Control unit housing, control unit device and method for producing such a control unit housing

Abstract

The present invention relates to a control unit housing (100), wherein the control unit housing (100) has at least two chambers (104) separated from one another in a fluid-tight manner by a partition wall (106), wherein at least one signal transmission element (108) for data transmission between the chambers (104) is arranged in the partition wall (106), wherein the signal transmission element (108) is embedded in a plastic material forming at least the partition wall (106).

Description

Field of the invention

[0001] The invention relates to a control unit housing and a control unit device, in particular for a vehicle, as well as a method for producing a corresponding control unit housing. State of the art

[0002] A vehicle's control units can be designed redundantly to ensure that at least one safety-relevant function of the vehicle can continue to be controlled safely even if one of the control units fails. The control units can be located at different locations in the vehicle to achieve additional spatial separation. This makes it unlikely that all control units will fail simultaneously, for example, due to environmental influences.

[0003] For the control units to operate redundantly, data communication between them is required. The control units are connected to each other via a connecting cable. This connecting cable is only needed to monitor for malfunctions. Therefore, it is advantageous to keep this connecting cable as short and cost-effective as possible.

[0004] Particularly short connections are possible if the control units are located in the same housing. However, in this case, all control units located in the same housing can be damaged by the same external influence, such as water ingress into the housing. Disclosure of the invention

[0005] Against this background, the approach presented here provides a control unit housing and a method for producing a corresponding control unit housing according to the independent claims. Advantageous further developments and improvements of the approach presented here emerge from the description and are described in the dependent claims. Advantages of the invention

[0006] In the approach presented here, a housing for at least two control units is divided into two or more fluid-tight compartments. The compartments are separated by at least one fluid-tight partition. Fluid-tight communication lines are integrated into the partition to enable data communication between the control units.

[0007] The approach presented here allows for a cost-effective connection between at least two redundant control units. The control units are each arranged in their own sealed chambers within a common housing. No additional cables are required for the connection.

[0008] According to a first aspect of the present invention, a control unit housing is proposed, wherein the control unit housing has at least two chambers separated from one another in a fluid-tight manner by a partition wall, wherein at least one signal transmission element for data transmission between the chambers is arranged in the partition wall, wherein the signal transmission element is embedded in a plastic material forming at least the partition wall.

[0009] According to a second aspect of the present invention, a control device is described, which comprises a control device housing according to an embodiment of the first aspect of the invention and at least two control devices. The control devices are accommodated in various chambers of the control device housing and are connected to one another via the signal transmission element for data transmission.

[0010] According to a third aspect of the present invention, a method for producing a control unit housing is proposed, wherein at least one signal transmission element for data transmission is embedded in a plastic material of a partition wall between two chambers.

[0011] Ideas for embodiments of the present invention can be considered, among other things, to be based on the thoughts and findings described below.

[0012] A control unit housing can be a common housing for two or more control units or even two or more sub-control units. The control unit housing can have a lower housing section or a tray. An interior of the lower housing section can be divided into at least two chambers by at least one partition made of a plastic material. The chambers can each have their own upper housing section or their own cover. The covers can form a fluid-tight seal all the way around one edge of the chambers. The edge is at least partially formed by at least one partition. Alternatively, the lower housing section can have a one-piece upper housing section or a one-piece cover, to which the partition provides a fluid-tight seal.

[0013] The housing base and / or the housing top can be made of a plastic or metal material. If the housing base is made of plastic, the partition can be integrally connected to the housing base. The housing base and the partition can then be manufactured in a single step using the same mold.

[0014] At least one signal transmission element can be embedded in the partition. In particular, a group of signal transmission elements can be embedded in the partition.

[0015] At least one circuit board with electronic components of one of the control units or one of the sub-control units can be arranged in each of the chambers. The circuit board can be electrically connected to the at least one signal transmission element. For example, the circuit board can be plugged and / or soldered onto at least one plug contact of the signal transmission element.

[0016] The at least one signal transmission element can be at least partially pre-molded and embedded in the plastic material in the pre-molded state. In particular, a group of signal transmission elements can be pre-molded. Pre-molded signal transmission elements can be referred to as a pre-molded part. The pre-molded signal transmission elements are already arranged in their final relative positions to one another in the pre-molded part. For this purpose, the signal transmission elements of the group can be arranged in a mold cavity of a pre-molded tool and, when the mold cavity is filled with plasticized plastic material, can be surrounded by the plastic material and embedded in at least predetermined sections in the plastic material forming the pre-molded part.The pre-molded part can, for example, form an auxiliary geometry in the areas consisting of the plastic material, which simplifies the insertion of the pre-molded part into the mold cavity of a tool for producing the partition wall. This eliminates the need for separate receptacles in this tool to hold the signal transmission elements while the mold cavity is being filled. The receptacles can be provided by the pre-molded part. The plastic material of the pre-molded part and that used during the production of the partition wall can be identical. This allows the plastic material of the pre-molded part to be at least partially melted during the production of the partition wall and to mix with the plastic material of the partition wall.

[0017] At least one signal transmission element can be designed as an embedded electrical conductor with one exposed connection area per chamber. In the simplest case, an electrical conductor can be a piece of wire. End regions of the wire can form the connection areas. The wire can be inserted with its end regions into receptacles of the injection mold so that it is arranged transversely to the partition wall. The plastic material of the partition wall flows around the conductor and encloses it. The plastic material forms a fluid-tight bond with the conductor. The plastic material thus also acts as an electrical insulator for the conductor. The electrical conductor can also be designed as part of a lead frame. Several conductors can be manufactured together in the lead frame. The individual conductors can be separated from one another during the manufacturing process in order to be electrically insulated from one another.For example, the connecting bars of the lead frame connecting individual conductors can be severed and / or bent when the injection molding tool is closed. Likewise, the connecting bars can be melted and / or vaporized by an overvoltage deliberately applied between at least two of the conductors.

[0018] The conductor can have a melting zone where the conductor cross-section is reduced compared to the connection areas. The conductor cross-section can be dimensioned such that the melting zone melts when the electrical current flowing through the conductor exceeds the signal current for data transmission by a certain tolerance. The melting zone can be embedded in the plastic material. This protects the melting zone from mechanical stress. The melting zone allows the conductor to act as a fuse, separating the control units from each other in the event of an overvoltage or fault.

[0019] The conductor can be designed, at least in part, as a PTC thermistor. The PTC thermistor can be configured so that its electrical resistance increases when the electrical current flowing through the conductor exceeds the signal current of the data transmission by a certain tolerance. A PTC thermistor exhibits a disproportionately high change in its electrical resistance when its temperature changes. In particular, the resistance increases sharply above a temperature determined by the material composition of the PTC thermistor. The increased resistance limits the current flow through the PTC thermistor, even in the event of an overvoltage. This allows the control units to be protected in the event of an overvoltage.

[0020] At least one signal transmission element can be designed as a galvanically isolating inductive coupler. An inductive coupler can be a small transformer. The inductive coupler can have two transformer windings or coupler windings. The transformer windings can each have two terminals, each of which can be contacted from one of the chambers. Thus, there is no electrically conductive connection between the chambers. When current flows through one of the transformer windings, an electromagnetic field is generated. A change in the electromagnetic field induces a current flow in the other transformer winding. This allows an alternating current signal to be transmitted.

[0021] At least one signal transmission element can be designed as an electrically insulating digital isolator. A digital isolator can be referred to as an optocoupler. The optical coupler can comprise at least one light source and at least one photoelectric element. The light source can be controlled via an electrical signal to transmit an optical signal. The photoelectric element receives the optical signal and converts it back into an electrical signal. Constant signals can also be transmitted via the optical coupler.

[0022] Furthermore, at least one connector housing of the control unit housing can be formed integrally with the partition. In particular, one connector housing per chamber can be connected integrally to the partition. Further plastic components of the control unit housing can be integrated into the plastic component of the partition. Although this makes the contour of the tool for producing the partition more complex, it can eliminate the need for separate tools for the connector housings. Electrical conductors can also be embedded in the plastic material on the connector housings. The electrical conductors of the connector housings can also be configured to transmit electrical power, i.e., have larger conductor cross-sections than the signal transmission elements through the partition.

[0023] A lid for closing the chambers can be constructed in one piece. The lid can have a sealing geometry in the area of ​​the partition to seal against the partition. This sealing geometry can, for example, be a recess for a head of the partition. This allows the partition to be inserted into the lid and seal against the lid.

[0024] At least one power transmission element for transmitting electrical power can also be arranged in the partition and embedded in the plastic material. A power transmission element can have a significantly larger conductor cross-section than the signal transmission element. A multiple of the current flow for data transmission can flow through the power transmission element. The power transmission element can be designed, in particular, as a flat conductor made of sheet metal. The power transmission element can be formed in the same lead frame as the signal transmission element. During the production of the partition, the power transmission element can be electrically separated from the signal transmission element.

[0025] It should be noted that some of the possible features and advantages of the invention are described herein with reference to different embodiments. A person skilled in the art will recognize that the features of the control device and the method can be combined, adapted, or exchanged as appropriate to achieve further embodiments of the invention. Short description of the drawings

[0026] Embodiments of the invention are described below with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein neither the drawings nor the description are to be construed as limiting the invention. Fig. 1 shows a representation of a control unit housing according to an embodiment; Fig. 2 shows a representation of a group of pre-molded electrical conductors as signal transmission elements for a control unit housing according to an embodiment; Fig. 3 shows an illustration of an embedded electrical conductor with a melting region as a signal transmission element for a control unit housing according to an embodiment; Fig. 4 shows an illustration of an embedded optical coupler as a signal transmission element for a control unit housing according to an embodiment; and Fig. 5 shows an illustration of an embedded inductive coupler as a signal transmission element for a control unit housing according to an embodiment.

[0027] The figures are merely schematic and not to scale. Like reference numerals denote like or equivalent features. Embodiments of the invention

[0028] Fig. 1 shows a diagram of a control unit housing 100 according to one exemplary embodiment. The control unit housing 100 has two fluid-tight, separate chambers 104 for two control units 102 or two sub-control units. The chambers 104 are separated from each other by a partition 106 made of a plastic material. One of the control units 102 is arranged in each chamber 104. At least one signal transmission element 108 for data transmission between the control units 102 is embedded in the partition 106.

[0029] The control units 102 are arranged on circuit boards 110. A circuit board 110 is arranged in each chamber 104. The control units 102 are independent and redundant. The control units 102 communicate via the signal transmission element 108.

[0030] The signal transmission element 108 is arranged in a lower housing section 112 of the control unit housing 100. The two chambers 104 are sealed fluid-tight by a common cover 114. The cover 114 also seals against the partition wall 106 to separate the chambers 104 from each other in a fluid-tight manner.

[0031] In one embodiment, a plurality of signal transmission elements 108 are embedded in the plastic material of the partition wall 106. The signal transmission elements 108 are arranged spaced apart from one another in the partition wall 106 and are thus electrically insulated from one another.

[0032] In one embodiment, the partition wall 106 with at least two connector housings 116 is designed as a single component made of plastic material. The remainder of the control unit housing 100 is made of metal. The connector housings 116 are arranged in the different chambers 104 and are each assigned to one of the control units 102.

[0033] In one embodiment, the circuit boards 110 are clamped between the housing bottom part 112 and the cover 114 or a housing top part. In the area of ​​the partition wall 106, the circuit boards 110 are not clamped.

[0034] In one embodiment, the signal transmission elements 108 are designed as electrical conductors 118. The electrical conductors are, for example, wires or webs made of a metal material. End regions of the electrical conductors are not embedded in the partition 106 and protrude into the chambers 104. The end regions are designed as connection regions 120 of the signal transmission elements 108 and are connected to the circuit boards 110.

[0035] In one embodiment, the signal transmission elements 108 were produced as a continuous lead frame from a sheet metal material in a stamping and bending process. After the stamping and bending process, the individual signal transmission elements 108 were connected to one another by temporary connecting webs. The lead frame was embedded in a continuous manner in the plastic material of the partition wall 106. Thus, all signal transmission elements 108 were held in their intended positions by the connecting webs during embedding. After embedding, the connecting webs were severed to electrically isolate the signal transmission elements 108 from one another. Separation can be achieved, for example, mechanically using a separating tool or thermally by applying a targeted current.

[0036] Fig. Figure 2 shows a representation of a group 200 of pre-molded electrical conductors 118 as signal transmission elements 108 on a control unit housing 100 according to an exemplary embodiment. The electrical conductors 118 essentially correspond to the electrical conductors in Fig. 1. In addition, the electrical conductors 118 are embedded in a pre-molded part 202 made of plastic material. The pre-molded part 202 is manufactured in a simple pre-molded tool or injection molding tool for pre-molded molding. The pre-molded part 202 is inserted into a partition wall tool or injection molding tool for producing the partition wall before the partition wall is produced. The pre-molded part 202 predetermines the positions of all pre-molded electrical conductors 118 and does not need to be defined by additional receptacles in the partition wall tool. In addition, the pre-molded part 202 can be inserted into the partition wall tool with a single manipulation.

[0037] For individual electrical conductors 118, a separate manipulation or a complex manipulator with multiple gripping options would otherwise be required for each electrical conductor 118.

[0038] In one embodiment, the plastic material of the pre-molded part 202 is the same plastic material as the plastic material of the partition wall in Fig. 1. Thus, the plastic material of the pre-molded part 202 is plasticized or at least strongly heated during filling of the partition wall mold at least on one surface of the pre-molded part 202. This allows the plastic materials to bond monolithically, and no interface between the pre-molded part 202 and the partition wall is discernible.

[0039] The electrical conductors 118 are arranged parallel to one another in a common plane. End regions of the electrical conductors are bent upwards substantially perpendicular to the plane to form the connection regions 120. The connection regions 120 protrude from the pre-molded part 202 and are exposed. Every second connection region 120 is arranged slightly laterally offset from its neighboring connection regions 120 in order to increase the distance between the exposed connection regions 120.

[0040] In one exemplary embodiment, the electrical conductors 118 were produced as a continuous stamped grid from a sheet metal material in a stamping and bending process. After the stamping and bending process, the individual electrical conductors 118 are connected to one another by temporary connecting webs. The stamped grid was embedded in a continuous manner in the plastic material of the pre-injected part 202. Thus, all electrical conductors 118 were held in their intended positions by the connecting webs during embedding. After embedding, the connecting webs were severed in order to electrically insulate the electrical conductors 118 from one another. The separation can be carried out, for example, mechanically using a separating tool or thermally by targeted current application. As a result of the separation, any recesses present in the pre-injected part 202 are then filled with the plastic material of the partition wall.

[0041] In one embodiment, the electrical conductors 118 are configured, at least in part, as PTC thermistors 204. At least a portion of the electrical conductors 118 is made of a material that disproportionately increases its electrical resistance with a temperature increase. This automatically limits the current flow through the electrical conductors 118, as the current flow heats the PTC thermistor 204, thereby increasing its resistance, which reduces the current flow at the same voltage. Even at increased voltage, the current flow thus remains within a safe range.

[0042] Fig. Figure 3 shows an illustration of an embedded electrical conductor 118 with a melting region 300 as a signal transmission element 108 of a control unit housing 100 according to an exemplary embodiment. The control unit housing 100 essentially corresponds to the control unit housing in Fig. 1. Here, the signal transmission element 108 is designed as an electrical conductor 118. In contrast to the electrical conductors in Fig. 2, the electrical conductor 118 here has a constriction or bottleneck as the melting region 300. In the melting region 300, the conductor cross-section of the electrical conductor 118 is significantly reduced compared to the exposed connection regions 120 and other embedded regions. The melting region 300 has a higher electrical resistance than the other regions of the electrical conductor 118 and heats up more than the other regions for the same current flow through the signal transmission element 108. This is not relevant given the low current flows for data transmission between the control units 102.However, if a malfunction, such as an overvoltage in one of the control units 102, results in a significantly increased current flow, the melting area 300 heats up so much that it melts and interrupts the electrical connection between the control units 102 before the other control unit 102 is damaged. The melting area 300 thus acts as a fuse and blows in the event of an overload to protect the other control unit 102.

[0043] In one embodiment, the housing base 112 and the cover 114 are made of a plastic material. In particular, the housing base 112 is made of the same plastic material as the partition 106. Thus, the housing base 112 and the partition 106 can be manufactured in the same injection molding tool.

[0044] Fig. Figure 4 shows an illustration of an embedded optical coupler 400 as a signal transmission element 108 of a control unit housing 100 according to an embodiment. The control unit housing essentially corresponds to the control unit housing in Fig. 1. Here, the signal transmission element 108 is designed as a digital isolator 400. A digital isolator can be, for example, an optocoupler. In contrast to the electrical conductors in Fig. 2, the optical coupler 400 is electrically insulating and galvanically separates the control units 102. Electrical connections of the optical coupler 400 or connection areas 120 of the optical coupler 400 extend into both chambers 104 and are connected to the control units 102. The connection areas 120 can be formed, for example, by at least one lead frame on which the optical coupler 400 is arranged before the lead frame with the optical coupler 400 is embedded in the plastic material of the partition wall 106.

[0045] Fig. Figure 5 shows an illustration of an embedded inductive coupler 500 as a signal transmission element on a control unit housing 100 according to an embodiment. The control unit housing 100 essentially corresponds to the control unit housing in Fig.1. Here, the signal transmission element 108 is designed as an inductive coupler 500 or isolation transformer. The circuits of the inductive coupler 500 are electrically isolated from each other. Thus, the inductive coupler 500 galvanically isolates the control units 102. Electrical connections of the inductive coupler 500 or connection areas 120 of the inductive coupler 500 extend into both chambers 104 and are connected to the control units 102.

[0046] In one embodiment, the inductive coupler 500 is designed as a stamped grid and inserted into the partition wall mold. Windings 502 of the inductive coupler 500 are arranged close together and, during embedding, are surrounded by the plastic material, thereby electrically insulating them from one another.

[0047] In the following, possible embodiments of the invention are summarized again or presented with slightly different wording.

[0048] A dual-chamber concept for a control unit with electrical isolation of printed circuit boards within the dual-chamber control unit is presented.

[0049] Electronic Control Units (ECUs) for automotive applications must prevent liquid media from penetrating the interior of the control unit in order to avoid, among other things, short circuits in the electronics.

[0050] Redundancy requirements for steering / brake control units, for example, require the electronics to be divided into at least two subsystems, depending on the application. If one subsystem fails, the second subsystem takes over the functionality of the control unit for a certain period of time.

[0051] The separation of the subsystems can, for example, be achieved purely through circuitry, i.e., the subsystems are located in a common housing that ensures sealing from the environment. In the event of media ingress, there is a risk that both subsystems could fail within a short period of time.

[0052] To reduce this risk, the two subsystems can be separated into chambers sealed from each other and the environment. This requires a data connection between the two subsystems while maintaining the tightness requirements. One conceivable approach here would be to use two control units connected via a cable connector system.

[0053] The two subsystems exchange electrical signals. Elements such as isolators, optocouplers, fuses, or trace fuses can be used at the interface between the two redundant subsystems to prevent fault propagation (e.g., due to overvoltage). Isolators and optocouplers are characterized as galvanically isolating, while fuses or trace fuses are considered non-galvanically isolating protection elements. In addition to galvanic isolation, the physical separation of the subsystems is also relevant for system behavior.

[0054] Therefore, a dual-chamber control unit concept is presented here, featuring two electrical subsystems in two sealed chambers. This reduces the risk of simultaneous failure of all subsystems, e.g., due to media ingress into the housing. This is achieved by separating the subsystems into chambers that are sealed from each other and the environment.

[0055] The electrical connection between the circuit boards is established, for example, via a circuit board connector. Overmolded press-fit pins are used here. Elements for galvanic isolation of the two subsystems can be provided on a single circuit board. Alternatively, trace fuses can be used on the circuit board to protect against overcurrent and overvoltage. An isolating element or "trace fuse" on both sides of the system protects against overcurrent and overvoltage. Even if one chamber is completely flooded, protection is still ensured by the double fuse design.

[0056] The approach presented here involves integrating isolator elements to separate the subsystems into the printed circuit board connector.

[0057] For example, insulators (electronic components) can be arranged on a lead frame and then overmolded. Couplers (transformers) can also be formed from a lead frame and then overmolded. In this embodiment, the lead frame is designed in such a way that no electrically conductive connection is created between the chambers. Instead, the lead frame is constructed in such a way that an inductive or optical coupling is created between the conductor loops of the lead frame. From an electrical perspective, a transformer is constructed through which signals or even electrical current can be conducted without the risk of an overvoltage on one side damaging the other.

[0058] Alternatively, a trace fuse can be formed from copper and overmolded. This creates a narrow area in the lead frame that heats up and melts in the event of an overcurrent, thereby interrupting the current flow. Trace fuses on both circuit boards can be eliminated and replaced with a single overmolded trace fuse.

[0059] A PTC or a metal with PTC properties can also be integrated into the partition. In this case, an area on the lead frame is made entirely or partially of PTC (positive temperature coefficient) material. This material increases its resistance at high current flow, thereby limiting the current flow.

[0060] PTC material can be selected to have mechanical properties very similar to copper, which makes it possible to process the material within established processes.

[0061] Compared to two separate, redundant control units, the approach presented here allows the number of components to be kept low (one housing, one cover, ...), less installation space is required, assembly is simplified and the electrical connection of the circuit boards can be made “internally”, which does not require any connectors / cables and no sealing interface to the environment.

[0062] Compared to a control unit with two subsystems but without media-tight separation, the risk of failure of both subsystems within a short time due to media ingress can be reduced.

[0063] A control unit with two chambers (media-tightly separated) and a printed circuit board connector for electrically connecting the subsystems is presented. The plastic housing with connectors is divided into two chambers by a partition. Each chamber contains at least one printed circuit board. The housing cover has a corresponding mating contour to the housing to enable sealing of the two chambers from each other and from the environment. The electrical connection between the two subsystems is established via a printed circuit board connector. This consists, for example, of overmolded press-fit pins. These pins can either be overmolded directly in the housing or, for larger quantities, designed as pre-molded parts.

[0064] The sealing system can also be designed as a flat adhesive or elastomer insert seal, with additional fastening elements for the cover. The housing cover can be made of various materials (die-cast, deep-drawn, plastic). The housing can also be made of a metallic material. The connector and partition are designed as plastic parts that are attached and sealed to the housing from the inside or outside. For side-mounted connectors, the partition is designed as an additional plastic part, which ensures the separation of the two chambers and the electrical connection of the circuit boards.

[0065] Finally, it should be noted that terms such as "comprising," "having," etc., do not exclude other elements or steps, and terms such as "a" or "an" do not exclude a plurality. Reference signs in the claims are not to be considered limiting.

Claims

[1] Control unit housing (100), wherein the control unit housing (100) has at least two chambers (104) separated from one another in a fluid-tight manner by a partition wall (106), wherein at least one signal transmission element (108) for data transmission between the chambers (104) is arranged in the partition wall (106), wherein the signal transmission element (108) is embedded in a plastic material forming at least the partition wall (106). [2] Control unit housing (100) according to claim 1, wherein at least one signal transmission element (108) is designed as an embedded electrical conductor (118) with one exposed connection area (120) per chamber (104). [3] Control unit housing (100) according to claim 2, wherein the conductor (118) has a melting region (300) in which a line cross-section is reduced compared to the connection regions (120), wherein the line cross-section is dimensioned such that the melting region (300) melts when an electrical current flow through the conductor (118) is greater than a signal current of the data transmission by a tolerance. [4] Control unit housing (100) according to one of claims 2 to 3, in which the conductor (118) is designed at least in regions as a PTC thermistor (204), wherein the PTC thermistor (204) is configured such that an electrical resistance of the PTC thermistor (204) increases when an electrical current flow through the conductor (118) is greater by a tolerance than a signal current of the data transmission. [5] Control unit housing (100) according to one of the preceding claims, in which at least one signal transmission element (108) is designed as a galvanically isolating inductive coupler (500). [6] Control unit housing (100) according to one of the preceding claims, in which at least one signal transmission element (108) is designed as an electrically insulating digital isolator (400). [7] Control unit housing (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one connector housing (116) of the control unit housing (100) is formed integrally with the partition wall (106). [8] Control unit housing (100) according to one of the preceding claims, in which a cover (114) for closing the chambers (104) is designed in one piece, wherein the cover (114) has a sealing geometry in the region of the partition wall (106) for sealing against the partition wall (106). [9] Control unit housing (100) according to one of the preceding claims, further comprising at least one power transmission element for transmitting electrical power arranged in the partition wall (106) and embedded in the plastic material. [10] Control device, comprising: a control unit housing (100) according to one of claims 1 to 9, at least two control units (102), wherein the control devices (102) are accommodated in different chambers (104) of the control device housing (100) and are connected to one another via the signal transmission element (108) for data transmission. [11] Method for producing a control unit housing (100), wherein at least one signal transmission element (108) for data transmission is embedded in a plastic material of a partition wall (106) between two chambers (104) of the control unit housing (100). [12] Method according to claim 10, wherein the at least one signal transmission element (108) is at least partially pre-molded and is embedded in the plastic material in the pre-molded state.

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