NL2020933B1

NL2020933B1 - Electronic assembly

Info

Publication number: NL2020933B1
Application number: NL2020933A
Authority: NL
Inventors: Johannes Buijsman Petrus
Original assignee: Squarell B V
Priority date: 2018-05-15
Filing date: 2018-05-15
Publication date: 2019-11-21

Abstract

The invention relates to an electronic assembly comprising' a housing and. one or more electronic modules secured thereto, the housing comprising a housing body with a first body part, and a second body part being oppositely mounted to the first body part, each comprising a bottom wall, wherein the first body part and the second body part are hingeable with respect to each other around a hinge axis between an open position and a closed position, wherein the first and second body parts are provided with docks for receiving' the electronic modules in an insert direction transverse to the hinge axis, wherein. a cable channel extending parallel to the hinge axis is defined within the housing and between the electronic modules within the first and second body parts and the electronic modules within the second body part, wherein the cable channel is closed over its length when the first and second body parts are in the closed position, and the cable channel is accessible over its length when the first and second body parts are in the open position.

Description

BACKGROUND

The invention relates to an electronic assembly comprising a housing and one or more electronic modules secured to the housing. Furthermore, the invention relates to a housing for use in the electronic assembly, an electronic module for use in the electronic assembly, and a method for assembling an electronic assembly.

An electronic assembly, for example, in a vehicle is assembled from a number of electronic modules provided at different locations within the vehicle. Electric and/or data cables are provided between the electronic modules and/or further vehicle components, such that each of the electronic modules is powered and that the electronic modules are able to communicate with each other and/or with the further vehicle components.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A disadvantage of the known electronic assembly is that the electric and/or data cables usually become tangled within the vehicle. Furthermore, at the sight of an electric and/or data cable it is unclear with which electronic module the electric and/or data cable is associated.

It is an object of the present invention to overcome or to ameliorate the disadvantages of the known electronic assembly, or to provide an alternative electronic assembly.

According to a first aspect, the invention provides an electronic assembly comprising a housing and one or more electronic modules secured to the housing, wherein the housing comprises a housing body with a first body part, and a second body part being oppositely mounted to the first body part, wherein each of the first and second body parts comprises a bottom wall, and wherein the first body part and the second body part are hingeable with respect to each other around a hinge axis between an open position and a closed position, wherein each of the first body part and the second body part is provided with one or more docks for receiving any one of the one or more electronic modules in an insert direction substantially transverse to the hinge axis, wherein a cable channel extending parallel to the hinge axis is defined within the housing and between the electronic modules within the first body part and the electronic modules within the second body part, wherein the cable channel is closed over its length when the first and second body parts are in the closed position, and the cable channel is accessible over its length when the first and second body parts are in the open position .

By using the housing according to the invention, all electronic modules, for example, of a vehicle can be received within the docks of the housing. Electric and/or data cables can be connected to each of the electronic modules, when the first body part and the second body part are in the open position. Subsequently, the connected electric and/or data cables are arranged within the cable channel defined within the housing and the electronic modules within the first and second body parts. When the electric and/or data cables are connected and arranged within the cable channel, the first and second body parts are brought into the closed positon, thereby closing the cable channel. When the cable channel is closed, the electric and/or data cables are at least partially enclosed by the cable channel. An advantage of the invention is that a single bundle of electric and/or data cables exits the housing, therewith preventing the electric and/or data cables from becoming tangled.

Additionally, as the electronic modules for the vehicle are provided within the housing, at sight of an electric and/or data cable it is clear at which location within the vehicle the electric and/or data cable is connected to the respective electronic module. It, therefore, is easier to determine the electronic module with which the spotted electric and/or data cable is associated. At least it is clear from which location within the vehicle the spotted electric and/or data cable originates .

It is noted that although use of the electronic assembly has been described in relation to a vehicle, the electronic assembly is also applicable, for example, within machines and/or buildings.

In an embodiment each of the first body part and the second body part is provided with a first end cap and a second end cap opposite to the first end cap in the longitudinal direction parallel to the hinge axis. In an embodiment thereof each of the first and second end caps has a front wall, wherein a recess is formed in the front wall in a side thereof facing one of the first or second end cap of the opposite body part, wherein the facing recesses form access openings to the cable channel when the first body part and the second body part are in the closed position. An advantage of this embodiment is that cables arranged within the cable channel can easily be arranged within and exit the cable channel in order to be connected to other electrical components, for example, from the vehicle in which the electronic assembly is arranged.

In an embodiment each of the first and second end caps has a circumferential wall that extends transverse therefrom towards the one or more electronic modules and that extends above the hinge axis. Due to the circumferential walls of the first and second end cap, the one or more modules arranged between the first and second end caps form a contiguous surface with the first and second end caps. Material from outside the housing is thereby substantially prevented from entering the cable channel and/or from getting between an electronic module and one of the first and second end caps.

In an embodiment each of the first and second body parts comprises two opposite end rails arranged at the bottom wall thereof and extending substantially perpendicular to the hinge axis to define a dock for receiving an electronic module. In an embodiment thereof each of the first and second body parts comprises one or more intermediate rails arranged at the bottom wall thereof between the two opposite end rails and extending substantially perpendicular to the hinge axis to define a dock for receiving an electronic module. Because of the end rails and, optionally, the intermediate rails, the one or more electronic module can be arranged within the docks in a sliding manner. The one or more electronic modules, therefore, can be arranged at the housing relatively easily.

In an embodiment each of the first and second body parts comprises a series of projecting hinge holders merging into the bottom wall, wherein the hinge holders of the second body part substantially extend and fit between the hinge holders of the first body part. In an embodiment thereof, when each of the first and second body parts comprises at least two opposite end rails arranged at the bottom wall thereof and extending substantially perpendicular to the hinge axis to define a dock for receiving an electronic module, the hinge holders are extending over a part, preferably half, of the width between subsequent rails. The first body part and the second body part can be hingeable connected to each other by means of the projecting hinge holders.

In an embodiment the hinge holders each have a receiving chamber, preferably rectangular in shape, in which parts of a hinge mechanism are received, wherein the hinge mechanism comprises an hinge pin and within the receiving chamber of each hinge holder a rotation part, wherein the rotation parts are connected in series by means of the hinge pin of which the central axis defines the hinge axis. An advantage of this embodiment is that the hinge mechanism is at least partially received within the hinge holders, thereby shielding the hinge mechanism.

In an embodiment the rotation parts have a block with around the hinge pin a first axis and second axis that project from the block in opposite directions, wherein the first axis has a first undulating end face and the second axis has a second undulating end face, wherein the first undulating end face mates with and engages the second undulating end face of an adjacent rotation part, or vice versa. In an embodiment thereof the first and second undulating end faces define stable rotation positions between which the subsequent rotation parts are allowed to be rotated around the hinge axis, wherein the rotation positions are under an angle in the range of 60 - 90 degrees, preferably 70 - 90 degrees. The undulating end faces of the first axis and the second axis define a number of peaks and valleys, wherein the peaks of the first axis engage into the valleys of the second axis. Because of the peaks and valleys, the rotation parts are moveable in rotation between a number of positions corresponding to the valleys of the first axis or the second axis. This embodiment, therefore, advantageously provides a number of positions into which the rotation parts can be brought.

In an embodiment the hinge pin has a first end and a second end opposite to the first end in longitudinal direction thereof, wherein the hinge pin is provided with an end button for confining the rotation parts in mutual engagement. Because of the end button, it is advantageously prevented that rotation parts are moved away from each other due to rotation of the rotation parts around the hinge axis.

In an embodiment the housing body comprises an electronic bus system for electronic interconnection of received electronic modules. In an embodiment thereof the electronic bus system comprises a printed circuit board in each of the first body part and the second body part, wherein the printed circuit boards are electrically connected to each other. In a further embodiment the electronic bus system for each dock comprises at least one terminal connector connected to the printed circuit board in the respective body part, wherein each terminal connector projects into one of the docks. Accordingly, the electronic modules received within the housing can be interconnected, such that the electronic modules can cooperate without the need of specifically interconnecting the relevant electronic modules. The electronic assembly therefore functions as a plug-and-play assembly.

In an embodiment, when each of the first and second body parts comprises a series of projecting hinge holders merging into the bottom wall, wherein the hinge holders of the second body part substantially extend and fit between the hinge holders of the first body part, each of the first body part and the second body part has a confining channel extending along the hinge holders and substantially parallel to the hinge axis, wherein the printed circuit board in each of the first body part and the second body part are at least partially confined by the confining channel. Each terminal connector projects out of the respective confining channel. Because of the printed circuit board being at least partially confined by the confining channel in each of the first and second body parts, the printed circuit board is protected against potentially harmful external impacts. Additionally, the printed circuit board is prevented, for example, from obstructing insertion of the one or more electronic modules .

In an embodiment each of the printed circuit boards is enclosed inside the respective confining channel by means of a first elongated cover. The first elongated cover comprises a main body that merges into projections which cover the hinge holders of the respective body part and/or which confine the blocks of the hinge mechanism. An advantage of this embodiment is that the hinge holders of the respective body part and/or the blocks of the hinge mechanism are protected against potentially harmful external impacts, therewith reducing the risk of or ideally preventing the hinge mechanism from being disabled due to a external impact.

In an embodiment the housing body comprises a locking mechanism for locking the electronic modules in the one or more docks thereof. In an embodiment thereof the locking mechanism for each of the one or more docks comprises a slot extending in the insertion direction, wherein each slot is configured for receiving a part of a respective electronic module. An advantage of this embodiment is that each electronic module is locked to the housing, thereby preventing each electronic module from being removed from the housing unintentionally.

In an embodiment the locking mechanism for each of the one or more docks comprises a lock button which is rotabable in a rotation direction. Preferably each locking button comprises an actuating member, such as a finger grip, for moving the locking button in the rotation direction. Each electronic module can be locked in a respective dock by rotating the lock button, for example during insertion of the respect electronic module. Additionally, each of the one or more electronic modules can be removed from the housing by operating the lock button, when desired.

In an embodiment the electronic assembly comprises a spring, which is arranged within the button chamber, wherein the spring is configured for biasing the lock button into a locking position in the rotation direction, in which the first abutment surface of the lock button is in abutment to the first abutment surface of the button chamber and the hook extends beyond the slot in the rotation direction. An advantage of this embodiment is that the lock button is in the locking position by default.

In an embodiment the electronic assembly comprises a second elongated cover for covering the first elongated cover, wherein the second elongated cover is provided with a slit above each slot and/or is locally recessed at the actuating member in order to be able to actuate the actuating member. By providing the finger grip, which is easily accessible because of the local recess, an operator can easily unlock one of the one or more electronic modules from the housing.

In an embodiment, when the locking mechanism for each of the one or more docks comprises a lock button which is rotabable in a rotation direction, preferably wherein each locking button comprises an actuating member, such as a finger grip, for moving the locking button in the rotation direction, and the electronic assembly comprises a second elongated cover for covering the first elongated cover, wherein the second elongated cover is provided with a slit above each slot and/or is locally recessed at the actuating member in order to be able to actuate the actuating member, the first body part and the second body part comprise a confinement channel to receive the actuating member of the locking button of the opposite one of the first body part and second body part in the closed position of the housing. When the housing is in the closed position, each of the one or more electronic modules is locked to the first or second body part by the locking mechanism and by the actuating member received within the confinement channel thereof. The electronic modules, thus, are doubled locked within the housing, as is required in automotive appliances.

In an embodiment each of the one or more electronic modules comprises:

a module housing having a top wall, a front wall, a bottom wall and two substantially parallel side walls, which together define a module chamber for receiving an electronic component;

an electronic component provided within the module chamber; and a closure configured to be mounted to the module housing, wherein the closure is provided with a connector opening for receiving a terminal connector of one of the one or more docks, wherein when the terminal connector is received within the connector opening, the terminal connector is electrically connected to the electronic component. Because of the electronic component being mounted inside the module housing, the electronic component is protected against external impacts.

In an embodiment the side walls are provided with parallel slots along the bottom wall. The closure comprises one or more side pins and the module housing comprises one or more mating openings, wherein the one or more side pins are configured to snap into the one or more mating openings to secure the closure. An advantage of this embodiment is that the closure can be secured to the module housing reliably.

In an embodiment the closure comprises a recession in which the connector opening is provided, and a mounting lip projecting out of the recession to be received at the housing. In an embodiment thereof, when the locking mechanism for each of the one or more docks comprises a slot extending in the insertion direction, wherein each slot is configured for receiving a part of a respective electronic module, the mounting lip is configured to be received within the slot, and wherein the mounting lip comprises a recess configured to receive at least a part of the lock button.

In an embodiment the connector opening is a first connector opening, and wherein the closure comprises a second connector opening for connection with a power supply. Because of the second connector opening, the electronic module is useable as a power module for powering the remaining electronic modules. This is advantageous as all requested electronic components can be incorporated into the housing of the electronic assembly.

In an embodiment each of the one or more electronic modules comprises one or more cable openings or ventilation openings within the closure. During use, the temperature within the closure can increase due to electronic component within the closure. By providing one or more ventilation openings, the temperature increase within the closure can be reduced to a minimum. The cable openings can be used to insert cables from the cable channel and to connect it to an electronic component inside the electronic module.

In an embodiment the electronic component is selected from the group comprising an electric power supply, a GPS-module, a processor, an inclination sensor, and an alarm.

According to a second aspect, the invention provides a housing for use in an electronic assembly according to the first aspect of the invention.

According to a third aspect, the invention provides an electronic module for use in an electronic assembly according to the first aspect of the invention.

According to a fourth aspect, the invention provides a method for assembling an electronic assembly according to the first aspect of the invention, wherein the method comprises the steps of bringing the housing into the open position thereof, inserting one or more electronic modules into the first and/or second body part, connecting one or more electric cables to the one or more electronic modules, and bringing the housing into the closed position thereof .

The method according to the invention has at least the advantages as mentioned in relation to the electronic assembly according to the first aspect of the invention .

The various aspects and features described and shown in the specification can be applied, individually, wherever possible. These individual aspects, in particular the aspects and features described in the attached dependent claims, can be made subject of divisional patent applications .

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention will be elucidated on the basis of an exemplary embodiment shown in the attached drawings, in which :

Figures 1A and IB are isometric views of a housing with electronic modules according to an embodiment of the invention, in its closed and in its open position;

Figures 2A and 2B are isometric views of the housing as shown in figure IB, wherein some electronic modules have been removed from the housing body of the housing, and one of the removed electronic modules shown from the back side and disassembled;

Figures 3A and 3B are isometric views of the housing body, wherein in figure 3B a plate has been removed to show internal locks for the electronic modules;

Figures 4A and 4B are an isometric view and a side view of a locking mechanism of the housing at the position as indicated in figures 2A, 3A and 3B; and

Figures 5A, 5B and 5C are isometric views of details of the hinge of the housing body at the position as indicated in figures 2A, 3A and 3B.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Figure 1A shows a housing 1 according to an embodiment of the invention. The housing 1 comprises in this example a first row 20 of in this example four electronic modules 21-24 and a second row 30 of in this example four electronic modules 31-34 that are electronically interconnected by means of an electronic bus system that is described hereafter. The electronic modules 21-24, 31-34 are slid into a housing body 5 of the housing 1 as shown in figure 3A.

As best shown in figure 3A, the housing body 5 comprises a first body part 50 and a second body part 51 that are hingeable with respect to each other around a hinge axis A to hinge the housing 1 in direction E between its closed position as shown in figure 1A, and its open position as shown in figure IB. The first body part 50 and the second body part 51 have the same shape and are oppositely mounted to each other. Therefore the body parts 50, 51 are described hereafter mainly under reference to the first body part 50 only.

The first body part 50 is made of plastic, and comprises a bottom wall 52 with a constant thickness over its entire surface and with a slight curvature in a cross section transverse to the hinge axis A. The bottom wall 52 comprises a straight outer edge 53 that extends parallel to the hinge axis A. The first body part 50 comprises two opposite end rails 55 and in this example three intermediate rails 56 that all extend perpendicular to the hinge axis A to define in this example four docks 58 for receiving any one of the electronic modules 31-34 by insertion in an insertion direction B perpendicular to the hinge axis A.

As best shown in figure 5A, the first body part 50 has at the side of the hinge axis A a series of projecting hinge holders 54 that merge into the bottom wall 52 and that extends over half of the width between two subsequent rails 55, 56. The hinge holders 54 of the second body part 51 extend and fit between the hinge holders 54 of the first body part 50. The hinge holders 54 each have a receiving chamber 57 with a rectangular shape in which parts of a plastic hinge mechanism 70 are received. The parts of this hinge mechanism 70 are shown in more detail in figures 5B and 5C.

The hinge mechanism 70 comprises for each hinge holder 54 a rotation part 71, wherein the rotation parts 71 are connected in series by means of an inserted hinge pin 78 of which the central axis defines the hinge axis A. The rotation parts 71 have a block 72 with a rectangular shape and around the hinge pin 78 a first axis 73 and a second axis 74 that project from the block 72. The first axis 73 has a first undulating end face 75 and the second axis 74 has a second undulating end face 7 6 that mates with and engages the first undulating end face 75. The rotation parts 71 are confined in this mutual engagement by an end button 79 or a similar provision at the ends of the hinge pin 78. The engaging undulating end faces 75, 76 allow the subsequent rotation parts 71 to be rotated with respect to each other around the hinge axis A between defined stable rotation positions that are in this example under an angle of about 90 degrees, wherein the necessary flexibility is provided by the elasticity of the plastic.

The hinge mechanism 70 connects the first body part 50 and the second body part 51 by confining the blocks 72 in the respective receiving chambers 57, wherein the first axes 73 extends through both subsequent hinge holders 54 and the engaging first undulating end face 75 and second undulating end face 76 are positioned entirely inside one of the receiving chambers 57.

As best shown in figures 3A and 5A, the housing body 5 comprises an electronic bus system 80 for electronic interconnection of the inserted electronic modules 21-24, 31-34. The electronic bus system 80 comprises a rigid printed circuit board (PCB) 81 in each of the first body part 50 and the second body part 51 that extend parallel to the hinge axis A. The rigid printed circuit boards 81 are electrically connected with each other with a not shown flexible printed circuit board (PCB) or flat cable. The electronic bus system 80 is described hereafter mainly under reference to the first body part 50 only.

The rigid printed circuit board 81 of the electronic bus system 80 is confined in a confining channel 59 in the bottom wall 52 that extends along the hinge holders 54 parallel to the hinge axis A. The electronic bus system 80 comprises for each dock 58 at least one terminal connector 82 on the rigid printed circuit board 81 that projects out of the confining channel 59 and into the dock 58. The rigid printed circuit board 81 is enclosed inside the confining channel 59 by means of a first elongated plastic cover 90.

As shown in figures 4A and 4B, the first cover 90 comprises a main body 91 that extends over the entire length of the first cover 90 and that covers the rigid printed circuit board 81. The main body 91 merges into projections 92 that cover the hinge holders 54 and that tightly confine the blocks 72 of the hinge mechanism 70. The main body 91 comprises for each dock 58 a slot 93 aside its terminal connector 82 that extends in the insertion direction B, and a button chamber 94 in which a plastic lock button 100 is inserted. The button chamber 94 is bound by circularly curved side surfaces 95 that are distributed around the lock button 100 and that allow rotation of the confined lock button 100 in a rotation direction C inside the button chamber 94. The button chamber 94 is furthermore bound by a first abutment surface 96 and a second abutment surface 97.

The lock button 100 comprises a central aperture 105 through which a screw bushing 60 on each hinge holder 54 extends, a hook 101 with a straight lead edge 102 that extends obliquely to the slot 93 and that merges at a straight angle into a hook edge 107 that is curved having the screw bushing 60 as its center. The lock button 100 comprises a first abutment surface 103 and a second abutment surface 104 to come into abutment with the first abutment surface 96 or the second abutment surface 97 of the button chamber 94, respectively, depending on its position in rotation direction C. The lock button 100 is biased to its locking position in rotation C by means of a spring 98 that keeps the first abutment surface 103 in abutment with the first abutment surface 96 of the button chamber 94, wherein the hook 101 extends beyond the slot 93. The locking button 100 comprises a finger grip 106 straight opposite to the side of the inserted module 31-34 to push the locking button 100 back to its temporary unlocking position.

The first elongate plastic cover 90 is covered by a second elongated plastic cover 110. The second cover 110 comprises a slit 111 above each slot 93 and is locally recessed at the finger grips 106 to operate the locking buttons 100. The second cover 110 comprises mounting holes

112 through which screws are screwed into the screw bushings 60 to mount both the first cover 90 and the second cover 110 onto the hinge holders 54. As shown in figure 4A, the second covers 90 comprise blind confinement channels

113 that extend tangentially with respect to the hinge axis A and that are open towards the finger grips 106 to tightly receive the finger grips 106 of the opposite body part 50, 51 when the housing 1 is hinged in direction E from its open position as shown in figure 3B into its closed position as shown in figure 3B. This provides a double lock feature for the inserted modules 21-24, 31-34 as required in automotive appliances for example.

As best shown in figures 2A and 3A the first body part 50 and the second body part 51 both comprise plastic end caps 60 having the same outer contour as the electronic modules 21-24, 31-34. The end caps 60 comprise a front plate 61 and a circumferential wall 62 that extends transverse therefrom towards the electronic modules 21-24, 31-34. In the end caps a recess 63 is formed in the front wall 61 and the circumferential wall 62 that extends above the hinge axis A. The facing recesses 63 at each side of the housing 1 form access openings 64 of an internal cable channel 65, which also may be called a cable gutter or wire gutter, that extends parallel to the hinge axis A and between the facing first row 20 and second row 30 electronic modules 21-24, 31-34. The cable channel 65 is closed in the closed position of the housing 1 as shown in figure 1A, and is open over its length to be accessible from above in the open position of the housing 1 as shown in figure 2A to configure cables or wires inside it.

Figure 2A shows three of the electronic modules 33 after having been slid out of its dock 58, and figure 2B shows the removed electronic module 33 thereof from its back side and disassembled. The electronic module 33 comprises a plastic module housing 35 having a top wall 37 with a curvature, a front wall 39, a bottom wall 40 and two parallel side walls 36 that together define a module chamber 43 for a non-shown printed circuit board (PCB). The top wall 37 forms a cover 38 with an undulating projecting edge 67. The cover 38 projects from the side walls 36 as illustrated with the notional broken line to bound the upper side of the cable channel 65. The meeting and abutting undulating projecting edges 67 are complementary to each other and bound the opening of the internal cable channel 65 that extends over its entire length between the access openings 64. Along the bottom wall 40 the side walls 36 comprise parallel slots 41 in which the applicable facing rails 55, 56 are inserted for guiding the electronic module 33 in the insertion direction B. The electronic module 33 comprises a closure 44 that is mounted inside the module housing 40 by insertion in a mounting direction D. The closure 44 comprises two side pins 66 that snap in mating openings 42 in the module housing 40 to secure the closure 44. The closure 44 comprises multiple cable openings 49 or ventilation openings 49 for the electronic components .

The closure 44 comprises a recession 45 with connector openings 46 for receiving the terminal connector (s) 82 of the respective dock 58, and a mounting lip 47 that projects out of the recession 45 to be received in the slit 111 above the lock button 100 of the dock 58 when it is inserted in the dock 58 in the insertion direction B. The mounting lip 47 comprises a recess 48 to receive the hook 101 of the lock button 100. When the mounting lip 47 is inserted in the slit 111, the lock button 100 is rotated against the bias of the spring 98 by moving along the straight lead edge 102 thereof, where after the hook 101 snaps with its hook edge 107 into the recess 48. This locked position can by visually verified as the finger grip 106 then extends straight up again, perpendicular to the hinge axis A. The electronic module 33 can be released by pushing the finger grip 106 of the open housing 1 temporarily aside against the bias of the spring 98. The lock button 100 is flexible enough to allow unintended, forced withdrawal of the module 33 without damage to the lock button 100 or the mounting lip 47.

As best shown in figure 5C, the subsequent blocks 72 of the hinge mechanism 70 are slightly staggered with about 10 degrees when the undulating end faces 75, 76 are fully in engagement and it is notionally taken out of the housing body 5. This deviation from the pure 90 degrees ensures that the undulating projecting edges 67 of the meeting covers 38 of the electronic modules are pushed in abutment against each other in the closed position of the housing 1 by the flexibility of the then biased plastic.

The housing 5 may be used for local installation of cable-connected electronics that is implemented in an electronic module 21-24, 31-34, such as the electronic module 33 having the connector opening 46 as shown in the drawings. The housing 5 may be installed in buildings, machines or vehicles. The housing 5 may be free mounted, or mounted on a mounting rail. As a first example, the housing 5 with the electronic modules 21-24, 31-34 may form part of a retrofit monitoring system for a vehicle, such as a truck. The retrofit monitoring system may for example monitor the speed of the truck, the position of the gas valves of the engine, or the global position of the truck as provided by the on board navigation system to optimize the performance of the truck and the human driver. Each electronic module 21-24, 31-34 adds dedicated electronics to such monitoring system, such as power supply, GPS functionality, processing capacity, connectivity to cabled sensors, or alarm.

The housing 5 may be installed behind the dashboard and behind shields inside the engine department. As a second example, the housing 5 with the electronic modules 21-24, 31-34 may be installed onto a mounting rail of a machine to form part of the electronic machine control system. It is also possible to fill out the housing body 5 with some non-operational dummy modules having the same module housing 40. Figures 1A and 2A show one electric cable 200 that is connected to one module 21 and that is guided through the internal cable channel 65 to leave the housing 1 via one of the access openings 64.

It is to be understood that the above description is included to illustrate the operation of the preferred embodiments and is not meant to limit the scope of the invention. From the above discussion, many variations will be apparent to one skilled in the art that would yet be encompassed by the scope of the present invention.

Claims

CONCLUSIESCONCLUSIONS

1 . Elektronisch samenstel omvattend een behuizing en één or meer elektronische modules die zijn vastgezet aan de behuizing, waarbij de behuizing een behuizingslichaam omvat met een eerste lichaamsdeel, en een tweede lichaamsdeel dat tegenovergelegen aan het eerste lichaamsdeel is aangebracht, waarbij elk van de eerste en tweede lichaamsdelen een bodemwand omvat, en waarbij het eerste lichaamsdeel en het tweede lichaamsdeel scharnierbaar zijn ten opzichte van elkaar om een scharnier-as tussen een open positie en een gesloten positie, waarbij elke van het eerste lichaamsdeel en het tweede lichaamsdeel is voorzien van één of meer dokken voor het opnemen van één van de ene of meerdere elektronische modules in een invoerrichting dwars ten opzichte van de scharnier-as, waarbij een kabelkanaal dat zich parallel aan de scharnier-as uitstrekt, is gedefinieerd binnen de behuizing en tussen de elektronische modules binnen het eerste lichaamsdeel en de elektronische modules binnen het tweede lichaamsdeel, waarbij het kabelkanaal gesloten is over de lengte daarvan wanneer de eerste en tweede lichaamsdelen in de gesloten positie zijn, en het kabelkanaal toegankelijk is over de lengte daarvan wanneer de eerste en tweede lichaamsdelen in de open positie zijn.1. An electronic assembly comprising a housing and one or more electronic modules fixed to the housing, the housing comprising a housing body with a first body part, and a second body part disposed opposite to the first body part, each of the first and second body parts comprises a bottom wall, and wherein the first body part and the second body part are pivotable relative to each other about a pivot axis between an open position and a closed position, wherein each of the first body part and the second body part is provided with one or more docks for receiving one of the one or more electronic modules in an input direction transverse to the hinge axis, wherein a cable channel extending parallel to the hinge axis is defined within the housing and between the electronic modules within the first body part and the electronic modules within the second li body part, wherein the cable channel is closed along its length when the first and second body parts are in the closed position, and the cable channel is accessible along the length thereof when the first and second body parts are in the open position.

2. Elektronisch samenstel volgens conclusie 1, waarbij elke van het eerste lichaamsdeel en het tweede lichaamsdeel is voorzien van een eerste eindkap en een tweede eindkap tegenovergelegen aan de eerste eindkap in the longitudinale richting parallel aan de scharnier-as.The electronic assembly of claim 1, wherein each of the first body part and the second body part is provided with a first end cap and a second end cap opposite the first end cap in the longitudinal direction parallel to the pivot axis.

3. Elektronisch samenstel volgens conclusie 2, waarbij elk van de eerste en tweede eindkappen een voor wand heeft, waarbij een uitsparing is gevormd in de voorwand in een zijde daarvan die is gericht naar één van de eerste of tweede eindkap van de tegenovergelegen eindkap, waarbij de naar elkaar gerichte uitsparingen toegangsopeningen tot het kabelkanaal vormen, wanneer het eerste lichaamsdeel en het tweede lichaamsdeel in de gesloten positie zi jn.The electronic assembly of claim 2, wherein each of the first and second end caps has a front wall, wherein a recess is formed in the front wall in a side thereof facing one of the first or second end cap of the opposite end cap, wherein the recesses facing each other form access openings to the cable channel when the first body part and the second body part are in the closed position.

4. Elektronisch samenstel volgens conclusie 3, waarbij elk van de eerste en tweede eindkappen een omtrekwand heeft die zich dwars daarvan uitstrekt in de richting van de ene of meerdere elektronische modules en die zich uitstrekt boven de scharnier-as.An electronic assembly as claimed in claim 3, wherein each of the first and second end caps has a circumferential wall extending transversely thereof in the direction of the one or more electronic modules and extending above the hinge axis.

5. Elektronisch samenstel volgens één der voorgaande conclusies, waarbij elk van de eerste en tweede lichaamsdelen twee tegenovergelegen eindrails omvat die zijn aangebracht aan de bodemwand daarvan en die zich in hoofdzaak loodrecht ten opzichte van de scharnier-as uitstrekken voor het definiëren van een dok voor het opnemen van een elektronische module.An electronic assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein each of the first and second body parts comprises two opposite end rails which are arranged on the bottom wall thereof and which extend substantially perpendicular to the hinge axis for defining a dock for recording an electronic module.

6. Elektronisch samenstel volgens conclusie 5, waarbij elk van de eerste en tweede lichaamsdelen één of meer tussengelegen rails omvat die zijn aangebracht aan de bodemwand daarvan tussen de tweede tegenovergelegen eindrails en die zich loodrecht ten opzichte van de scharnieras uitstrekken voor het definiëren van een dok voor het opnemen van een elektronische module.An electronic assembly according to claim 5, wherein each of the first and second body parts comprises one or more intermediate rails arranged on the bottom wall thereof between the second opposite end rails and extending perpendicular to the pivot axis for defining a dock for recording an electronic module.

7 . Elektronisch samenstel volgens één der voorgaande conclusies, waarbij elk van de eerste en tweede lichaamsdelen een serie van uitstekende scharnierhouders omvat die overgaan in de bodemwand, waarbij de scharnierhouders van het tweede lichaamsdeel zich in hoofdzaak uitstrekken en passen tussen de scharnierhouders van het eerste lichaamsdeel.7. Electronic assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein each of the first and second body parts comprises a series of protruding hinge holders that merge into the bottom wall, the hinge holders of the second body part extending substantially and fitting between the hinge holders of the first body part.

8. Elektronisch samenstel volgens conclusies 5 en 7, waarbij de scharnierhouders zich uitstrekken over een deel, bij voorkeur de helft, van de breedte tussen opvolgende rails.Electronic assembly according to claims 5 and 7, wherein the hinge holders extend over a part, preferably half, of the width between successive rails.

9. Elektronisch samenstel volgens conclusie 7 of 8, waarbij de scharnierhouders elk een opnamekamer hebben, bij voorkeur rechthoekig van vorm, waarin delen van een scharniermechanisme zijn opgenomen, waarbij het scharniermechanisme een scharnierpin en binnen de opnamekamer van elke scharnierhouder een rotatiedeel omvat, waarbij de rotatiedelen in serie zijn verbonden door middel van de scharnierpin waarvan de centrale as de scharnier-as definieert .Electronic assembly according to claim 7 or 8, wherein the hinge holders each have a receiving chamber, preferably rectangular in shape, in which parts of a hinge mechanism are accommodated, the hinge mechanism comprising a hinge pin and a rotation part within the receiving chamber of each hinge holder, parts of rotation are connected in series by means of the hinge pin, the central axis of which defines the hinge axis.

10. Elektronisch samenstel volgens conclusie 9, waarbij de rotatiedelen een blok hebben met rondom de scharnier-as een eerste as en tweede as die uitsteken vanaf het blok in tegengestelde richtingen, waarbij de eerste as een eerste golvende eindzijde en de tweede as een tweede golvende eindzijde heeft, waarbij de eerste golvende eindzijde samengaat met en aangrijpt aan de tweede golvende eindzijde van een aangrenzend rotatiedeel, of vice versa .The electronic assembly of claim 9, wherein the rotation members have a block with a first axis and second axis extending around the pivot axis, the first axis projecting a first wavy end side and the second axis a second wavy axis has an end side, the first wavy end side merging with and engaging the second wavy end side of an adjacent rotation part, or vice versa.

11. Elektronisch samenstel volgens conclusie 10, waarbij de eerste en tweede golvende eindzijden stabiele rotatieposities definiëren waartussen de volgende rotatiedelen zijn toegestaan te worden geroteerd om de scharnieras, waarbij de rotatieposities onder een hoek staan in het bereik van 60 - 90 graden, bij voorkeur 70 - 90 graden.The electronic assembly according to claim 10, wherein the first and second wavy end sides define stable rotational positions between which the following rotational parts are allowed to be rotated about the pivot axis, the rotational positions being angled in the range of 60 - 90 degrees, preferably 70 - 90 degrees.

12. Elektronisch samenstel volgens één der conclusies 9-11, waarbij de scharnierpin een eerste einde en een tweede einde tegenovergelegen aan het eerste einde in longitudinale richting daarvan heeft, waarbij de scharnierpin is voorzien van een eindknop voor het opsluiten van de rotatiedelen in onderlinge aangrijping.An electronic assembly according to any of claims 9-11, wherein the hinge pin has a first end and a second end opposite to the first end in the longitudinal direction thereof, the hinge pin being provided with an end button for locking the rotation parts in mutual engagement .

13. Elektronisch samenstel volgens één der voorgaande conclusies, waarbij het behuizingslichaam een elektronisch bussysteem omvat voor elektronische onderlinge verbinding van opgenomen elektronische modules.An electronic assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the housing body comprises an electronic bus system for electronic interconnection of included electronic modules.

14. Elektronisch samenstel volgens conclusie 13, waarbij het elektronische bussysteem een printplaat omvat in elke van het eerste lichaamsdeel en het tweede li chaamsdeel, waarbij de printplaten elektrisch met elkaar zijn verbonden.The electronic assembly of claim 13, wherein the electronic bus system comprises a printed circuit board in each of the first body part and the second body part, the printed circuit boards being electrically connected to each other.

15. Elektronisch samenstel volgens conclusie 14, waarbij het elektronische bussysteem voor elk dok ten minste één terminalconnector omvat die is verbonden met de printplaat in het respectievelijke lichaamsdeel, waarbij elke terminalconnector uitsteekt in één van de dokken.The electronic assembly of claim 14, wherein the electronic bus system for each dock comprises at least one terminal connector connected to the printed circuit board in the respective body part, each terminal connector protruding into one of the docks.

16. Elektronisch samenstel volgens conclusie 13, wanneer afhankelijk van conclusie 7, waarbij elke van het eerste lichaamsdeel en het tweede lichaamsdeel een opsluitkanaal heeft dat zich uitstrekt langs de scharnierhouders en in hoofdzaak parallel aan de scharnier-as, waarbij de printplaat in elke van het eerste lichaamsdeel en het tweede lichaamsdeel ten minste gedeeltelijk is opgesloten door het opsluitkanaal, waarbij elke terminalconnector uit het respectievelijke opsluitkanaal uitsteekt.The electronic assembly of claim 13 when dependent on claim 7, wherein each of the first body part and the second body part has a retaining channel extending along the hinge holders and substantially parallel to the hinge axis, the printed circuit board in each of the first body part and the second body part is at least partially enclosed by the containment channel, with each terminal connector protruding from the respective containment channel.

17. Elektronisch samenstel volgens conclusie 16, waarbij elke van de printplaten is ingesloten in het respectievelijke opsluitkanaal door middel van een eerste langgerekte bedekking, waarbij de eerste langgerekte bedekking een hoofdlichaam omvat dat overgaat in uitsteeksels die de scharnierhouders van het respectievelijke lichaamsdeel bedekken en/of die de blokken van het scharniermechanisme opsluiten.The electronic assembly of claim 16, wherein each of the printed circuit boards is enclosed in the respective confinement channel by means of a first elongated cover, the first elongated cover comprising a main body which merges into protrusions covering the hinge holders of the respective body part and / or locking the blocks of the hinge mechanism.

18. Elektronisch samenstel volgens één der voorgaande conclusies, waarbij het behuizingslichaam een vergrendelmechanisme omvat voor het vergrendelen van de elektronische modules in de ene of meerdere dokken daarvan.An electronic assembly as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the housing body comprises a locking mechanism for locking the electronic modules in the one or more docks thereof.

19. Elektronisch samenstel volgens conclusie 18, waarbij het vergrendelmechanisme voor elk van de ene of meerdere dokken een gleuf omvat die zich uitstrekt in de invoerrichting, waarbij elke gleuf is geconfigureerd voor het opnemen van een deel van een respectievelijke elektronische module.The electronic assembly of claim 18, wherein the locking mechanism for each of the one or more docks comprises a slot extending in the insertion direction, each slot configured to receive a portion of a respective electronic module.

20. Elektronisch samenstel volgens conclusie 18 of conclusie 19, waarbij het vergrendelmechanisme voor elk van de ene of meerdere dokken een vergrendelknop omvat, die roteerbaar is in een rotatierichting, bij voorkeur waarbij elke vergrendelknop een bedieningsonderdeel omvat, zoals een vingergreep, voor het bewegen van de vergrendelknop in de rotatierichting.An electronic assembly according to claim 18 or claim 19, wherein the locking mechanism for each of the one or more docks comprises a lock button that is rotatable in a direction of rotation, preferably wherein each lock button comprises an operating member, such as a finger grip, for moving the lock button in the direction of rotation.

21. Elektronisch samenstel volgens conclusies 17 en 20, verder omvattend een tweede langgerekte bedekking voor het bedekken van de eerste langgerekte bedekking, waarbij de tweede langgerekte bedekking is voorzien van een sleuf boven elke gleuf en/of lokaal is verzonken bij het bedieningsonderdeel teneinde in staat te zijn het bedieningsonderdeel te bedienen.The electronic assembly according to claims 17 and 20, further comprising a second elongated cover for covering the first elongated cover, wherein the second elongated cover is provided with a slot above each slot and / or is locally sunk at the operating member to be able to to operate the operating part.

22. Elektronisch samenstel volgens conclusie 20 of conclusie 21, waarbij het eerste lichaamsdeel en het tweede lichaamsdeel een opsluitingskanaal omvatten voor het opnemen van het bedieningsonderdeel van de vergrendelknop van de tegenovergelegen ene van het eerste lichaamsdeel en tweede lichaamsdeel in de gesloten positie van de behuizing .An electronic assembly according to claim 20 or claim 21, wherein the first body part and the second body part comprise a containment channel for receiving the operating part of the locking button of the opposite one of the first body part and second body part in the closed position of the housing.

23. Elektronisch samenstel volgens één der voorgaande conclusies, waarbij elke van de ene of meerdere elektronische modules omvat:An electronic assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein each of the one or more electronic modules comprises:

een modulebehuizing met een bovenwand, een voorwand, een bodemwand en twee in hoofdzaak parallelle zijwanden, die samen een modulekamer definiëren voor het opnemen van een elektronische component;a module housing with a top wall, a front wall, a bottom wall and two substantially parallel side walls, which together define a module chamber for receiving an electronic component;

een elektronische component die is verschaft binnen de modulekamer; en een sluiting die is ingericht om te worden aangebracht aan de modulebehuizing, waarbij de sluiting is voorzien van een connectoropening voor het opnemen van een terminalconnector van één van de ene of meerdere dokken, waarbij wanneer de terminalconnector is opgenomen binnen de connectoropening, de terminalconnector elektrisch is verbonden met de elektronische component.an electronic component provided within the module room; and a closure adapted to be fitted to the module housing, the closure including a connector opening for receiving a terminal connector from one of the one or more docks, wherein when the terminal connector is included within the connector opening, the terminal connector is electrically is connected to the electronic component.

24. Elektronisch samenstel volgens conclusie 23, waarbij de zijwanden zijn voorzien van parallelle gleuven langs de bodemwand, waarbij de sluiting één of meer zijpinnen omvat en de modulebehuizing één of meer koppelopeningen omvat, waarbij de ene of meerdere zijpinnen zijn geconfigureerd te klikken in de ene of meerdere koppelopeningen voor het vast zetten van de sluiting.The electronic assembly of claim 23, wherein the side walls are provided with parallel slots along the bottom wall, wherein the closure comprises one or more side pins and the module housing comprises one or more coupling openings, the one or more side pins being configured to snap into the one or multiple coupling openings for securing the closure.

25. Elektronisch samenstel volgens conclusie 23 of conclusie 24, waarbij de sluiting een recessie waarin de connectoropening is voorzien, en een aanbrenglip omvat die uitsteekt uit de recessie teneinde opgenomen te worden in de behuizing.The electronic assembly of claim 23 or claim 24, wherein the closure comprises a recession in which the connector opening is provided, and a mounting tab protruding from the recession to be received in the housing.

26. Elektronisch samenstel volgens conclusie 19 en conclusie 25, waarbij de aanbrenglip is geconfigureerd om opgenomen te worden binnen de gleuf, en waarbij de aanbrenglip een uitsparing omvat die is geconfigureerd om ten minste een deel van de vergrendelknop op te nemen.The electronic assembly of claim 19 and claim 25, wherein the applicator lip is configured to be received within the slot, and wherein the applicator lip includes a recess configured to receive at least a portion of the lock button.

27. Elektronisch samenstel volgens één der conclusies 23-26, waarbij de connectoropening een eerste connectoropening is, en waarbij de sluiting een tweede connectoropening omvat voor verbinding met een energietoevoer .An electronic assembly according to any one of claims 23-26, wherein the connector opening is a first connector opening, and wherein the closure comprises a second connector opening for connection to an energy supply.

28. Elektronisch samenstel volgens één der conclusies 23-27, waarbij elk van de ene of meerdere elektronische modules één of meer kabelopeningen of ventilatieopeningen binnen de sluiting omvat.An electronic assembly according to any one of claims 23-27, wherein each of the one or more electronic modules comprises one or more cable openings or ventilation openings within the closure.

29. Elektronisch samenstel volgens één der conclusies 23-28, waarbij de elektronische component is geselecteerd uit de groep omvattend een elektrische energietoevoer, een GPS-module, een processor, een inclinatiesensor, en een alarm.An electronic assembly according to any of claims 23-28, wherein the electronic component is selected from the group comprising an electrical energy supply, a GPS module, a processor, an inclination sensor, and an alarm.

30. Behuizing voor gebruik in een elektronisch samenstel volgens één der voorgaande conclusies.A housing for use in an electronic assembly according to any one of the preceding claims.

31. Elektronische module voor gebruik in een elektronisch samenstel volgens één der conclusies 1-29.An electronic module for use in an electronic assembly according to any one of claims 1-29.

32. Werkwijze voor het samenstellen van een elektronisch samenstel volgens één der conclusies 1-29, waarbij de werkwijze de stappen omvat van het brengen van de behuizing in de open positie daarvan, het inbrengen van één of meer elektronische modules in het eerste en/of tweede lichaamsdeel, het verbinden van één of meer elektrische kabels met de ene of meerdere elektronische modules, en het brengen van de behuizing in de gesloten positie daar5 van.A method of assembling an electronic assembly according to any of claims 1-29, wherein the method comprises the steps of bringing the housing into its open position, inserting one or more electronic modules into the first and / or second body part, connecting one or more electrical cables to the one or more electronic modules, and bringing the housing into the closed position thereof.

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