Arrangement for signal and energy transmission between at least one sensor unit and at least one carrier element and a method

Abstract

Arrangement (3) for signal transmission (S) and energy transmission (E) between at least one sensor unit (4) and at least one printed circuit board as a carrier element (5), wherein at least one transmission unit (7) is provided to carry out the signal transmission (S) and energy transmission (E) between sensor unit (4) and carrier element (5) wirelessly, inductively and / or capacitively, wherein the transmission unit (7) comprises at least one inductive or capacitive coupling element (7.1) arranged on the sensor unit (4) and at least one inductive or capacitive coupling element (7.1') arranged on the printed circuit board as a carrier element (5), and wherein the inductive or capacitive coupling element (7.1') is arranged on the printed circuit board (5).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to an arrangement for signal transmission and energy transmission between at least one sensor unit and at least one carrier element.

[0002] Printed circuit boards with sensor modules are known from the prior art. The sensor modules are directly coupled to a control unit via an electrical connection. The connection to a control unit is achieved, for example, via a flexible foil, lead frame, and / or cable connections.

[0003] US Pat. No. 5,181,423 A discloses a device for measuring physical quantities, such as pressure changes. The device comprises a sensor transponder section and an interrogation receiver section for transmitting interrogation signals, including a power supply from the interrogation receiver section to the sensor transponder section and for transmitting signal measurement values ​​in the opposite direction. The sections can be coupled together by inductive coils, thus avoiding electrical connections.

[0004] DE 199 24 603 A1 discloses a method in which a transponder is connected to one or more sensors via a data acquisition unit, and the resulting arrangement is used for data communication through a wall. An active or passive transponder can be used. The transponders can be inductively coupled to the transmitter of an external unit.

[0005] The invention is based on the object of providing an arrangement for signal transmission and energy transmission which is improved compared to the prior art and a method for operating an arrangement.

[0006] With regard to the arrangement, the object is achieved according to the invention by the features specified in claim 1. With regard to the method, the object is achieved according to the invention by the features specified in claim 7.

[0007] An arrangement for signal and energy transmission between at least one sensor unit and at least one circuit board comprises at least one transmission unit configured to carry out the signal and energy transmission between the sensor unit and the carrier element wirelessly, inductively, and / or capacitively. In particular, the sensor unit and the carrier element are wirelessly coupled to one another. The transmission unit comprises at least one first inductive or capacitive coupling element arranged on the sensor unit and at least one second inductive or capacitive coupling element arranged on the circuit board as a carrier element, wherein the second inductive or capacitive coupling element is arranged on the circuit board.

[0008] The transmission unit for wireless signal and power transmission enables a reduction in component and assembly costs, as well as assembly effort. For example, components such as conventionally used flexible foils or cable or wire connections for connecting a sensor unit and a carrier element are no longer required.

[0009] Furthermore, a complex contacting process is at least reduced or even eliminated. The transmission unit enables wireless coupling between the sensor unit and the carrier element, allowing tolerances, such as manufacturing and assembly tolerances, for positioning and mounting the sensor unit relative to the carrier element to be compensated. In particular, the sensor unit and the carrier element are spatially separable from each other.

[0010] In other words, the arrangement according to the invention is substantially less complex to design and manufacture. In particular, contacting or coupling the sensor unit and the carrier element is significantly simplified. Furthermore, the degree of freedom for designing the arrangement with regard to geometry, position, and assembly sequence of the sensor unit, the carrier element, and the transmission unit is increased.

[0011] For example, the arrangement is part of an electronic component. For example, the arrangement is intended for use in vehicles, for example in control units, in particular transmission control units or other control units. However, a wide variety of other possible applications are also conceivable. Furthermore, the arrangement can be used outside of a transmission, for example of a vehicle. For example, the arrangement according to the invention enables the replacement of conventional arrangements with sensors that are arranged on a carrier element and can be operated by means of a control unit. For example, the arrangement is used in so-called transmission sensor clusters or sensor clusters.

[0012] Designed as a wireless transmission unit, the assembly can be used in environments with transmission oil and aggressive external influences. The assembly can also be used in environments with comparatively high temperatures. Compared to conventional flex-foil connections, lead frame connections, and / or cable connections, the wireless transmission unit is more resistant to external influences.

[0013] In addition, the assembly can be easily dismantled, for example for replacement, repair or maintenance.

[0014] In a further development, the sensor unit and the carrier element are arranged at a distance from one another. For example, the sensor unit and the carrier element are separated from one another by a housing, for example to protect them from external influences. In particular, the wireless transmission unit also enables signal and energy transmission through non-electrically conductive housing parts, for example made of plastic. A further advantage is that a separation of media or rooms can be achieved. Furthermore, cable feedthroughs are eliminated, which at least reduces manufacturing costs and avoids the effort required to seal the cable feedthroughs. The signal and energy transmission take place, in particular, contactless between the sensor unit and the carrier element.

[0015] In a further embodiment, the sensor unit and the support element can be arranged so that they can move relative to each other. By mechanically separating the sensor unit and the support element, relative movements and vibrations along different spatial axes can be compensated. Furthermore, the arrangement is less sensitive to small offsets during assembly and operation. This allows for the use of increased positional tolerances.

[0016] According to the invention, the transmission unit is designed for inductive and / or capacitive signal transmission and / or energy transmission. In particular, the sensor unit and the carrier element can be coupled to one another inductively and / or capacitively by means of the transmission unit. This means that the transmission unit is an inductive and / or capacitive transmission unit. For example, the supply energy and sensor signals can be transmitted wirelessly, inductively, or capacitively between the sensor unit and the carrier element, as described in more detail below. In particular, essentially wear-free wireless signal transmission and energy transmission is enabled in different application environments.

[0017] For example, the carrier element is connected to an on-board electrical system and / or a control unit, such as a so-called TCU (short for: Transmission Control Unit). From there, an electrical current and signal information to be transmitted are generated. The energy and signal information can be transmitted wirelessly to the sensor unit. The sensor unit receives a portion of the modulated signal information. For example, the sensor unit comprises at least one sensor chip, such as a sensor driver chip, which has a specific power requirement.

[0018] The energy transmitted to the sensor unit is used, on the one hand, to power the sensor chip and, on the other hand, to transmit the signal information from the control unit to the sensor chip via modulation. The sensor chip receives the sensor information to be determined and converts it into an electrical signal flow. The sensor information feeds back to the transmission unit and can be transmitted wirelessly to the control unit via the carrier element, particularly in the form of a circuit board. The sensor information transmitted via the carrier element can then be evaluated by the control unit and / or an evaluation unit.

[0019] A further embodiment provides that the transmission unit comprises at least one inductive coupling element arranged on the sensor unit and at least one inductive coupling element arranged on the carrier element. In particular, the inductive signal transmission and the inductive energy transmission take place by means of a magnetic field that can be generated.

[0020] Alternatively or additionally, the transmission unit comprises at least one capacitive coupling element arranged on the sensor unit and at least one capacitive coupling element arranged on the carrier element. For example, signal transmission and energy transmission can be carried out based on an electrical capacitance generated between the sensor unit and the carrier element.

[0021] The coupling element of the sensor unit and the coupling element of the carrier element are aligned to each other in such a way that signal and energy transmission are ensured even in the event of a spatial offset. For example, the respective coupling elements are aligned parallel to each other.

[0022] For example, the carrier element, in the form of a carrier plate and / or a circuit board, is provided with the inductive or capacitive coupling element. The sensor unit is also provided with an inductive or capacitive coupling element corresponding to the coupling element of the carrier element. Inductive or capacitive coupling elements are particularly inexpensive to acquire and / or manufacture. The inductive or capacitive signal and energy transmission is ensured even with small misalignments during assembly and operation, as long as the arrangement is within the designed air gap range.

[0023] According to one possible embodiment, the respective inductive coupling element is at least one coil or a flux-conducting element, in particular a flux-conducting piece or flux-conducting concentrator. For example, the sensor unit and the carrier element each comprise a conventional coil, a planar coil, and / or a voice coil or plunger coil. Other coils can also be used. Furthermore, the inductive coupling elements can be designed as intermeshing coils. Furthermore, wireless coupling of the sensor unit and the carrier element is possible via magnetic flux-conducting elements with a defined air gap, similar to a transformer.

[0024] For capacitive signal and energy transmission, the respective capacitive coupling element is, for example, a metal plate.

[0025] According to one embodiment, the transmission unit is designed for unidirectional and / or bidirectional signal transmission. For example, signal information generated by the control unit can be transmitted to the sensor unit. Conversely, values, data, and information determined by the sensor unit can be transmitted to the control unit. The arrangement thus enables bidirectional transmission of diagnostic information as well as parameterization, configuration, and learning information.

[0026] In a further embodiment, the transmission unit is designed for unidirectional energy transmission. In particular, the unidirectional energy transmission is directed from the support element to the sensor unit. For example, supply energy generated by the control unit can be transmitted unidirectionally to the sensor unit via a wireless link between the two coupling elements of the sensor unit and the support element.

[0027] For example, a distance between the coupling elements, such as coils or metal plates, is predetermined. In particular, the distance is kept essentially small, for example a few millimeters. This ensures that the sensor unit is supplied with power and the signal information is transmitted with little loss and little energy. This is near-field transmission. The coupling element of the carrier element transmits electrical energy to the spatially separated sensor unit located in the near field. For example, the sensor unit is designed as a sensor dome or comprises at least one sensor dome or multiple sensors. For example, the coupling element is attached to a location on the sensor unit or the sensor dome. The coupling element is connected, for example, to a sensor chip of the sensor unit.In general, it is conceivable that wireless transmission can be applied to all flexible electrical connections with comparatively low signal power, for example to replace flexible conductor connections in the short range.

[0028] The arrangement according to the invention is in particular comparatively small, cost-effective and robust. For example, the sensor unit comprises electrical functionality which is integrated in at least one electronic circuit with an integrated circuit. For example, the entire electrical functionality is integrated in a so-called sensor ASIC (ASIC is short for: Application-Specific Integrated Circuit). For example, this is a single-chip sensor which only needs to be connected to the coupling element, for example a transmission coil. Functions in the sensor unit can be carried out by the electronic circuit, in particular by the sensor ASIC, whereby functions on a carrier side, i.e. via the carrier element, can be carried out by the existing control unit, in particular the so-called TCU.This results in a comparatively simple arrangement and system, consisting of an existing control unit, a connection to the coupling element of the carrier element, and the coupling element of the sensor unit, which is connected to the sensor chip. In particular, control of signal transmission and energy transmission is programmed into the existing control unit or TCU and can be implemented, for example, without additional data processing units.

[0029] In a further development, the transmission unit comprises at least one circuit for tuning the coil dynamics. In particular, the coupling element of the carrier element is coupled to the circuit.

[0030] In a method for operating an arrangement for signal transmission and energy transmission between at least one sensor unit and at least one printed circuit board as a carrier element, the signal transmission and energy transmission between the sensor unit and the carrier element is carried out wirelessly, inductively, and / or capacitively by means of at least one transmission unit. The transmission unit comprises at least one first inductive or capacitive coupling element arranged on the sensor unit and at least one second inductive or capacitive coupling element arranged on the printed circuit board as a carrier element, wherein the second inductive or capacitive coupling element is arranged on the printed circuit board.

[0031] Furthermore, in a method for forming the transmission unit, the sensor unit is provided with the first inductive or capacitive coupling element, and the carrier element is provided with the second inductive or capacitive coupling element, wherein the corresponding coupling elements are subsequently aligned with one another. In particular, the sensor unit can be mounted separately and independently of the carrier element. The carrier element can also be mounted separately and independently of the sensor unit. The wireless coupling only occurs during assembly of the arrangement, for example, a transmission for a vehicle. This enables new degrees of freedom with regard to sensor position, assembly process, and assembly sequence.

[0032] The carrier element is contacted on the carrier side with an on-board electrical system and / or with a control unit, for example a so-called TCU. The sensor unit is positioned in a predetermined installation space. Electrical current is generated on the carrier side and transmitted wirelessly and unidirectionally to the sensor unit as supply energy via the transmission unit. For example, signal information is transmitted bidirectionally, i.e., signal information provided by the control unit is transmitted to the sensor unit, and conversely, values ​​determined by the sensor unit are transmitted to the control unit. The wireless signal and energy transmission can be transmitted in particular contactless or with at least partial mechanical contact between the coupling elements.

[0033] Embodiments of the invention are explained in more detail below with reference to drawings.

[0034] Showing: Fig. 1 schematically shows an embodiment of a vehicle with an electronic component for operating the vehicle, and Fig. 2 schematically shows an embodiment of an arrangement for signal transmission and / or energy transmission of the electronic component.

[0035] Corresponding parts are provided with the same reference numerals in all figures.

[0036] Fig. 1 schematically shows a vehicle 1 with an electronic component 2 for operating the vehicle 1.

[0037] For example, the electronic component 2 is a control unit, in particular a transmission control unit, and / or another control unit of the vehicle 1.

[0038] The electronic component 2 comprises an arrangement 3 for signal transmission S and energy transmission E in the vehicle 1. Furthermore, such an arrangement 3 can be used outside a transmission of the vehicle 1 or in other machines, systems and other technical processes.

[0039] Fig. 2 schematically shows an embodiment of the arrangement 3 for signal transmission S and energy transmission E between at least one sensor unit 4 and a carrier element 5.

[0040] The arrangement 3 comprises the sensor unit 4 and the carrier element 5 coupled to the sensor unit 4. In particular, the sensor unit 4 and the carrier element 5 are wirelessly coupled to one another for signal transmission S and energy transmission E.

[0041] Furthermore, the sensor unit 4 and the carrier element 5 are coupled to each other without contact.

[0042] In particular, the carrier element 5 is, for example, a printed circuit board. For example, the carrier element 5 is part of a control unit 6, in particular a so-called TCU (short for: Transmission Control Unit).

[0043] For example, sensor unit 4 is a sensor dome. Sensor unit 4 is intended, in particular, for determining, for example, vehicle-specific sensor values. Sensor unit 4 is coupled, for example, to another vehicle component 1.1 for measurement, control, or monitoring.

[0044] In a further development, the sensor unit 4 comprises several sensors.

[0045] For example, the sensor unit 4 comprises a number of sensor chips and / or is formed by a single-chip sensor. Such a single-chip sensor is designed, for example, as a so-called sensor ASIC.

[0046] The carrier element 5 is, in particular, a printed circuit board and / or a carrier plate equipped with electrical and / or electronic components. In a further development, the carrier element 5 is part of an electronic circuit.

[0047] The control unit 6 comprises, for example, a data processing unit for evaluating the sensor values ​​and for generating vehicle-specific signal information.

[0048] Furthermore, the arrangement 3 comprises a transmission unit 7, which is designed for wireless signal transmission S and energy transmission E between the sensor unit 4 and the carrier element 5. In other words, the transmission unit 7 is configured to carry out the signal transmission S and the energy transmission E wirelessly.

[0049] In particular, the transmission unit 7 is arranged between the sensor unit 4 and the support element 5. Alternatively or additionally, the transmission unit 7 can be positioned at other locations. For example, the transmission unit 7 can be arranged depending on the available space and the design of the assembly 3. For example, the transmission unit 7 can be arranged on an outer peripheral region of the sensor unit 4 and the support element 5.

[0050] In the illustrated embodiment, the sensor unit 4 and the support element 5 are arranged at a distance from one another. In a further development, the sensor unit 4 and the support element 5 can be arranged in close proximity to one another. For example, the sensor unit 4 is surrounded by a housing. For example, the support element 5 is surrounded by a housing, whereby housing parts of the sensor unit 4 and the support element 5 can be mechanically contacted.

[0051] By means of the transmission unit 7 for wireless signal transmission S and energy transmission E, it is possible for the sensor unit 4 and the support element 5 to be spatially separated from each other by housing parts. The housing parts can also be spaced apart from each other.

[0052] By means of the transmission unit 7, the signal transmission S and the energy transmission E can be carried out, for example, through non-electrically conductive housing parts. In particular, the transmission unit 7 is designed as a distance transmission unit.

[0053] In particular, the transmission unit 7 is designed for inductive signal transmission S and energy transmission E. Alternatively or additionally, the transmission unit 7 is designed for capacitive signal transmission S and energy transmission E.

[0054] Furthermore, the transmission unit 7 is designed for unidirectional and / or bidirectional signal transmission S. For example, signal information generated by the control unit 6 is wirelessly transmitted to the sensor unit 4 via the transmission unit 7. If sensor values ​​and sensor information are acquired by the sensor unit 4, these are transmitted to the control unit 6, in particular via the carrier element 5, for evaluation.

[0055] Furthermore, the transmission unit 7 is designed for unidirectional energy transmission E. The unidirectional energy transmission E is directed from the carrier element 5 to the sensor unit 4. For example, supply energy is generated in the control unit 6 and wirelessly transmitted to the sensor unit 4 via the transmission unit 7.

[0056] For example, the transmission unit 7 is formed by two aligned coupling elements 7.1, 7.1'. In particular, the coupling elements 7.1, 7.1' are inductive or capacitive transmission elements. For example, the coupling elements 7.1, 7.1' are coils, such as oscillating, plunger, or planar coils, with or without magnetic flux-conducting elements. Alternatively, the coupling elements 7.1, 7.1' are electrical conductor elements, in particular metal plates.

[0057] For example, the use of coils enables the provision of inductive transmissions between the sensor unit 4 and the carrier element 5. Flux guiding elements, in particular flux guiding pieces or flux concentrators, can be designed, for example, to provide the inductive transmission.

[0058] Furthermore, metal plates can be provided, for example, for capacitive transmission between the sensor unit 4 and the carrier element 5.

[0059] In a further development, it is possible for the transmission unit 7 to comprise a plurality of corresponding coupling elements 7.1, 7.1'. For example, the transmission unit 7 comprises a first inductively operable coupling pair and a second capacitively operable coupling pair. Both coupling pairs can be configured for wireless and contactless signal transmission S and energy transmission E. For example, multiple coupling pairs are used if multiple sensor units 4 or sensors can be coupled to the carrier element 5.

[0060] For example, one coupling pair is designed for inductive signal transmission S and another coupling pair is designed for capacitive energy transmission E.

[0061] In the illustrated embodiment, the transmission unit 7 is connected to the sensor unit 4 and the carrier element 5, wherein the sensor unit 4 and the carrier element 5 are spatially substantially separated from one another.

[0062] In particular, the transmission unit 7 comprises a first coupling element 7.1, which is connected to the sensor unit 4. For example, the coupling element 7.1 is arranged on a side of the sensor unit 4 facing the carrier element 5. Furthermore, the transmission unit 7 comprises a second coupling element 7.1', which is connected to the carrier element 5. In particular, the coupling element 7.1' is arranged on a side of the carrier element 5 facing the sensor unit 4. For example, the respective coupling elements 7.1, 7.1' are attached in a material, force-fitting, and / or form-fitting manner.

[0063] The signal transmission S and / or the energy transmission E occur, for example, contactlessly via the coupling elements 7.1 and 7.1'. For example, the coupling elements 7.1 and 7.1' are arranged at a specific, in particular substantially small, distance from each other. For example, the distance is a few millimeters.

[0064] Optionally or additionally, the signal transmission S and the energy transmission E occur via a mechanical contact between the coupling elements 7.1 and 7.1'. For example, the coupling elements 7.1 and 7.1' are intermeshing coils.

[0065] The transfer process is described in more detail below.

[0066] Electrical current is generated in the control unit 6 or the TCU and / or by the vehicle electrical system. The electrical current is fed into the sensor unit 4 in the form of energy. In particular, energy and signal information generated by the carrier are transmitted wirelessly to the sensor unit 4 via the transmission unit 7. The signal transmission S and the energy transmission E are carried out wirelessly using the inductive or capacitive coupling elements 7.1, 7.1'. The sensor unit 4 receives a portion of the modulated signals. For example, energy from this is used to power the sensor chip and to transmit the signal information from the control unit 6 to the sensor chip via modulation.

[0067] The sensor chip records the sensor values ​​and sensor information to be determined and incorporates them into the electrical signal flow. These sensor values ​​and sensor information are then transmitted to the carrier element 5 via the sensor-side coupling element 7.1 and the carrier-side coupling element 7.1'.

[0068] The sensor values ​​and sensor information are then recorded and evaluated by the control unit 6. Supply energy is transmitted unidirectionally to the sensor unit 4 via a wireless link between the coupling elements 7.1 and 7.1'. Signal information generated by the control unit 6 is transmitted bidirectionally to the sensor unit 4, and conversely, the sensor values ​​and sensor information determined by the sensor unit 4 are transmitted bidirectionally to the control unit 6. In particular, the transmission unit 7 is designed for the near-field transmission of signal information, sensor values ​​and sensor information, as well as supply energy. List of reference symbols 1 vehicle 1.1 Vehicle component 2 electronic components 3 Arrangement 4 Sensor unit 5 support element 6 Control unit 7 Transmission unit 7.1, 7.1' coupling element E Energy transfer S Signal transmission

Claims

[1] Arrangement (3) for signal transmission (S) and energy transmission (E) between at least one sensor unit (4) and at least one printed circuit board as a carrier element (5), wherein at least one transmission unit (7) is designed to carry out the signal transmission (S) and energy transmission (E) between the sensor unit (4) and the carrier element (5) wirelessly, inductively and / or capacitively, wherein the transmission unit (7) comprises at least one inductive or capacitive coupling element (7.1) arranged on the sensor unit (4) and at least one inductive or capacitive coupling element (7.1') arranged on the printed circuit board as a carrier element (5), and wherein the inductive or capacitive coupling element (7.1') is arranged on the printed circuit board (5). [2] Arrangement (3) according to claim 1, wherein the respective inductive coupling element (7.1, 7.1') is at least one coil or one flux-conducting element. [3] Arrangement (3) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the respective capacitive coupling element (7.1, 7.1') is an electrical conductor element, in particular a metal plate. [4] Arrangement (3) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the transmission unit (7) is designed for unidirectional and / or bidirectional signal transmission (S). [5] Arrangement (3) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the transmission unit (7) is designed for unidirectional energy transmission (E). [6] Arrangement (3) according to claim 5, wherein the unidirectional energy transmission (E) is directed from the carrier element (5) to the sensor unit (4). [7] Method for operating an arrangement (3) according to one of the preceding claims for signal transmission (S) and energy transmission (E) between at least one sensor unit (4) and at least one printed circuit board as a carrier element (5), wherein the signal transmission (S) and energy transmission (E) between the sensor unit (4) and the carrier element (5) is carried out wirelessly, inductively and / or capacitively by means of at least one transmission unit (7), wherein the transmission unit (7) comprises at least one inductive or capacitive coupling element (7.1) arranged on the sensor unit (4) and at least one inductive or capacitive coupling element (7.1') arranged on the printed circuit board as a carrier element (5), and wherein the inductive or capacitive coupling element (7.1') is arranged on the printed circuit board (5)

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