Electronic assembly

Abstract

The invention relates to an electronic assembly, in particular configured to be integrated in an electronic device such as an onboard vehicle charger, comprising: - a main circuit board (30), which carries an electrical connector element (32), - a transverse circuit board (15), which carries a complementary electrical connector element (33) configured to cooperate with the connector element (32) of the main circuit board (30), these connector elements in particular forming a floating connector (35), - a main housing (5), in particular produced as a casting, comprising an insertion slot (36) for receiving the transverse circuit board (15) and at least two guide ribs (37) configured to guide the transverse circuit board (15) into the insertion slot (36).

Description

[0001] DESCRIPTION

[0002] Title: Electronic Assembly

[0003] [1] The invention relates in particular to an electronic assembly.

[0004] [2] Perpendicular cards are usually connected only to their main card and are often distinguished by their small size and reduced height. This means that there is no need to ensure precision in the upper part of the card, as it is only connected at its base. No special mechanical support is required because the card's low height limits its sensitivity to vibrations, shocks, or other excitations from the main card. In this configuration, mechanical stress remains contained, and the electrical connector between the two cards is sufficient to ensure the mechanical support of the perpendicular card.

[0005] [3] In the case where it is necessary for the perpendicular map to communicate with two horizontal maps, it appears that the height of the perpendicular map must be equal to the spacing between the two horizontal maps and there also appears a complexity related to the hyperstaticity of the links between maps.

[0006] [4] Usually, connections between cards with large spacing or poor positioning accuracy are managed via electrical wire ribbons which allow some flexibility.

[0007] [5] The invention aims in particular to simplify the assembly between two electronic boards to be connected together, which are in particular oriented perpendicularly to each other.

[0008] [6] The invention thus relates to an electronic assembly, in particular configured to be integrated into an electronic device such as an on-board vehicle charger, comprising:

[0009] - a main electronic board, specifically configured to be arranged substantially horizontally, comprising a first flat substrate (for example in FR4) which carries an electrical connector element,

[0010] - a transverse electronic board, in particular configured to be arranged substantially vertically, comprising a second flat substrate (for example in FR4) which carries a complementary electrical connector element configured to cooperate with the connector element of the main electronic board, in particular these connector elements forming a floating connector, a main housing, in particular made by casting, comprising an insertion slot for receiving the transverse electronic board and at least two guide ribs configured to guide the transverse electronic board into the insertion slot, this insertion slot being configured so that the transverse electronic board is arranged with an orientation substantially perpendicular to the main electronic board, with the guide ribs supporting it on either side of the transverse electronic board,in order to establish the connection between the connector elements of the main electronic board and the transverse electronic board.

[0011] [7] FR4 is notably composed of a woven fiberglass fabric impregnated with a fire-retardant epoxy resin.

[0012] [8] The invention thus makes it possible to obtain, thanks to the guide ribs, a satisfactory positioning between the main electronic board and the transverse electronic board.

[0013] [9] According to one aspect of the invention, the guide ribs have a spacing between them measured in the Y direction that is greater than the thickness of the transverse electronic board. The Y direction corresponds to an axis that is perpendicular to the plane of the transverse electronic board.

[0014]

[0010] The invention thus allows for limited movement, along the Y-axis, of the transverse electronic board during its use. Indeed, the connector elements used for board connection are of the "floating" type, which allows for compensation of slight misalignment (along one or more axes, for example, three axes) during the insertion of the transverse electronic board into the slot. The misalignment guaranteed by the ribs is less than the misalignment permitted by the connector elements. Minimizing the movement prevents stressing the "floating" connection against its limit, which would have reduced its lifespan.

[0015]

[0011] According to one aspect of the invention, the travel, along the Y axis, of the transverse electronic card between the guide ribs (namely the distance that the card can travel to touch the two guide ribs) is between 0.04 mm and 1.16 mm.

[0016]

[0012] According to one aspect of the invention, the transverse electronic board is arranged above the main electronic board.

[0017]

[0013] In this case, the main electronic board can be considered as a lower electronic board.

[0014] According to one aspect of the invention, the transverse electronic board is also mechanically assembled to a superior electronic board, which is an electronic board arranged above the transverse electronic board.

[0018]

[0015] Thus, the transverse electronic card can be placed between the upper electronic card and the lower electronic card.

[0019]

[0016] According to one aspect of the invention, the upper electronic board and the lower electronic board are arranged in parallel with each other.

[0020]

[0017] According to one aspect of the invention, the spacing between the upper electronic board and the lower electronic board is 89.75 mm + / - 0.3 mm. Of course, this spacing can vary depending on the desired configuration.

[0021]

[0018] According to one aspect of the invention, the transverse electronic board is oriented substantially at a right angle to the upper electronic board and the lower electronic board.

[0022]

[0019] According to one aspect of the invention, the guide ribs extend over only a portion of the height of the transverse circuit board insertion slot. Alternatively, the guide ribs could extend over the entire height of the circuit board.

[0023]

[0020] The height is measured along a Z axis perpendicular to the plane of the lower electronic board.

[0024]

[0021] According to one aspect of the invention, the guide ribs extend over at most 75%, or at most 60%, or at most 50%, of the height of the insertion slot.

[0025]

[0022] According to one aspect of the invention, the guide ribs extend over a lower part of the insertion slot.

[0026]

[0023] The part of the insertion slot which is on the side of the lower electronic board, and therefore opposite the upper electronic board, if there is one, is called the "lower part of the insertion slot".

[0027]

[0024] Thus, the transverse electronic card, once completely inserted into the insertion slot, is in contact with the guide ribs only, for example, on at most one lower half of this transverse electronic card.

[0028]

[0025] In particular, the insertion movement is from bottom to top if the cover is at the top. It should be noted that this direction of insertion movement depends on the orientation of the device.

[0026] According to one aspect of the invention, there are four guide ribs, arranged in pairs on either side of the transverse electronic board.

[0029]

[0027] According to one aspect of the invention, the guide ribs are arranged in pairs on either side of the transverse electronic board, and the pairs are in particular offset along the X axis or not.

[0030]

[0028] According to one aspect of the invention, one of the guide ribs includes a notch configured to achieve mass resumption between a metallic material, in particular a casting, of the housing and the transverse electronic board by contact of a mass resumption spring which is electrically conductive.

[0031]

[0029] According to one aspect of the invention, the spring(s) are metallic and, in particular, are brazed (for example, using SMT technology) onto the transverse circuit board. Once the transverse circuit board is inserted, the springs are compressed (stressed due to interference with the ribs). SMT (Surface-Mount Technology) is a process used to attach components to a printed circuit board (PCB) using solder paste and a reflow oven.

[0032]

[0030] According to one aspect of the invention, one of the guide ribs of each pair of guide ribs on either side of the transverse electronic board includes a notch configured to achieve mass retrieval between a metallic material, in particular a casting, of the housing and the transverse electronic board by contact of a mass retrieval spring which is electrically conductive.

[0033]

[0031] According to one aspect of the invention, the guide rib with the notch comprises a base in contact with the transverse electronic board and the notch is in the extension of this base, set back from the transverse electronic board to provide space to house the mass return spring.

[0034]

[0032] According to one aspect of the invention, the mass return spring comprises a flexible tab. Preferably, the compression of the flexible tab should remain within its elastic range (reversible deformation) to ensure good contact over time.

[0035]

[0033] According to one aspect of the invention, the mass recovery spring(s) are compressed upon contact with the transverse electronic board during insertion.

[0036]

[0034] According to one aspect of the invention, the transverse electronic board is a board configured to link different pieces of equipment / components for data exchange between them. Such a board is notably called a "Gateway" in English.

[0035] In general, the invention makes it possible to minimize the movement of the transverse electronic board due to vibrations. This minimizes the force applied to the floating connector. The invention also allows for the integration of contacts by grounding to achieve EMC (electromagnetic compatibility).

[0037]

[0036] The invention further relates to an electronic device, in particular of the high voltage or low voltage type, comprising an electronic assembly according to the invention.

[0038]

[0037] The electronic assembly according to the invention can be integrated into any electronic device, in particular of high voltage or low voltage type, in which an electronic board (or PCB) must be assembled perpendicular to another, and being subjected to a force (insertion or other).

[0039]

[0038] Furthermore, in known electronic devices, particularly vehicle on-board chargers, electronic boards, also called PCBs (for

[0040] Printed circuit boards (PCBs), which house interconnectors, are generally attached to a main housing using fasteners such as screws, rivets, or clips. Precise positioning of the circuit boards is usually achieved through a flat support system that eliminates three degrees of freedom, a centering pin that eliminates two more degrees, and an anti-rotation mechanism to eliminate the final degree of freedom. Furthermore, the risk of circuit board deflection, particularly during connector insertion or removal, is mitigated by adding counter-support areas (for example, supports under screw heads).

[0041]

[0039] The invention aims in particular to make it easier to counter the risk of deflection of the electronic board, especially during the insertion or removal of connectors. The invention also eliminates the need for the fastening methods mentioned above.

[0042]

[0040] The invention thus relates to an electronic assembly, in particular configured to be integrated into an electronic device such as an on-board vehicle charger, comprising:

[0043] - a main electronic board, specifically configured to be arranged substantially horizontally, comprising a first flat substrate (for example in FR4) on which at least one slot is formed,

[0044] - a transverse electronic board, in particular configured to be arranged substantially vertically, comprising a second flat substrate (for example in FR4) with at least one protrusion in the plane of the second substrate, the protrusion being configured to be inserted into the slot of the first substrate of the main electronic board so as to form a connection substantially at a right angle between the first substrate of the main electronic board and the second substrate of the transverse electronic board, optionally an electrical interconnector, in particular a signal interconnector, carried by one of the main electronic board and transverse electronic board.

[0045]

[0041] According to one aspect of the invention, the electrical interconnector is carried by the transverse electronic card which has the protrusion.

[0046]

[0042] The connection(s) formed by the interaction of the slot(s) and the protrusion(s) provide counter-support or force transfer to the transverse electronic board that carries the electrical interconnector against bending of this electronic board during the insertion or removal of a connector socket onto the electrical interconnector carried by the transverse electronic board. Indeed, during the assembly of the electronic assembly on an assembly line, a force is transmitted to the transverse electronic board in the direction normal to the plane of this transverse electronic board. This direction of force can lead to a bending phenomenon that may cause solder joint breakage of adjacent electronic components.

[0047]

[0043] Thanks to the connection or connections formed by the cooperation of the slot(s) and the protrusion(s), the force induced by the connection of a connector base to the interconnector of the transverse electronic board is transmitted primarily to the main electronic board (which is positioned like the upper board, in particular), in the direction of its plane. This direction is very favorable in terms of robustness and, since this main electronic board is advantageously screwed to a main housing (or main casing) at several points, the deformation of this main electronic board (or upper board) is well below the permissible limits.

[0048]

[0044] According to one aspect of the invention, the protrusion of the second substrate has a tongue-like shape in the plane of this second substrate.

[0049]

[0045] According to one aspect of the invention, the tongue has a substantially rectangular perimeter.

[0050]

[0046] According to one aspect of the invention, the first substrate of the main electronic board comprises at least two slots, in particular aligned with each other, and the second substrate of the transverse electronic board comprises at least two protrusions in the plane of the second substrate, each of the protrusions being configured to be inserted into one of the slots of the first substrate. In a variant, the first substrate of the main electronic board comprises a single slot for a single protrusion of the second substrate.

[0051]

[0047] According to one aspect of the invention, said at least two slots are identical to each other. In another embodiment, said at least two slots are different, for example of different lengths.

[0052]

[0048] According to one aspect of the invention, said at least two protrusions are identical to each other. In another embodiment, said at least two protrusions are different, for example of different lengths.

[0053]

[0049] According to one aspect of the invention, the slot(s) have an elongated shape, in particular one that is substantially parallel to an edge of the first substrate, in particular a straight edge of the first substrate. In another embodiment, the slots may have a square or round shape, rather than an elongated one. For example, the first substrate of the main electronic board comprises a multitude of square slots, and the second substrate of the transverse electronic board comprises a multitude of protrusions, in particular square-section tabs, which engage in the slots.

[0054]

[0050] According to one aspect of the invention, the elongated shape of the slot has two straight parallel sides joining at the ends, for example, by two semicircles. The slots are obtained, for example, by machining.

[0055]

[0051] According to one aspect of the invention, the slot has, in the elongation direction (X), a dimension larger than the dimension of the protrusion measured in this elongation direction (X), so that the insertion of the protrusion into the slot can be made with some play in this elongation direction (X). This connection eliminates two degrees of freedom.

[0056]

[0052] This set allows flexible relative positioning in the elongation direction (X) of the slot because the protrusion has a smaller dimension than that of the slot.

[0057]

[0053] According to one aspect of the invention, the protrusions extend along an edge of the transverse electronic card, in particular this edge being straight.

[0058]

[0054] According to one aspect of the invention, the outgrowths are formed by extensions cut or machined from the second substrate.

[0059]

[0055] According to one aspect of the invention, the electrical interconnector is carried by the transverse electronic board on which the protrusions are present and these protrusions extend along an edge of the second substrate of this transverse electronic board, over a length of this edge which covers the area in which the electrical interconnector is present.

[0060]

[0056] Thus, the flexural support of the transverse electronic board is reinforced in the area which is stressed during the insertion or removal of a connector base on the electrical interconnector of the transverse electronic board.

[0061]

[0057] According to one aspect of the invention, the first substrate of the main electronic board comprises, in addition to elongated slots, at least one additional slot, in particular located between two elongated slots, and this additional slot is configured to receive a finger formed on the second substrate of the transverse electronic board. This makes it possible to eliminate one degree of freedom.

[0062]

[0058] Thus, the two electronic boards can be linked by three connections, two of the connections being formed by the elongated slots and the tabs, and the third connection being formed by the additional slot and the finger inserted into it. The sum of these three connections eliminates three degrees of freedom.

[0063]

[0059] According to one aspect of the invention, the additional slot has a dimension measured in the elongation direction (X) of the elongated slots which is smaller than the dimension of each slot in this elongation direction (X).

[0064]

[0060] In other words, the additional slit has a lower elongation than the neighboring elongated slits.

[0065]

[0061] According to one aspect of the invention, the aforementioned elongated slots have a transverse dimension measured along an axis (Y) perpendicular to the direction of elongation (X) which is equal to the thickness of the tabs inserted therein so that the resulting connection has a degree of freedom along the axis (X) and not along the axis (Y).

[0066]

[0062] According to one aspect of the invention, the additional slot or additional slots of smaller elongation dimensions have a transverse dimension along the axis (Y) which is greater than the thickness of the finger inserted in this additional slot so that the connection formed by this additional slot and the finger inserted in it allows precise positioning along the axis (X) and allows play along the axis (Y).

[0067]

[0063] Thus, the combination of the elongated slots and the additional slot allows precise referencing of the two electronic boards to each other along the X and Y axes.

[0068]

[0064] The invention thus makes it possible to exploit the contours of an electronic board to create both a positioning element (or positioning element) relative to another board, and a mechanical retaining mechanism (during the insertion or removal of a connector socket). The invention therefore allows the combination of these two functions, with minimal impact on costs (no additional parts or elements are required to perform these two functions).

[0069]

[0065] Positioning along the Z axis is done by pressing the two electronic boards against each other at 90 degrees.

[0070]

[0066] According to one aspect of the invention, the slot or slots on the first flat substrate are made by cutting or machining.

[0071]

[0067] According to one aspect of the invention, the finger inserted into the additional slot has chamfers.

[0072]

[0068] This allows a pre-guiding function to be performed via these chamfers and positioning according to the direction (Y).

[0073]

[0069] According to one aspect of the invention, the transverse electronic card is a card configured to link different pieces of equipment / components for the exchange of data between them. Such a card is notably called a "Gateway" in English. The invention can, of course, be applied to other types of electronic cards.

[0074]

[0070] The invention further relates to an electronic device, in particular of the high voltage or low voltage type, comprising an electronic assembly according to the invention.

[0075]

[0071] The electronic assembly according to the invention can be integrated into any electronic device, in particular of high voltage or low voltage type, in which an electronic board (or PCB) must be assembled perpendicular to another, and being subjected to a force (insertion or other).

[0076]

[0072] Other features, details and advantages of the invention will become clearer upon reading the following description on the one hand, and several illustrative and non-limiting examples of embodiments given with reference to the accompanying schematic drawings on the other hand, in which:

[0077]

[0073] [Fig. 1] Figure 1 schematically represents, in perspective, an electronic assembly 1 comprising an on-board charger, according to an example of an embodiment of the invention;

[0078]

[0074] [Fig. 2] Figure 2 is a view inside the on-board charger of Figure 1;

[0079]

[0075] [Fig. 3] Figure 3 is an enlarged view of part of Figure 2;

[0080]

[0076] [Fig. 4] Figure 4 shows the connections formed by the cooperation of the slots and protrusions of the electronic boards inside the on-board charger of Figure 1;

[0077] [Fig. 5] Figure 5 shows guide ribs for the transverse electronic board of the on-board charger of Figure 1;

[0081]

[0078] [Fig. 6] Figure 6 shows part of Figure 5 from a different viewpoint;

[0082]

[0079] [Fig. 7] Figure 7 shows the part of Figure 5, in view along the Z axis.

[0083]

[0080] The features, variants, and different embodiments of the invention can be combined in various ways, provided they are not incompatible or mutually exclusive. In particular, variants of the invention may be conceived comprising only a selection of features, described hereafter in isolation from the other described features, if this selection of features is sufficient to confer a technical advantage and / or to differentiate the invention from the prior art.

[0084]

[0081] Figure 1 shows an electronic assembly 1 comprising an on-board charger 2 suitable for assembly with an external module (not shown) which is here a power distribution unit (or "Power Distribution Unit" in English for PDU).

[0085]

[0082] The on-board charger 2 is configured to convert the alternating current available on the electrical network into direct current capable of charging the vehicle's battery.

[0086]

[0083] The on-board charger 2 comprises a main housing 5, which is here a cast part, and a plurality of electronic boards housed in the main housing 5, as will be described later.

[0087]

[0084] The on-board charger 2 further includes a cover 7, which is here a cast part, configured to close the main housing 5.

[0088]

[0085] The cover 7, generally in the form of a plate with reinforcing ribs on its inner face, is configured to receive, on its outer face 9, the external module.

[0089]

[0086] Among the electronic boards housed in the main housing 5, there is a main electronic board 10, configured to be arranged substantially horizontally when the electronic assembly 1 is in place on the vehicle, as illustrated for example in Figures 2, 3 and 4.

[0090]

[0087] This main electronic board 10 extends globally in a plane P1 defined by axes X and Y. A Z axis forms with the axes X and Y a direct orthonormal trihedron.

[0091]

[0088] The main electronic board 10 includes a first flat substrate 11 (here in FR4) on which slots 12 and 14 are formed, as will be described below.

[0092]

[0089] Among the electronic boards housed in the main casing 5, there is also a transverse electronic board 15, configured to be arranged substantially vertically, comprising a second planar substrate 16 (here in FR4) with protrusions 17 in the plane P2 (defined by the X and Z axes) of the second planar substrate

[0093] 16.

[0094]

[0090] The transverse electronic card 15 is a card configured to link different equipment / components for the exchange of data between them. Such a card is notably called a "Gateway" in English.

[0095]

[0091] The outgrowths 17 are in the form of an elongated tongue, in the plane P2 of this second substrate 16. The tongue has a substantially rectangular perimeter.

[0096]

[0092] Each protrusion 17 is configured to be inserted into the slot 12 of the first substrate 11 of the main electronic board 10 so as to form a substantially right-angled connection between the first substrate 11 of the main electronic board 10 and the second substrate 16 of the transverse electronic board 15.

[0097]

[0093] The transverse electronic card 15 carries an electrical interconnector 19, here a signal interconnector, with holes to receive signal pins.

[0098]

[0094] The connections formed by the cooperation of the slots 12 and the protrusions 17 allow for counter-support or force transfer of the transverse electronic board 15, which carries the electrical interconnector 19, against bending of this electronic board during the insertion or removal operations of a connector base 500 onto the electrical interconnector 19 carried by the transverse electronic board 15. Indeed, during the assembly of the electronic assembly on an assembly line, a force is then transmitted to the transverse electronic board 15 in the direction normal to the plane P2 of this transverse electronic board 15. This direction of force can lead to a bending phenomenon that can cause breakage of the solder joints of neighboring electronic components.

[0099]

[0095] Thanks to the bonds formed by the cooperation of the slots 12 and the outgrowths

[0100] 17, the force induced by connecting a connector base to the interconnector of the transverse circuit board 15 is transmitted to the main circuit board 10 (which is positioned like the upper circuit board 10), in the direction of its plane. This direction is very favorable in terms of robustness and, since this main circuit board 10 is advantageously screwed to a main housing (or main casing) at several points, the deformation of this main circuit board 10 (or upper circuit board) is well below the permissible limits.

[0101]

[0096] In the example described, the first substrate 11 of the main electronic board 10 includes two slots 12, aligned with each other, and the second substrate 16 of the transverse electronic board 15 includes two protrusions 17 in the plane P2 of the second substrate 16 and each of the protrusions 17 is configured to be inserted into one of the slots of the first substrate 11.

[0102]

[0097] In an unrepresented variant, the first substrate 11 of the main electronic board 10 includes a single slot for a single protrusion of the second substrate 16.

[0103]

[0098] In the example described, the two slots 12 are identical to each other. In an unshown variant, said at least two slots are different, for example of different lengths.

[0104]

[0099] In the example described, the two protrusions 17 are identical to each other. In an unshown variant, said at least two protrusions 17 are different, for example of different lengths.

[0105]

[0100] The slots 12 have an elongated shape, which is substantially parallel to a straight edge 20 of the first substrate 11.

[0106]

[0101] The slots 12 are obtained for example by machining.

[0107]

[0102] Each slot 12 has, in the elongation direction along the X axis, a dimension greater than the dimension of the protrusion 17 measured in this elongation direction X so that the insertion of the protrusion 17 into the slot 12 can be made with a clearance in this elongation direction X.

[0108]

[0103] This set allows flexible relative positioning in the elongation direction X of the slot 12 because the protrusion 17 has a smaller dimension than that of the slot 12.

[0109]

[0104] The protrusions 17 extend along the edge 20 of the transverse electronic card 15.

[0110]

[0105] The outgrowths 17 are formed by cut or machined extensions of the second substrate 16.

[0111]

[0106] In the example described, the electrical interconnector 19 is carried by the transverse electronic board 15 and the protrusions 17 extend along the edge 20 of the second substrate 16 of this transverse electronic board 15, over a length of this edge 20 which covers the ZE area in which the electrical interconnector 19 is present.

[0112]

[0107] Thus, the bending of the transverse electronic board 15 is limited in the ZE area which is stressed during the insertion or removal of a connector base on the electrical interconnector 19 of the transverse electronic board 15.

[0113]

[0108] The first substrate 11 of the main electronic board 10 includes, in addition to elongated slots 12, an additional slot 14, placed between two elongated slots 12, and this additional slot 14 is configured to receive a finger 23 formed on the second substrate 16 of the transverse electronic board 15.

[0114]

[0109] Thus, the two electronic boards can be linked by three connections, two of the connections being formed by the elongated slots 12 and the protrusions 17, and the third connection being formed by the additional slot 14 and the finger 23 inserted therein. The sum of these three connections makes it possible to eliminate three degrees of freedom.

[0115]

[0110] The additional slot 14 has a dimension measured in the elongation direction X of the elongated slots which is smaller than the dimension of each slot 12 in this elongation direction X.

[0116]

[0111] In other words, the additional slot 14 has a lower elongation than the neighbouring elongated slots 12.

[0117]

[0112] The aforementioned elongated slots 12 have a transverse dimension measured along the Y axis perpendicular to the elongation direction X which is equal to the thickness of the tabs 17 which are inserted therein so that the resulting connection has a degree of freedom along the X axis and not along the Y axis.

[0118]

[0113] The additional slot 14 with smaller elongation dimensions has a transverse dimension along the Y axis which is greater than the thickness of the finger 23 inserted in this additional slot 14 so that the connection formed by this additional slot 14 and the finger 23 inserted therein allows precise referencing (or positioning) along the X axis and allows play along the Y axis.

[0119]

[0114] Thus, the combination of the elongated slots and the additional slot allows precise referencing of the two electronic cards 10, 15 to each other along the X and Y axes. The additional slot 14 does not participate in the holding, but allows for positioning.

[0120]

[0115] Positioning along the Z axis is done by pressing the two electronic cards 10, 15 against each other at 90 degrees.

[0121]

[0116] The finger 23 has chamfers. This allows for a pre-guiding function via these chamfers and positioning along the Y direction.

[0122]

[0117] In the main housing 5, there is also a main electronic board 30, called the lower main electronic board, configured to be arranged substantially horizontally, comprising a first flat substrate 31 (here in FR4) which carries an electrical connector element 32, as can be seen in Figures 6 and 7.

[0123]

[0118] The transverse electronic board 15, by its second planar substrate 16, carries a complementary electrical connector element 33 configured to cooperate with the connector element 32 of the main electronic board 30, these connector elements 32, 33 forming a floating connector 35.

[0124]

[0119] The main housing 5 includes an insertion slot 36 for receiving the transverse electronic board 15 and guide ribs 37 configured to guide the transverse electronic board 15 into the insertion slot 36, as illustrated in Figures 5 to 7.

[0125]

[0120] This insertion slot 36 is configured so that the transverse electronic card 15 is arranged with an orientation substantially perpendicular to the lower main electronic card 30, with the guide ribs 37 in support on either side of the transverse electronic card 15, in order to achieve the connection between the connector elements 32, 33 of the main electronic card 30 and the transverse electronic card 15.

[0126]

[0121] The invention thus makes it possible to obtain, thanks to the guide ribs 37, a satisfactory positioning between the main electronic board 30 and the transverse electronic board 15.

[0127]

[0122] The guide ribs 37 have a spacing between them measured in the Y direction that is greater than the thickness of the transverse electronic board 15, in particular its flat substrate. The Y direction corresponds to an axis that is perpendicular to the plane of the transverse electronic board 15.

[0128]

[0123] The invention thus allows for limited movement, along the Y-axis, of the transverse electronic board 15 during its use. Indeed, the connector elements 32, 33 used for the connection are of the "floating" type, which makes it possible to compensate for slight misalignment (along the Y-axis) during the insertion of the transverse electronic board 15 into the insertion slot 36. The misalignment guaranteed by the ribs is less than the misalignment permitted by the connector elements. Minimizing the movement prevents stressing the "floating" type connection against its limit, which would have reduced its lifespan.

[0129]

[0124] The travel, along the Y axis, of the transverse electronic card 15 between the guide ribs 37 (i.e. the distance that the card can travel to touch the two guide ribs 37) is between 0.04 mm and 1.16 mm.

[0130]

[0125] The transverse electronic card 15 is arranged above the main electronic card 30.

[0131]

[0126] The main electronic board 30 can be considered as a lower electronic board.

[0127] The transverse electronic board 15 is also mechanically assembled to the upper electronic board 10, which is an electronic board arranged above the transverse electronic board 15, as described above.

[0132]

[0128] Thus, the transverse electronic card 15 can be placed between the upper electronic card 10 and the lower electronic card 30.

[0133]

[0129] The upper electronic card 10 and the lower electronic card 30 are arranged in parallel with each other.

[0134]

[0130] The spacing between the upper electronic board 10 and the lower electronic board 30 is 89.75 mm + / - 0.3 mm. Of course, this spacing can vary depending on the desired configuration.

[0135]

[0131] The transverse electronic card 15 is oriented substantially at a right angle to the upper electronic card 10 and the lower electronic card 30.

[0136]

[0132] The guide ribs 37 extend over only part of the height of the insertion slot 36 of the transverse electronic card 15.

[0137]

[0133] The height is measured along the Z axis perpendicular to the plane of the lower electronic board 30.

[0138]

[0134] According to one aspect of the invention, the guide ribs 37 extend over at most 75%, or at most 60%, or at most 50%, of the height of the insertion slot 36.

[0139]

[0135] The transverse electronic card 15, once fully inserted into the insertion slot 36, is in contact with the guide ribs 37 only, for example, on at most one lower half of this transverse electronic card 15.

[0140]

[0136] The insertion movement is from bottom to top.

[0141]

[0137] In the example described, there are four guide ribs 37, arranged in pairs on either side of the transverse electronic board 15.

[0142]

[0138] The guide ribs 37, with chamfers 44, are arranged in pairs on either side of the transverse electronic board, and the pairs are offset along the X axis.

[0143]

[0139] Some of the guide ribs 37 include a notch 39 (clearly visible in Figure 5) configured to achieve mass re-engagement between a metallic material, in particular a casting, of the housing 5 and the transverse electronic board 15 by contact of a mass re-engagement spring 40 which is electrically conductive.

[0144]

[0140] The spring 40 is metallic and is soldered (for example, using SMT technology) onto the transverse electronic board 15. Once the transverse electronic board 15 is inserted, the springs are compressed (stressed due to interference with the ribs). SMT (Surface-Mount Technology) is a process used to attach components to a printed circuit board (PCB) using solder paste and a reflow oven.

[0145]

[0141] The guide rib 37 with the notch 39 includes a base 42 in contact with the transverse electronic board 15 and the notch 39 is in the extension of this base 42, set back from the transverse electronic board 15 to provide space to house the mass return spring 40.

[0146]

[0142] The mass return spring 40 includes a flexible tab.

Claims

DEMANDS

1. An electronic assembly (1), in particular configured for integration into an electronic device such as an on-board vehicle charger, comprising: - a main electronic board (30), in particular configured to be arranged substantially horizontally, comprising a first flat substrate (31) which carries an electrical connector element (32), - a transverse electronic board (15), in particular configured to be arranged substantially vertically, comprising a second flat substrate (16) which carries a complementary electrical connector element (33) configured to cooperate with the connector element (32) of the main electronic board (30), in particular these connector elements forming a floating connector (35), - a main housing (5), in particular made in casting, comprising an insertion slot (36) for receiving the transverse electronic board (15) and at least two guide ribs (37) configured to guide the transverse electronic board (15) in the insertion slot (36), this insertion slot (36) being configured so that the transverse electronic board (15) is arranged with an orientation substantially perpendicular to the main electronic board (30), with the guide ribs (37) in support on either side of the transverse electronic board (15), in order to achieve the connection between the connector elements of the main electronic board (30) and the transverse electronic board (15).

2. Electronic assembly (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein the guide ribs (37) extend over only a part of the height of the insertion slot (36) of the transverse electronic board (15), in particular the guide ribs (37) extend over at most 75%, or at most 60%, or at most 50%, of the height of the insertion slot (36).

3. Electronic assembly (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the guide ribs (37) are four in number, and are arranged in pairs on either side of the transverse electronic board (15), and in particular the guide ribs (37) are arranged in pairs on either side of the transverse electronic board.

4. Electronic assembly (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein one of the guide ribs (37) comprises a notch (39) configured to achieve mass transfer between a metallic material, in particular a casting, of the housing and the transverse electronic board (15) by contact of a ground return spring (40) which is electrically conductive.

5. Electronic assembly (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein the spring(s) (40) are metallic and in particular are brazed onto the transverse electronic board (15).

6. Electronic assembly (1) according to claim 4 or 5, wherein the guide rib with the notch comprises a base in contact with the transverse electronic board (15) and the notch (39) is in the extension of this base, set back from the transverse electronic board (15) to provide space to house the mass return spring (40).

7. Electronic assembly (1) according to any one of claims 4 to 6, wherein the mass return spring (40) comprises a flexible tab.

8. Electronic assembly (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the connector elements used for connecting cards are of the "floating" type.

9. Electronic assembly (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the travel, along the Y axis, of the transverse electronic board (15) between the guide ribs (37) is between 0.04 mm and 1.16 mm.

10. Electronic device, in particular an on-board vehicle charger, comprising an electronic assembly (1) according to any one of the preceding claims.

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