DE102016208736A1 - Electronic module for a control device for controlling a motor vehicle, control device and method for producing an electronic module - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to an electronic module (100) for a control device for controlling a motor vehicle. The electronic module (100) comprises an inductive sensor (108) with at least one coil strip (106) comprising at least two coil elements (104). Furthermore, the electronic module (100) comprises a carrier element (102) comprising at least two carrier layers (202), wherein the coil elements (104) extend through the carrier layers (202), and a plastic layer (112), which at least the coil strip (106) fluid-tight covers.

Description

The present invention relates to an electronic module for a control device for controlling a motor vehicle, to a control device and to a method for producing an electronic module.

There are known transmission and engine control units with integrated proximity sensor.

The DE 10 2006 021 018 B4 describes, for example, an inductive sensor.

Against this background, the present invention provides an improved electronic module for a control unit for controlling a motor vehicle, an improved control unit, and an improved method for manufacturing an electronic module according to the main claims. Advantageous embodiments will become apparent from the dependent claims and the description below.

The approach described here is based on the finding that coil elements of an inductive sensor can be integrated in strip form into a multilayer printed circuit board of an electronic module for a control unit by a suitable manufacturing method. In this case, the multilayer board may be coated with a plastic layer to protect the coil elements from environmental influences. Such an electronic module offers the advantage of high robustness and the possibility of reducing the number of required connector interfaces for contacting the control unit. Furthermore, this allows a compact design of the electronic module can be achieved.

An electronic module for a control unit for controlling a motor vehicle is presented, wherein the electronic module comprises an inductive sensor with at least one coil strip of at least two coil elements. The electronic module has a carrier element of at least two carrier layers, wherein the coil elements extend through the carrier layers, and furthermore has a plastic layer which covers at least the coil strip in a fluid-tight manner.

An electronics module can be understood as a module that can comprise various electronic components for operating the control unit. The inductive sensor may be a proximity sensor. A coil element can be understood as an electronic component for generating a magnetic field. The coil elements can be realized, for example, with several turns. In each of the coil elements, a ferromagnetic core may be integrated. The coil elements may be spaced apart along a common axis to form the coil strip. Optionally, the coil elements can each have a rectangular or square base surface. This allows the most space-saving possible arrangement of the coil elements within the coil strip. Depending on the embodiment, the coil strip may be a straight or a curved coil strip. For example, the coil elements may be integrated into the carrier element by etching. The carrier element may be a multi-layer circuit board, also called multilayer circuit board. In particular, the carrier element may for example comprise at least four carrier layers arranged one above the other. In this case, the coil elements can extend through at least one of the carrier layers, in particular for example by at least four carrier layers, or extend at least in sections along at least one of the carrier layers. The plastic layer may have been applied by injection molding on the coil strip, for example. Depending on the embodiment, the plastic layer can cover at least a large part of a surface of the carrier element in a fluid-tight manner. Thus, the plastic layer can act as a housing to protect the electronic module from environmental influences.

According to one embodiment, the coil strip may have been integrated into the carrier element using a galvanotechnical method. The electroplating process may in particular be a galvanic etching process. By this embodiment, a simple and inexpensive production of the electronic module can be ensured.

According to a further embodiment, the coil elements may each have at least two turns. In this case, the windings can extend through the carrier layers or along the carrier layers. This can ensure that the coil elements generate a sufficiently strong and stable magnetic field.

It is advantageous if the plastic layer has a layer thickness of not more than 2 mm. As a result, a distance between the coil elements and a damping element for damping the coil elements can be kept as low as possible.

Furthermore, the plastic layer may have been manufactured using an injection molding process. As a result, the plastic layer can be produced with little effort. Furthermore, this ensures a secure connection between the carrier element and the plastic layer.

The electronic module can also have an evaluation unit for evaluating sensor signals of the having inductive sensor. The evaluation unit can be arranged on the carrier element. The plastic layer can cover the evaluation unit fluid-tight. The evaluation unit can be designed, for example, to determine a position of the damping element relative to the coil strip. This embodiment allows a simple and space-saving integration of the evaluation in the electronic module.

It is furthermore advantageous if the electronic module has at least one connection contact for the electrically conductive contacting of the electronic module. The connection contact may be integrated into the carrier element such that the connection contact protrudes at least partially beyond the carrier element. In this case, the plastic layer can cover at least one end portion of the connection contact facing the carrier element in a fluid-tight manner. The connection contact can be configured, for example, as a plug pin or socket. By this embodiment, the electronic module can be contacted electrically.

According to a further embodiment, the inductive sensor may comprise at least one further coil strip of at least two further coil elements. The further coil elements may extend through the carrier layers. Here, the plastic layer can cover the other coil strip fluid-tight. By this embodiment, the electronic module can be realized with a plurality of coil strips. As a result, the measurement accuracy of the inductive sensor can be improved.

In this case, the coil strip and the further coil strip can be arranged adjacent to one another. Depending on the embodiment, the coil strip and the further coil strip may additionally or alternatively be arranged substantially parallel to one another, be substantially the same length or the same width, or have an identical number of coil elements. Additionally or alternatively, one coil element and one further coil element may each be arranged opposite one another. This can ensure that the coil strip and the further coil strip have substantially identical properties. Furthermore, thereby the manufacture of the electronic module can be simplified.

The approach described here also provides a control unit with an electronic module according to one of the preceding embodiments.

In this case, the control unit may have at least one damping element for damping the coil elements of the electronic module. A damping element can be understood to be an electrically or magnetically conductive element. The damping element can be arranged opposite to the coil strip or the further coil strip at a small distance from the plastic layer and can be displaceably arranged along the coil strip or the further coil strip. Here, the damping element can be separated by an air gap of the plastic layer. For example, the damping element can be realized as part of an activatable by the controller actuator. By the damping element, the coil elements can be damped.

According to a further embodiment, the control device may comprise a housing. The housing may be at least largely formed by the plastic layer of the electronic module. For example, the carrier element may be encapsulated with the plastic layer to form the housing. By this embodiment, an additional housing can be omitted. As a result, the manufacturing cost of the controller can be reduced.

The approach described here also provides a method for producing an electronic module for a control unit for controlling a motor vehicle, the method comprising the following steps:
Integrating at least one coil strip of at least two coil elements for an inductive sensor into a carrier element of at least two carrier layers, wherein the coil strip is integrated in such a way that the coil elements extend through the carrier layers; and
Fluid-tight covering at least of the coil strip with a plastic layer.

According to one embodiment, in the step of integrating the coil strip can be integrated into the carrier element using a galvanotechnischen method. Additionally or alternatively, in the step of covering the coil strip can be covered in an injection molding with the plastic layer. By this embodiment, a cost-effective and efficient production of the electronic module can be ensured.

The invention will be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings.

Show it:

1 a schematic representation of an electronic module according to an embodiment in plan view;

2 a schematic representation of a cross section through an electronic module 1 ;

3 a schematic representation of a control device according to an embodiment; and

4 a flowchart of a method for manufacturing an electronic module according to an embodiment.

In the following description of preferred embodiments of the present invention, the same or similar reference numerals are used for the elements shown in the various figures and similarly acting, wherein a repeated description of these elements is omitted.

1 shows a schematic representation of an electronic module 100 according to an embodiment in plan view. The electronics module 100 For example, for a control unit of a motor vehicle, comprises a support element 102 in the form of a multilayer board. In the carrier element 102 is a plurality of coil elements 104 integrated to generate a magnetic field. The coil elements 104 are in a straight line here coil strip 106 arranged. Here are the coil elements 104 such in the carrier element 102 integrated, that they each through the layers of the support element 102 or at least partially extend along these layers.

According to the in 1 embodiment shown are the coil elements 104 each realized with a plurality of turns.

The coil strip 106 is part of an inductive sensor 108 , which is adapted to an approximation of a magnetically or electrically conductive damping element 110 , which is exemplified here diamond-shaped, depending on a through the damping element 110 caused change in the magnetic field to detect. The damping element 110 For example, is mechanically coupled to an actuator or part of an actuator that can be controlled by the control unit. In this way, a position or movement of the actuator using the inductive sensor 108 be detected.

The coil strip 106 is through a plastic layer 112 covered fluid-tight. According to one embodiment, the plastic layer 112 in an injection molding on the support element 102 applied.

According to one embodiment, the coil elements have been 104 in a galvanotechnical process in the carrier element 102 integrated. Alternatively, the coil elements 104 with another, for example from the printed circuit board manufacturing known method in the support element 102 have been integrated.

2 shows a schematic representation of a cross section through an electronic module 100 out 1 , Evident is the damping element 110 passing through an air gap 200 from the plastic layer 112 is disconnected. The coil elements 104 run by way of example by three carrier layers 202 the carrier element 102 , Depending on the embodiment, the carrier element comprises 102 at least four carrier layers 202 , Thus, according to one embodiment, at least a portion of a turn or a complete turn of each of the coil elements extends 104 on an inner carrier layer 202 that between two other carrier layers 202 is arranged. Another section, the or another turn, or a complete further turn of each of the coil elements 104 , According to one embodiment, runs on a further inner carrier layer 202 or on an outer carrier layer 202 that from the plastic layer 112 is covered. Thus, the trace of each of the coil elements 104 distributed according to an embodiment over several of the carrier layers 202 arranged.

A layer thickness through the plastic layer 112 Formed encapsulation is on a the damping element 110 facing side of the electronic module 100 for example less than 1 mm, less than 2 mm or less than 3 mm. This is a distance between the coil elements 104 and the damping element 110 for example, a maximum of 3 mm, so that the air gap 200 is about 1 mm wide according to one embodiment.

3 shows a schematic representation of a control device 300 according to an embodiment. The control unit 300 , here one with the plastic layer 112 encapsulated transmission control unit with integrated sensor array includes, for example, an electronic module 100 as previously stated by the 1 and 2 is described. Unlike the 1 and 2 is the inductive sensor 108 of the electronic module 100 according to 3 in addition to the coil strip 106 as the first inductive sensor array with another coil strip 302 realized as a second inductive sensor array. The further coil strip 302 is by a plurality of other coil elements 304 formed like the coil elements 104 of the coil strip 106 such in the carrier element 102 are integrated, that the other coil elements 304 through the carrier layers of the carrier element 102 extend.

According to this embodiment, the two coil strips 106 . 302 in each case the same number of coil elements. The coil elements 104 and the other coil elements 304 can be identical. Further, the coil strips 106 . 302 arranged at a small distance adjacent to each other. Here are the coil strips 106 . 302 arranged substantially parallel to each other, so that each a coil element 104 each a further coil element 304 opposite. Optionally, the two coil strips 106 . 302 essentially the same length and width as this 3 is shown.

Analogous to the coil strip 106 and to the damping element 110 is another, here also diamond-shaped damping element 306 for damping the other coil elements 304 slidable along the other coil strip 302 arranged. Also the further damping element 306 can be part of the actor.

In the carrier element 102 is optional an evaluation unit 308 for evaluating sensor signals 310 of the inductive sensor 108 integrated. Here is the evaluation unit 308 fluid-tight through the plastic layer 112 covered. As in 3 to recognize, is the carrier element 102 optionally designed to in addition to the evaluation 308 a plurality of other electronic components, such as components for controlling the actuator to record. The other electronic components can through the plastic layer 112 be covered fluid-tight.

Exemplary is the carrier element 102 with a plurality of connection contacts 312 equipped for electrical contacting of the electronic module 100 serve. According to one embodiment, the connection contacts 312 parallel to one another on one side of the carrier element 102 arranged. For example, it is the connection contacts 312 around pins for an actuator or pins for inputs and for communication. A the support element 102 facing end portion of each terminal 312 is in each case fluid-tight through the plastic layer 112 covered. The connection contacts 312 thus partially protrude through the plastic layer 112 through from the electronics module 100 out.

Here, the carrier element 102 with all electronic components integrated in it completely from the plastic layer 112 be enclosed. The plastic layer 112 thus forms a fluid-tight, overmolded housing 314 around the electronics module 100 ,

By overmolding the two coil strips 106 . 302 or even the complete electronic module 100 including the connection contacts 312 For inputs and outputs, a good seal against environmental influences can be achieved.

The damping elements 110 . 306 can be part of the actuator, especially in integrated transmission controls. This should be the air gap, which is caused by air and the plastic layer 112 , such as a non-conductive overmolded plastic skin, is formed as narrow as possible to provide maximum signal strength of the sensor signals 310 to ensure. Due to the high signal strength, a high resolution of, for example, up to 10 bits can be achieved, whereby a precise control of the actuators is possible.

Because of the connection contacts 312 in a PCB layout of the electronic module 100 can be integrated, the number of additional mechanical connector interfaces of the controller 300 , For example, of connector pins, be significantly reduced. This can increase the robustness and reliability of the overall system.

4 shows a flowchart of a method 400 for producing an electronic module according to an embodiment. The procedure 400 can be performed, for example, to be preceded by 1 to 3 manufacture described electronic module. This is done in one step 410 the coil strip is integrated with the coil elements in the individual carrier layers of the carrier element such that the coil elements each extend through the carrier layers or along the carrier layers. in a further step 420 the plastic layer is applied to the carrier element in order to cover the coil strip in a fluid-tight manner. Alternatively, the plastic layer is applied in such a way that the carrier element is completely enclosed by the plastic layer. The plastic layer thus forms a housing around the electronics module.

Optionally, in step 410 the coil strip realized using a galvanotechnischen method in the carrier element. According to one embodiment, in step 420 applied the plastic layer in an injection molding on the coil strip. For example, the carrier element can be completely encapsulated with plastic.

According to one embodiment, the coil elements in step 410 electro-etched. In this case, the coil elements are realized, for example, with a plurality of windings which pass through the carrier element via at least four carrier layers. The carrier element can likewise be produced galvanically.

Since inductive sensors usually work reliably only within a distance of 0 mm to 4 mm, a layer thickness of the plastic material should be on the side of the damping element be kept as thin as possible in order to obtain a maximum output signal from each coil element.

If an exemplary embodiment comprises a "and / or" link between a first feature and a second feature, this can be read so that the embodiment according to one embodiment, both the first feature and the second feature and according to another embodiment, either only the first Feature or only the second feature.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

100

electronic module

102

support element

106

reel strips

108

inductive sensor

110

damping element

112

Plastic sheet

200

air gap

202

support layer

300

control unit

302

another coil strip

304

another coil element

306

further damping element

308

evaluation

310

sensor signal

312

connection contact

314

casing

400

production method

410

Step of integrating

420

Step of fluid-tight covering

QUOTES INCLUDE IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of the documents listed by the applicant has been generated automatically and is included solely for the better information of the reader. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions.

Cited patent literature

• DE 102006021018 B4 [0003]

Claims (14)

Electronic module ( 100 ) for a control unit ( 300 ) for controlling a motor vehicle, wherein the electronic module ( 100 ) an inductive sensor ( 108 ) with at least one coil strip ( 106 ) of at least two coil elements ( 104 ), characterized in that the electronic module ( 100 ) has the following features: a carrier element ( 102 ) from at least two carrier layers ( 202 ), wherein the coil elements ( 104 ) through the carrier layers ( 202 ) extend; and a plastic layer ( 112 ), which at least the coil strip ( 106 ) covers fluid-tight. Electronic module ( 100 ) according to claim 1, characterized in that the coil strip ( 106 ) using a galvanotechnischen method in the carrier element ( 102 ) integrated strip is. Electronic module ( 100 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the coil elements ( 104 ) each have at least two turns. Electronic module ( 100 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the plastic layer ( 112 ) has a layer thickness of not more than 2 mm. Electronic module ( 100 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the plastic layer ( 112 ) is a sheet produced using an injection molding process. Electronic module ( 100 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by an evaluation unit ( 308 ) for evaluating sensor signals ( 310 ) of the inductive sensor ( 108 ), whereby the evaluation unit ( 308 ) on the carrier element ( 102 ), wherein the plastic layer ( 112 ) the evaluation unit ( 308 ) covers fluid-tight. Electronic module ( 100 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by at least one connection contact ( 312 ) for the electrically conductive contacting of the electronic module ( 100 ), whereby the connection contact ( 312 ) in such a way in the carrier element ( 102 ) is integrated, that the connection contact ( 312 ) at least partially via the carrier element ( 102 protrudes, wherein the plastic layer ( 112 ) at least one the support element ( 102 ) facing end portion of the terminal ( 312 ) covers fluid-tight. Electronic module ( 100 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the inductive sensor ( 108 ) at least one further coil strip ( 302 ) of at least two further coil elements ( 304 ), wherein the further coil elements ( 304 ) through the carrier layers ( 202 ), wherein the plastic layer ( 112 ) the further coil strip ( 302 ) covers fluid-tight. Electronic module ( 100 ) according to claim 8, characterized in that the coil strip ( 106 ) and the further coil strip ( 302 ) are arranged adjacent and / or substantially parallel to each other and / or are substantially equal in length and / or width and / or an identical number of coil elements ( 104 ; 304 ) and / or one coil element each ( 104 ) and one more coil element each ( 304 ) are arranged opposite one another. Control unit ( 300 ) with an electronic module ( 100 ) according to one of the preceding claims. Control unit ( 300 ) according to claim 10, characterized by at least one damping element ( 110 ; 306 ) for damping the coil elements ( 104 ; 304 ) of the electronic module ( 100 ). Control unit ( 300 ) according to claim 10 or 11, characterized by a housing ( 314 ), the housing ( 314 ) at least for the most part by the plastic layer ( 112 ) of the electronic module ( 100 ) is formed. Procedure ( 400 ) for producing an electronic module ( 100 ) for a control unit ( 300 ) for controlling a motor vehicle, the method ( 400 ) comprises the following steps: Integrate ( 410 ) at least one coil strip ( 106 ) of at least two coil elements ( 104 ) for an inductive sensor ( 108 ) in a carrier element ( 102 ) from at least two carrier layers ( 202 ), the coil strip ( 106 ) is integrated such that the coil elements ( 104 ) through the carrier layers ( 202 ) extend; and fluid-tight covering ( 420 ) at least the coil strip ( 106 ) with a plastic layer ( 112 ). Procedure ( 400 ) according to claim 13, characterized in that in the step of integrating ( 410 ) of the coil strip ( 106 ) using a galvanotechnischen procedure in the carrier element ( 102 ) and / or in the step of fluid-tight covering ( 420 ) of the coil strip ( 106 ) in an injection molding with the plastic layer ( 112 ) is covered.

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