Abstract:
A mounting plate for electronic components, including cooling conduits that are integrated into a plate body and that are traversed by a coolant, and a fixing device for mounting the electronic components being located on the plate body. The fixing device includes at least one retaining piece and a first recessed groove or channel that extends in a linear manner in the direction of extension of the mounting plate. A retaining piece, which includes a fixing thread, for securing the component can be inserted into the groove or channel.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
   1. Field of the Invention 
   This invention relates to a mounting plate for electronic components, in particular with cooling conduits integrated in a plate body for a cooling medium to flow through, wherein a fastening arrangement for mounting the electronic components is arranged on the plate body. 
   2. Discussion of Related Art 
   It is known to insert cooling coils into a mounting plate or mounting board made of aluminum, in order to cool electronic devices, for example frequency converters, to be mounted on the mounting plate. The waste heat from the electronic components can be carried off by such a “cold plate”. 
   The electronic components can be maintained on such a known mounting plate with screw connections. For this purpose, there are screw holes in the housings of the electronic components, through which a screw can be rotated into threaded holes to be cut into the mounting plate. Because of the cooling coils, however, holes cannot be drilled without danger of damage to the known mounting plates. Also, the electronic components often have different dimensions, so that different fastening dimensions also exist. Thus, it is often not possible to provide the mounting plate with a predetermined grid of threaded holes, because the threaded holes applied to the housings of the electronic components are not aligned with them. 
   In known mounting plates of the firm PADA Engineering, the cooling coils are mounted visibly on the plate surface in order to prevent accidental damage of the cooling conduits to the greatest extent during later mechanical working of the mounting plate. 
   However, it is necessary in connection with the known mounting plates to cut specially arranged threaded holes, depending on the fastening dimensions of the electronic component to be mounted. This requires elaborate fastening techniques. 
   Also, based on the mounting areas on the mounting plate predetermined by the position of the cooling coils, the component density of several electronic components to be mounted is reduced, and because of the guidance of the coolant conduits, not every position is suitable for cutting a threaded hole. 
   SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
   In is one object of this invention to provide a mounting plate for electronic components which, along with a reduced mounting outlay and secure holding of the electronic components to be mounted, offers variable arrangement options on the plate surface without drilling holes into it. 
   This object is achieved with a mounting plate having the characteristics discussed in this specification and in the claims. 
   Accordingly, the fastening arrangement has at least one holding element with a fastening screw thread and at least one first groove or rib, which is undercut, that extends in a straight line in the extension direction of the mounting plate, and into which the at least one holding element can be inserted for fixing the component in place. The additional cutting of threaded holes is avoided by this arrangement. Mounting can be accomplished in a simple manner wherein, because of the freely selectable positioning of the holding elements in the groove, the adaptation to the structural conditions of the components is possible. 
   In accordance with a further basic concept, the fastening arrangement can have at least one second groove or rib, which is embodied similar to the first groove or rib and which extends parallel with respect to the first groove or rib, whose distance from the first groove or rib is substantially determined by the length of extension of the electronic component to be mounted, which runs perpendicularly with respect to the first or second groove or rib. Thus, with a preset fastening size of electronic components to be mounted, a simple securing on the mounting plate can take place. 
   In accordance with one embodiment, the fastening arrangement can have at least one further groove or rib extending parallel with the second groove or rib, which is embodied in the same way as the first groove or rib and the second groove or rib and extends along the side of the second groove or rib facing away from the electronic component to be mounted at a distance from it, which is less than the distance between the first groove or rib and the second groove or rib. With this arrangement, consideration is given to an additionally used further fastening dimension of electronic components to be mounted. 
   Electronic components having holes for fastening with screws can be mounted in a simple manner. In this case, the electronic components can be fastened by screws directly on the holding elements inserted into the grooves or ribs, or can be fixed in place by strip-like holding elements attached indirectly or directly to the holding elements. 
   However, if the fastening dimensions of the electronic compounds to be mounted do not agree with the spacing between the parallel extending grooves, for example if the electronic components to be mounted have holes with spacing between each other is less than the distance between the second groove and the first groove, or less than the distance of the next further groove from the first groove, then the component can be fixed in place at least on one side by an angled sheet metal piece, wherein at least one screw engaging the angled sheet metal piece is screwed into the holding element inserted into the corresponding groove. 
   Here, the angled sheet metal piece can have a flat base plate for placement against the mounting plate and a clamping area, which is angled with respect to it, for the clamping fixation of the electronic component to be mounted. During this, the clamping area can clampingly engage a protrusion on the electronic component. 
   In order to achieve a particularly simple adaptation to different structural dimensions of electronic components to be mounted, the angled sheet metal piece can have at least one elongated hole, which extends perpendicularly with respect to the direction of extension of the second groove or the still further groove, for receiving the screw. 
   In one embodiment, the holding element can be a spring nut. 
   In view of manufacturing technology, it is advantageous if the first groove, the second groove and/or the next further groove are embodied in one piece with the plate body. 
   Improved arrangement and fastening possibilities result if at least one holding element is embodied as a groove insert, which has a base part that can be inserted into one of the grooves, and a top part protruding from the groove if, in the inserted state of the groove insert, the top part has a fastening section spaced apart from the mounting level of the mounting plate, which can be positioned above a base part to be located under it, of the component to be fixed in place. The distance of the fastening section can be greater than the thickness of the base part in the direction of the normal line with respect to the mounting level. At least one threaded bore is in the fastening section, into which an attachment screw, which works together with the base part, can be screwed for fixing the component in place. 
   Also, those steps contribute to simple secure mounting, wherein at least one holding element is made as a sliding block with a base part which can be pushed into one of the grooves, and with a top part protruding from the groove. A threaded bore is arranged in the top part in the direction of the normal line with respect to the mounting level, on which a holding means for the component can be screwed in place. 
   Variable fastening embodiments are possible if the fastening arrangement has at least one holding strip, which can be arranged transversely with respect to the grooves and is dimensioned so that it spans the distance between two grooves and can be fixed in place by threaded bores in its end sections on both sides in the sliding blocks and/or groove inserts pushed into the respective grooves. 
   An intended arrangement at practically any desired location of the mounting level without additional bores is possible if at least one strip-like bridge is provided, which can be displaceably inserted at a distance from the mounting level between two holding strips arranged on both sides of a component parallel with respect to each other, and has bores, by which the component can be fixed in place at its base by at least one attachment screw. 
   Here, those steps contribute to simple mounting, wherein the bridge has open slits in both its end sections in the direction toward the holding strips, by which it is displaceably held on the holding strips. 
   The arrangement and fastening possibilities are enhanced if there is at least one holding strip and/or bridge with a row of threaded bores or fastening holes. 
   The stability of the fastening arrangement is enhanced if the holding strip and/or the bridge is designed in an angular shape in cross section, or has at least one reinforcement rib. 

   
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     This invention is explained in greater detail in view of preferred embodiments shown in the drawings, wherein: 
       FIG. 1  shows a mounting plate in a schematic and perspective lateral view without electronic components to be mounted and to be cooled; 
       FIG. 2  shows an angled sheet metal piece in a schematic and perspective lateral view, for mounting which can be matched to different fastening dimensions of electronic components to be mounted; 
       FIG. 3  shows the mounting plate in accordance with  FIG. 1 , in a schematic and perspective lateral view, with frequency converters which are to be cooled, mounted thereon, each of which is clampingly held on one side by an angle iron, in accordance with  FIG. 2 ; 
       FIGS. 4   a - 4   c  show different elements of a fastening arrangement in partial views; 
       FIG. 5  shows a mounting arrangement in a top schematic plan view with a mounting plate, a component to be fastened, and the elements of the fastening arrangement in accordance with  FIG. 4 ; 
       FIG. 6  shows a perspective plan view of the arrangement shown in  FIG. 5 , from one side; and 
       FIG. 7  shows a perspective plan view of the arrangement in accordance with  FIG. 5 , from an opposite side with respect to  FIG. 6 . 
   

   DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
   In a schematic and perspective lateral view,  FIG. 1  shows a mounting plate  10  without electronic components which are to be mounted on it and to be cooled. The mounting plate  10  has a flat plate body  14  made, for example, of aluminum, in which a cooling circuit is embodied with connectors  16  and  18  in the form of a cooling coil, not shown, for the flow-through of a cooling fluid. In the area in which the cooling fluid coil is integrally deployed, the plate body  14  is not additionally processed, but instead is designed flat and level. On the side to the right in  FIG. 1 , of the area in which the cooling fluid coil is integrally placed, an undercut first groove  20  is formed in one piece with the plate body, which is approximately C-shaped in cross section and extends in a straight line in the direction (arrow A) of extension of the mounting plate  14 . At least one holding element, for example a spring nut (not represented), a sliding block  25  ( FIG. 4   a ), and/or a groove insert ( FIG. 4   b ) for providing a screw connection with an electronic component  12 , or further elements of a fastening arrangement, can be inserted, preferably fixed against relative rotation, into the first groove  20 . The electronic components to be installed can then be securely fixed in suitable positions. 
   Parallel with the first groove  20 , an undercut second groove  22  extends at the side of the area of the plate body on the left in  FIG. 1 , in which the cooling coil is integrally deposited. The distance between the first groove  20  and the second groove  22  is defined by the area of the plate body in which the cooling coil is integrally deposited, and by the length of extension perpendicularly with respect to the first groove  20  and the second groove  22  of an electronic component to be mounted. 
   An undercut further groove  24  extends parallel with the first groove  20  and the second groove  22 , which extends at a distance C with respect to a side  29  of the second groove  22  facing away from the component to be mounted. The distance C is less than the distance B between the first groove  20  and the second groove  22 , and is matched to a different fastening dimension than the second groove  22 . 
   Electronic components to be mounted, whose enclosures or housings have screw holes whose distance from each other corresponds to the distance B of the second groove  22  from the first groove  20 , or of the still further groove  24  from the first groove  20 , can be directly fastened by screws on nuts inserted into the grooves  20 ,  22 ,  24 . 
   In a schematic and perspective lateral view,  FIG. 2  shows an angled sheet metal piece  30  for mounting, which can be matched to different fastening dimensions of electronic components to be mounted. 
   Electronic components to be mounted, whose housings have screw holes with distance from each other that is less than the distance B′ (represented in  FIG. 1 ) of the first groove  20  from the second groove  22 , or less than the distance of the next further groove  24  from the first groove  20 , can be clampingly fixed in place at least on one side through the angled sheet metal piece  30  by a screw (not represented) engaging the piece on screw nuts introduced into the appropriate groove  22 . 
   The angled sheet metal piece  30  has a flat base plate  35  for placement against the mounting plate  10 , and a clamping area  36  angled with respect to it and made of one piece for the clamping fixation of the electronic component to be mounted. 
   The angled sheet metal piece  30  has two elongated holes  38  and  39 , which run perpendicularly (arrow D) with respect to the extension direction (arrow A) of the second groove  22 , or the still further groove  24 , for receiving a screw (not represented). 
   In a schematic and perspective lateral view,  FIG. 3  shows the mounting plate  10  in accordance with  FIG. 1  with frequency converters  12 , which are to be cooled, mounted thereon, each of which is clampingly held on one side by an angled sheet metal piece  30  in accordance with  FIG. 2 . 
   The frequency converters whose extension B does not match the distance between the two grooves  20  and  22  are each screwed together on the right side in  FIG. 3  by screws, which engage spring nuts (not represented) inserted into the groove  20 . Such a screw has the reference numeral  28  in  FIG. 3 . 
   On the left side in  FIG. 3 , the frequency converters  12  are each clamped by an additional angled sheet metal piece, one of which is represented by the reference numeral  30 . For example, in the elongated hole  38  of the represented angled sheet metal piece  30 , a screw  32  engages a spring nut (not represented) introduced into the second groove  22 . The angled sheet metal piece  30  clampingly engages a protrusion  13  on the housing of the frequency converter  12 . The fastening dimension, which does not fit the spacing between the grooves, is compensated by the fastening through the elongated hole. 
   In the partial views  FIGS. 4   a  to  4   d , each shows different elements of a fastening arrangement, a sliding block  25  (partial view a), a groove insert  26  (partial view b), a holding strip (partial view c), and a strip-like bridge  28  (partial view d), which may be provided in greater or lesser numbers for forming a kit. It is thus possible to fix components of different dimensions and/or in different positions in place on the mounting level of the mounting plate  10 . The mounting principle ensues from  FIGS. 5 ,  6  and  7 . No fastening bores are required in the mounting plate. 
   As shown in  FIG. 4   a , for insertion into a groove  20 ,  22 ,  24  which is T-shaped in cross section, the sliding block  25  has a T-shaped base section  25 . 1  matched to the groove cross section, as well as a top section  25 . 2  extending from the groove past or beyond the mounting level, into whose top a threaded bore  25 . 3  is cut in the direction of the normal line with respect to the mounting level. Also possible are lateral threaded bores parallel with the mounting level. The sliding block  25  is displaceably seated in the groove by the base section  25 . 1 . 
   In a manner corresponding to the sliding block  25 , the groove insert  26  in  FIG. 4   b  also has base section  26 . 1 , T-shaped in cross section and matched to the groove cross section, as well as a top section  26 . 2  projecting from the groove, but is longer in the groove direction than the sliding block  25  and also has a fastening section  26 . 4 , which protrudes transversely to the groove direction and is spaced apart from the mounting level in the inserted state. Threaded bores  26 . 3  and  26 . 5  are cut in the direction of the normal line from above into its two end sections, as well as into the fastening section  26 . 4 . 
   As  FIG. 4   c  shows, the holding strip  27  is in an angular shape in cross section and has a number of bores  27 . 1  in its one leg, at least some of which can also be embodied as threaded bores. The bridge  28  represented in  FIG. 4   d  is also angular in cross section and also has a number of bores which can be designed as threaded bores. Furthermore, open slits  28 . 2 , open toward the ends, are cut in the leg without the bores  28 . 1  on both sides parallel with the longitudinal extension. 
   As FIGS.  5 , 6  and  7  show, the angular strips  27  are somewhat longer than the distance between the two grooves  20 ,  22  extending in the vicinity of the two longitudinal edges, and they can be selectively fastened in appropriate positions on sliding blocks  25 , or groove inserts  26 , by insertion into the grooves  20 ,  22  by the introduction of screws  33  through the respective bores  27 . 1  of the holding strip  27  and can be tightly screwed into threaded bores  25 . 3  or  26 . 3 , wherein the side of the holding strip  27  with the bores  27 . 1  preferably forms the top side. The holding strips  27  can thus be displaced in the longitudinal direction of the mounting plate  10  or the mounting level in order to arrange the component  12  in the desired linear position on the mounting level. A base part  12 . 1  of the component  12  can here be fixed in place by the facing fastening section  26 . 4  of a groove insert  26  if an attachment screw is rotated through the threaded bore  26 . 5  in the fastening section  26 . 4  for pressing the component  12  against the mounting level, by which a good contact for removing waste heat results. 
   At least one bridge  28  can be arranged in a desired position in the transverse direction of the mounting plate  10  between two holding strips  27 , and is displaceable in the transverse direction along the holding strips  27  by the slits  28 . 2 . In this case, the leg of the bridge  28  having bores  28 . 1  is farther spaced apart from the mounting level than the dimension of the respective base part  12 . 1  of the component  12  in the direction of the normal line of the mounting level, so that the base part  12 . 1  can be pushed under the bridge  28  and fastened by turning in or rotating attachment screws through the bores  28 . 1 . Threaded pins, for example, can be used as attachment screws  34 . 
   Several options exist for fixing the component  12  in place on the mounting plate  10 , namely, for example, clamping the base part  12 . 1  on one side by at least one groove insert  26  under its fastening section  26 . 4  on the one side, and clamping in place by a bridge  28  on the other side, or clamping the base part  12 . 1  on both sides of the component  12  by respective bridges  28 . Components  12  of different dimensions can be attached in different positions in the x/y direction of the mounting plate  10  by several holding strips  27  and bridges  28  and, if required, groove inserts  26 , so that the components can be positioned in a simple manner at suitable unoccupied locations, for example inside a housing receiving the mounting plates  10 . When fastening in place, the angle-shaped cross section of the holding strip  27  and the bridge  28  results in increased stability. A similar stability effect can also be achieved with a T-shaped cross section, or at least one reinforcement rib.