Shielding frame that is elastic in the height direction at least in portions, for electrotechnical shielding of electrotechnical components of an electronic device
Patent Information
- Application Number
- PCT/EP2025/055229
- Authority / Receiving Office
- WO · WO
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Priority Date
- 2024-03-07
- Filing Date
- 2025-02-26
- Publication Date
- 2025-10-02
AI Technical Summary
Existing electromagnetic shielding solutions for electronic components in vehicles are cumbersome and require additional fastening methods, complicating assembly and inspection processes.
A shielding frame with elastic frame walls that can be clamped between a circuit board and a housing part, allowing for tolerance compensation and eliminating the need for additional fastening, while providing electrical and thermal conductivity.
Facilitates simplified assembly and inspection of electronic devices by compensating for manufacturing tolerances and ensuring reliable electrical and thermal contact without additional fastening, enhancing electromagnetic compatibility.
Smart Images

Figure EP2025055229_02102025_PF_FP_ABST
Abstract
Description
[0001] Description
[0002] Shielding frame for the electrotechnical shielding of electrotechnical components of an electronic device, which is elastic in height at least in sections
[0003] Technical area
[0004] The invention relates to a shielding frame for the electrotechnical shielding of electrotechnical components of an electronic device, in particular an electronic device for a vehicle, in particular a vehicle detection device, in particular a vehicle camera, a LiDAR system, a radar system, an ultrasound system, or a vehicle control unit, in particular a control unit or a zone control unit, wherein the shielding frame surrounds a receiving space, which serves to receive electrotechnical components to be shielded, at least in sections in a continuous manner, wherein the shielding frame comprises at least one frame wall which has at least one supporting edge, wherein the at least one supporting edge delimits a frame opening to the receiving space in a continuous manner at least in sections.
[0005] Furthermore, the invention relates to a printed circuit board arrangement for an electronic device, in particular for an electronic device for a vehicle, in particular for a vehicle detection device, in particular a vehicle camera, a LiDAR system, a radar system, an ultrasound system, or for a vehicle control device, in particular a control unit or a zone control device, with at least one printed circuit board on which at least one electrical component is arranged, and with at least one shielding frame which is arranged on the at least one printed circuit board in such a way that it at least partially surrounds at least one electrical component.
[0006] Furthermore, the invention relates to an electronic device, in particular an electronic device for a vehicle, in particular a vehicle detection device, in particular a vehicle camera, a LiDAR system, a radar system, an ultrasound system, or a vehicle control device, in particular a control unit or a zone control device, with at least one electrotechnical component and at least one shielding frame which is arranged such that it at least partially surrounds the at least one electrotechnical component.
[0007] Furthermore, the invention relates to a driver assistance system with at least one electronic device, in particular with a vehicle detection device, in particular a vehicle camera, a LiDAR system, a radar system, an ultrasound system, or with a vehicle control unit, in particular a control unit or a zone control unit, with at least one electrotechnical component and at least one shielding frame which is arranged such that it at least partially surrounds the at least one electrotechnical component.
[0008] Furthermore, the invention relates to a vehicle with at least one electronic device, in particular with a vehicle detection device, in particular a vehicle camera, a LiDAR system, a radar system, an ultrasound system, or with a vehicle control unit, in particular a control unit or a zone control unit, with at least one electrotechnical component and at least one shielding frame which is arranged such that it at least partially surrounds the at least one electrotechnical component.
[0009] State of the art
[0010] An electromagnetic shield is known from US 2003 / 0223213 A1. The electromagnetic shield consists of a non-rigid, porous metallic material and a conforming element. The non-rigid, porous metallic material is shaped by the conforming element to have a top surface and side walls extending downward from the top surface. The shaped porous metallic material defines a cavity for receiving at least one circuit component therein.
[0011] The object of the invention is to design a shielding frame, a printed circuit board assembly, an electronic device, a driver assistance system, and a vehicle of the type mentioned above, in which the manufacture of the electronic device, in particular the assembly and / or the optical inspection of the electronic device, can be improved, in particular simplified. Disclosure of the Invention
[0012] The object is achieved according to the invention in the shielding frame in that the at least one frame wall has a support edge on each of the opposite sides and the at least one frame wall between the support edges is elastic at least in sections at least in the direction transverse to the extension of at least one of the support edges.
[0013] According to the invention, a shielding frame is provided which, at least in sections, continuously surrounds a receiving space for accommodating electrical components to be shielded. The shielding frame serves to electrically shield the electrical components that can be arranged in the receiving space when the shielding frame is used in the electronic device.
[0014] The shielding frame has at least one frame wall. The frame wall has a supporting edge on each of its opposite sides. With the supporting edges, the at least one frame wall can be supported on the opposite side against other bodies of the electronic device, in particular a housing part, such as a housing cover, a housing, and a circuit board of the electronic device.
[0015] The extension of the frame wall between the opposite support edges can be referred to as the height of the frame wall.
[0016] The at least one frame wall is elastic, at least in sections, at least in a direction transverse to the extension of at least one of the support edges. In this way, parts of the frame wall can be elastically deformed toward or away from the support edges. "Transverse" can mean that the at least one frame wall is elastic perpendicular or slightly oblique, in particular at an angle of less than 45°, to the extension of at least one of the support edges.
[0017] The at least one frame wall can be elastically deformed with respect to its height. When the shielding frame is installed between two bodies, in particular between a circuit board and a housing part, the at least one frame wall can thus be elastically clamped. Due to the elasticity, a tolerance in the distance between the two bodies, in particular between the circuit board and the housing part, can be better compensated. By means of an elastic prestress, which is generated when the shielding frame is clamped between the two bodies in the at least one frame wall, a reliable contact, in particular an electrically conductive and / or thermally conductive contact, can be formed between the respective supporting edges of the frame wall and the corresponding adjacent bodies, in particular the circuit board and / or the housing part.In this way, the bodies on which the shielding frame is supported can be used in addition to the electrical shielding.
[0018] Advantageously, the at least one frame wall can be elastic in a direction perpendicular to the extension of at least one of the support edges. In this way, the at least one frame wall can be elastically deformed by a force acting perpendicularly on the corresponding support edge. Thus, a mechanical prestressing of the at least one frame wall can be achieved with a prestressing force perpendicular to the extension of the support edges.
[0019] The shielding frame can be used to provide electrical shielding for electrical components. These electrical components can be electronic components such as processors, chips, or the like. The electrical components can also include power components such as voltage converters or the like. They can also be electrical components.
[0020] The shielding frame can be used to shield the electromagnetic radiation emitted by the electrical components from the environment. It can also protect the electrical components from electromagnetic radiation from the environment.
[0021] The shielding frame, with at least one frame wall that is elastic in terms of its height, can be clamped between a circuit board and a housing part, in particular a housing cover. This eliminates the need for additional fastening of the shielding frame to the circuit board, in particular by means of a soldered connection, plug connection, clamp connection, or the like.
[0022] Advantageously, the support edges can each be flat. This allows the support edges to better adhere to flat surfaces of other bodies, in particular a circuit board and / or a housing part.
[0023] Advantageously, the opposing support edges can run parallel to each other. In this way, the at least one frame wall can be arranged between two bodies whose facing surfaces also run parallel to each other.
[0024] Advantageously, at least one of the support edges can extend in a plane. In this way, the at least one support edge can be supported evenly on a flat surface of another body.
[0025] Advantageously, the at least one frame wall can extend perpendicular to a plane in which at least one of the support edges extends. In this way, a force with which the corresponding support edge bears against another body can be better transmitted to the at least one frame wall. Thus, the at least one frame wall can be more effectively clamped elastically between two bodies.
[0026] Advantageously, both support edges can each extend in a corresponding plane. In this way, both support edges can be supported on a respective flat surface of a respective other body.
[0027] Advantageously, the two planes in which the respective support edges extend can run parallel to each other. This allows the shielding frame to be arranged between two parallel surfaces of bodies.
[0028] The shielding frame surrounds the receiving space at least in sections in a continuous manner. The receiving space is surrounded at least in sections in a continuous manner along its outer surface. Advantageously, the shielding frame can surround the receiving space entirely in a continuous manner. In this way, gaps in the shielding are avoided. The receiving space is located within the shielding frame. The shielding frame has an overall extent around the receiving space, which can be referred to as the circumference - based on the circumference line - and a height. The height is the extent perpendicular to the circumference. The height is defined by a distance between the opposite support edges. The at least one frame wall of the shielding frame is elastic in the direction of the height. In this way, the opposite support edges can be moved elastically towards and away from each other.
[0029] Elastic bodies or materials are understood to be solid bodies or substances in which, under the action of deforming forces, internal stresses arise that seek to reverse the induced deformation and, in the case of elastic deformation, actually achieve this when the force is removed. With the aid of the invention, the frame wall, which is at least partially elastic, can optimally adapt its height to a distance between two bodies, in particular between a housing part of the electronic device and a circuit board. The elasticity of the frame wall thus enables tolerance compensation.
[0030] Advantageously, the electronic device can be a so-called zone controller (zone control unit). A zone controller or zone control unit can be used, in particular, to transmit data from sensors and peripheral devices and / or to supply power to systems in the vehicle. Alternatively, the electronic device can advantageously be configured as an electronically operating detection device, in particular as a camera, in particular a windshield camera, front camera, or the like, a LiDAR system, a radar system, an ultrasound system, or the like, or as another electronic control device. Electronic devices, in particular control devices, zone controllers, detection devices, or the like, can be arranged at various locations in a vehicle, in particular in the interior, cargo area, engine compartment, or in an exterior area.The invention can ensure that the electronic device meets the corresponding requirements, particularly with regard to electromagnetic compatibility. The invention can be used in vehicles. An essential functional feature of a vehicle is its ability to move. Vehicles can be motor vehicles. The invention can advantageously be used in land vehicles, in particular cars, trucks, buses, motorcycles, drones, mobile robots, mobile machines, in particular construction or transport machines such as cranes, excavators, or the like, aircraft, in particular aerial drones, and / or (underwater) vehicles, in particular (underwater) drones. The invention can also be used in vehicles that can be operated autonomously or semi-autonomously. However, the invention is not limited to vehicles. It can also be used in stationary operation.
[0031] In an advantageous embodiment, the at least one frame wall can have at least one grid structure having a plurality of grid openings, wherein the grid openings are each delimited at least partially by connecting sections that are elastic in at least some sections. In this way, the elasticity of the at least one frame wall can be realized. The connecting sections that are elastic in at least some sections can be elastically deformed. The grid openings allow freedom of movement of the connecting sections. Parts of the connecting sections can deflect into the grid openings during deformation. In this way, the force required to elastically deform the at least one frame wall can be reduced.
[0032] Advantageously, the at least one frame wall can be made of one piece. This allows it to be manufactured more easily than multi-piece frame walls, particularly frame walls made of fabric or the like. The at least one frame wall can thus be manufactured, in particular, by stamping, injection molding, or another forming process.
[0033] Advantageously, the thickness of the at least one frame wall can be small compared to its extension along the support edges, i.e., along the circumference of the shielding frame, and perpendicular to the support edges, i.e., its height. In this way, the at least one frame wall can be implemented in a more space-saving manner overall. Advantageously, the thickness of the at least one frame wall can be approximately between 0.1 mm and 0.3 mm, in particular 0.2 mm. In this way, the frame wall can be implemented in a stable manner yet elastically deformable in height.
[0034] Advantageously, the height of the at least one frame wall can be approximately between 2 mm and 4 mm, in particular 3 mm. In this way, electrical components, in particular electronic processors or chips, of appropriate heights can be accommodated in the receiving space of the shielding frame.
[0035] Advantageously, the shielding frame surrounding the receiving space can have a circumference of approximately between 100 mm and 250 mm, in particular 200 mm. This allows larger and / or multiple electrical components to be accommodated in the receiving space.
[0036] Advantageously, the shielding frame can have an approximately rectangular or square shape when viewed toward the support edges. This allows electrical components, which are typically rectangular or square in shape, to be arranged in the receiving space in a space-saving manner.
[0037] Advantageously, the at least one frame wall can be made of sheet metal, in particular aluminum sheet. Sheet metal can be easily formed, in particular punched and / or folded. With the lattice structure according to the invention, the sheet metal can be elastically deformed between the supporting edges.
[0038] Advantageously, adjacent connecting sections of the lattice structure can be firmly connected to one another, particularly in one piece. This creates a rigid lattice structure that is still elastic in height.
[0039] The mesh openings also allow for air exchange between the receiving space and the area surrounding the shielding frame. This allows for thermal equalization, allowing the electrical components located within the receiving space to be more effectively cooled.
[0040] In a further advantageous embodiment, the grid openings can be arranged in at least two rows, wherein the at least two rows run along the extension of the two support edges, in particular in the direction of the circumference of the shielding frame, and / or at least two of the grid openings, which are arranged at different distances from at least one of the support edges, can be offset from one another as viewed from the at least one corresponding support edge. In this way, uniform elastic properties can be realized along the at least one frame wall. Furthermore, the arrangement of grid openings in at least two rows can form an overall higher frame wall.
[0041] Grid openings arranged offset from one another enable a more uniform elastic deformation across at least one frame wall.
[0042] Between the offset grid openings, elastic connecting sections can be formed, running diagonally or parallel to the support edges. These elastic connecting sections can be bent elastically, similar to springs.
[0043] In a further advantageous embodiment, at least some of the grid openings along at least one of the support edges can have an elongated shape and / or at least some of the grid openings can be rectangular, long oval, oval, polygonal, in particular diamond-shaped, hexagonal, or the like. In this way, the elastic connecting sections surrounding the grid openings can be elastically deformed uniformly and with less effort.
[0044] In a further advantageous embodiment, at least some of the elastic connecting sections can extend perpendicular to the course of at least one of the support edges, in particular perpendicular to the courses of the two support edges, and / or at least some of the elastic connecting sections can extend parallel to the course of at least one of the support edges, in particular parallel to the courses of the two support edges, and / or at least some of the elastic connecting sections can extend obliquely to the course of at least one of the support edges, in particular obliquely to the courses of the two support edges.
[0045] The connecting sections extending perpendicular to the course of the at least one support edge can act to transmit forces between the support edges and the other elastic connecting sections not extending perpendicular to the course of the at least one support edge.
[0046] The connecting sections extending parallel to the course of at least one support edge can act as elastic spring elements.
[0047] The connecting sections extending obliquely to the course of at least one support edge can act both for the transmission of force between the support edges and as elastic spring elements.
[0048] In a further advantageous embodiment, the shielding frame can comprise or consist of, at least in sections, electrically conductive and / or elastic material, in particular metal, carbon, electrically conductive polymer, composite material, electrically conductive coated material, or the like, and / or the shielding frame can surround the receiving space in a continuous manner with respect to electrical conductivity. Electrically conductive material can be used to create an electrical shield. The shielding frame can surround the receiving space in a continuous manner with respect to electrical conductivity. In this way, a continuous electrical shield can be formed, in particular in the manner of a Faraday cage.
[0049] Advantageously, the shielding frame can be made of aluminum. Aluminum is electrically conductive, elastic, and thermally conductive. Furthermore, aluminum is relatively lightweight. Furthermore, aluminum can be processed very precisely into a grid structure.
[0050] In a further advantageous embodiment, a first supporting edge of the two supporting edges of the at least one frame wall can at least partially delimit a first frame opening of the receiving space and a second supporting edge of the two supporting edges can at least partially delimit a second frame opening of the receiving space and / or the receiving space can each have a frame opening on opposite sides, wherein each frame opening is at least partially delimited by the corresponding supporting edge of the at least one frame wall. In this way, the shielding frame can be arranged on a printed circuit board during assembly of the electronic device, such that the shielding frame surrounds the electrical components on the printed circuit board. During assembly, the electrical components can be passed through one of the frame openings.When the shielding frame is installed, the electrical components arranged in the receiving space can be visually inspected through the opposite frame opening. For example, electrical contacts of the electrical components, in particular solder contacts, plug contacts, clamp contacts, or the like, can be visually inspected even after the shielding frame has been mounted to the circuit board. Furthermore, components or other media, in particular thermally conductive pastes, solder pastes, or the like, can also be subsequently introduced through the frame opening on the side opposite the circuit board. The other media, in particular thermally conductive pastes and / or solder pastes, can be introduced through the still open frame opening into the area in which the corresponding support edge rests on the circuit board, even after assembly.
[0051] In a further advantageous embodiment, the shielding frame can have at least one handling section, in particular at least one handling section with a handling surface, on which the shielding frame can be handled manually and / or mechanically, in particular with a suction device. In this way, the shielding frame can be handled more easily, in particular for assembly. The shielding frame can thus be positioned more easily and more precisely, in particular on a circuit board with the electronic components to be shielded. The at least one handling section can have a handling surface. A suction device, in particular a vacuum suction device or a suction cup, can engage the handling surface for handling the shielding frame.
[0052] Advantageously, at least one handling section can protrude from at least one support edge into one of the frame openings. In this way, the at least one handling section can be arranged in the frame opening in a space-saving manner.
[0053] In a further advantageous embodiment, at least two handling sections, in particular all handling sections, can be arranged on the same side of the shielding frame. This allows the shielding frame to be gripped more evenly and thus handled more precisely.
[0054] Advantageously, at least two, in particular all, handling sections can be arranged on the same side of the frame opening. In this way, the shielding frame can be grasped on the side of one of the frame openings and guided over the electrical components to be shielded with the other frame opening leading.
[0055] In a further advantageous embodiment, the at least one frame wall can have at least two frame wall sections, which, viewed along their supporting edges, are arranged one behind the other and are connected to one another at least in sections. In this way, the overall shape of the shielding frame can be specified more flexibly.
[0056] Advantageously, the at least one frame wall can comprise at least three, in particular four, frame wall sections, which, viewed along their supporting edges, are arranged one behind the other to form a frame wall that continuously surrounds the receiving space. The at least three frame wall sections can be connected to one another at corners of the at least one frame wall. In this way, an overall polygonal shielding frame, in particular a rectangular or square shielding frame, can be formed.
[0057] Advantageously, the shielding frame can have a frame wall that continuously surrounds the receiving space. In this way, the receiving space can be continuously delimited circumferentially by the shielding frame.
[0058] Advantageously, at least one of the support edges can be widened, at least in sections, compared to the thickness of the adjacent section of the at least one frame wall. In this way, the dimensional stability of the at least one frame wall can be increased without compromising its elasticity in the vertical direction. Advantageously, the at least one support edge can be widened toward the frame opening. In this way, the widening can be implemented in a more space-saving manner.
[0059] Advantageously, the shielding frame can have at least one frame corner section, which is located in a connecting section between two adjacent frame wall sections and extends into the frame opening. With at least one frame corner section, the overall dimensional stability of the shielding frame can be improved without compromising the elasticity in the direction of the height of the at least one frame wall.
[0060] Advantageously, at least one of the frame corner sections can form a handling section. This eliminates the need for an additional handling section.
[0061] In a further advantageous embodiment, at least two frame wall sections can be connected to one another in a connecting section, wherein at least one compensation opening can be arranged in the connecting section. The compensation openings can compensate for deformations of the frame wall sections in the direction of the extension of their supporting edges. Such deformations along the frame wall sections can occur as a reaction to elastic deformations in the height of the frame wall sections. This can prevent the shielding frame from deforming in the direction along the extension of the supporting edges, i.e. in the circumferential direction. Advantageously, at least one compensation opening can be arranged at at least one corner of the shielding frame. In this way, changes in the lengths of the adjacent frame wall sections can be compensated for at their ends.
[0062] Furthermore, the object is achieved according to the invention in the printed circuit board arrangement in that the at least one shielding frame is a shielding frame according to the invention.
[0063] According to the invention, the shielding frame surrounds a receiving space, which serves to accommodate electrical components to be shielded, in a continuous manner at least in sections. The shielding frame comprises at least one frame wall having at least one supporting edge. The at least one supporting edge delimits a frame opening to the receiving space in a continuous manner at least in sections. The at least one frame wall has a supporting edge on each of its opposite sides. The at least one frame wall is elastic between the supporting edges, at least in sections, at least in the direction transverse to the extension of at least one of the supporting edges.
[0064] With the shielding frame according to the invention, the electrical components surrounded by the shielding frame can be electrically shielded.
[0065] Advantageously, the shielding frame can rest on the circuit board with one of its support edges. This allows the shielding frame to be held securely to the circuit board.
[0066] Advantageously, the shielding frame can be supported with the other support edge against another body, in particular a housing part, such as a housing cover. In this way, the shielding frame can be held stably between the circuit board and the other body, in particular the housing part.
[0067] Advantageously, the shielding frame can be elastically prestressed in height and clamped between the circuit board and the other body, in particular the housing part. In this way, tolerances, particularly those related to the component, regarding the height of the shielding frame can be compensated for.
[0068] Advantageously, at least one of the support edges can be connected to another body, in particular the circuit board and / or a housing part, by means of an electrically conductive and / or thermally conductive medium, in particular copper paste, solder paste, or the like. In this way, the medium can be used to establish an electrically conductive and / or thermally conductive contact between the shielding frame and the other body. Furthermore, the medium can be used to compensate for tolerances with respect to the height of the shielding frame, in particular the frame wall.
[0069] Furthermore, the object is achieved according to the invention in the electronic device in that the at least one shielding frame is a shielding frame according to the invention.
[0070] According to the invention, the shielding frame surrounds a receiving space, which serves to accommodate electrical components to be shielded, in a continuous manner at least in sections. The shielding frame comprises at least one frame wall having at least one supporting edge. The at least one supporting edge delimits a frame opening to the receiving space in a continuous manner at least in sections. The at least one frame wall has a supporting edge on each of its opposite sides. The at least one frame wall is elastic between the supporting edges, at least in sections, at least in the direction transverse to the extension of at least one of the supporting edges.
[0071] Advantageously, the electronic device can comprise at least one printed circuit board assembly, in particular a printed circuit board assembly according to the invention, with at least one printed circuit board on which the at least one electrical component is arranged. This allows the electrical component to be contacted and held more easily.
[0072] Advantageously, the shielding frame can rest on the circuit board with one of its support edges. This allows the shielding frame to be held securely to the circuit board.
[0073] Advantageously, the electronic device can comprise at least one housing. The at least one electrical component, the at least one shielding frame, and optionally the at least one printed circuit board can be arranged in the housing, protected from the environment.
[0074] Advantageously, the shielding frame can be supported by a support edge against a body, in particular a housing part, such as a housing cover. In this way, the shielding frame can be held securely between the circuit board and the other body, in particular the housing part.
[0075] Advantageously, the electronic device can be a so-called zone controller (zone control device), an electronically operating, i.e. electronic detection device, in particular a camera, in particular a windscreen camera, front camera or the like, a LiDAR system, a radar system, an ultrasound system or the like, or another electronic control device.
[0076] In an advantageous embodiment, the electronic device can have a housing in which at least one printed circuit board and at least one shielding frame are arranged, wherein at least one electrical component is arranged on the at least one printed circuit board, and the shielding frame is arranged between the printed circuit board and an electrically conductive housing part of the housing such that it surrounds at least some of the electrical components in a continuous manner, at least in sections. In this way, the shielding frame, in conjunction with the electrically conductive housing part, can form a continuous shielding cage which electrically shields the electrical components to be shielded. In this way, a shielding cage in the manner of a Faraday cage can be formed.
[0077] Furthermore, the object is achieved according to the invention in the driver assistance system in that the at least one shielding frame of the at least one electronic device is a shielding frame according to the invention. Advantageously, the at least one electronic device can be an electronic detection device of the driver assistance system or an electronic control device of the driver assistance system.
[0078] The driver assistance system allows vehicle functions, in particular driving functions, to be controlled autonomously or semi-autonomously. Information obtained with any electronic detection device, particularly regarding a monitoring area, can be processed with a corresponding control device of the driver assistance system and / or used for autonomous or semi-autonomous operation of the vehicle.
[0079] Furthermore, the object is achieved according to the invention in the vehicle in that the at least one shielding frame of the at least one electronic device is a shielding frame according to the invention.
[0080] In this way, the electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) required when using electrical components in vehicles can be achieved.
[0081] Furthermore, the features and advantages presented in connection with the shielding frame according to the invention, the printed circuit board assembly according to the invention, the electronic device according to the invention, the driver assistance system according to the invention, and the vehicle according to the invention, and their respective advantageous embodiments, apply to one another accordingly and vice versa. The individual features and advantages can, of course, be combined with one another, whereby further advantageous effects can arise that go beyond the sum of the individual effects.
[0082] Short description of the drawings
[0083] Further advantages, features, and details of the invention will become apparent from the following description, in which exemplary embodiments of the invention are explained in more detail with reference to the drawings. Those skilled in the art will expediently consider the features disclosed in the drawings, the description, and the claims in combination individually and combine them to form useful further combinations. The figures show schematically:
[0084] Figure 1 shows a vehicle with a driver assistance system having a windscreen camera and a control unit;
[0085] Figure 2 shows a section through the control unit from Figure 1;
[0086] Figure 3 is an exploded view of the control unit from Figures 1 and 2;
[0087] Figure 4 is a three-dimensional representation of a shielding frame according to a first embodiment for the electrotechnical shielding of electronic components of the control unit from Figures 1 to 3;
[0088] Figure 5 shows an enlarged section of the shielding frame from Figure 4;
[0089] Figure 6 shows an enlarged section of a shielding frame according to a second embodiment, which is suitable for use in the control unit from Figures 1 to 3;
[0090] Figure 7 shows an enlarged section of a shielding frame according to a third embodiment, which is suitable for use in the control unit from Figures 1 to 3.
[0091] In the figures, identical components are provided with identical reference symbols.
[0092] Embodiment(s) of the invention
[0093] Figure 1 shows a front view of a vehicle 10 in the form of a passenger car. The vehicle 10 includes a driver assistance system 12. With the driver assistance system 12, functions of the vehicle 10, such as driving functions, can be performed autonomously or semi-autonomously.
[0094] The driver assistance system 12 comprises, for example, two electronic devices, namely a windshield camera 14 and a control unit 16. The windshield camera 14 is connected to the control unit 16 for control and data transmission, for example by cable or radio.
[0095] The windshield camera 14 is arranged, for example, on the inside of a windshield of the vehicle 10. The windshield camera 14 can be used to monitor a surveillance area in the direction of travel in front of the vehicle 10, for example, for objects. The windshield camera 10 is an electronic detection device of the vehicle, i.e., a vehicle detection device.
[0096] The control unit 16 can control the functions of the windshield camera 14. Furthermore, functions such as the driving functions of the vehicle 10 can be controlled autonomously or semi-autonomously using the control unit 16. For this purpose, the data obtained from the windshield camera 10 regarding the surveillance area, which can be transmitted from the windshield camera 14 to the control unit 16, can be used.
[0097] Figure 2 shows a section through the control unit 16. Figure 3 shows an exploded view of the control unit 16.
[0098] The control unit 16 comprises a housing 18. The housing 18 has a housing base body 20, at the bottom in Figures 2 and 3, and a housing cover 22, at the top.
[0099] The housing cover 22 and the housing base body 20 are each made of electrically conductive material, for example metal, electrically conductive polymer, carbon, a composite material, conductively coated material or the like.
[0100] The housing cover 22 is, for example, connected to the housing base body 20 in a non-destructively separable manner. In the assembled state, the housing base body 20 and the housing cover 22 enclose a housing interior 24, as shown in Figure 2. The housing interior 24 has a housing installation opening 26, which is visible in Figure 3. When the housing 18 is assembled, the housing installation opening 26 is closed by the housing cover 22, as shown in Figure 2.
[0101] During assembly, a printed circuit board 28 and an electrotechnical shielding frame 30 can be inserted into the housing interior 24 through the housing installation opening 26.
[0102] A plurality of electrical components 32 are arranged on the side of the circuit board 28 facing the housing installation opening 26. The electrical components 32 are, for example, processors.
[0103] When the control unit 16 is assembled, the printed circuit board 28 is secured in the housing base 20. The shielding frame 30 is arranged between the printed circuit board 28 and the housing cover 22. The shielding frame 30 is positioned on the printed circuit board 28 such that the shielding frame 30 accommodates the electrical components 32 in a receiving space 34. The shielding frame 30 is clamped between the printed circuit board 28 and the housing cover 22. The shielding frame 30 rests against the housing cover 22 in an electrically conductive manner. The shielding frame 30, together with the housing cover 22, forms a shielding cage 36 for the electrical shielding of the electrical components 32. The shielding cage 36 acts as a Faraday cage.
[0104] The shielding frame 30 according to a first embodiment is shown in Figure 4 as a three-dimensional representation and in Figure 5 in detail in a side view.
[0105] The shielding frame 30 comprises a frame wall 38 and four handling sections 40. The frame wall 38 continuously surrounds the receiving space 34. The shielding frame 30 is made of an electrically conductive material, for example, metal. The shielding frame 30 consists of a single part.
[0106] The frame wall 38 has a first support edge 42 and a second support edge 44 on opposite sides. The first support edge 42, shown at the bottom in Figures 4 and 5, circumferentially delimits a first frame opening 46 leading to the receiving space 34. The second support edge 44, shown at the top in Figures 4 and 5, circumferentially delimits a second frame opening 48 leading to the receiving space 34.
[0107] The second support edge 44 is wider than the thickness of the remaining frame wall 38. This allows for increased dimensional stability of the frame wall 38 without compromising its elasticity along its height 52. The second support edge 44 is wider toward the second frame opening 48. This allows for a more space-saving widening.
[0108] The first support edge 42 extends circumferentially in a first plane 43. The second support edge 44 extends circumferentially in a second plane 45. The first plane 43 and the second plane 45 extend parallel to one another. The first support edge 42 and the second support edge 44 extend parallel to one another. The course of the support edges 42 and 44 is indicated in Figures 4 and 5 by respective double arrows 50. The frame wall 38 extends circumferentially along the course 50 of the support edges 42 and 44 and perpendicular thereto in the direction of a height 52.
[0109] The height 52 of the frame wall 38 is greater than the maximum height of the electrical components 32. The height of the frame wall 38 is, for example, approximately 3 mm.
[0110] The frame wall 38 consists, for example, of four frame wall sections 54. The frame wall sections 54 form the sides of an imaginary cuboid. Overall, the shielding frame 30 is cuboid-shaped, with the first frame opening 46 and the second frame opening 48 located on two opposite sides.
[0111] The length of the frame wall sections 54 and thus the side length of the shielding frame 30 is approximately 50 mm. The thickness of the frame wall sections 54 outside the second support edge 54 is approximately 0.2 mm.
[0112] The frame wall sections 54 are arranged one behind the other along the profiles 50 of the support edges 42 and 44. Adjacent frame wall sections 54 are integrally connected to one another in connecting sections 56. The connecting sections 56 of interconnected frame wall sections 54 form the four rounded edges of the cuboid shielding frame 30.
[0113] In each of the connecting sections 56, a respective compensation opening 58 is arranged.
[0114] The frame wall sections 54 of the frame wall 38 each have a grid structure 60. Figure 5 shows an example of a section of one of the frame wall sections 54 with the grid structure 60 in an enlarged view.
[0115] The grid structure 60 has a plurality of continuous grid openings 62. The grid openings 62 are each defined by two first connecting sections 64, located to the left and right of the respective grid opening 62 in Figure 5, and two second connecting sections 66, located above and below the grid opening 62 in Figure 5. The first connecting sections 64 extend parallel to the profile 50 of the support edges 42 and 44. The second connecting sections 66 extend perpendicular to the profile 50 of the support edges 42 and 44.
[0116] The grid openings 62 are elongated oval. The long sides of the grid openings 62 extend parallel to the profile 50 of the support edges 42 and 44. The long sides of the respective grid openings 62 on opposite sides are defined by two first connecting sections 64. The short sides of the grid openings 62 on opposite sides are defined by two second connecting sections 64. The two first connecting sections 64 of a grid opening 62 are connected to each other on opposite sides by the second connecting sections 66.
[0117] The grid openings 62 are arranged in five rows, for example. The rows extend parallel to the course 50 of the support edges 42 and 44. The grid openings 62 of the different rows are located at different distances from the support edges 42 and 44. The grid openings 62 of adjacent rows are offset from one another when viewed from the support edges 42 and 44. Viewed perpendicular to the course 50 of the support edges 42 and 44, the grid openings 62 of every other row lie in a line. The centers of the grid openings 62 and the centers of the first connecting sections 64 of the grid openings 62 of the adjacent rows lie in a line. Furthermore, the centers of the second connecting sections 66 and the centers of the first connecting sections 64 of the adjacent rows lie in a line.The first connecting sections 64 of one row connect the second connecting sections 66 of the adjacent rows opposite that row. In this way, forces acting perpendicular to the extension 50 of the support edges 42 and 44 can act centrally on the second connecting sections 66 via the first connecting sections 64. The second connecting sections 66 can thus be bent resiliently into the corresponding adjacent grid openings 62.
[0118] The compensation openings 58 extend between the first support edge 42 and the second support edge 44. The compensation openings 58 end on one side approximately at the level of the grid openings 62 next to the first support edge 42 and on the opposite side approximately at the level of the grid openings 62 next to the second support edge 44.
[0119] When the shielding frame 30 is clamped between the circuit board 28 and the housing cover 22, corresponding forces act from the outside perpendicularly on the first support edge 42 and on the second support edge 44. The forces are transferred from the respective support edge 42 or 44 via the first connecting sections 64 to the respective second connecting sections 66. In the process, the second connecting sections 66 are each elastically deformed. The second connecting sections 66 are bent into the grid openings 62 similar to spring elements. In this way, the corresponding frame wall section 54 of the frame wall 38 is elastically deformed in the direction of its height 52. An elastic prestress acting in the direction of the height 52 is generated. The elastic prestress causes the second support edge 44 to be pressed against the housing cover 22 and the first support edge 42 to be pressed against the circuit board 28.In this way, a reliable electrical contact is formed between the shielding frame 30 and the circuit board 28 on the one hand, and the housing cover 22 on the other. The compensation openings 58 ensure that the shielding frame 30 does not deform in the circumferential direction.
[0120] The four handling sections 40 are each arranged on the side of the second frame opening 48 in the rounded corners of the frame wall 38. The handling sections 44 are each implemented as frame corner sections. The handling sections 44 are each located in a connecting region 56 of two adjacent frame wall sections 54. The handling sections 44 each extend into the second frame opening 48. With the handling sections 44 in the form of frame corner sections, the dimensional stability of the shielding frame 30 is improved overall without compromising the elasticity in the direction of the height 52 of the frame wall 38.
[0121] The handling sections 40 each have a flat surface on their sides facing away from the receiving space 34. The flat surfaces of the handling sections 40 extend in the second plane 45. A tool, such as a vacuum suction cup, can engage the flat surfaces of the handling sections 40. Using the tool, the shielding frame 30 can be lifted and moved. When mounted on the circuit board 28, the shielding frame 30 can be gripped by the handling sections 40 using the tool and thus precisely placed on the circuit board 28.
[0122] The following describes an example method for assembling the control unit 16. The components can also be assembled in another sensible order.
[0123] First, the shielding frame 30 is brought, with the aid of the handling tool described above, with the first support edge 42 first, onto the side of the already populated printed circuit board 28 on which the electrical components 32 to be shielded are located. The first frame opening 46 is guided over the electrical components 32. The electrical components 32 are located in the shielding frame 30. The shielding frame 30 is fixed to the printed circuit board 28 in a manner not further relevant here. During this assembly phase, the electrical components 32 can be visually inspected through the second frame opening 48. For example, electrical contacts between the components 32 and conductor tracks of the printed circuit board 28, such as soldered connections, plug connections, or the like, can be checked.
[0124] The printed circuit board 28 with the mounted shielding frame 30 is then brought through the housing installation opening 26 into the housing interior 24. The housing cover 22 is then closed. The housing cover 22 is pressed against the second support edge 44 of the shielding frame 30. The forces with which the housing cover 22 is pressed against the second support edge 44 cause the elastic deformation of the shielding frame 30 in the direction of its height 52, as described above. The housing cover 22 closes the second frame opening 48 of the shielding frame 30. This forms the shielding cage 36, which is closed in all directions. The electrical components 32 are thus located in the receiving space 34, which is closed in all directions. The shielding frame 30, together with the electrically conductive housing cover 22 and the printed circuit board 28, forms a Faraday cage.
[0125] Figure 6 shows a section of a shielding frame 30 according to a second exemplary embodiment. Those elements that are similar to those of the first exemplary embodiment shown in Figures 4 and 5 are provided with the same reference numerals. In contrast to the first exemplary embodiment shown in Figures 4 and 5, the grid openings 62 in the second exemplary embodiment are hexagonal. Instead of the first connecting sections 64 extending perpendicular to the extension 50 of the support edges 42 and 44, two third connecting sections 68 are provided in the second exemplary embodiment. The third connecting sections 68 each extend obliquely to the extension 50 of the support edges 42 and 44 of the respective frame wall section 54. Two of the third connecting sections 68, which extend obliquely in opposite directions, are arranged one behind the other and connect the ends of the second connecting sections 66 of a grid opening 62.In this way, the third connecting sections 68 act as elastically deformable spring elements.
[0126] Figure 7 shows a section of a shielding frame 30 according to a third exemplary embodiment. Those elements that are similar to those of the first exemplary embodiment from Figures 4 and 5 are provided with the same reference numerals. In contrast to the first exemplary embodiment from Figures 4 and 5, the grid openings 62 have the shape of diamonds. In the third exemplary embodiment, the first connecting sections 64 and the second connecting sections 66 are omitted. Instead, the grid openings 62 are delimited on their sides exclusively by third connecting sections 68, which extend obliquely to the course 50 of the support edges 42 and 44.
[0127] The shielding frames 30 according to the invention described in connection with Figures 2 to 7 can also be used in a similar way in other electronic devices for vehicles 10 or outside of vehicles not shown in the figures, for example in electronic detection devices such as LiDAR systems, radar systems, ultrasound systems or the like, and other control devices such as zone control devices, engine control devices or the like.
Claims
Claims 1. A shielding frame (30) for the electrotechnical shielding of electrotechnical components (32) of an electronic device (14, 16), in particular an electronic device (14, 16) for a vehicle (10), in particular a vehicle detection device, in particular a vehicle camera (14), a LiDAR system, a radar system, an ultrasound system, or a vehicle control unit, in particular a control unit (16) or a zone control unit, wherein the shielding frame (30) surrounds, at least in sections, a receiving space (34) which serves to receive electrotechnical components (32) to be shielded, wherein the shielding frame (30) comprises at least one frame wall (38) which has at least one supporting edge (42, 44), wherein the at least one supporting edge (42, 44) delimits a frame opening (46, 48) to the receiving space (34) in a contiguous manner, at least in sections, characterized in thatthat the at least one frame wall (38) has a support edge (42, 44) on opposite sides and the at least one frame wall (38) between the support edges (42, 44) is elastic at least in sections at least in the direction transverse to the extension (50) of at least one of the support edges (42, 44).
2. Shielding frame according to claim 1, characterized in that the at least one frame wall (38) has at least one grid structure (60) which has a plurality of grid openings (62), wherein the grid openings (62) are each delimited at least in sections by at least partially elastic connecting sections (64, 66, 68).
3. Shielding frame according to claim 2, characterized in that the grid openings (62) are arranged in at least two rows, wherein the at least two rows run along the extension of the two support edges (42, 44), in particular in the direction of the circumference of the shielding frame (30), and / or at least two of the grid openings (62), which are arranged at different distances from at least one of the support edges (42, 44), are arranged offset from one another when viewed from the at least one corresponding support edge (42, 44).
4. Shielding frame according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that at least some of the grid openings (62) viewed along at least one of the support edges (42, 44) have an elongated shape and / or at least some of the grid openings (62) are rectangular, long-oval, oval, polygonal, in particular diamond-shaped, hexagonal or the like.
5. Shielding frame according to one of claims 2 to 4, characterized in that at least some of the elastic connecting sections (64) extend perpendicular to the profile (50) of at least one of the support edges (42, 44), in particular perpendicular to the profiles (50) of the two support edges (42, 44), and / or at least some of the elastic connecting sections (66) extend parallel to the profile (50) of at least one of the support edges (42, 44), in particular parallel to the profiles (50) of the two support edges (42, 44), and / or at least some of the elastic connecting sections (68) extend obliquely to the profile (50) of at least one of the support edges (42, 44), in particular obliquely to the profiles (50) of the two support edges (42, 44).
6. Shielding frame according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the shielding frame (30) comprises or consists of at least partially electrically conductive and / or elastic material, in particular metal, carbon, electrically conductive polymer, composite material, electrically conductive coated material or the like, and / or the shielding frame (30) surrounds the receiving space (34) in a coherent manner with regard to electrical conductivity.
7. Shielding frame according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a first support edge (42) of the two support edges (42, 44) of the at least one frame wall (38) delimits a first frame opening (46) of the receiving space (34) at least in sections and a second support edge (44) of the two support edges (42, 44) delimits a second frame opening (48) of the receiving space (34) at least in sections and / or the receiving space (34) has a frame opening (46, 48) on each of the opposite sides, each frame opening (46, 48) being delimited at least in sections by the corresponding support edge (42, 44) of the at least one frame wall (38).
8. Shielding frame according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the shielding frame (30) has at least one handling section (40), in particular at least one handling section (40) with a handling surface, on which the shielding frame (30) can be handled manually and / or mechanically, in particular with a suction device.
9. Shielding frame according to claim 8, characterized in that at least two handling sections (40), in particular all handling sections (40), are arranged on the same side of the shielding frame (30).
10. Shielding frame according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the at least one frame wall (38) has at least two frame wall sections (54) which, viewed along their support edges (42, 44), are arranged one behind the other and are connected to one another at least in sections. 1 1. Shielding frame according to claim 10, characterized in that at least two frame wall sections (54) are connected to one another in a connecting section (56), wherein at least one compensating opening (58) is arranged in the connecting section (56).
12. A circuit board arrangement for an electronic device (14, 16), in particular for an electronic device (14, 16) for a vehicle (10), in particular for a vehicle detection device (14), in particular a vehicle camera, a LiDAR system, a radar system, an ultrasound system, or for a vehicle control unit, in particular a control unit (16) or a zone control unit, with at least one circuit board (28) on which at least one electrical component (32) is arranged, and with at least one shielding frame (30) which is arranged on the at least one circuit board (28) in such a way that it at least partially surrounds at least one electrical component (32), characterized in that the at least one shielding frame (30) is a shielding frame (30) according to one of claims 1 to 11.
13. Electronic device (14, 16), in particular an electronic device (14, 16) for a vehicle (10), in particular a vehicle detection device (14), in particular a vehicle camera, a LiDAR system, a radar system, an ultrasound system, or a vehicle control unit, in particular a control unit (16) or a zone control unit, with at least one electrotechnical component (32) and at least one shielding frame (30) which is arranged such that it at least partially surrounds the at least one electrotechnical component (32), characterized in that the at least one shielding frame (30) is a shielding frame (30) according to one of claims 1 to 11.
14. Electronic device according to claim 13, characterized in that the electronic device (14, 16) has a housing (18) in which at least one printed circuit board (28) and at least one shielding frame (30) are arranged, wherein at least one electrotechnical component (32) is arranged on the at least one printed circuit board (28), and the shielding frame (30) is arranged between the printed circuit board (28) and an electrically conductive housing part (22) of the housing (18) in such a way that it surrounds at least some of the electrotechnical components (32) in a continuous manner, at least in sections.
15. Driver assistance system (12) with at least one electronic device (14, 16), in particular with a vehicle detection device (14), in particular a vehicle camera, a LiDAR system, a radar system, an ultrasound system, or with a vehicle control device, in particular a control unit (16) or a Zone control device, with at least one electrotechnical component (32) and at least one shielding frame (30) which is arranged such that it at least partially surrounds the at least one electrotechnical component (32), characterized in that the at least one shielding frame (30) of the at least one electronic device (14, 16) is a shielding frame (30) according to one of claims 1 to 11.
16. Vehicle (10) with at least one electronic device (14, 16), in particular with a vehicle detection device (14), in particular a vehicle camera, a LiDAR system, a radar system, an ultrasound system, or with a vehicle control unit, in particular a control unit (16) or a zone control unit, with at least one electrotechnical component (32) and at least one shielding frame (30) which is arranged such that it at least partially surrounds the at least one electrotechnical component (32), characterized in that the at least one shielding frame (30) of the at least one electronic device (14, 16) is a shielding frame (30) according to one of claims 1 to 11.