DE102008007239A1 - Module and method for making a module - Google Patents

Abstract

it is proposed to a housing, a first carrier element, a second carrier element and at least one component, wherein the at least one component is arranged on the first carrier element, wherein the housing completely surrounds the first carrier element and the at least one component and wherein the first carrier element has an indirect or Furthermore, the second carrier element has a mechanically flexible design and has a first and a second partial region, wherein the first partial region is enclosed by the housing and the second partial region is arranged outside the housing.

Description

State of the art

The The invention is based on a module according to the preamble of the claim 1.

Such modules are well known. For example, from the document DE 102 40 446 A1 a sensor module is known, which has at least one sensor element, a flexible housing and a flexible carrier material, wherein the sensor element is at least partially surrounded by a housing and the housing has a transmission device. A compact sensor module, which has a liquid or gas-tight housing for protection against aggressive media and at the same time a comparatively powerful antenna, is not apparent from the prior art.

Disclosure of the invention

The inventive module and the invention Method for producing a module according to the have sibling claims against the The prior art has the advantage that the antenna in the form of the flexible second support member from the rigid housing is led out and thus at a minimum and stable Housing size a comparatively large and in particular powerful antenna outside of the Housing is realized in a simple manner. Consequently, will a module with a space-compact housing and a comparatively high efficiency and efficiency The antenna allows, which is easier and less expensive Made with the standard manufacturing processes and standard components becomes. Thus, in particular, integration of the module into areas with high demands on compactness and stability of the module, preferably in a vehicle, particularly preferably in one Tire and most preferably as a tire pressure sensor, possible. The design of the antenna as a flexible second carrier element, especially as a flexible printed circuit board and / or as a flexible board guaranteed an optimal transmission power, a comparatively simple contacting possibility with the first carrier element, as well as a comparatively cost-effective production, since the second carrier element in the manufacturing process of the module only from the housing is led out and therefore no additional Contacting, conduction and / or support elements made and / or inside or outside the housing must be mounted. The component preferably comprises Sensors, semiconductor devices, passive electrical components and / or micromechanical components, with particular preference a two-sided assembly of the first support member is provided with components and wherein very particularly preferably also an at least partially assembly of the second carrier element is provided with components.

advantageous Embodiments and developments of the invention are the subclaims and the description with reference to the drawing.

According to one preferred development is provided that the module has an internal and / or an external power supply unit, so that in particular the at least one component with electrical energy is supplied. The internal power supply unit preferably comprises a Battery and / or an energy converter, wherein the internal energy converter in particular energy from the environment of the module, for example Heat and / or acceleration forces, into electrical energy converts and wherein the external power supply unit preferably Another energy converter for inductive or capacitive coupling of external electrical energy.

According to one preferred development, the housing comprises a sealing area, which is substantially between the housing and the second Carrier element in the transition region from the first is arranged to the second portion, wherein the sealing region in particular has a sealant. Thus, an advantageous Sealing the housing interior achieved, which in particular the components, the first carrier element, the power supply unit and / or the electrical contacts in the housing from corrosion to be protected. Preference is given to an isolated protective atmosphere provided in the housing.

According to a further preferred refinement, the second subarea has a third and a fourth subarea, wherein the first subarea lies between the third and fourth subarea and / or wherein the third and fourth subarea are connected to one another outside the housing. Thus, on the one hand, the realization of a dipole antenna which is substantially rod-shaped and in particular protrudes from the housing at its free ends or at least two-part design is advantageously possible, the type of dipole antenna preferably being fixable by conductor tracks on the second carrier element that depending on the requirements of the circuit, for example, a Stabdipol or a Faltdipol can be realized, wherein the Faltdipol has in particular a fourfold Fußpunktwiderstand against the elongated Stabdipol. On the other hand, a loop antenna can likewise be realized, wherein preferably the third and the fourth partial area are connected to one another. The loop antenna is preferably so orders that the plane of the loop antenna is aligned parallel or perpendicular to the first carrier element. Particularly preferably, the loop antenna is rotationally symmetrical, so that particularly advantageously no alignment of the loop antenna, for example, in a tire or during integration into a tire is necessary.

According to one Another preferred embodiment provides that the second Carrier element or the second portion acts as an antenna and is designed as a flexible circuit board and / or that a partial area the housing acts as a housing cover and / or that the housing is substantially rigid. The production process, in particular the assembly process, becomes advantageous the support elements, through an open housing with a portion of the housing as a housing cover facilitated, with the closed housing cover the protective functions ensured the housing. The housing cover preferably has a frictional, positive fit and / or cohesive connection to the rest Housing on. It is particularly preferred that the second Carrier element in the area of the interface between the Part area and the remaining area of the housing is led out of the housing, causing the Assembly of the module is further simplified.

According to one Another preferred embodiment provides that the antenna as a dipole antenna, preferably as a rod dipole antenna or as a folded dipole antenna, or as a loop antenna, wherein the loop antenna is preferably parallel or is aligned perpendicular to the first carrier element is formed is, so that particularly advantageous the antenna, for example, space-specific, application-specific and / or to the transmitting and / or receiving electronics a vehicle is customizable.

According to one Another preferred embodiment is provided, the indirect or direct contact between the first and the second carrier element an electrically conductive and / or a mechanical Contact includes, so that particularly advantageous the contact either for making electrical contact between the first and the second carrier element and / or the mechanical Fixing the first and second support member relative is provided to each other.

According to one Another preferred embodiment provides that the module for data transmission between the first and the second carrier element a coupling unit, which in particular an inductive and / or a capacitive coupling between the first and the second carrier element includes. Particularly advantageous is the capacitive coupling at least by an interaction between a first electrode at the first Carrier element and a second electrode on the second carrier element realized.

One Another object of the present invention is a method for producing a module, wherein in a first method step the first carrier element is connected to the second carrier element and / or with which at least one component is equipped, wherein in a second method step, the first carrier element is mounted in the housing and wherein in the second or in a third Step of the second portion of the second support member is led out of the housing. Advantageous Thus, in a simple way, the module is only under the use low cost of standard manufacturing processes and standard features produced. In particular, by the third method step no additional process step for assembly and / or for electrical contacting of the antenna neither outside nor needed inside the case.

According to one preferred development is the indirect or immediate Contact between the first and the second support element in first process step by a soldering process, preferably an ironing process, and / or a bonding process, preferably using an anisotropically electrically conductive Films, an anisotropically electrically conductive adhesive and / or an electrically non-conductive adhesive, produced. Advantageously, the antenna is thus comparatively Contact-safe with the first carrier element and with the at least a component electrically conductively connected, wherein the electrically conductive contact particularly preferably also for mechanical fixation of the second carrier element is used. Alternatively, the second carrier element is particularly advantageous relative to the first carrier element by the contact only mechanically fixed comparatively resilient, the contact no electrical conductive connection between the first and the second carrier element manufactures.

According to one Another preferred embodiment is in a fourth process step the housing cover closed and / or on the housing mounted and in particular by welding the housing cover additionally mechanically fixed to the housing. By closing the housing cover and / or the Mounting the housing cover on the housing the components in an advantageous manner against mechanical damage and / or protected against corrosion. Preferred is an assembly provided in a protective atmosphere, so that the protective atmosphere essentially permanently formed inside the housing.

According to one Another preferred development is the fixation of the first Carrier element in the housing in a fifth Process performed, preferably the first Carrier element with the housing cohesively by an adhesive method and / or non-positively by Pinching, more preferably by closing and / or the assembly of the housing cover, is connected.

Advantageous thus becomes the first carrier element in the housing mounted in a simple manner, preferably the non-positive Clamping of the first support member by the housing cover in a particularly advantageous manner, the process substep of the bonding process saves.

According to one Further development, the second support element in a sixth method step in the transition region of first to the second portion with the sealant encapsulated, wherein in the third process step, the sealant in the sealing area is clamped and wherein the sealant is preferably a liquid silicone includes. It is advantageous by simply encapsulating the second carrier element the production of the sealant in a relatively inexpensive and well-controlled process realized while being simultaneously a positive and cohesive connection between the sealant and the second support member is guaranteed. The frictional connection between the housing and the sealant in the sealing area made possible by simply pinching the sealant particularly advantageous at the same time a secure sealing of the housing, and an additional mechanical fixation of the second carrier element.

According to one Another preferred development will be before the first and / or before the second process step in a seventh process step the housing and / or the sealant in an injection molding process and in particular produced in a 2-component injection molding process, wherein the sealant preferably comprises a liquid silicone. Thus, both the housing, as well as the sealant in a single manufacturing process in produced particularly cost-effective manner, with a 2-component injection molding method of producing the mechanical stable and rigid housing and flexible and shape-reversible Sealant allows in a single process step.

According to one Further development, the second support element in an eighth step in the housing and / or on mounted the first support member, wherein the eighth method step performed in time after the second process step becomes. An assembly of the first carrier element is thus advantageous and the at least one component, wherein the first carrier element preferably on both sides equipped with components is provided, in time allows the mounting of the second carrier element.

According to one Further development is envisaged that in a ninth step the Sensor module is provided with the coupling unit, preferably the first carrier element at least with a first electrode and the second support member at least with a second Electrode is provided. Will the direct or indirect contact merely as mechanical contact, for example by means of a non-conductive adhesive for relative fixation of the first and the second carrier element executed to each other, Thus, particularly the coupling between acts the first and the second electrode for signal transmission between the first and the second carrier element. Of the Ninth procedural step is particularly timed before, during or after the first process step is performed.

One Another object of the present invention is the use a module according to the invention as a sensor module in a tire of a motor vehicle, in particular as a tire pressure sensor.

embodiments The invention is illustrated in the drawings and in the following Description explained in more detail.

Short description of the drawing

It demonstrate

1 a schematic plan view of a module according to a first embodiment of the present invention,

2 1 is a schematic side view of a module according to a second embodiment of the present invention,

3 a schematic side view of a module according to a third embodiment of the present invention,

4 a schematic plan view of a module according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention,

5 a schematic plan view of a module according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention,

6 a schematic plan view of a module according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention,

7 1 is a schematic side view of a module according to a seventh embodiment of the present invention,

8th a schematic side view of a module according to an eighth embodiment of the present invention,

9 a schematic front view of a module according to the eighth embodiment of the present invention,

10 1 is a schematic side view of a portion of a module according to a ninth embodiment of the present invention;

11 a schematic side view of a portion of a module according to a tenth embodiment of the present invention and

12 a schematic side view of a module according to an eleventh embodiment of the present invention.

Embodiment (s) of the invention

In In the different figures, the same parts are always the same Reference numerals provided and are therefore usually also each just mentioned once.

In 1 is an exemplary schematic plan view of a module 1 according to a first embodiment of the present invention, wherein the module 1 , which in particular represents a sensor module, a housing 2 , a first carrier element 3 , a second carrier element 4 and a plurality of components 5 comprising, wherein the plurality of components 5 on the first carrier element 3 are arranged, wherein the housing 2 the first carrier element 3 and the plurality of components 5 completely encloses and wherein the first support element 3 an immediate contact 6 to the second carrier element 4 having. The contact 6 may include both an electrically conductive or electrically non-conductive contact, as well as a mechanical contact. The second carrier element 4 is formed mechanically flexible and has a first and a second portion 7 . 8th on, the first subarea 7 from the case 2 enclosed and the second section 8th outside the case 2 is arranged. The second carrier element 4 is formed substantially rod-shaped and the second portion 8th further comprises a third and fourth subarea 11 . 12 , wherein between the third and fourth partial area 11 . 12 the first section 7 lies. In other words, the second subarea protrudes 8th with its free ends, ie the third and fourth part 11 . 12 , from the case 2 out, during the first section 7 between the two free ends, ie between the third and fourth part 11 . 12 , in the housing 2 is arranged. The second carrier element 4 thus forms a dipole antenna. Furthermore, the housing comprises 2 a sealing area 9 which is essentially between the housing 2 and the second support member 4 in the transition area from the first to the second subarea 7 . 8th is arranged, wherein the sealing area 9 a sealant 10 which is in the housing 2 itself is integrated and in particular together with the housing 2 produced in a 2-component injection molding process.

In 2 is a schematic side view of a module 1 according to a second embodiment of the present invention, wherein the second embodiment substantially identical to the first embodiment illustrated in FIG 1 is, wherein the second carrier element 4 two tracks 50 comprising, which together with the second carrier element 4 act as an antenna and wherein the tracks 50 via two electrically conductive contacts 6 inside the case 2 with the first carrier element 3 are connected. The antenna is designed in particular as Stabdipol.

In 3 is a schematic side view of a module 1 according to a third embodiment of the present invention, wherein the third embodiment substantially identical to the second embodiment illustrated in FIG 2 is, wherein the second carrier element 4 inside the case 2 is interrupted.

In 4 is a schematic side view of a module 1 according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention, wherein the fourth embodiment substantially identical to the second embodiment illustrated in FIG 2 is, wherein the carrier element 4 only one trace 50 comprises, which is formed as a loop and two electrically conductive contacts 6 are connected to the first carrier element. The antenna is designed in particular as a folding dipole.

In 5 is a schematic plan view of a module 1 according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention, wherein the fifth embodiment substantially identical to the second embodiment illustrated in FIG 2 is, the two tracks 50 are each formed as a loop and in each case via two electrically conductive contacts 6 inside the case 2 with the first carrier element 3 are connected.

In 6 is a schematic plan view of a module 1 according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention, wherein the sixth embodiment is substantially identical of the first embodiment illustrated in FIG 1 is, the second subarea 8th the second carrier element 4 outside the case 2 essentially a circular outer contour parallel to a main extension plane of the first carrier element 3 and wherein the first portion 7 the second carrier element 4 inside the case 2 is formed substantially, for example, cross-shaped, wherein the example, four legs of the cross at their ends in the circular second portion 8th the second carrier element 4 pass. Alternatively, also formations of the second carrier element 4 inside the case 2 conceivable, which have more than four or less than four legs. Furthermore, the second carrier element knows 4 a trace 50 which is essentially formed as a circular loop and two electrically conductive contacts 6 in the interior of the housing with the first support element 3 connected is. The main extension plane of the loop is in particular parallel to the main extension plane of the first carrier element. The antenna is designed in particular as a loop antenna.

In 7 is a schematic side view of a module 1 according to a seventh embodiment of the present invention, wherein the seventh embodiment substantially identical to the second embodiment illustrated in FIG 2 is, wherein the second carrier element 2 outside the case 2 is formed substantially as a closed arcuate portion, wherein the main extension plane of the arcuate portion perpendicular to the main extension plane of the first support member 3 is aligned. The conductor tracks are connected at their ends via the arcuate portion, so that the resulting conductor track 50 as a loop with a main plane of extension perpendicular to the main extension plane of the first support element 3 is trained. The antenna is designed in particular as a loop antenna.

In 8th is an exemplary schematic side view of a module 1 according to an eighth embodiment of the present invention, wherein the illustrated eighth embodiment of the module 1 essentially identical to the first embodiment illustrated in FIG 1 is and where only part of the housing 2 as a housing cover 13 is formed, which cohesively, non-positively and / or positively connected to the rest of the housing 2 is connected, preferably in the region of the interface between the housing cover 13 and the remaining housing, the second carrier element 4 out of the case 2 led out. In particular, the interface between the housing cover runs 13 and the rest of the housing 2 parallel to the main extension planes of the first carrier element 3 and perpendicular to the main extension plane of the first support member 3 in the region of the second carrier element 4 and / or the sealing area 9 or the sealant 10 ,

In 9 is a schematic front view of a module 1 according to the eighth embodiment of the present invention, wherein the front view compared to 8th a 90 degree rotated side view of the module 9 represents, wherein the axis of rotation perpendicular to the main extension plane of the first support member 3 runs.

In 10 is a schematic side view of a portion of a module 1 according to a ninth embodiment of the present invention, wherein the portion of the connection between the first support member 3 and the second support member 4 represents. The second carrier element 4 has a trace 50 which has an immediate and electrically conductive contact 6 with the first carrier element 3 is electrically conductively contacted, wherein the first carrier element 3 one with the contact 6 electrically conductive further interconnect 51 having. Furthermore, the contact 6 a mechanical loadable contact between the first and the second carrier element 3 . 4 ago.

In 11 1 is a schematic side view of a portion of a module according to a tenth embodiment of the present invention, the tenth embodiment of the module shown 1 essentially identical to the ninth embodiment illustrated in FIG 10 is, being the contact 6 only a mechanical contact for the relative fixation of the first and the second carrier element 3 . 4 and wherein a transmission of electrical signals between the first and the second carrier element 3 . 4 or an energy transfer between the first and the second carrier element 3 . 4 by means of a coupling unit 200. is provided, wherein the coupling unit 200. for capacitive coupling between the first and the second carrier element 3 . 4 a first electrode 52 on the first carrier element 3 and one to the first electrode 52 essentially parallel and perpendicular to the main extension plane of the first carrier element 3 the first electrodes 52 overlapping second electrode 53 on the second carrier element 4 includes, wherein the first electrode 52 with the further conductor track 51 and the second electrode 53 with the conductor track 50 electrically conductive are connected.

In 12 is a schematic side view of a module 1 According to an eleventh embodiment of the present invention, wherein the illustrated eleventh embodiment substantially identical to the eighth embodiment illustrated in 8th is, wherein the sealant 10 not in the housing 2 integrated, but cohesively and / or positively with the second carrier element 10 is connected and in particular only by pinching in the Abdichtbereich 9 with the housing 2 has a non-positive and positive connection. The sealant 10 is by encapsulation of the second support member 4 and preferably comprises a silicone.

QUOTES INCLUDE IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list The documents listed by the applicant have been automated generated and is solely for better information recorded by the reader. The list is not part of the German Patent or utility model application. The DPMA takes over no liability for any errors or omissions.

Cited patent literature

• DE 10240446 A1 [0002]

Claims (17)

Module ( 1 ), in particular a sensor module, with a housing ( 2 ), a first carrier element ( 3 ), a second carrier element ( 4 ) and at least one component ( 5 ), wherein the at least one component ( 5 ) on the first carrier element ( 3 ), wherein the housing ( 2 ) the first carrier element ( 3 ) and the at least one component ( 5 ) and wherein the first support element ( 3 ) a direct or indirect contact ( 6 ) to the second carrier element ( 4 ), characterized in that the second carrier element ( 4 ) is formed mechanically flexible and a first and second sub-area ( 7 . 8th ), wherein the first subregion ( 7 ) from the housing ( 2 ) and the second subarea ( 8th ) outside the housing ( 2 ) is arranged. Module ( 1 ) according to claim 1, characterized in that the module ( 1 ) has an internal and / or external power supply unit. Module ( 1 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the housing ( 2 ) a sealing area ( 9 ), which substantially between the housing ( 2 ) and the second carrier element ( 4 ) in the transition region from the first to the second subregion ( 7 . 8th ), wherein the sealing area ( 9 ), in particular a sealant ( 10 ) having. Module ( 1 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the second subregion ( 8th ) a third and fourth subarea ( 11 . 12 ), wherein between the third and fourth subregions ( 11 . 12 ) the first subregion ( 7 ) and / or wherein the third and fourth subareas ( 11 . 12 ) outside the housing ( 2 ) are interconnected. Module ( 1 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the second carrier element ( 4 ), the second subarea ( 8th ) and / or a conductor track ( 50 ) on the second carrier element ( 4 ) acts as an antenna and is designed as a flexible circuit board and / or that a subregion ( 13 ) of the housing ( 2 ) as a housing cover ( 13 ) and / or that the housing ( 2 ) is substantially rigid. Module ( 1 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the antenna as a dipole antenna, preferably as Stabdipolantenne or Faltdipolantenne, or as a loop antenna, wherein the loop antenna preferably parallel or perpendicular to the first support element ( 3 ) is aligned is formed. Module ( 1 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the direct or indirect contact ( 6 ) between the first and the second carrier element ( 3 . 4 ) comprises an electrically conductive and / or a mechanical contact. Module ( 1 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the module ( 1 ) for data transmission between the first and the second carrier element ( 3 . 4 ) a coupling unit ( 200. ), which in particular has an inductive and / or capacitive coupling between the first and the second carrier element (FIG. 3 . 4 ). Method for producing a module ( 1 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that in a first method step, the first carrier element ( 3 ) with the second carrier element ( 4 ) and / or with the at least one component ( 5 ), wherein in a second method step, the first carrier element ( 3 ) in the housing ( 2 ) and wherein in the second or in a third process step, the second subregion ( 8th ) of the second carrier element ( 4 ) out of the housing ( 2 ) is led out. Method according to claim 9, characterized in that the direct or indirect contact ( 6 ) between the first and the second carrier element ( 3 . 4 ) is produced in the first method step by a soldering and / or welding method, preferably an ironing method, and / or an adhesive method, preferably using an anisotropically electrically conductive film, an anisotropically electrically conductive adhesive and / or an electrically non-conductive adhesive. Method according to one of claims 9 or 10, characterized in that in a fourth method step, the housing cover ( 13 ) closed and / or on the housing ( 2 ) and in particular by welding the housing cover ( 13 ) with the housing ( 2 ) is mechanically fixed additionally. Method according to one of claims 9 to 11, characterized in that the fixation of the first carrier element ( 3 ) is performed in the housing in a fifth method step, wherein preferably the first carrier element ( 3 ) with the housing ( 2 ) cohesively by an adhesive method and / or non-positively by clamping, particularly preferably by the mounting of the housing cover ( 13 ). Method according to one of claims 9 to 12, characterized in that the second carrier element ( 4 ) in a sixth method step in the transition region of the first to the second partial region ( 7 . 8th ) with the sealant ( 10 ) is sprayed over, wherein in the third method step the sealant ( 10 ) in the sealing area ( 9 ) and wherein the sealant ( 10 ) preferably comprises a liquid silicone. Method according to one of claims 9 to 13, characterized in that before the first and / or before the second process step in a seventh process step, the housing ( 2 ) and / or the sealant ( 10 ) are produced in an injection molding process and in particular in a 2-component injection molding process, wherein the sealant ( 10 ) preferably comprises a liquid silicone. Method according to one of claims 9 to 14, characterized in that the second carrier element ( 4 ) in an eighth process step in the housing ( 2 ) and / or on the first carrier element ( 3 ), the eighth process step being performed after the second process step. Method according to one of claims 9 to 15, characterized in that in a ninth method step, the sensor module ( 1 ) with the coupling unit ( 200. ), wherein preferably the first carrier element ( 3 ) at least with a first electrode ( 3 ' ) and the second carrier element ( 4 ) at least with a second electrode ( 4 ' ). Using a module ( 1 ) according to one of claims 1 to 8 as a sensor module in a tire of a motor vehicle, in particular as a tire pressure sensor.