Motor vehicle housing

Abstract

The invention relates to a motor vehicle housing, in particular a lock housing (1; 2; 4) of a motor vehicle lock. The housing is equipped with at least one printed circuit board (3) which receives electrical / electronic components (7, 9), furthermore with at least one housing cover (1, 2), and with at least one spring element (11) which elastically supports the printed circuit board (3) with respect to the housing cover (1, 2). According to the invention, the printed circuit board (3) is arranged between two housing covers (1, 2) lying opposite one another and is elastically supported in the intermediate space with the aid of the spring element (11).

Description

[0001] Kiekert AG

[0002] P24100WO

[0003] 1

[0004] Description

[0005] Automotive housing

[0006] The invention relates to a motor vehicle housing, in particular a lock housing of a motor vehicle lock, comprising at least one circuit board accommodating electrical / electronic components, further comprising at least one housing cover, and at least one spring element elastically mounting the circuit board relative to the housing cover.

[0007] Automotive housings are enclosures located in and on motor vehicles. These housings typically consist of at least one plastic cover and contain electrical / electronic components mounted on a circuit board. A typical example is the lock housing of a vehicle lock, which generally serves as part of a lock case to cover the internal mechanical locking components. The circuit board in this case may contain electrical components such as an electric motor, which can, for example, electrically open a locking mechanism consisting of a rotary latch and pawl.In addition, the circuit board usually also contains electronic components such as a control unit, which is used to control the previously mentioned electromechanical drive.

[0008] The electric motor drive is typically controlled by sensors that, among other things, monitor different positions of the locking mechanism. For example, a sensor can determine whether the locking mechanism is in its main detent position, so that the electric motor drive can be activated by the control unit to open the locking mechanism. (Other Kiekert AG)

[0009] P24100WO

[0010] Two conceivable examples utilize a closing actuator as an electrical component. This closing actuator is typically energized and activated by the control unit when the lock has reached its pre-engaged position. This, too, can be detected via a sensor and transmitted to the control unit.

[0011] As a result, the control unit, by energizing the electric closing drive, ensures that the lock is moved from its previously assumed pre-lock position to the main locking position. Once the main locking position is reached, this can be detected by another sensor and reported to the control unit, which then stops the electric closing drive.

[0012] Besides the lock housings of motor vehicle locks, there are, of course, also completely different types of automotive housings located inside or on the vehicle. For example, such a housing can contain an electric motor drive, including a circuit board, to lock or unlock a charging port cover on an electric or hybrid vehicle. In this case, too, a control unit on the circuit board typically uses signals from one or more sensors to ensure that the electric motor drive is activated accordingly.

[0013] Another example of an automotive housing within the scope of the present application is a housing for a window regulator drive, a sliding door drive, a tailgate drive, or a front hood locking and unlocking mechanism. Actuators for seats, mirrors, glove compartments, screens, sunroofs, etc., to name just a few examples, are constructed similarly.

[0014] In all these automotive housings, the Kiekert AG

[0015] P24100WO

[0016] Three fundamental problems exist: the circuit board inside can be damaged, or may be damaged, by external forces. For example, solder joints or even entire traces on the circuit board could detach, break, or otherwise be impaired. This is problematic because the circuit board typically houses the control unit, an electric drive, and usually one or more sensors. If, due to damage to the circuit board, signals from a sensor no longer reach the control unit, or the control unit can no longer control the electric motor, safety-relevant functions may no longer be possible.

[0017] For example, in the case of a lock housing, following an impact or crash, there is a possibility that the internal electromechanical drive for opening the lock will no longer receive power, even if the circuit board has an emergency power source attached to it. Typically, such an emergency power source allows the electromechanical drive to open the lock to be activated even if the electrical connection between the circuit board and the main power source inside the vehicle body is interrupted after a crash.However, if the circuit board is additionally damaged in such a crash and, in this context, a control line from the control unit to the electric motor drive is interrupted, or the emergency power source on the circuit board no longer supplies power to the electric motor drive because the supply lines are damaged, the previously described measures for the emergency opening of the lock will not help.

[0018] The generic prior art according to DE 10 2017 202 070 A1 relates to an enclosure arrangement for an electronic control unit to protect electronic components. This is Kiekert AG.

[0019] P24100WO

[0020] 4

[0021] In this context, a so-called damping seal is also used, which elastically mounts a circuit board. Furthermore, the housing is equipped with at least one cavity to accommodate an electrical component of an electronic control unit. Additionally, a potted part made of an elastic material, formed within the cavity, lines at least part of it.

[0022] The established procedure has generally proven effective with regard to the elastic mounting of the printed circuit board (PCB) itself. However, the aforementioned, generic state of the art still suffers from the problem that, due to the forces acting upon it, the elastic mounting may reduce the likelihood of damage to solder joints or the detachment of conductor tracks. Nevertheless, the twisting of the housing and consequently of the internal PCB associated with these forces can still potentially cause malfunctions, because such twisting can also affect the function of a sensor on or attached to the PCB. This is particularly true for proximity sensors, which, if the PCB is deformed, can produce incorrect or no signals at all. These signals are then misinterpreted by the control unit or simply do not occur.This invention aims to remedy this situation overall.

[0023] The invention is based on the technical problem of further developing such a motor vehicle housing, and in particular the lock housing of a motor vehicle lock, in such a way that even when the housing is twisted, the proper functioning of the circuit board and the electrical / electronic components located on it is ensured.

[0024] To solve this technical problem, the present invention proposes, starting from a generic automotive engineering Kiekert AG

[0025] P24100WO

[0026] 5

[0027] The housing design specifies that the circuit board is arranged between two opposing housing covers and is elastically supported in the space between by means of the spring element.

[0028] The invention is based on the premise that elastic mounting of the circuit board using the spring element reliably prevents damage to the circuit board, even under high forces acting on the housing. Furthermore, this also compensates for negative effects resulting from warping of the (plastic) housing caused by the acting forces.

[0029] The invention achieves this essentially by having the two opposing housing covers accommodate the circuit board between them, but typically at the edges. This means that a predominant central area of ​​the circuit board – except for the respective edge areas – can, in principle, oscillate freely within the two opposing housing covers and thus also absorb any twisting of the housing – up to a certain degree. This is ensured by the spring element, which provides elastic support for the circuit board in the space between the two covers, so that any deformation of the circuit board caused by twisting of the housing is absorbed by the spring element, preventing, for example, the circuit element from breaking uncontrollably during such movements or from sustaining damage to solder joints or conductor tracks., functional reliability is increased compared to the state of the art, which does teach a spring element in principle, but not for the elastic mounting of a printed circuit board that is arranged between two opposing housing covers and is essentially mounted at the edge of each housing cover.

[0030] According to a further advantageous embodiment, the design is additionally such that the spring element moves the circuit board in a preferred direction. Kiekert AG

[0031] P24100WO

[0032] 6. Elastically yielding. The preferred direction generally corresponds to a sensor direction. The sensor direction is defined by a sensor with a signal transmitter and signal receiver.

[0033] The sensor is generally a proximity sensor, and its orientation corresponds to a direction in which approaches and distances are registered by both the sensor's receiver and transmitter. As previously explained, the circuit board is generally fixed at its edges between the two housing covers. This means that the two housing covers typically define two edge support areas for the circuit board.

[0034] The invention is based on the understanding that the printed circuit board is generally rectangular and that the two edge support areas are formed on the corresponding narrow sides of the rectangular printed circuit board. Of course, other designs are also possible in this context.

[0035] The single spring element is advantageously positioned between the two edge support areas of the printed circuit board. Furthermore, the design is such that the two housing covers, with the circuit board positioned between them, are opposite each other. This means that the two housing covers and the circuit board essentially form coplanar planes. The spring element ensures that the circuit board is subjected to elastically yielding forces in the preferred direction, which is generally perpendicular or largely perpendicular to the dimensions of the planes of the two housing covers and also those of the circuit board. Consequently, any twisting of the circuit board in this perpendicular direction is only permitted against the force of the elastically yielding spring element.

[0036] This predominantly vertical direction compared to the Kiekert AG dimensions spanned by the two housing covers and the circuit board arranged between them

[0037] P24100WO

[0038] The seven parallel planes correspond to the sensor direction, i.e., the direction in which approaches and distances between the signal transmitter and the signal receiver are registered. Consequently, the spring element typically biases the circuit board, with the signal receiver mounted on it, towards the signal transmitter. If the housing, and thus the circuit board located inside between the two housing covers, warps, the circuit board may bend, primarily perpendicular to the plane it spans, i.e., in the preferred direction or sensor direction. However, the spring element elastically absorbs such bending without significantly altering the distance between the signal receiver on the circuit board and the signal transmitter.This ensures that the sensor, consisting of the signal receiver and the signal transmitter, delivers a reliable signal to, for example, a control unit also located on the circuit board, even when forces occur.

[0039] In principle, the signal transmitter can also be located on the circuit board, while the signal receiver is positioned at a distance from it. However, the most common configuration is such that the signal receiver is contacted directly on the circuit board. In contrast, the signal transmitter is located at a distance and beneath the opposite housing cover. If the signal receiver is a Hall sensor and the signal transmitter is a permanent magnet, the approach of the signal transmitter to the signal receiver can be detected even through the housing cover, which is positioned between them. This is because the magnetic field lines emanating from the signal transmitter or permanent magnet penetrate the plastic of the housing cover and are registered by the signal receiver on the circuit board.

[0040] Any changes in the distance between the signal transmitter and the signal receiver are largely avoided according to the invention, Kiekert AG

[0041] P24100WO

[0042] 8. The circuit board is elastically pre-tensioned towards the signal transmitter in the preferred direction or sensor direction by means of the spring element. The signal transmitter may, for example, be connected to a rotary latch and follow its movements. As soon as the rotary latch has reached its pre-latching or main latching position, the signal transmitter, which moves together with the rotary latch, enters the influence range of the signal receiver and can consequently send a corresponding signal on the circuit board to the control unit, also located on the circuit board, when the relevant position (main latching position or pre-latching position) has been reached.This is also possible even if large forces act on the housing, because although the circuit board may deform slightly, the spring element ensures that the signal receiver is elastically pre-tensioned towards the signal transmitter, thus absorbing any twisting of the circuit board.

[0043] Specifically, the spring element can be designed as a mechanically acting spring. For example, a cylindrical, usually metallic, coil spring has proven advantageous. Other designs of coil springs are also conceivable in this context. In principle, the spring element can also function as an intrinsically acting spring, for example, one made of an elastic material. Here, well-known elastic materials such as foam, an elastomeric plastic, etc., can be used. Naturally, combinations of foam and an elastomer, as well as those with a coil spring, are also conceivable and are encompassed by the invention.

[0044] The general procedure involves connecting the spring element to or resting against a housing cover. This causes the spring element to exert pressure on the circuit board towards the opposite housing cover. In the described example, the signal transmitter or permanent magnet is located below the opposite housing cover, and the signal receiver or Hall sensor on the circuit board is from Kiekert AG.

[0045] P24100WO

[0046] 9

[0047] Signal transmitters arranged opposite each other.

[0048] Ultimately, the standard procedure involves providing at least one spring element that acts on one side of the circuit board. This single spring element is typically positioned between the two edge support areas of the circuit board, so that any deflections of the circuit board in the preferred direction between the two opposing edge support areas, and especially at the narrow sides of the circuit board, are elastically absorbed by the spring element.

[0049] As a result, the specific elastically compliant mounting of the circuit board between the two opposing housing covers ensures that even large forces acting on the housing can be absorbed. While these forces may cause one or both housing covers to twist, and such twisting can also lead to twisting or deformation of the circuit board inside, the overall functional reliability of the sensor is not affected. This is because the spring element elastically pre-tensions the circuit board towards the opposite housing cover. This is where the key advantages lie.

[0050] The invention will now be explained in more detail with reference to a drawing that illustrates only one embodiment; the drawing shows:

[0051] Fig. 1 shows a section through the automotive housing according to the invention in the form of a lock housing and

[0052] Figs. 2 and 3 each show an enlarged section in the area of ​​the

[0053] Spring element or sensor. Kiekert AG

[0054] P24100WO

[0055] 10

[0056] The figures show a housing used in automotive engineering. In this exemplary embodiment, the housing in question is a lock housing 1, 2; 4 of a motor vehicle lock or motor vehicle door lock. The lock housing 1, 2; 4 consists of an upper housing cover 1 and a lower housing cover 2. A circuit board 3 is provided in the space between the two housing covers 1, 2. The space formed between the two housing covers 1, 2, with the circuit board 3 positioned therein, is sealed against a lock case 4, which can be seen in Fig. 1 and is a further component of the lock housing 1, 2; 4.

[0057] In the lock case 4, a rotary latch 5, shown in cross-section, is rotatably mounted and interacts with a pawl (not shown) in the usual manner. Since the locking mechanism at this point, consisting of the rotary latch 5 and the pawl, interacts with a locking bolt (also not shown) via an outwardly open entry hole, dust or moisture can penetrate into the area below the two lock covers 1, 2. In contrast, the two lock covers 1, 2, with the circuit board 3 located in the space between them, are generally hermetically sealed to the outside.

[0058] A connector 6 provides contact for the circuit board 3 and its electrical connection to, for example, a vehicle-side control unit. An electric motor 7 is also visible, which can be used, for example, to implement an electric motor for opening or closing the lock. For its function, it is necessary to be able to query the position of the lock.

[0059] For this purpose, a sensor 8, 9 is provided inside the lock housing 1, 2; 4, the detailed design of which can best be understood by referring to the individual illustrations in Figs. 2 and 3, respectively. According to Kiekert AG

[0060] P24100WO

[0061] 1 1

[0062] In an exemplary embodiment, the sensor 8, 9 consists of a signal transmitter 8 and a signal receiver 9.

[0063] It can be seen that the signal receiver 9 is connected to the circuit board 3, opposite the signal transmitter 8. In this embodiment, the sensor 8, 9 is a proximity sensor 8, 9. For this purpose, the signal transmitter 8 is designed as a permanent magnet 8 and the signal receiver 9 as a Hall sensor or Hall switch 9. This allows for the detection of approach movements between the signal transmitter 8 and the signal receiver 9 in a preferred direction X or sensor direction X, as shown in the corresponding Fig. 3. Such approach movements correspond to the rotary latch 5 having assumed a specific position, for example, a position corresponding to the pre-latch or main latch position of the locking mechanism. For this purpose, the signal transmitter 8 is rotationally fixed to the rotary latch 5 and follows its pivoting movement about an axis 10 indicated in Fig. 1.

[0064] As soon as the rotary latch 5 reaches the desired position, for example the main detent position or pre-detent position, the signal transmitter 8 or permanent magnet 8, which moves together with the rotary latch 5, enters the measuring range of the Hall sensor or Hall switch 9, so that a corresponding signal is observed by the signal receiver 9 or Hall switch 9. This signal from the signal receiver 9 is transmitted to a control unit located on the circuit board 3 (not explicitly shown), which can then, for example, control the electric motor 7.This is illustrated by the example of an electric motor 7 being part of a closing drive, where sensor 8, 9 detects when the locking mechanism has reached its pre-locking position. The control unit then uses this information to actuate the electric motor 7, as part of the closing drive, in such a way that it pulls the rotary latch 5 towards its main locking position. This is, of course, only an example and is not to be understood as a limitation. Kiekert AG.

[0065] P24100WO

[0066] 12

[0067] A spring element 11 serves to elastically mount the printed circuit board 3 between the two housing covers 1, 2. In this example, it is shown in detail in Figure 2. The spring element 11 is, in fact, a mechanically acting spring; in this embodiment, it is a cylindrical coil spring made of metal wire. However, the spring element 11 can also be manufactured as a block of foam, an elastomeric plastic, or a combination thereof. This is not shown. In this embodiment, the spring element 11 is located in the area of ​​a bearing 12a, 12b. The bearing 12a, 12b consists of a bearing component 12a on the housing cover 2 and another bearing component 12b on the housing cover 1. Both bearing components 12a, 12b interlock and extend through an opening in the printed circuit board 3 to secure it.The spring element 1 1 rests against the housing cover 1 and pushes the circuit board 3 towards the other housing cover 2.

[0068] It can be seen that the circuit board 3 is arranged between the two opposing housing covers 1, 2. Furthermore, the spring element 11 ensures that the circuit board 3 is elastically mounted in the space between the two housing covers 1, 2. The design is such that the spring element 11 exerts elastic force on the circuit board 3 in the preferred direction X. According to the exemplary embodiment, the preferred direction X coincides with the sensor direction X, i.e., the direction in which the sensor 8, 9 detects approaches between the signal transmitter 8 and the signal receiver 9. In detail, the design is such that the spring element 11 exerts force on the signal receiver 9, or Hall effect sensor, in the direction towards the signal transmitter 8.

[0069] This ensures that the distance A between the signal transmitter 8 and the signal receiver 9, as shown in Fig. 3 and associated with the preferred direction or sensor direction X indicated therein, is largely maintained even then. Kiekert AG

[0070] P24100WO

[0071] 13, if large forces act on the lock housing 1, 2; 4 as a result of a crash, which lead or may lead to twisting of the respective housing cover 1, 2 and thus also of the circuit board 3. As a consequence of this, even in such a case, the sensor 8, 9 as well as the circuit board 3 as a whole and the electrical components 7 contacted by it, in the form of the electric motor 7 as well as the electronic components 9 in the form of the Hall switch 9, can be expected to function properly.

[0072] It can be seen that the spring element 1 1 is connected to the housing cover 1, in the exemplary embodiment to the upper housing cover 1. This allows the spring element 1 1 to elastically pre-tension the circuit board 3 located below the upper housing cover 1 in the direction of the housing cover 2 below it. Furthermore, the overall design is such that the two housing covers 1, 2 and the circuit board 3 arranged between them span planes that are essentially parallel to each other.

[0073] Finally, it can be seen that the circuit board 3 is equipped with two edge-side support areas 3a and 3b. The first support area, 3a, which is on the left in this embodiment, is formed by the contact point of the connector 6 with the circuit board 3. The second support area, 3b, on the right, is formed by the contact point of the electric motor 7, which is mounted there, with the circuit board 3 via its associated conductor tabs.

[0074] The single spring element 1 1 is arranged between these two edge-side support areas 3a, 3b of the circuit board 3. The spring element 1 1 ensures that the circuit board 3 can deflect in the preferred direction X in the free area between the two support areas 3a, 3b, but only against the force of the elastically deformed spring element 1 1. Kiekert AG

[0075] P24100WO

[0076] 14

[0077] Reference symbol list

[0078] Lock housing 1, 2; 4

[0079] Housing cover 1, 2

[0080] Lock cover 1, 2

[0081] Circuit board 3

[0082] Support area 3a

[0083] Support area 3b

[0084] Lock case 4

[0085] Rotary trap 5

[0086] Connector 6

[0087] Electric motor 7

[0088] Circuit board 7

[0089] Signal transmitter 8

[0090] Sensor 8, 9

[0091] Proximity sensor 8, 9

[0092] Signal receiver 9

[0093] Hall switch 9

[0094] Axis 10

[0095] Spring element 1 1

[0096] Storage 12a, 12b

[0097] Preferred direction X

[0098] Sensor direction X

Claims

Patent claims 1. Automotive housing, in particular lock housing (1 , 2; 4) of a motor vehicle lock, with at least one printed circuit board (3) accommodating electrical / electronic components (7, 9), furthermore with at least one housing cover (1 , 2), and with at least one spring element (1 1) elastically supporting the printed circuit board (3) relative to the housing cover (1 , 2), characterized in that the printed circuit board (3) is arranged between two opposing housing covers (1 , 2) and is elastically supported in the space between by means of the spring element (1 1 ).

2. Housing according to claim 1 , characterized in that the spring element (1 1 ) acts elastically on the circuit board (3) in a preferred direction (X).

3. Housing according to claim 2, characterized in that the preferred direction (X) corresponds to a sensor direction (X).

4. Housing according to claim 3, characterized in that the sensor direction (X) is determined by a sensor (8, 9) with signal transmitter (8) and signal receiver (9).

5. Housing according to claim 4, characterized in that the sensor (8, 9) is designed as a proximity sensor (8, 9) and the sensor direction (X) corresponds to a direction in which approach between the signal receiver (10) and the signal transmitter (8) is registered.

6. Housing according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the spring element (1 1 ) is designed as a mechanically acting spring, for example a coil spring (1 1 ).

7. Housing according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the spring element (1 1 ) is designed as an intrinsically acting spring, for example one made of an elastic material such as foam or an elastomeric plastic.

8. Housing according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the spring element (1 1 ) is connected to or rests against a housing cover (1 ) and acts on the circuit board (3) in the direction towards the opposite housing cover (2).

9. Housing according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that at least one spring element (1 1 ) is provided which acts on the circuit board (3) on one side.

10. Housing according to claim 9, characterized in that the single spring element (1 1 ) is arranged between two edge-side support areas (3a, 3b) of the circuit board (3).

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