Abstract: In the case of a switching element, a pressure-compensation element (20) is inserted in the base body (10) of the terminal strip (11) in a recess so that a pressure compensation is possible between the interior of the housing (17) and the outer atmosphere. By means of this special arrangement of the pressure-compensation element (20) in the terminal strip (11) it is possible to test the functional capability of the pressure-compensation elements in the installed state in a simple way without additional testing processes.

Abstract: A spring element, for securing components of an electronic control device, is essentially U-shaped, with a bridge portion (16), which rests on an end (11A) of a cooling fin (11) mounted perpendicularly on a printed circuit board (13), and a pair of depending spring legs (17, 18), one of which presses against a side face (11C) of the cooling fin (11) and the other of which presses a power component (14) against a major surface (11B) of the cooling fin (11). Preferably, the spring element (15, 15A) is formed with a pair of slots (23, 24) which facilitate engagement by a pair of tongs (25, 26) of an automatic mounting device. The tongs can spread open the spring element and position it around the cooling fin (11) and power component (14) without exerting any harmful shear forces on the fin or component. Preferably, each spring leg has a convex central section, below the slot, and a concave bottom or terminal end.

Abstract: To permit one-hand operation of engagement and disengagement of separable electrical connectors, for example of multi-terminal connectors in automotive use, the connectors are formed with adjacent side walls fitting within each other; the inner side walls of one part are formed with locking projections extending laterally outwardly and having at least one flat engaging surface extending transversely to unlocking direction, and fitting against a matching engaging surface formed on the side wall of the other part. To permit unlocking, the inner side wall is formed with a projecting fulcrum bead or ridge, the side wall of the other part being extended beyond the fulcrum bead or ridge so that, upon compression of the extending portion over the fulcrum bead or ridge, the side wall of the other part will be resiliently deflected outwardly, thus releasing the engagement surfaces from each other.

Abstract: To provide for simplified and less expensive manufacture without extensive insulation of internal components of a control system with respect to the housing, particularly for electronic ignition and fuel injection control systems, digital and other automotive control electronic systems and the like, a housing (1) of insulating plastic material has a connecting portion (2, 3) integrally formed therewith, which further include, integrally formed therewith, holding and engagement catches and slits (13, 15, 17-23; 62, 69) for a printed circuit board (41) carrying electronic network elements (42) such as transistors, capacitors, resistors, in integrated circuit form, or as discrete elements; and further a cooling device (24, 25; 56; 64; 73) in heat-conductive relationship to a power stage (43; 54; 65; 74) to dissipate heat generated within the power stage, and to transfer the heat over a large area surface connection either to a structural component carrying the entire control unit and/or to a sheet metal cover (4

Abstract: To mount power semiconductor units at the exposed surfaces of a housing structure for electronic components such as, for example, transistorized ignitions, without the loss of heat sink and heat radiation effects, while still protecting the electronic components, a protective cover is placed over the electronic component and at least a portion of the housing end wall, the cover being so dimensioned that it offers little resistance to radiation of heat by the housing end wall; the cover may be a layer of paint or a plastic hood or cap having end walls fitting against the housing end wall which are spaced from the electronic component by a distance which is sufficient to permit the housing end wall to act as a heat sink. If paint is used, the semiconductor is preferably located in a depression formed in the housing end wall so that paint can accumulate at the edges of the semiconductor thus providing effective protection.

Abstract: To reduce the overall size of the housing of an electronic control unit having power stages of substantial power, and hence high heat dissipation, in combination with its associated control stage having but little power and hence low heat dissipation, a printed circuit board is located in the structure having essentially rectangular cross section by placing the printed circuit board diagonally therein, holding it in fixed position at one end but loose at the other to permit relative movement with respect to the housing, and thermal dimensional changes, the printed circuit board dividing the chamber into one permitting high heat dissipation and one of low heat dissipation. The structure is particularly applicable for automotive electrical control systems such as, for example, ignition systems for placing in cramped locations.