Device and method for reading a data carrier of a motor vehicle

Abstract

The invention relates to a device and a method for reading a data carrier of a motor vehicle, wherein the device comprises at least one data carrier (18), wherein the data carrier (18) is arranged on a printed circuit board (20) and is connected to at least one further electronic component (26) via at least one conductor track (28) of the printed circuit board (20), wherein the printed circuit board (20) has at least one leaky region (30), wherein the conductor track (28) connects the data carrier (18) to the leaky region (30) of the printed circuit board (20), wherein at least one separation point (24) is provided which is designed to electrically separate the conductor track (28) between the data carrier (18) and the leaky region (30), wherein at least one connection region (22) is provided which is designed to read the data carrier (18) via an electrical connection to the conductor track (28).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a device and a method for reading out a data carrier of a motor vehicle according to the preamble of the independent claims. State of the art

[0002] DE 102018123217 A1 relates to a data container device with a protective housing and a data storage device arranged in the protective housing, which has at least one memory module for non-volatile data storage, wherein a contacting device for contacting the data storage device is brought out of the protective housing and wherein the data storage device is arranged in a damping device in the protective housing. The contacting device has at least one predetermined breaking point. A readout device, independent of the contacting device, is provided in the protective housing, which is configured to perform data transmission from the data storage device out of the protective housing in the event of a broken contacting device.

[0003] The invention is based on the objective of providing a less complex but secure method for reading data from a data carrier. This objective is achieved by the features of the independent claims. Disclosure of the invention

[0004] By providing at least one separation point designed to electrically isolate the conductor track between the data carrier and the leaking area, and by providing at least one connection point designed to allow data reading from the data carrier via an electrical connection to the conductor track, sealing of the control unit is unnecessary. Furthermore, a complex protective housing for the data carrier, which would hinder data readout, is not required. Nevertheless, the data carrier, preferably designed to be immersion-proof, can be reliably read even in the event of a malfunction, such as a burning electric vehicle where at least certain components, like the vehicle's battery, are submerged in water.The isolation zone, in particular, prevents any errors, such as those caused by short circuits, from negatively impacting the data retrieval process. This reduces the risk of short circuits interrupting communication. Providing a connection point, preferably between the data carrier and the isolation zone, facilitates data retrieval by allowing the insertion of a connector for an external readout device. This enables the safe, simple, and reliable retrieval of potentially crucial data related to the accident investigation.

[0005] In a suitable further development, it is provided that the data carrier is electrically connected to the respective conductor tracks of the printed circuit board via contacts, with a seal, in particular a silicone adhesive, epoxy adhesive, underfill, overfill, partial potting, coating, etc., being provided between the printed circuit board and the data carrier. This reliably protects the data carrier against environmental influences such as water ingress, corrosion, or interfering particles and media (e.g., diluted acids or alkalis).

[0006] In a practical further development, the conductor track in the connection area is brought to the surface of the circuit board at a contact point. This allows for particularly simple data reading of the data carrier, as the connector only needs to be electrically connected to the provided contact points, which may be multiple.

[0007] In a suitable further development, it is provided that at the separation point the conductor track is brought to the surface of the printed circuit board (PCB), and / or that a conductor and / or a soldered wire or resistor is provided at the separation point, and / or that at the separation point the conductor track is brought to the surface of the PCB at at least one contact point to accommodate an easily separable conductor. This makes electrical isolation of the connection area to the leaking area of ​​the control unit particularly easy to achieve due to the simple accessibility. Depending on the application, various methods such as soldering, cutting, milling, laser cutting, or similar techniques can be used for separation.

[0008] In a suitable further development process, the contact point and / or the conductor is provided with a protective layer, in particular a passivation such as tinning, etc. This protects exposed conductor tracks from environmental influences.

[0009] In a suitable further development, at least one centering feature is provided on the circuit board for positioning a reading device, in particular a connector, on the connection area. This simplifies and speeds up the precise positioning of the connector for reading the data carrier.

[0010] Appropriate further training stipulates that the data carrier be at least partially surrounded by a protective layer against environmental influences and / or be immersion-resistant, in particular according to DIN EN 60529 IPX 7 / IPX 8. This allows the data carrier to withstand the scenario described above, particularly in the event of an accident involving an electric vehicle, without damage.

[0011] In a suitable further development, it is provided that the control unit comprises at least a housing with an easily accessible area, and / or in particular a cover, wherein the easily accessible area allows access to the connection area and / or the disconnect point. This enables particularly easy access to the connection area and / or the disconnect point, thereby further simplifying the readout process.

[0012] Furthermore, a method for reading a data carrier is disclosed according to the features of the independent method claim. This allows for a particularly simple and secure reading process.

[0013] Further appropriate training courses result from other dependent requirements and from the description. Brief description of the drawing

[0014] They show: Fig. 1. A schematic view of the control unit from the outside, Fig. 2. A schematic view of the control unit from the inside before reading the data carrier. Fig. 3 A schematic view of the control unit from the inside during the reading of the data carrier, Fig. 4 a more detailed side view of a printed circuit board with attached data carrier, connection area and various options for the design of the separation point as well as Fig. 5. A flowchart for different scenarios for reading the data carrier. embodiment of the invention

[0015] The invention is schematically illustrated using an exemplary embodiment and is described in detail below with reference to the drawing.

[0016] Fig. Figure 1 shows a top view of a control unit 10. The control unit 10 comprises a housing 12 with a cover 14. A connector 16 extends laterally from the housing 12 of the control unit 10. During normal operation, the control unit 10 is connected to the data network and receives its power supply via the connector 16. The control unit 10 is designed as a leak-proof control unit 10 with a protection class lower than DIN EN 60529 IPX7. The control unit 10 is, for example, installed in the interior of a motor vehicle. The housing 12 of the control unit 10 does not have a seal to protect the electronic components located in the control unit 10, such as data storage media 18 and / or the processing unit 26, from moisture. The connector 16 does not need to have a protection class according to DIN EN 60529 IPX2 or higher. Further cost savings can be achieved by using a leak-proof connector 16.

[0017] Furthermore, the control unit 10 has a separate cover 14, which is integrated into the housing 12. The cover 14 provides access to a circuit board 20 of the control unit 10, which is located inside the housing 12. The cover 14 can be screwed, glued, or spot-welded, for example. Alternatively, instead of the cover 14, an area on the control unit 10 or on the housing 12 of the control unit 10 could be specially marked for opening (for example, with corresponding target crosses, surface perforations, or similar features). This more easily accessible area can be opened, for example, for data retrieval, by appropriate processing steps such as milling or laser cutting, as described below. Another alternative for accessing the circuit board 20, particularly for data retrieval, could be to design the entire housing 12 of the control unit 10 to be removable.For this purpose, for example, easily accessible screw points could be provided in the housing, or the use of dissolvable or separable thermally conductive adhesives or EMC adhesives could be employed to enable access to and contact with the circuit board 20. Further alternatives may be provided.

[0018] The exemplary embodiment according to Fig. Figure 2 shows a top view of the printed circuit board 12 arranged in the control unit 10. At least one data carrier 18 is arranged on the printed circuit board 20. The data carrier 18 is electrically connected via at least one conductor 28, preferably several conductors 28, to at least one other electronic component, such as a computing unit 26 (controller, processor, SoC, IC, other semiconductor component or chip, etc.). The conductor(s) 28 can be designed as an internal conductor, which is routed within the printed circuit board 20. The printed circuit board 20 includes a leakable area 30. The leakable area 30 is characterized by the fact that it is not specifically protected against moisture; for example, corresponding seals or other special sealing measures are omitted. The conductors 28 also extend into or run through the leakable area 30.

[0019] The conductor track 28, or several conductor tracks 28, comprise at least one connection area 22. Electrical contact can be made via the connection area 22 to the respective conductor tracks 28 that lead to the data carrier 18. For this purpose, a connector 32 of an external readout unit could be provided as a readout device. This connector 32 could be mounted directly on the circuit board 20 of the control unit 10. Alternatively, the connector 32 can be added later. Subsequent contacting methods for the connector 32 are possible, such as soldering, clamps (e.g., via spring-loaded contacts), contact pins, pin adapters as a possible readout device, or similar methods. The advantage of subsequently contacting the conductor tracks 28 that lead to the data carrier 18 is that the connector 32 itself can be omitted from the mass-produced product, the control unit 10.The connection area 22 for the connector 32 itself remains unpopulated. As in . Fig. Figure 4 shows in more detail the contact points 38 prepared for the plug 32. If necessary, the contact points 38 are protected by appropriate passivation 44 (for example by tinning).

[0020] To electrically isolate electronic components located in the leaky area 30 from the connection area 22 and / or the data carrier 18, at least one disconnect point 24 is provided for the respective conductor track 28 running into the leaky area 30. For example, if short circuits occur on the circuit board 20 due to ingress of water, dust, particles, or other media, potential short-circuit areas, conductor tracks, networks, etc., can be electrically isolated at the disconnect point 24. As will be explained later in connection with Fig. As explained in more detail in section 4, the separation can be achieved, for example, by a mechanical or thermal intervention such as cutting, milling, soldering, laser cutting, or similar processes. To protect against environmental influences, the exposed conductor tracks 50 of the separation point 24 on the surface of the printed circuit board 20 must be passivated (for example, by tinning, etc.).

[0021] The computing unit 26 is electrically connected to the connector 16 via corresponding conductor tracks not specified in more detail, for data exchange and / or power supply.

[0022] The data carrier 18 and / or other electronic components, such as the processing unit 26, are sealed from the surface of the printed circuit board 20. This protects the contact points of the data carrier 18, as shown in more detail below, from environmental influences when connecting to the respective conductor tracks 28. Water, particles, corrosive media, and moisture cannot reach the contacts of the data carrier 18 and / or the processing unit 26, nor can they penetrate the component, such as the data carrier 18. This protects the data carrier 18, ensuring the preservation of stored data. Short circuits in the sealed area 30 do not affect data retention. The data carrier 18 itself is immersion-proof (in accordance with DIN EN 60529 IPX 7 / IPX 8).

[0023] For sealing 35 of the data carrier 18 as later in Fig. As shown in more detail in Figure 4, silicone adhesives, thermally conductive adhesives, so-called underfillers (epoxy-based adhesives), etc., can be used. These can be applied in liquid form and, via capillary action, reach the underside or the spaces between the underside of the data carrier 18 and the surface of the printed circuit board 20, where they then harden. This creates a reliable seal 35. Alternative sealing methods 35 are also available.

[0024] In Fig. Figure 4 shows an exemplary cross-section of the data carrier 18 mounted on the circuit board 20. The data carrier 18 is, by way of example, at least partially surrounded by a protective layer 34. The protective layer 34 protects the data carrier 18 against environmental influences such as moisture, etc. The electronic components, such as the data carrier 18, are, for example, overmolded or molded, in particular BGA (Ball Grid Array) molded. This ensures that the data stored on the data carrier 18 is retained even if the data carrier 18 is exposed to adverse environmental conditions for an extended period, especially if the data carrier 18 has been immersed in a water bath for a long time (e.g., longer than 48 hours), for example, for cooling traction batteries, especially lithium-ion batteries or similar devices.

[0025] The data carrier 18 is electrically connected to the respective conductor tracks 28 via a multitude of contact points and corresponding solder joints 36. Only a few are shown as examples. The conductor tracks 28 contacted with the data carrier 18 initially run within the printed circuit board 20. These are so-called internal conductor tracks 28. The internal conductor tracks 28 are also protected from environmental influences, water, media, and corrosion by the printed circuit board laminate-epoxy fabric composite.

[0026] The inner conductor track 28 is brought to the surface of the printed circuit board 20 in the connection area 22. For this purpose, corresponding conductor tracks, running perpendicular to the inner conductor track 28, are provided within the printed circuit board 20. The conductor track 28, running perpendicular to the surface of the printed circuit board 20, meets the surface of the printed circuit board 20 at a contact point 38. In normal operation, the connection area 22 and the associated contact points 38, also known as pads, solder pads, or solder surfaces, are not required. The contact points 38 are made, for example, of copper or another conductive material. As described above, the contents of the data carrier 18 can be read via an external readout unit in conjunction with the connector 32. To improve the positioning of the connector 32, centering features 46 can be provided in the printed circuit board 20 in the connection area 22.The centering elements 46 interact with corresponding mechanical counterparts on the connector 32. These position points facilitate contact with the reading device, such as the connector 32 or pins, etc. The centering elements 46 can be designed, for example, as a socket, a bore, a protrusion, or other features.

[0027] To protect against environmental influences, the surfaces of the contact points 38 are provided with a protective layer or passivation 44. The passivation 44 can, for example, be tinning or similar. After passing through the connection area 22, the conductor 28 reaches the disconnect point 24. For simplified electrical isolation in case the data carrier 18 needs to be read, the conductor 28 is routed to the surface of the printed circuit board 20 or to another easily accessible location. At the disconnect point 24, the conductor 28 runs over an easily separable conductor 50 on the top surface of the printed circuit board 20. The conductor 50 is in turn provided with a protective layer 52 as passivation. The conductor 50 is, for example, designed as a continuous pad bridge. Subsequently, the conductor 28 runs again inside the printed circuit board 20 to a leakable area 30.

[0028] Alternatively, the disconnect point 24 could also be designed as the conductor 54 to be disconnected, for example in the form of a zero-ohm resistor (e.g., as a soldered-on resistor) or a soldered-on wire, e.g., copper wire, etc. This alternative disconnect point 24 in the form of the disconnecting conductor 54 protrudes slightly above the surface of the circuit board 20. The conductor trace 28 then runs again inside the circuit board 20 to the leaking area 30.

[0029] The data carrier 18 can also be reliably read via the described device or control unit 10 in the following scenario. In the event of an accident involving an electric vehicle, where the vehicle, particularly the traction battery (Li-ion battery), overheats or catches fire, it may be necessary to cool the vehicle in a water tank. This allows water to enter the vehicle and potentially the internal on-board electronics or the control unit 10. The cooling duration varies and can, for example, be at least 48 hours in the water tank. Alternatively, a so-called extinguishing lance can be driven through the vehicle's battery, introducing water into it. Especially in the case of an autonomously controlled vehicle, an expert must access data from the control unit 10 to determine the cause. The control unit 10 is a data recorder.The described design of the device makes it possible to recover the control unit 10 separately and to reliably read out the data carrier 18.

[0030] According to Fig. 5. Different readout variants 1, 2, 3, as indicated in the block diagram, can also be used for different scenarios.

[0031] Step 80 refers to a trigger for the readout process. This involves an accident involving an electric vehicle (battery overheating / fire) and the need for water tank storage or extreme water exposure.

[0032] In step 90, the control unit 10 with the associated data carrier 18 is recovered from the vehicle.

[0033] In variant 1, the control unit 10 recovered in step 90 can be read and operated normally. To ensure that no contaminants such as media, particles, or similar substances have entered the protective housing that could impair the reading process, the control unit 10 is first cleaned and dried in step 101. Cleaning and drying are performed according to industry standards. In step 102, the standard connector 16 is connected to the external readout unit. In step 103, authorization is performed, the data stored on the data carrier 18 is transmitted, and the corresponding evaluation takes place.

[0034] In variant 2, in step 111, the cover 14 on the housing 12 is opened to access the disconnect point 24 and the connection area 22 for contact with the connector 32 of the readout unit. In step 112, the disconnect point 24 is opened. This electrically isolates or deactivates potentially surrounding short-circuit areas through the described mechanical intervention. In step 113, the connection area 22 of the circuit board 20, in particular, is cleaned and dried according to standard industry practices. In step 114, the connection area 22 is prepared and then contacted with the connector 32 of the readout unit. In step 115, authorization, data transmission of the data stored on the data carrier 18, and the corresponding evaluation take place.

[0035] In variant 3, in step 121, the control unit 10 is disassembled, in particular the housing 12 (especially if no cover 14 is provided) is scraped, etc. For this purpose, the control unit 10 is designed to allow for gentle disassembly, such as good accessibility of the screw points and force-free disassembly of the individual components (dissolvable thermal paste, EMC adhesive, etc.). In step 122, the disconnect point 24 is opened. This electrically isolates or deactivates potentially surrounding short-circuit areas through the described mechanical intervention. In step 123, the circuit board 20 is cleaned and dried according to standard industry procedures. In step 124, the connection area 22 is prepared and then connected to the connector 32 of the readout unit.Step 125 involves authorization, data transfer of the data stored in data carrier 18, and the corresponding evaluation.

[0036] The described device and method are particularly suitable for reading data from a motor vehicle's data carrier 18, which, for example, is not accessible via a standard vehicle interface (e.g., OBDII). However, its application is not limited to this. QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents cited by the applicant was automatically generated and is included solely for the reader's convenience. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA accepts no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] DE 102018123217 A1

[0002]

Claims

[1] Device for reading a data carrier of a motor vehicle, comprising at least one data carrier (18), wherein the data carrier (18) is arranged on a printed circuit board (20) and is connected to at least one further electronic component (26) via at least one conductor track (28) of the printed circuit board (20), wherein the printed circuit board (20) has at least one leaking area (30), wherein the conductor track (28) connects the data carrier (18) to the leaking area (30) of the printed circuit board (20), wherein at least one disconnect point (24) is provided which is configured to electrically disconnect the conductor track (28) between the data carrier (18) and the leaking area (30), wherein at least one connection area (22) is provided which is configured to perform a reading of the data carrier (18) via an electrical connection with the conductor track (28). [2] Device according to claim 1, characterized by, that the data carrier (18) is electrically connected via contacts (36) to the respective conductor tracks (28) of the circuit board (20), wherein a seal (35), in particular a silicone adhesive, epoxy adhesive, underfill etc., is provided between the circuit board (20) and the data carrier (18). [3] Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that in the connection area (22) the conductor track (28) is led to the surface of the circuit board (20) at a contact point (38). [4] Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by, that at the separation point (24) the conductor track (28) is brought to the surface of the printed circuit board (20) and / or that at the separation point (24) a conductor (50) and / or a soldered wire or resistor (54) is provided and / or that at the separation point (24) the conductor track (28) is brought to the surface of the printed circuit board (20) in at least one contact point (58) to accommodate an easily separable conductor (50,54). [5] Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the contact point (38,58) and / or the conductor (50) is provided with a protective layer (44,52), in particular a passivation such as tinning. [6] Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that at least a centering (46) is provided on the circuit board (20) for positioning a reading device, in particular a connector (32), on the connection area (22). [7] Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the data carrier (18) is at least partially surrounded by a protective layer (34) that protects against environmental influences and / or is designed to be immersible, in particular according to DIN EN 60529 IPX 7 / IPX 8. [8] Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the control unit (10) comprises at least a housing (12) with an easily opened area, in particular a cover (14), wherein the easily opened area allows access to the connection area (22) and / or the separation point (24). [9] Method for reading a data carrier of a motor vehicle, comprising at least one data carrier (18), wherein the data carrier (18) is arranged on a printed circuit board (20) and is connected to at least one further electronic component (26) via at least one conductor track (28) of the printed circuit board (20), wherein the printed circuit board (20) has at least one leaking area (30), wherein at least the conductor track (28) connects the data carrier (18) to the leaking area (30) of the printed circuit board (20), wherein at a separation point (24) the conductor track (28) between the data carrier (18) and the leaking area (30) is electrically separated, wherein at least at a connection area (22) an electrical connection is made with the conductor track (28) for reading the data carrier (18). [10] Procedure according to the preceding procedure claim, characterized by, that a contact point (38) at which the conductor track (28) is brought to the surface of the circuit board, of the connection area (22) is exposed for contacting a reading device, in particular a connector (32). [11] Method according to any of the preceding method claims, characterized by , that at the separation point (24) a conductor track (28) led to the surface of the circuit board (20) and / or a conductor (50) and / or a wire or resistor (54) soldered on in particular is separated. [12] Method according to any of the preceding method claims, characterized by , that a connector (32) is positioned on the connection area (22) via at least one centering (46) on the circuit board (20). [13] Method according to any of the preceding method claims, characterized by, that a housing (12) of the control unit (10) is removed and / or an easily opened area, in particular a cover (14), of the housing (12) is opened, so that access to the connection area (22) and / or to the separation point (24) is enabled. [14] Method according to any of the preceding method claims, characterized by , that data on the data carrier (18) is read via the reading device, in particular the plug (32), especially after successful authorization. [15] Method according to any of the preceding method claims, characterized by , that first an electrical disconnection takes place at the disconnection point (24), followed by cleaning and / or drying and then contacting a plug (32) at the connection area (22).

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