Description:FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[001] The present invention generally relates to motor controllers. More particularly, the present invention relates to a control unit assembly.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[002] Generally, in conventional motor controller assembly, a signal board and a signal connector are provided. The signal connector facilitates in providing a path for current, voltage and signals to flow freely from one component to another. The signal connector is either placed horizontally to the signal board or soldered directly on the signal board. The horizontal signal connector is required to be covered with the help of a side cover, leading to an additional part.
[003] Hence, the overall mechanical part count of the motor controller assembly increases leading to a costly assembly. Further, such structure also leads to a complicated and complex intrinsic construction of the motor controller assembly. Also, the complex construction of the motor controller assembly leads to the increased manufacturing defects due to increased parts of the assembly.
[004] Further, in the conventional motor controller assemblies wherein a vertical signal pin connector is provided, the vertical signal connector assembly is unable to provide the water sealing features. This exposes the motor controller assembly to water ingress which is undesirable for the overall assembly.
[005] Thus, there is a need in the art for a control unit assembly, which addresses at least the aforementioned problems.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[006] In one aspect, the present invention is directed towards a control unit assembly. The control unit assembly has a circuit board configured to control one or more electrical components. The control unit assembly has a connector configured to electrically connect the one or more electrical components with the circuit board. Herein, the connector is provided on the circuit board. Further, the control unit assembly has a support member configured to extend along the circuit board. The support member is configured to receive and support the connector. The control unit assembly further has a gasket provided between the support member and the connector. The gasket is configured for sealing the assembly of the connector on to the support member.
[007] In an embodiment of the invention, the support member includes a slot configured to allow one or more connector pins of the connector to pass through.
[008] In a further embodiment of the invention, the support member includes a first recess and a second recess, the first recess is provided surrounding the slot, and the second recess is provided radially outward from the first recess.
[009] In a further embodiment of the invention, the second recess is concentric with the first recess.
[010] In a further embodiment of the invention, the gasket includes a first protrusion and a second protrusion, the first protrusion is configured to engage with the first recess on the support member and the second protrusion is configured to engage with the second recess on the support member.
[011] In a further embodiment of the invention, the first protrusion and the second protrusion are provided on a bottom face of the gasket.
[012] In a further embodiment of the invention, the connector includes a protrusion, wherein the protrusion on the connector is configured to engage with the gasket.
[013] In a further embodiment of the invention, the protrusion on the connector is configured to engage with a top face of the gasket.
[014] In a further embodiment of the invention, the support member includes a connector receiving portion extending outwardly from the support member, the connector receiving portion is configured to receive the connector.
[015] In a further embodiment of the invention, the control unit assembly has one or more attachment means for supporting the support member on the circuit board.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[016] Reference will be made to embodiments of the invention, examples of which may be illustrated in accompanying figures. These figures are intended to be illustrative, not limiting. Although the invention is generally described in context of these embodiments, it should be understood that it is not intended to limit the scope of the invention to these particular embodiments.
Figure 1 illustrates a perspective view of a control unit assembly, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 2 illustrates a perspective view of a support member, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 3 illustrates an exploded view of the control unit assembly, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 4A illustrates a sectional view of the control unit assembly, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 4B illustrates a sectional view of the control unit assembly, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[017] The present invention generally relates to motor controllers. More particularly, the present invention relates to a control unit assembly.
[018] Figure 1 illustrates a perspective view of a control unit assembly 100, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. The control unit assembly 100 is provided with a circuit board. The circuit board is configured to control one or more electrical components such as resistors, capacitors, diodes, transistors, and the like. In an embodiment, the circuit board is a control unit circuit board.
[019] The control unit assembly 100 includes a connector 110. The connector 110 is configured to electrically connect the one or more electrical components with the circuit board for providing signal inputs. The connector 110 is provided on the circuit board. In an embodiment, the connector 110 is a signal pin connector 110. In yet another embodiment of the present invention, the connector 110 is provided vertically to the circuit board, thereby reducing the overall part count of the control unit assembly 100. The connector 110 is configured to be provided with a plurality of connector pins 112 (as shown in Figure 3).
[020] The control unit assembly 100 further includes a support member 120. The support member 120 is configured to extend along the circuit board. The support member 120 is configured to receive and support the connector 110. As depicted in Figure 2, the support member 120 is provided with a slot 122. The slot 122 is configured to allow one or more connector pins 112 (as shown in Figure 3) of the connector 110 to pass through. Hence, the connector 110 is configured to be attached with the support member 120 with the help of the one or more connector pins 112 provided on the connector 110.
[021] The control unit assembly 100 further includes a gasket 130 for providing the water sealing features of the assembly 100. The gasket 130 is provided between the support member 120 and the connector 110. The gasket 130 is configured for sealing the assembly of the connector 110 on to the support member 120. Therefore, the gasket 130 allows for the efficient sealing of the connector 110 on to the support member 120 and prevents water ingress.
[022] Further, the connector 110 is provided with a protrusion 114 (shown in Figure 4A and 4B). The protrusion 114 on the connector 110 is configured to engage with the gasket 130. In an embodiment, the protrusion 114 on the connector 110 is configured to engage with a top face 130A of the gasket 130. Therefore, the protrusion 114 helps in securing the connector 110 efficiently on to the gasket 130.
[023] Figure 3 illustrates an exploded view of the control unit assembly 100, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. In an embodiment, the support member 120 includes a first recess 124 and a second recess 126. The first recess 124 is provided surrounding the slot 122. The second recess 126 is provided radially outward from the first recess 124. In an embodiment, the second recess 126 is concentric with the first recess 124. The first recess 124 and the second recess 126 helps in effectively sealing the connector 110 with the support member 120.
[024] The support member 120 further includes a connector receiving portion 128. The connector receiving portion 128 extends outwardly from the support member 120. The connector receiving portion 128 is configured to receive the connector 110.
[025] In an embodiment, as referenced in Figure 3, the control unit assembly 100 includes one or more attachment means 140 for supporting the support member 120 on the circuit board. In an embodiment, the gasket 130 is provided with one or more openings 142 for receiving the attachment means 140. In yet another embodiment, the support member 120 is provided with a boss 144 to connect the gasket 130. Therefore, the present invention allows for effective fastening of the connector 110 on to the support member 120 with the help of the attachment means 140. The attachment means 140 are securely fastened inside the opening 142 of the gasket and the boss 144 of the support member 120.
[026] Figures 4A and 4B illustrates a perspective view of the control unit assembly 100, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The gasket 130 includes a first protrusion 132 and a second protrusion 134. The first protrusion 132 is configured to engage with the first recess 124 on the support member 120 and the second protrusion 134 is configured to engage with the second recess 126 on the support member 120. In an embodiment of the present invention, the first protrusion 132 and the second protrusion 134 are provided on a bottom face 130B of the gasket 130. As further depicted in Figures 4A and 4B, the gasket 130 is provided with a groove to receive a portion of the connector 110. Further, the gasket 130 is provided with one or more grooves 136 on the top face 130A of the gasket 130 to receive an outer casing (not shown) of the control unit assembly 110, thereby also providing sealing at the joint of the outer casing of the control unit assembly 100 and the gasket.
[027] In an embodiment, the gasket 130 is provided with two stages of water sealing protection, i.e., sealing of the gasket 130 to the support member 120 at the first protrusion 132 as well as sealing of the gasket 130 to the support member 120 at the second protrusion 134. Thus, if the water gets passed from the first stage projection i.e., the sealing of the gasket 130 with the support member 120 at the radially outwardly provided second protrusion 134 provided in the gasket 130, a further level of sealing is provided as the second stage projection i.e., the sealing of the gasket 130 with the support member 120 at the radially inwardly provided first protrusion 132 provided in the gasket 130. In an embodiment, the gasket 130 and the support member 120 is configured to take the excessive load applied on the connector 110 while connecting with the support member 120.Therefore, the load applied by the support member 120 is absorbed by the support member 120 and the gasket 130.
[028] Advantageously, the present invention provides for a control unit assembly with the water sealing features such that the connector is placed vertically to the circuit board. The present invention allows for better performance and durability of the control unit assembly and lowers the overall part count due to the connector being placed vertically to the circuit board. Further, conventionally since a lot of motor controller assembly components are required to be manufactured, the present invention has reduced the overall control unit assembly components and thereby, reducing the overall manufacturing costs and part count.
[029] The present invention provides for a double stage water sealing protection and excessive load absorption from the support member. The prevention of water ingress at two stages, i.e., at the second protrusion and the first protrusion thus provided better protection against water ingress. Further, load absorption from the support member also provides for better structural rigidity.
[030] Further, by provision of the attachment means, the disposition of the gasket on to the base member is made easier and less sophisticated. In addition, the reduced part count also leads to reduction in the overall weight of the control unit assembly. This leads to cost saving leading to better overall efficiency.
[031] While the present invention has been described with respect to certain embodiments, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various changes and modification may be made without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the following claims.

List of Reference Numerals
100: Control Unit Assembly
110: Connector
112: Connector Pins
114: Protrusion
120: Support Member
122: Slot
124: First Recess
126: Second Recess
128: Connector Receiving Portion
130: Gasket
130A: Top Face of the Gasket
130B: Bottom Face of the Gasket
132: First Protrusion
134: Second Protrusion
136: Grooves on the gasket
140: Attachment Means
142: Openings for Attachment Means
144: Boss for Attachment Means
, Claims:
1. A control unit assembly (100), comprising:
a circuit board, the circuit board being configured to control one or more electrical components;
a connector (110), the connector (110) being configured to electrically connect the one or more electrical components with the circuit board, the connector (110) being provided on the circuit board;
a support member (120), the support member (120) being configured to extend along the circuit board, the support member (120) being configured to receive and support the connector (110); and
a gasket (130), the gasket (130) being provided between the support member (120) and the connector (110), the gasket (130) being configured for sealing the assembly of the connector (110) on to the support member (120).

2. The control unit assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the support member (120) comprises a slot (122), the slot (122) being configured to allow one or more connector pins (112) of the connector (110) to pass through.

3. The control unit assembly (100) as claimed in claim 2, wherein the support member (120) comprises a first recess (124) and a second recess (126), the first recess (124) being provided surrounding the slot (122), and the second recess (126) being provided radially outward from the first recess (124).

4. The control unit assembly (100) as claimed in claim 3, wherein the second recess (126) is concentric with the first recess (124).

5. The control unit assembly (100) as claimed in claim 3, wherein the gasket (130) comprises a first protrusion (132) and a second protrusion (134), the first protrusion (132) being configured to engage with the first recess (124) on the support member (120) and the second protrusion (134) being configured to engage with the second recess (126) on the support member (120).

6. The control unit assembly (100) as claimed in claim 5, wherein the first protrusion (132) and the second protrusion (134) are provided on a bottom face (130B) of the gasket (130).

7. The control unit assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the connector (110) comprises a protrusion (114), wherein the protrusion (114) on the connector (110) being configured to engage with the gasket (130).

8. The control unit assembly (100) as claimed in claim 7, wherein the protrusion (114) on the connector (110) is configured to engage with a top face (130A) of the gasket (130).

9. The control unit assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the support member (120) comprises a connector receiving portion (128) extending outwardly from the support member (120), the connector receiving portion (128) being configured to receive the connector (110).

10. The control unit assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, comprising one or more attachment means (140) for supporting the support member (120) on the circuit board.

Dated this 06 day of October 2023

TVS MOTOR COMPANY LIMITED
By their Agent & Attorney

(Nikhil Ranjan)
of Khaitan & Co
Reg No IN/PA-1471