DE102016226094A1 - Electronic device with electronics housing with several chambers - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to an electronic device (100) having an electronics housing (10) with at least two chambers (11, 12) separated by a mechanical means and having at least one printed circuit board (21, 22) in the electronics housing (10) with electronic components (31 , 32), wherein the electronic device is adapted to inhibit or inhibit the spread of damage from one chamber of the at least two chambers (11, 12) to another chamber of the at least two chambers (11, 12).

Description

The present invention relates to an electronic device having an electronics housing with a plurality of chambers.

State of the art

Electronic devices typically include an electronics housing, such as plastic or metal, with electronics disposed therein, particularly printed circuit boards and electrical components (active (e.g., IC, μC) and passive). In particular, in vehicles so-called electronic devices are so-called. Control units for controlling a variety of functionalities used. Depending on the functionality, there are a wide variety of availability requirements. The requirements can go so far that the failure of a single hardware component must not lead to the failure of the entire system. An example here is an automated driving vehicle, where the driver no longer has to control the vehicle himself and does not have to concentrate on the traffic. In the event of a fault such a control unit must not fail immediately so that the driver has sufficient time to take over the manual control, if necessary.

In the event of a fault, it is therefore not sufficient or not permissible for these devices to switch them off externally or to switch them off independently or to deactivate the actual function (the so-called "fail safe" state, ie a defined state in the switched-off state or partially deactivated state). Instead, the device must compensate for the failure of a HW component itself or in conjunction with other devices and continue to perform the original function wholly or partially ("Fail Operational" state, ie, a safe state by maintaining at least partial functionality). For this reason, a variety of measures must be taken on the mechanical and electrical side to allow fail-operational systems.

A typical measure to ensure fail-operational functionality is the use of redundancy. For example, it is conceivable that e.g. Water entering the control unit, fires in the control unit, conductive particles in the housing, which can lead to a short circuit, mechanical effects, thermal stresses, etc., are compensated by the redundancy of two control units. An arrangement of redundant components in a common common housing is often eliminated because of a cause of failure, such as a failure. spreading the aforementioned water or a fire in an unpredictable manner and possibly in the shortest possible time on the entire board. Redundancy within the housing would thus often not be sufficient for fail-operational ECUs, as there is a risk that certain redundant events will cause the redundant electronic components within a device to fail.

The alternative use of two separate controllers has many disadvantages, e.g. the need for two mechanisms (housing, plug, board), two cables, coordination of the two redundant control units via an external third, which connects at least the plug or even coordinating intervention, space at the intended installation location, mounting and assembly costs at the intended installation location.

The alternative outsourcing of the redundancy to another control device with a really different basic functionality would have disadvantages as well, e.g. a significant increase in complexity by integrating different functions on one control unit (different business areas, different security requirements, different production sites, power management, ...), complex dependency relationships, if the redundant control unit fails and even contains safety-critical functions.

Disclosure of the invention

According to the invention, an electronic device, in particular a vehicle control device, with an electronics housing having the features of patent claim 1 is proposed. Advantageous embodiments are the subject of the dependent claims and the following description.

In the context of the invention, an electronic device with an electronics housing with chambers is presented, which are formed by a mechanical means, in particular a narrowing of the housing interior between the housing bottom and housing cover (eg by appropriate molds, deep drawing, partitions, or even by larger components) and which are so substantially hermetically separated from each other, or - as far as a gap between the housing bottom and housing cover remains, can be separated from one another substantially hermetically, so that a damage spread or a transfer of gases, liquids and / or solids prevented or compared to conventional housings at least significantly delayed or significantly inhibited. The various possibilities for forming chambers can also be combined (eg a partial formation of the narrowing by a larger component, to which a deep-drawn constriction adjoins). Thus, an electronics housing is created, which is divided by a mechanical means in at least two chambers, so that these at least two chambers in the event of a fire, incoming water or other mechanical effects or causes of failure (hereinafter damage) are largely decoupled to achieve the required safety goals. Between the chambers of the empty housing, a gap, for example for performing a circuit board, cables, etc., may be present. However, such a gap is preferably closed in the final state by suitable sealing compound.

So there is a spatial separation along a dividing line, which does not have to be a straight line. However, the dividing line is preferably chosen so that within the entire electronics housing there is no possibility of damage propagation from one of the chambers to the other as far as possible or at least only greatly delayed in time.

The connection of the housing parts can be carried out differently, in particular also in the area of the separation, e.g. by screwing, gluing, riveting, welding, etc. These joining techniques may also be suitable for further narrowing a remaining gap. This may be an alternative or supplement to the sealant.

In an electronic device, in particular (vehicle) control device, with chambers separated by such or other mechanical means, the at least two chambers can contain conventional electronic components (hardware) and, if microcontrollers are used, also software functions in the manner in which that both sides can work independently. The separation in chambers can be used to achieve redundancy, so that in case of damage not all chambers, preferably only one chamber, are affected. The hardware (electronic components) and the software of the chambers may, but need not necessarily, be identical. In particular, to further increase security, the two sides can also be diversified. Desirably, in total, the desired function is provided redundantly on at least two sides. In addition to achieving security goals through redundancy, isolation into at least two sides can also be used to isolate functions or sub-functions, e.g. for separating a high voltage and / or power circuit from a low voltage circuit.

Redundant circuits in the sense of the invention may be different. For example, the mutually redundant circuits can be completely identical at the component level. For example, the redundancy can also take place at a much higher level. For example, a driver assistance control unit of a motor vehicle in a circuit part calculate video functions, in another circuit part radar functions, wherein the two circuits complement each other in normal operation redundant and act together on the control of the vehicle. For example, however, redundant circuit parts may also be pronounced between the examples mentioned and / or may only partially encompass the examples mentioned.

In redundant circuits, for example, one of the circuits may fail in the event of damage, with the remaining operational circuit taking over the sole vehicle control or supplying sole data for the vehicle control. The redundant circuit parts are thereby able - at least for a limited period of time - to maintain the functionality wholly or at least partially until the entire system is in a safe state (for example, until a motor vehicle comes to a standstill on the hard shoulder).

The electronic device is designed in particular as a measuring and / or control device, in particular as a device for arrangement in a rack, test stand or motor vehicle.

The connection from the board in the electronic device to the vehicle usually takes place via a plug. The plug can be designed differently, either a common plug element for all chambers or separate plug elements (for each housing chamber one) or separate plug can be used.

A constriction or deformation as a mechanical means is preferably realized by deep-drawing, or casting, or otherwise fabricating the housing cover and / or bottom at the parting line between the two sides in such a way that the distance between the two sides of the housing (lid and bottom) is as small as possible, but a gap, for example, for performing a board, cables, etc., can be maintained. However, such a gap is preferably closed in the final state by suitable sealing compound.

Instead of deformation of the housing, a suitable mechanical element (such as a partition wall, a separating strip, a sealing strip, etc.) may also be accommodated in the control unit, which separates the redundant sides from each other. However, it should be emphasized that in the context of the invention, more than two mechanically separate areas can be provided to provide eg 3-fold redundancy or different functions or sub-functions separately on a control unit to accommodate.

In a conventional control unit there is air over which damage can be spread. Due to the mechanical separation, on the one hand, the exchange of gases between the chambers is restricted or completely prevented, on the other hand, the exchange of liquids or solids that have occurred. If data communication between the pages is required, an electrical separation is expediently provided, for example by means of optical and / or magnetic and / or electromagnetic (radio) couplers or transmitters. In principle, however, when using a common board, the communication can also be made directly via the tracks of the common board. Protective measures could then be used e.g. be implemented by the use of overvoltage-safe electrical components. A realization without any special electrical protective measures is also possible. The communication may be via a single integrated electronic device or through the interaction of two or more electronic devices. Since a board is manufactured in this case, no special manufacturing processes and no handling of multiple boards in the production are required. Basically, when using separate boards, the communication can also be made via electrical cables. Depending on the requirements, circuit protection measures may be taken or, for example, no special electrical protection measures may be provided.

Inhibiting the transfer of gases from one chamber to another may also be able to retard or inhibit the spread of fire.

In the context of the invention, a significant inhibition of the passage of gases, liquids or solids between the chambers means that the transfer is delayed by at least a few seconds, so that a failure of a plurality of mutually redundant circuit parts caused by the transfer is delayed by at least this same period of time ,

Depending on the requirements of the redundant or fail-operational system, there may be different requirements for the mechanical separation, so that different gradations are presented within the scope of the invention.

As a further measure, it may be helpful to provide a common board of the sides of a particular material that further limits the propagation of the cause of the fault (e.g., water or fire) within the board material.

Alternatively, at least two separate boards may be provided for the sides, so that in each case one of the at least two boards is arranged only in each case one of the at least two chambers.

As mentioned, as a supplementary measure of the mechanical means depending on the requirement a remaining gap can be sealed with a suitable sealing compound. In areas without a circuit board, the sealant can be applied directly between the floor and the lid. In the board area, the sealant can be introduced between the board and the lid and / or bottom. In the field of electronic components, the sealing compound between the electronic component and possibly cover and / or bottom can be introduced and, if necessary, between electronic component and circuit board.

Further advantages and embodiments of the invention will become apparent from the description and the accompanying drawings.

The invention is illustrated schematically by means of embodiments in the drawing and will be described below with reference to the drawing.

list of figures

• 1 shows an electronic device with an electronics housing according to a preferred embodiment of the invention in a top view and a cross-sectional view from the side.
• 2 shows a cross-sectional view through an area in which two chambers of an electronic device adjoin one another, according to a first preferred embodiment.
• 3 shows a cross-sectional view through an area in which two chambers of an electronic device adjoin one another, according to a second preferred embodiment.
• 4 shows a cross-sectional view through an area in which two chambers of an electronic device adjoin one another, according to a third preferred embodiment.

Embodiment (s) of the invention

In 1 is a preferred embodiment of an inventive, here as (vehicle) control unit designed electronic device 100 schematically shown in a view from above (A) and in cross-section from the side (B). The control unit 100 shows a preferred embodiment of an electronics housing according to the invention 10 and a control unit connector arranged thereon 50 for making electrical connections with the components controlled by the control unit, eg internal combustion engine, injectors, electric machine, other control devices, etc.

As can be seen more clearly in the side view B, the electronics housing 10 has two chambers 11 and 12 on that in a separation area 13 are separated from each other by a special housing shape as a mechanical means. Furthermore, in each chamber is a circuit board 21 . 22 with electronic components 31 . 32 arranged, with regard to their detailed design on the 2 to 4 is referenced.

In the 2 to 4 is the separation area 13 between the chambers 11 and 12 shown schematically in different embodiments. In all embodiments, the chambers are 11 and 12 separated by a restriction as a mechanical means, wherein a housing bottom 14 and a housing cover 15 are approximated to each other.

The boards 21 . 22 with the electronic components located thereon 31 . 32 each form an assembly for performing at least one functionality, wherein the modules are preferably configured redundantly, ie execute the same functionalities.

In 2 is shown that the boards 21 . 22 are not separate, but form a common board on which the electronic components 31 . 32 are arranged. A data connection between the right and left in the figure assembly takes place via lines on the board, so in particular there is no galvanic isolation between the modules. A substantially hermetic separation between the chambers 11 and 12 is by suitable sealant 40 between housing bottom 14 , Boards 21 . 22 and housing cover 15 reached.

The embodiment according to 3 differs from the embodiment according to 2 by the design of the data connection, which in 3 through a coupling component 35 , For example, an optocoupler, is realized, so that here a galvanic isolation between the right and the left module can be achieved. A substantially hermetic separation between the chambers 11 and 12 is in addition to the embodiment according to 2 by suitable sealant 40 between the boards 21 . 22 and coupling device 35 as well as between coupling component 35 and housing cover 15 reached.

The embodiment according to 4 differs further from the embodiments according to 2 and 3 through separate boards 21 . 22 so in every chamber 11 . 12 a separate board 21 respectively. 22 is arranged. The data communication between the right and left module is in 4 for example, by a radio link or by an optical link including an optical link (eg optical fiber), each with corresponding transceivers 36 causes. In this embodiment, a particularly strong separation between the chambers and the assemblies arranged therein can be achieved.

Claims (10)

Electronic device (100) having an electronics housing (10) with at least two chambers (11, 12) separated by a mechanical means and with at least one printed circuit board (21, 22) with electronic components (31, 32) arranged in the electronics housing (10), wherein the electronic device is designed such that a transfer of gases, liquids and / or solids from one chamber of the at least two chambers (11, 12) into another chamber of the at least two chambers (11, 12) is inhibited or prevented. Electronic device (100) after Claim 1 , wherein a common board (21, 22) extends into the at least two chambers (11, 12). Electronic device (100) after Claim 1 or 2 , with at least two in the electronics housing (10) arranged boards (21, 22), wherein each one of the at least two boards (21, 22) only in each one of the at least two chambers (11, 12) is arranged. Electronic device (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the passage of gases, liquids and / or solids from one chamber of the at least two chambers (11, 12) into another chamber of the at least two chambers (11, 12) additionally by means of sealing compound (40) is inhibited or prevented. An electronic device (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least two chambers (11, 12) are hermetically separated from each other. Electronic device (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one circuit board (21, 22) is waterproof and / or fire-retardant. Electronic device (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein in each case one of the at least two chambers (11,12) arranged board (21, 22) with its electronic components (31, 32) forms a functional assembly for performing at least one function. Electronic device (100) after Claim 7 , wherein the at least two modules are designed redundantly. Electronic device (100) after Claim 8 , wherein the at least two modules are identical or diversified. Electronic device (100) according to one of Claims 7 to 9 , wherein a data connection between the at least two modules by means of optical and / or magnetic and / or electromagnetic coupler (35, 36) consists.

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