third housing part 30 unfolded.

[0060] The third housing part 30, designed as a cover frame, serves as a cover for the screw elements 11A-11D used to connect the first and second housing parts 3A, 3B to one another and also as a cover for the mounting openings 9A-9N.

[0061] In the embodiment shown, the three housing parts 3A-3D are formed in an arc shape outwards on an upper housing side, which is shown as side wall 3AA, 3BA.

[0062] List of reference symbols

[0063] 1 electronics housing

[0064] 3A, 3B, 3C Housing parts 3AA-3BC Side wall 31 Joining edge

[0065] 33A, 33B holding section

[0066] 5, 6 opening

[0067] 5A, 5B, 5C opening section

[0068] 7, 8 Hinge element

[0069] 7A, 7B, 7C hinge area

[0070] 71A, 71B joint

[0071] 72A, 72B butt edge

[0072] 73A, 73B locking element

[0073] 75A, 75B End area 9A-9N Mounting opening 11A-11 N Screw element

[0074] 100 tools

[0075] V Direction of travel

Claims

Patent claims 1. Electronics housing (1) with hinge element (7), comprising: at least three housing parts (3A, 3B, 30) which are designed to be arranged in series with one another, and wherein the three housing parts (3A, 3B, 30) have corresponding opening sections (5A, 5B, 50) of an opening (5) extending through the housing parts (3A, 3B, 30); characterized by at least one longitudinally designed hinge element (7) which is designed to be insertable into the opening (5), wherein the hinge element (7) has three hinge regions (7A, 7B, 70) for the three housing parts (3A, 3B, 30) in order to hold a second and third housing part (3B, 30) of the three housing parts (3A, 3B, 30) relative to a first housing part (3A) of the three housing parts (3A, 3B, 30).

2. Electronics housing (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the first housing part (3A) is designed as a lower housing part, the second housing part (3B) as an upper housing part, and the third housing part (30) as a cover frame.

3. Electronics housing (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the first housing part (3A) has at least one mounting opening (9A-9N) for mounting on a holding element, in particular on a wall, and / or connecting elements for mounting on a mounting adapter.

4. Electronics housing (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the hinge element (7) is formed from a plastic material, in particular from a flexible plastic material, and has a first end region (75A) and an opposite second end region (75B) in the direction of extension, V.

5. Electronics housing (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the three hinge areas (7A, 7B, 70) are arranged one behind the other in the direction of travel, V, of the hinge element (7) between the first and the second end area (75A, 75B) and are connected via a first articulation point (71A) between the first and the second hinge area (7A, 7B) and a second articulation point (71B) between the second and third hinge areas (7C) are connected to each other so as to be bendable in only one direction.

6. Electronics housing (1) according to claim 5, characterized in that the first and second articulation points (71A, 71B) of the hinge element (7) are designed as film hinges.

7. Electronics housing (1) according to one of claims 4 to 6, characterized in that the hinge element (7) has a first locking element (73A) for securing to the first housing part (3A) at the first end region (75A) and a second locking element (73B) for securing to the third housing part (30) at the second end region (75B).

8. Electronics housing (1) according to one of claims 4 to 7, characterized in that the hinge element (7) can be introduced into the opening (5) through the first opening section (5A) for at least partially movable arrangement of the hinge element (7) in the direction of extension, V, between the housing parts (3A, 3B, 3O).

9. Electronics housing (1) according to one of claims 4 to 8, characterized in that the hinge element (7) is designed for positive insertion into the opening (5).

10. Electronics housing (1) according to one of claims 4 to 9, characterized in that the hinge element (7) has a U-shaped profile between the first and the second end region (75A, 75B) and has abutting edges (72A, 72B) at the joint points (71A, 71B).

11. Electronics housing (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the three housing parts (3A, 3B, 30) have further corresponding opening sections of a further opening (6) extending through the housing parts (3A, 3B, 30), and the electronics housing (1) has a further longitudinally designed hinge element (8) which is designed to be insertable into the further opening (6), wherein the further hinge element (8) has three further hinge areas for the three housing parts (3A, 3B, 30) in order to connect the second and the third housing part (3B, 30) of the three housing parts (3A, 3B, 30) relative to the first housing part (3A) of the three housing parts (3A, 3B, 30).

12. Electronics housing (1) according to claim 11, characterized in that the opening (5) extending through the three housing parts (3A, 3B, 30) and the further opening (6) are arranged longitudinally spaced from one another on a plane, for folding away the second and third housing parts (3B, 30) longitudinally around the plane.

13. Electronics housing (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first and the second housing part (3A, 3B) are arranged along a joining edge can be joined together in a form-fitting and separable manner, and wherein the first and the second housing parts (3A, 3B) have side walls (3AA-3AC) which adjoin one another at the edges and form a housing shell, wherein a first side wall (3AA) of the first housing part (3A) is formed lower at least in one region than a second side wall (3AC) of the first housing part (3A) opposite the first side wall (3AA).

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