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

Abstract

The invention relates to a device and to 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 unsealed region (30), wherein the conductor track (28) connects the data carrier (18) to the unsealed region (30) of the printed circuit board (20), wherein at least one disconnection point (24) is provided, which is configured to electrically disconnect the conductor track (28) between the data carrier (18) and the unsealed region (30), wherein at least one connecting region (22) is provided, which is configured to read the data carrier (18) via an electrical connection to the conductor track (28).

Description

[0001] Description

[0002] title

[0003] Device and method for reading a data carrier of a motor vehicle

[0004] The invention relates to a device and a method for reading a data carrier of a motor vehicle according to the preamble of the independent claims.

[0005] State of the art

[0006] DE 102018123217 A1 relates to a data container device comprising 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. A contacting device for contacting the data storage device extends from the protective housing, and the data storage device is arranged in a damping device in the protective housing. The contacting device has at least one predetermined breaking region. A readout device independent of the contacting device is provided in the protective housing and is configured to transmit data from the data storage device out of the protective housing if the contacting device is broken.

[0007] The invention is based on the object of providing a less complex yet secure method for reading a data carrier. This object is achieved by the features of the independent claims.

[0008] Disclosure of the invention

[0009] By providing at least one separation point designed to electrically separate the conductor track between the data carrier and the leaky area, and by providing at least one connection area designed to read the data carrier via an electrical connection to the conductor track, sealing the control unit is eliminated. Furthermore, there is no need to provide a complex protective housing for the data carrier that would impede data readout. Nevertheless, the data carrier, which is preferably designed to be submersible, can be reliably read even in the event of a malfunction, for example in an electric vehicle that is on fire and in which at least certain components, such as the vehicle's battery, are stored in a water tank.In particular, the separation area prevents any errors, such as those caused by short circuits, from negatively impacting the reading process. This can reduce short circuits that disrupt communication. Providing a connection area, preferably located between the data carrier and the separation point, facilitates reading by allowing the connection of an external reading device. This allows for safe, easy, and reliable reading of data that may be relevant to the accident.

[0010] In a suitable further development, the data carrier is electrically connected to the respective conductor tracks of the circuit board via contacts, with a seal, in particular a silicone adhesive, epoxy adhesive, underfill, overfill, partial encapsulation, potting, painting, etc., being provided between the circuit board and the data carrier. This reliably protects the data carrier against environmental influences such as water ingress, corrosion, or disruptive particles and media (e.g., diluted acids or alkalis).

[0011] In an expedient development, the conductor track is led to the surface of the circuit board at a contact point in the connection area. This makes it particularly easy to read the data carrier because only the plug needs to be electrically connected to the provided contact points, in particular several. In an expedient development, it is provided that the conductor track is led to the surface of the circuit board at the separation point and / or that a conductor and / or a soldered wire or resistor is provided at the separation point and / or that the conductor track is led to the surface of the circuit board at at least one contact point at the separation point to accommodate an easily separated conductor. This makes it particularly easy to electrically separate the connection area from the leaky area of ​​the control unit due to the easy accessibility.Different options such as soldering, cutting, milling, laser cutting or similar can be used for separation depending on the application.

[0012] In a suitable further development, the contact point and / or the conductor are provided with a protective layer, in particular a passivation such as tinning, etc. This allows exposed conductor tracks to be protected from environmental influences.

[0013] In a suitable further development, at least one centering device is provided on the circuit board for positioning a reading device, in particular a connector, on the connection area. This simplifies and accelerates the precise positioning of the connector for reading the data carrier.

[0014] A suitable further development provides for the data storage device to be at least partially surrounded by a protective layer that protects against environmental influences and / or to be submersible, in particular according to DIN EN 60529 IPX 7 / 1 PX 8. This allows the data storage device to survive the scenario described above, particularly in the event of an accident involving an electric vehicle, without damage.

[0015] In an expedient development, the control unit comprises at least one housing with an easily openable area, and / or in particular a cover, wherein the easily openable area allows access to the connection area and / or the separation point. This enables particularly easy access to the connection area and / or the separation point, further simplifying the reading process. Furthermore, a method for reading a data carrier according to the features of the independent method claim is disclosed. This allows for particularly simple and reliable reading.

[0016] Further useful developments arise from further dependent claims and from the description.

[0017] Short description of the drawing

[0018] They show:

[0019] Figure 1 is a schematic view of the control unit from the outside,

[0020] Figure 2 is a schematic view of the control unit from the inside before reading the data carrier,

[0021] Figure 3 is a schematic view of the control unit from the inside when reading the data carrier,

[0022] Figure 4 shows a more detailed side view of a printed circuit board with connected data carrier, connection area and various options for the design of the separation point as well as

[0023] Figure 5 shows a flowchart for different scenarios for reading the data carrier.

[0024] Embodiment of the invention

[0025] The invention is illustrated schematically using an embodiment and is described in detail below with reference to the drawing.

[0026] 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 from the side of the housing 12 of the control unit 10. During normal operation, the data connection of the control unit 10 and the corresponding power supply are via the connector 16. The control unit 10 is designed as a leaky control unit 10, with a protection class lower than DIN EN 60529 IPX7. The control unit 10 is arranged, for example, in the interior of a motor vehicle. The housing 12 of the control unit 10 does not have a seal, for example, to protect the electronic components arranged in the control unit 10, such as the data storage device 18 and / or the processing unit 26, from moisture. The connector 16 does not have to have a protection class according to DIN EN 60529 IPX2 or higher. The use of a leaky connector 16 can achieve further cost savings.

[0027] In addition, the control unit 10 has a separate cover 14 that is integrated into the housing 12. The cover 14 provides access to a printed circuit board 20 of the control unit 10, which is arranged within the housing 12. The cover 14 can, for example, be screwed, glued, or spot-welded. As an alternative to the cover 14, an area to be opened on the control unit 10 or on the housing 12 of the control unit 10 could be specially marked (for example, with appropriate target crosses, surface perforations, or the like). The easier-to-open area can be opened, as described below, for example for reading out data, using appropriate processing steps such as milling or lasering. Another alternative for accessing the printed circuit board 20, in particular for reading out data, could be to construct the entire housing 12 of the control unit 10 in a dismantled manner.For this purpose, easily accessible screw points in the housing 12, the use of dissolvable or separable thermally conductive adhesives or EMC adhesives could be provided, for example, to enable access to and contact with the circuit board 20. Other alternatives may be considered.

[0028] The exemplary embodiment according to Figure 2 shows a top view of the printed circuit board 12 arranged in the control unit 10. By way of example, at least one data storage device 18 is arranged on the printed circuit board 20. The data storage device 18 is electrically connected to at least one further electronic component, such as a computing unit 26 (controller, processor, SoC, IC, other semiconductor component or chip, etc.) via at least one conductor track 28, preferably a plurality of conductor tracks 28. The conductor track(s) 28 can be designed as an internal conductor track that is routed within the printed circuit board 20. The printed circuit board 20 comprises a leaky area 30. The leaky 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 conductor tracks 28 also reach or run in the leaky area 30.

[0029] The conductor track 28 or a plurality of conductor tracks 28 comprise at least one connection area 22. Electrical contact can be made between the respective conductor tracks 28, which lead to the data carrier 18, via the connection area 22. For this purpose, a connector 32 of an external readout unit could be provided as the readout device. This connector 32 could be mounted directly on the circuit board 20 in the control unit 10. Alternatively, the connector 32 can be inserted later. Subsequent contacting options for the connector 32, such as soldering, clamping (for example via spring-loaded contacts), contact needles, needle adapters as a possible readout device, or the like, are possible. When the conductor tracks 28, which run to the data carrier 18, are subsequently contacted, it is advantageous that the connector 32 itself can be omitted in the series product, the control unit 10.The connection area 22 for the connector 32 itself remains unpopulated. As shown in more detail in Figure 4, the contact points 38 for the connector 32 are prepared. If necessary, the contact points 38 are protected by a corresponding passivation 44 (for example, by tinning).

[0030] In order to electrically separate electronic components arranged in the leaky area 30 from the connection area 22 and / or the data carrier 18, at least one separation point 24 is provided for the respective conductor track 28 running into the leaky area 30. If, for example, short circuits occur on the circuit board 20 due to the ingress of water, dust, particles, or other media, potential short-circuit areas, conductor tracks, networks, etc., can be electrically separated at the separation point 24. As explained in more detail later in connection with Figure 4, the separation can be carried out, for example, by mechanical or thermal intervention such as cutting, milling, soldering, laser cutting, or the like. To protect against environmental influences, conductor tracks 50 of the separation point 24 that are exposed on the surface of the circuit board 20 must be passivated (for example, by tinning, etc.).

[0031] The computing unit 26 is electrically connected to the connector 16 via corresponding conductor tracks (not further designated) for data exchange and / or power supply.

[0032] The data carrier 18 and / or other electronic components such as the processing unit 26 are sealed from the surface of the circuit board 20. This protects, in particular, the contact points of the data carrier 18, as shown in more detail below, for contacting the respective conductor tracks 28 from environmental influences. Water, particles, corrosive media, and moisture cannot reach the contacts of the data carrier 18 and / or the processing unit 26 or penetrate the component such as the data carrier 18. This protects the data carrier 18, so that stored data is retained. Short circuits in the leaky area 30 do not impair data retention. The data carrier 18 itself is designed to be submersible (according to DIN EN 60529 IPX 7 / IPX 8).

[0033] For sealing 35 of the data carrier 18, as shown in more detail later 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 gaps between the underside of the data carrier 18 and the surface of the circuit board 20, where they then harden. This creates a reliable seal 35. Alternative sealing options for 35 are also available.

[0034] Figure 4 shows, by way of example, a cross-section through the data carrier 18 mounted on the circuit board 20. The data carrier 18 is, for 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). As a result, stored data in the data carrier 18 is retained even if the data carrier 18 is exposed to adverse environmental conditions for a prolonged period, in particular if the data carrier 18 was exposed to a water bath for a long time (for example, longer than 48 hours), for example for cooling drive batteries, in particular lithium-ion batteries or the like.

[0035] The data carrier 18 is electrically connected to the respective conductor tracks 28 via a plurality of contact points via corresponding solder joints 36. Only a few are shown as examples. The conductor tracks 28 contacted by the data carrier 18 initially run within the 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 circuit board laminate-epoxy fabric composite.

[0036] The inner conductor track 28 is guided to the surface of the printed circuit board 20 in the connection area 22. For this purpose, corresponding conductor tracks that run transversely to the inner conductor tracks 28 are provided within the printed circuit board 20. The conductor track 28 running transversely to the surface of the printed circuit board 20 meets the surface of the printed circuit board 20 at a contact point 38. During normal operation, the connection area 22 and the associated contact points 38 or so-called pads, soldering pads or soldering surfaces are not required. The contact points 38 are formed, for example, from copper or another conductive material. As already described above, the contents of the data carrier 18 can be read out via an external readout unit in conjunction with the connector 32. For better positioning of the connector 32, centering devices 46 can be provided in the connection area 22 of the printed circuit board 20.The centering devices 46 interact with corresponding mechanical counterparts on the connector 32. Such positioning points facilitate contacting of the reading device, such as the connector 32 or needles, etc. The centering devices 46 can be designed, for example, as a bushing, a bore, or even as a projection or other structure.

[0037] 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 be formed, for example, as tin plating or similar. After passing through the conductor track 28 of the connection area 22, the conductor track 28 reaches the separation point 24. For simplified electrical separation in the event of the desired reading of the data carrier 18, the conductor track 28 is guided to the surface of the circuit board 20 or to another easily accessible location. At the separation point 24, the conductor track 28 runs over an easily separable conductor 50 on the top side of the circuit board 20. The conductor 50 is in turn provided with a protective layer 52 as passivation of the conductor 50. The conductor 50 is formed, for example, as a continuous pad bridge or bridge. The conductor tracks 28 then run again inside the circuit board 20 to a leaky area 30.

[0038] Alternatively, the separation point 24 could also be designed as a conductor 54 to be separated, for example in the form of a zero-ohm resistor (for example, a soldered resistor) or a soldered wire, such as copper wire, etc. This alternative separation point 24 in the form of the separating conductor 54 protrudes slightly above the surface of the circuit board 20. The conductor tracks 28 then run back inside the circuit board 20 to the leaky area 30.

[0039] Using the described device or control unit 10, the data carrier 18 can also be reliably read in the following scenario. In the event of an accident involving an electric vehicle that also results in the vehicle heating up or a fire, particularly the traction battery (Li-ion battery), the battery may need to be cooled in a water tank. This causes water to penetrate the vehicle and possibly the internal on-board electronics or the control unit 10. The cooling times vary 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 and water can be introduced into the vehicle's battery. 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 retrieve the control unit 10 separately and reliably read the data carrier 18. According to Figure 5, different readout variants 1, 2, 3 can be used for different scenarios, as indicated in the block diagram.

[0040] Step 80 indicates a trigger for the readout process. This is an accident involving an electric vehicle (heating / fire of the battery) requiring water tank storage or extreme water exposure.

[0041] In step 90, the control unit 10 with the associated data carrier 18 is removed from the vehicle.

[0042] In variant 1, the control unit 10 recovered in step 90 can be read and operated normally. To ensure that no media, particles, or similar substances have been carried into the protective housing that could impair the readout, 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 regular connector 16 is contacted with the external readout unit. In step 103, the authorization, data transfer of the data stored in the data carrier 18, and the corresponding evaluation take place.

[0043] In variant 2, in a step 111, the cover 14 on the housing 12 is opened to access the separation point 24 and the connection area 22 for contacting the connector 32 of the readout unit. In step 112, the separation point 24 is opened. As a result, potentially surrounding short-circuit areas are electrically separated or deactivated by the mechanical intervention described. In a step 113, the connection area 22 of the circuit board 20 is cleaned and dried in particular according to customary industry standards. In a step 114, preparation and subsequent contacting of the connection area 22 with the connector 32 of the readout unit takes place. In step 115, the authorization, data transmission of the data stored in the data carrier 18 and the corresponding evaluation take place.

[0044] In variant 3, the control unit 10 is disassembled in step 121, in particular the housing 12 (especially if no cover 14 is provided) is scraped off, etc. For this purpose, the control unit 10 is designed to enable smooth disassembly, for example, with good accessibility to the screw points and force-free disassembly of the individual components (dissolvable thermal pastes, EMC adhesives, etc.). In step 122, the separation point 24 is opened. As a result, potentially surrounding short-circuit areas are electrically separated or deactivated by the described mechanical intervention. In a step 123, the printed circuit board 20 is cleaned and dried according to customary industry standards. In a step 124, the connection area 22 is prepared and then contacted with the connector 32 of the readout unit.In step 125, the authorization, data transfer of the data stored in the data carrier 18 and the corresponding evaluation take place.

[0045] The described device and method are particularly suitable for reading a data carrier 18 of a motor vehicle that is not accessible via a standard vehicle interface (e.g., OBDII). However, the application is not limited to this.

Claims

Claims 1. A 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 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).

2. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that the data carrier (18) is electrically conductively connected to the respective conductor tracks (28) of the printed circuit board (20) via contacts (36), a seal (35), in particular a silicone adhesive, epoxy adhesive, underfill, etc., being provided between the printed circuit board (20) and the data carrier (18).

3. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that in the connecting region (22) the conductor track (28) is guided to the surface of the printed circuit board (20) at a contact point (38).

4. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at the separation point (24) the conductor track (28) is guided 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 guided to the surface of the printed circuit board (20) in at least one contact point (58) for receiving an easily separated conductor (50, 54).

5. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in 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 one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one centering device (46) is provided on the circuit board (20) for positioning a reading device, in particular a plug (32), on the connection area (22).

7. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the data carrier (18) is at least partially surrounded by a protective layer (34) protecting against environmental influences and / or is designed to be submersible, in particular according to DIN EN 60529 IPX 7 / IPX 8.

8. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the control device (10) comprises at least one housing (12) with an easily openable area, in particular a cover (14), wherein the easily openable area allows access to the connection area (22) and / or the separation point (24).

9. A 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 leaky area (30), wherein at least the conductor track (28) connects the data carrier (18) to the leaky area (30) of the printed circuit board (20), wherein the conductor track (28) between the data carrier (18) and the leaky area (30) is electrically separated at a separation point (24), wherein an electrical connection to the conductor track (28) for reading the data carrier (18) is made at least at one connection area (22).

10. Method according to the preceding method claim, characterized in that a contact point (38) at which the conductor track (28) is connected to the surface of the printed circuit board, the connecting area (22) is exposed for contacting a reading device, in particular a plug (32).

11. Method according to one of the preceding method claims, characterized in that at the separation point (24) a conductor track (28) guided to the surface of the printed circuit board (20) and / or a conductor (50) and / or a wire or resistor (54) in particular soldered on is separated.

12. Method according to one of the preceding method claims, characterized in that a plug (32) is positioned on the connection area (22) via at least one centering (46) on the circuit board (20).

13. Method according to one of the preceding method claims, characterized in that a housing (12) of the control device (10) is removed and / or an easily openable 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 made possible.

14. Method according to one of the preceding method claims, characterized in that data on the data carrier (18) are read out via the reading device, in particular the plug (32), in particular after a successful authorization.

15. Method according to one of the preceding method claims, characterized in that first an electrical separation takes place at the separation point (24), then a cleaning and / or drying takes place and then a contacting of a plug (32) at the connection area (22).

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