Method for identifying entry of a viscous medium into an electronic device for a vehicle

Abstract

A method for identifying the entry of a viscous medium (18) into an electronic device (10) of a vehicle, wherein the electronic device (10) comprises at least one housing (40), a printed circuit board (15) and a terminal region (45), wherein the housing (40) almost hermetically encloses the electronic device (10), wherein a redundancy is provided in the electronic device (10) in terms of processing and / or forwarding electrical signals by means of the printed circuit board (15), wherein the redundancy is provided with at least one first transmission path (1) and a second transmission path (2) which is parallel in terms of action, wherein each transmission path (1; 2) is respectively composed of at least one first electrical conductor (11; 21) and a second electrical conductor (12; 22), wherein the electrical conductors (11, 12; 21; 22) are respectively electrically insulated from one another, and wherein the first transmission path (1) and the second transmission path (2) forward the same electrical signal (U), wherein the second transmission path (2) is provided with a region (30), wherein in said region (30) the first electrical conductor (21) and the second electrical conductor (22) belonging thereto do not have insulation, such that upon entry of the viscous medium (18) into the electronic device (10) the electrical signal (U) guided through both electrical conductors (11; 12; 21; 22) changes to an electrical signal (Uv).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a method and structure for identifying viscous media entering electronic devices used in vehicles. Background Technology

[0002] Here, the electronic device is configured to transmit and / or process electrical signals. At least one redundancy is provided for transmitting the electrical signals. This means that there are at least two transmission paths for the electrical signals. Such redundancy is known in electronic devices.

[0003] For example, if moisture or other viscous media enters an electronic device, it can cause the device to malfunction even with redundancy. If the electronic device is connected to and malfunctions with safety-related components, such as the steering system, brakes, radar system, or lidar system of a vehicle (e.g., a car or commercial vehicle), an accident can occur. Even in the case of semi-autonomous or fully autonomous driving, the failure of the aforementioned electronic devices can cause accidents and personal injury.

[0004] Before moisture or other sticky media cause electronic devices to malfunction, it is advantageous to identify the presence of moisture or other sticky media so that preventative measures can be taken in time to prevent damage caused by complete failure of the electronic device. This seeks to identify the presence of moisture or other sticky media in the electronic device and its components, thus eliminating the need for additional sensors. Summary of the Invention

[0005] Therefore, the object of the present invention is to provide a method for identifying viscous media entering an electronic device, wherein the method uses existing components as much as possible, and wherein the electronic device operates safely for at least a certain time range after the viscous media is identified.

[0006] The objective is achieved by a method for identifying the entry of a viscous medium into an electronic device in a vehicle, wherein the electronic device includes at least one housing, a printed circuit board, and a terminal area, wherein the housing almost seals around the electronic device, wherein redundancy is provided in the electronic device for processing and / or transmitting electrical signals by means of the printed circuit board, wherein the redundancy includes at least one first transmission path and a second transmission path that is parallel to it in terms of function, wherein each transmission path is composed of at least one first electrical conductor and a second electrical conductor, wherein the electrical conductors are electrically insulated from each other, and wherein the first transmission path and the second transmission path transmit the same electrical signal (U), wherein the second transmission path has a region in which the first electrical conductor and its associated second electrical conductor are not insulated, such that when the viscous medium enters the electronic device, the electrical signal (U) guided by the two electrical conductors is changed to an electrical signal (Uv), wherein the changed signal (Uv) of the second transmission path is compared with the electrical signal (U) of the first transmission path, and a warning message (W) is generated if this electrical signal (U) differs from the changed electrical signal (Uv).

[0007] Here, the proposed electronic device is primarily protected from external influences by being enclosed in a housing made of, for example, plastic or metal. However, at least one terminal area, such as a plug-in connector or cable outlet, is present in the housing to connect the electronic device to other components. This terminal area serves as an interface to the housing. This interface is primarily constructed to prevent moisture or other viscous media from entering the housing and thus the electronic device. However, the interface can become unsealed, allowing moisture or other viscous media to enter. In this case, compared to the first transmission path, the proposed second transmission path is positioned such that the entering moisture or other viscous media first reaches a region in the second transmission path where the first and second electrical conductors are non-insulated and together form a transition section. The entering moisture or other viscous media now creates a short circuit between the first and second electrical conductors, causing the electrical signal U to be transmitted to change into a modified signal Uv in the second transmission path. The modified signal Uv is then compared with the redundant electrical signal U of the first transmission path. If the two electrical signals are different, a warning signal is generated, which can be displayed to the driver of the vehicle, for example, indicating that they should immediately proceed to the workshop. In fully autonomous vehicles, the warning signal can also be used to bring the vehicle to a safe driving state or even stop it immediately. Here, the consequences of the warning signal should be illustrative only and not exclusive.

[0008] Furthermore, it can be proposed that the first transmission path and the second transmission path be arranged parallel to each other and / or at an angle. Here, the offset between the second transmission path and the first transmission path should be selected such that, in the event of the ingress of moisture or viscous media, the area of ​​the second transmission path always contacts first, wherein the first and second electrical conductors are not insulated and together form the transmission section. It should also be considered that the ingress of moisture or viscous media may enter the housing and subsequently the electronic device, for example, by splashing, dripping, or rising.

[0009] Here, as already mentioned, the first and second electrical conductors of the second transmission path are provided with a transition section in this region to accelerate the passage of electrical signals through moisture or viscous media, such as changes caused by short circuits.

[0010] Here, the transition area can be formed by the first and second electrical conductors. This can be already set on the printed circuit board.

[0011] The transition area can also be formed by a first test point and a second test point, wherein the first test point is electrically connected to a first electrical conductor, and the second test point is electrically connected to a second electrical conductor. Here, such test points already exist on the printed circuit board so that, for example, the circuit can be measured.

[0012] Advantageously, the electrical conductors are printed wires and / or cables and / or plug contacts on a printed circuit board, which are located within a housing and / or in a terminal area.

[0013] Alternatively, the terminal area may include at least one conductive connection for connecting the electronic device to other electrical and / or electronic devices. These other electrical / electronic devices may be, for example, steering mechanisms, brakes, radar systems, or lidar systems.

[0014] The conductive connection can also be constructed as a current-conducting cable or as a plug-in connection.

[0015] It is also advantageous that at least one third transmission path is redundantly provided, wherein the third transmission path is provided with at least one first electrical conductor and one second electrical conductor, and wherein the third transmission path is located between the first transmission path and the second transmission path.

[0016] Here, the third transmission path can be configured similarly to the second transmission path, wherein the following features are provided when the viscous medium enters the electronic device:

[0017] a) If the viscous medium continues to enter the electronic device, the electrical signal (U) in the third transmission path is transformed into an electrical signal (Uv') in this region by the viscous medium.

[0018] b) Compare with the electrical signal (U) in the first transmission path.

[0019] c) If (U) ≠ (Uv'), then an additional warning signal (W') is generated.

[0020] Here, the viscous medium can be water and / or oil and / or emulsion and / or lubricant and / or detergent and / or acid and / or hydraulic fluid.

[0021] As already mentioned, additional electrical / electronic devices may be steering devices or wheel brakes or radar devices or lidar devices or devices related to vehicle operation and safety. Attached Figure Description

[0022] The invention will now be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0023] This is shown here:

[0024] Figure 1 The invention illustrates the structure and method for identifying moisture in an electronic device.

[0025] Figure 2 A variant according to the invention is shown.

[0026] Figure 3 A variant according to the invention is shown.

[0027] Figure 4 A variant according to the invention is shown.

[0028] Figure 5 A variant according to the invention is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0029] Figure 1An electronic device 10 is shown, which is surrounded by a housing 40. The housing 40 primarily protects the electronic device from external influences such as moisture. The housing 40 has a terminal area 45. By means of the terminal area 45, the electronic device 10 can be connected, for example, to another electrical or electronic device 50, which in turn can be connected by means of a connection portion 47. This can be, for example, a known plug terminal located on the housing 40. At least one printed circuit board 15 is located within the housing 40. The printed circuit board 15 has at least one first transmission path 1 and a second transmission path 2 for processing and transmitting electronic signals. Each transmission path is configured with at least first electrical conductors 11, 21 and second electrical conductors 12, 22. It should be noted that the first transmission path 1 and the second transmission path 2 respectively transmit or transfer the same electrical signal U. The corresponding other transmission path serves as a redundant transmission path. The electrical conductors 11, 12 and 21, 22 are also constructed to be insulated from each other. It should be noted that the insulation can be constructed in all known embodiments; for example, an insulating layer is not necessarily required. For example, separating the electrical conductors from each other is sufficient. Here, a region 30 is also provided at the second transmission path 2, in which the electrical conductors 21 and 22 do not have any insulator and preferably additionally have a transition portion 33. Here, the transition portion 33 is configured such that the two electrical conductors 21 and 22 are spaced closer together than outside region 30. It should also be mentioned here that the second transmission path 2 is located within the housing 40 such that, in the event that a viscous medium may enter the housing 40, the viscous medium first reaches region 30 of the second transmission path 2 before it may reach other electrical or electronic components within the housing 40. For example, here... Figure 1 In the proposed embodiment, terminal region 45 can be a potential entry point for a viscous medium. Here, the viscous medium can be virtually any type of liquid or, for example, water and / or oil and / or effluent and / or lubricant and / or detergent and / or acid and / or hydraulic fluid. It should be noted here that these viscous media are merely exemplary. It should also be noted that, depending on the device's placement within the vehicle, the electronic device may also be exposed to splashing water.

[0030] The method for identifying the entry of a viscous medium into an electronic device will now be described in more detail. As already mentioned, the first transmission path 1 and the second transmission path 2 are configured as redundant transmission paths for electronic or electrical signals. This means that the same electrical / electronic signal is transmitted via both the first transmission path 1 and the second transmission path 2. Here, the electrical signal is transmitted via both the first transmission path 1 and the second transmission path 2. For example, in the case where the viscous medium enters the housing 40 in the region of terminal region 45, the entering viscous medium 18 first reaches region 30 of the second transmission path 2. If the viscous medium reaches the uninsulated small electrical conductors 21 and 22 spaced apart from each other in region 30, the viscous medium 18 creates a short circuit between the first electrical conductor 21 and the second electrical conductor 22 at the transition section 33. Here, the electrical signal U does not continue to be transmitted as signal U, but is changed into a changed electrical signal Uv by the short circuit. Here, the first transmission path 1 also transmits the electrical signal U in an unchanged form, where signal U still exists at the end of the first transmission path. The transmitted signals are compared at the ends of the two transmission paths 1 and 2. Because electrical signal U is transmitted at the end of the first transmission path 1 and electrical signal Uv is transmitted at the end of the second transmission path 2, it is identified that a change in electrical signal occurs in the redundant transmission path, specifically in the second transmission path 2. If electrical signal U is not equal to the changed electrical signal Uv, a warning signal W is generated. Using the method for identifying the entry of a viscous medium into the electronic device, the entry of the viscous medium can be identified by existing components. The warning information generated when the viscous medium enters the electronic device can be used to warn the driver of the vehicle or to store a warning in the vehicle itself, indicating that moisture has entered, for example, a safety-related component, and a stop in the workshop is required. However, it is important here that the functionality of the electronic device continues to be ensured through the redundant path, as before. For completeness, it should be mentioned here that the electronic device 10 can, for example, be connected to an electric steering system or, for example, also to an electric braking system for the vehicle, and that, using the method described, the entry of a viscous medium into the electronic device can be identified early, before causing the electronic device to fail. Therefore, the driver or the system can be indicated that a safety-related system may fail.

[0031] Here, Figure 2 , 3 Figures 4 and 5 illustrate an embodiment of the transition portion 33 relevant to the present invention, at which a viscous medium is identified. Here, Figure 2 As shown in the example with transition portion 33 Figure 1Region 30 has already been shown and described. It should be reiterated here that the first and second conductors 21 and 22 are not insulated in region 30, and more specifically at transition 33, allowing the viscous medium entering from the outside to come into contact with the conductors. To reliably ensure a transmission path in the absence of the viscous medium 18, it is necessary that the first and second conductors also not come into contact with each other in region 30. However, to ensure rapid identification of the viscous medium, the first and second conductors 21 and 22 are spaced as close as possible to each other in region 30. As previously stated, if the viscous medium encounters transition 33, the viscous medium 18 causes an electrical connection to be established between the first conductor 21 and the second conductor 22, thereby changing the transmitted electrical signal U into an electrical signal Uv.

[0032] Figure 3 Another embodiment of the transition portion 33 between the first conductor 21 and the second conductor 22 in region 30 is shown. Here, so-called test points 25 and 26 are respectively provided for the two conductors 21 and 22 in region 30. These test points 25 and 26 are known on printed circuit boards for, for example, checking circuits. However, these test points 25 and 26 are also used here to establish the transition portion 33. If now as in... Figure 2 neutralization Figure 1 As described above, when the viscous medium 18 reaches the transition section 33, an electrical connection is formed between the first test point 25 and the second test point 26. Here, the signal U to be transmitted is also changed to a changed signal Uv.

[0033] Figure 4 Another embodiment for identifying the entry of a viscous medium into an electronic device is shown. Here, two electrical conductors 21 and 22 are connected to a measuring tip 27, 28, respectively. The measuring tips are oriented such that they first contact the viscous medium when it enters the electronic device 10. If the measuring tips 27, 28 contact the viscous medium 18, the transmitted electrical signal U is similarly changed to a changed electrical signal Uv.

[0034] Figure 5 Methods and structures for identifying viscous media entering electronic devices are shown, such as their... Figure 1 As already described, however, it is proposed here that there are three redundant transmission paths for an electrical signal U. Here, this is related to... Figure 1In contrast, a third redundant transmission path 3 exists, which is constructed similarly to redundant transmission path 2. Here, the third redundant transmission path is configured such that when the viscous medium enters the housing 40 or the electronic device 10, it first reaches region 30 of the second transmission path 2. As already described, when the viscous medium 18 contacts the transition portion 33 in region 30, the electrical signal U changes to a changed signal Uv. By comparing the electrical signal U transmitted via the first transmission path 1 as described, a warning signal W is generated if the transmitted signal U is not equal to Uv. As already described, the warning signal W indicates that the viscous medium has entered the electronic device. If the viscous medium 18 further enters the electronic device 10, a short circuit is also generated between the second conductor 32 and the first conductor 31 of the third transmission path 3 when the viscous medium reaches region 30' of the third transmission path 3. Here, the transmission of the electrical signal U in the third transmission path 3 is changed to a changed electrical signal Uv' by the short circuit at the transition portion 33'. Then, a comparison is made between the electrical signal U of the first transmission path 1 and the electrical signal Uv' of the third transmission path 3. If U is not equal to Uv', another warning signal W' is generated. The warning signals can be weighted here, either by the device or by the method. If, for example, only one warning signal W exists, it is identified that the viscous medium 18 has entered the electrical device 10 and it is recommended, for example, to proceed to the workshop. If a warning signal W' appears, it indicates that the viscous medium 18 continues to enter the electrical device 10 and it is urgently recommended, for example, to proceed to the workshop, or to place the vehicle in a safe or stopped state. It should be noted that the redundancy can be arbitrarily increased, and it is important to note that... Figure 1 and Figure 5 As described herein, redundancy in the form of dual or triple redundancy is considered practically feasible. It should be noted generally that this invention aims to identify viscous media entering electronic devices using existing components, where redundancy is used to further ensure the functionality of the electronic devices.

[0035] List of reference numerals

[0036] 1 First transmission path

[0037] 2 Second transmission path

[0038] 10 Electronic devices

[0039] 11 First electrical conductor

[0040] 12 Second conductor

[0041] 15 Printed Circuit Boards

[0042] 18 Viscous media

[0043] 21 First electrical conductor

[0044] 22 Second conductor

[0045] 25 First test point

[0046] 26 Second test point

[0047] 27 Measuring tip

[0048] 28 Measuring tip

[0049] 30 areas

[0050] 30' area

[0051] 31 First electrical conductor

[0052] 32 Second conductor

[0053] 33 Transition area

[0054] 33' Transition section

[0055] 40 Housing

[0056] 45 terminal area

[0057] 47 Connecting part

[0058] 50 Electrical / Electronic Devices

[0059] U electrical signal

[0060] Signals of UV change

[0061] The signal of Uv' change

[0062] W Warning Signal

[0063] W' Warning signal

Claims

1. Method for identifying the penetration of a viscous medium (18) into an electronic device (10) for a vehicle, the viscous medium (18) being water and / or oil and / or emulsion and / or lubricant and / or cleaning agent and / or acid and / or hydraulic fluid, wherein the electronic device (10) comprises at least one housing (40), a printed circuit board (15) and a terminal region (45), wherein the housing (40) encloses the electronic device (10) sealingly, wherein the printed circuit board (15) is provided with redundancy in the electronic device (10) for processing and / or forwarding electrical signals, wherein the redundancy is provided with at least one first transmission path (1) and a second transmission path (2) in parallel thereto, wherein each transmission path (1; 2) is composed of at least one first electrical conductor (11; 21) and a second electrical conductor (12; 22), wherein the electrical conductors (11, 12; 21; 22) are electrically insulated from one another, respectively, and wherein the first transmission path (1) and the second transmission path (2) forward identical electrical signals (U), characterized in that the second transmission path (2) is provided with a region (30), wherein the first electrical conductor (21) of the second transmission path and the second electrical conductor (22) belonging thereto do not have insulation in the region (30), so that the electrical signal (U) guided through the electrical conductors (21; 22) of the second transmission path is changed to a changed electrical signal (Uv) when the viscous medium (18) penetrates into the electronic device (10), wherein the changed electrical signal (Uv) of the second transmission path (2) is further compared with the electrical signal (U) of the first transmission path (1) and a warning message (W) is generated in the event of a difference between the electrical signal (U) and the changed electrical signal (Uv).

2. The method of claim 1, wherein, The first transmission path (1) is arranged parallel offset or angularly offset to the second transmission path (2).

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The region (30) is positioned so that the viscous medium (18) penetrating into the electronic device (10) first reaches the region (30) of the second transmission path (2).

4. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The first electrical conductor (21) and the second electrical conductor (22) of the second transmission path (2) are provided with a transition point (33) at the region (30).

5. The method of claim 4, wherein, The transition point (33) is formed by the first electrical conductor (21) and the second electrical conductor (22).

6. The method of claim 4, wherein, The transition point (33) is formed by a first test point (25) and a second test point (26), wherein the first test point (25) is in electrically conductive connection with the first electrical conductor (21) and the second test point (26) is in electrically conductive connection with the second electrical conductor (22).

7. The method of claim 1 or 2, wherein, The electrical conductors (11, 12; 21, 22) are printed conductors or electrical cables or plug-in contacts on the printed circuit board (15), which are located in the housing (40) or in the terminal region (45).

8. The method of claim 1 or 2, wherein, The terminal region (45) comprises at least one electrically conductive connection (47) in order to connect the electronic device (10) with a further electrical device (50).

9. The method of claim 8, wherein, The further electrical device is a further electronic device.

10. The method of claim 8, wherein, The electrically conductive connection (47) is configured as a cable which guides an electric current or as a plug connection.

11. The method of claim 1 or 2, wherein, The redundancy is provided with at least one third transmission path (3), wherein the third transmission path is provided with at least one first electric conductor (31) and a second electric conductor (32), wherein the third transmission path is arranged between the first transmission path and the second transmission path (1; 2).

12. The method of claim 11, wherein, The third transmission path (3) is configured analogously to the second transmission path (2), wherein the following features are provided when the viscous medium (18) penetrates into the electronic device (10): a) if the viscous medium (18) continues to penetrate into the electronic device (10), the electric signal (U) in the third transmission path (3) is changed in a region (30') of the third transmission path by the viscous medium (18) to a changed electric signal (Uv') of the third transmission path, b) the changed electric signal (Uv') of the third transmission path is compared with the electric signal (U) in the first transmission path (1), c) if the electric signal (U) in the first transmission path (1) ≠ the changed electric signal (Uv') of the third transmission path, an additional warning signal (W') is generated.

13. The method of claim 8, wherein, The further electrical device (50) is a steering device or a wheel brake or a radar device or a lidar device.

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