DE102004010506A1 - Actuator/sensor unit connecting device for motor vehicle, has strip conductors connected by injector to form bending section for bending ends during which storage device forms snap connection with contacting equipment to position equipment - Google Patents

Abstract

The device has a plate grid with strip conductors (2) having connecting ends. The conductors are connected by a solid injector (5) such that the injector forms a bending section to bend the ends during which a storage device forms a snap connection with a contacting equipment to position the equipment. The conductors between the bending section and a camp section of the equipment are punched out with a snapping support. An independent claim is also included for a method of electrically connecting an actuator or sensor unit to strip conductors of a plate grid of a transmission controller of a motor vehicle.

Description

The The present invention relates to an apparatus and a method for one electrical connection of actuators to strip conductors.

Even though Applicable to any actuators and units, the present invention and the problems underlying it in relation to an electrical connection of actuators to conductor tracks a punched grid in a mounting unit of a transmission control of a motor vehicle explained.

The following is with reference to 5 explains such a mounting unit according to the prior art. The in the 5 illustrated installation unit 10 serves for example a transmission control of a motor vehicle and is installed in the transmission, for example in the transmission housing of the motor vehicle. The installation unit 10 has a carrier plate made of plastic by injection molding 11 on. The carrier plate 11 has a roughly flat central area 12 , and integrally connected to two side surfaces a first receiving block 13 for not shown sensors and a second recording block 14 for also not shown actuators, such as hydraulic valves, actuators, or the like. To accommodate the sensors or actuators are in the receiving blocks 13 . 14 formed corresponding recesses, so that the sensors and actuators, for example by positive engagement in the receiving blocks 13 . 14 are included. Furthermore, the carrier plate 1 fastening eyes 15 with through holes 16 on to the backing plate 11 To attach to the transmission of the motor vehicle.

In the central area 12 Furthermore, an unillustrated control device is arranged, which controls the actuators based on the signals detected by the sensors, and which via a plug connection 18 is coupled to the control electronics and to the power supply of the motor vehicle. To protect the assembly from external influences, foreign particles, or the like, are on the support plate 11 Cover caps mountable.

The electrical connection between the sensors and the control unit on the one hand and the control unit and the actuators on the other hand is done by metal stamped grid 21 . 22 , The punched grid 21 . 22 each consist of mutually parallel, rigid conductor tracks 23 . 24 , This track 23 . 24 are on the backing plate 11 between on the carrier plate 11 molded bars 17 arranged, which serve as guide troughs, and the movement of the tracks 23 . 24 in the plane of the carrier plate 11 limit.

The tracks 23 . 24 be pre-derer mounting in the mounting unit 10 punched out of a board in a separate manufacturing process, bent and then at several points by Teilumspritzungen 25 to 28 fixed to each other. These encapsulations 25 to 28 are in the 5 only on the sensor-side stamped grid 21 displayed or visible. Of course, however, the actuator side punched grid has 22 corresponding Teilumspritzungen.

While the overmolding 26 and 28 all tracks 23 of the stamped grid 21 cover, cover the encapsulation 25 and 27 only a part of the tracks 23 , By means of fastening means attaching the encapsulation takes place 25 to 28 and thus the corresponding punched grid 21 on the carrier plate 11 ,

However, such installation units are subject to high mechanical loads due to vibration stresses. Therefore, it is common to use the stamped grid 2l . 22 in guide channels in the carrier plate 11 to arrange the track 23 . 24 of the stamped grid 21 . 22 To connect by stiffening elements together.

Furthermore, it is known, above the stamped grid 21 . 22 , on the support plate 11 Provide cover caps on the opposite side, as already explained above, which the movement of the punched grid 21 . 22 restrict them to their extension plane.

The punched grid 21 . 22 have the task of transmitting electrical signals and currents from, for example, an electronic transmission control module to sensor elements or to actuators. In the following the invention will be explained with reference to actuators, it being obvious to a person skilled in the art that sensor elements can also be provided instead of the actuators.

When disadvantageous to the above approach according to the state The technique has turned out to be the fact that it nevertheless due to occurring high vibration loads, in particular in the connection of actuators, often to vibration fractures the punching grid comes. As a result, often the entire installation unit dysfunctional, what an exchange and thus a high workload and costs entails. Furthermore, it is disadvantageous that a bending of the conductor tracks before delivery or attachment to the carrier plate in Manufacturing process done which makes delivery and installation more difficult.

The The problem underlying the present invention is So in general, a mounting unit with a device for an electric Connection of actuators or of sensor elements and a method for one electrical connection to provide the same, which increased stress allow for vibration loads and at the same time a relatively simple production or assembly guarantee.

ADVANTAGES OF INVENTION

The inventive device with the features of claim 1 and the inventive method with the features of claim 12 have over the known approaches to the solution Advantage on that the costs for the assembly of the punched grid can be lowered and at the same time one higher dimensional stability the attached to the stamped grid Actuator contacts or connection contacts can be achieved.

The The idea underlying the present invention is that that this Punching grid several electrical conductors, each with a connection end for one electrical connection of actuators and / or sensor elements has, wherein the conductor tracks at least in a partial area are connected together by an encapsulation, that the encapsulation a bending section for forms a bend of the respective connection ends of the conductor tracks; wherein contacting means are provided, which for a contact the to be connected actuators or sensor elements respectively to the Connecting ends are provided to be bent strip conductors; and wherein storage facilities are provided, each at a Bending the connection ends of the conductor tracks on the bending section the encapsulation a snap connection with the respectively associated Contacting device for form a storage of the same.

Thereby exists opposite The prior art has the advantage that a simple delivery of the same formed punched grid and a simple installation of the punched grid on the carrier due to the areal Design of the stamped grid possible is, wherein the corresponding contacting devices after a Delivery or attachment to the carrier plate by simple bending the conductor tracks on the bending portion of the extrusion in snap contact with the associated Storage facilities can be brought, this storage a certain game for can have controllable vibration loads.

In the dependent claims find advantageous developments and improvements of The device specified in claim 1 and the specified in claim 12 Process.

According to one preferred development are the tracks of the contacting and the associated conductor tracks of the stamped grid as a one-piece Punches trained. Preferably, the contacting devices comprise two conductor tracks, which are used to form a bearing section have a Kontaktumspritzung. Such Kontaktumspritzung For example, bearing pins can be associated with a connector Have storage facilities.

Advantageous the storage facilities are integrally formed or fixed on a support plate. Alternatively you can the storage facilities also integrated in the extrusion coating of the conductor track being in a single common injection molding process he follows.

According to one another preferred embodiment grab the trained as bearing pins bearing sections of respective contacting devices in a bending of the conductor tracks at the bending portion of the encapsulation in each assigned, on The Einschnapplager formed for the bearing devices for a rotatably mounted snap connection one. Thus, by the pivot bearing tolerance at a simultaneous Application of multiple actuator contacts in the direction of rotation guaranteed. Furthermore, there is a precisely definable tolerance compensation of Actuator contacts through the snap-in technique. The Einschnapplager point preferably an axially formed in the axial direction bearing eye for a defined axial bearing clearance. Thus, a well-defined Achieved game in the axial direction, which is the occurring vibration loads withstand. Thus, fractures in the stamped grid be avoided in the occurring vibration loads.

Advantageous Be the interconnects between the bending portion of the extrusion coating the conductor tracks and the bearing portion of the contacting devices each punched out with a curved compensating loop, which is not overmoulded. Allow such compensation loops at tensile forces in the axial direction due to vibrations occurring a Providing an additional Length of Tracks, so that breaks due too strong tensile loads can be avoided.

Preferably is the punched grid by fasteners on the support plate easily attachable.

The encapsulation at the bending section is present formed shortened in the lower region of the conductor tracks for use of a suitable bending tool shortened. Thus, for example, a swiveling bending jaw can be applied to this non-overmolded portion, which reliably bends the conductor tracks around the bending portion of the extrusion coating into suitable alignment.

According to one another preferred embodiment are the tracks with the exception of their connection ends by a Fully coated together. Such a Vollumspritzung replaces any extra Cover, eliminating the labor and manufacturing costs can be reduced. Furthermore, results from the Vollumspritzung the stamped grid simultaneously a high vibration stability.

DRAWINGS

embodiments The invention are illustrated in the figures of the drawing and explained in more detail in the following description: In the figures:

1 a sectional view of a device according to the invention according to an embodiment of the present invention along a first sectional plane;

2 a sectional view of a erfndingsgemäßen device according to an embodiment of the present invention along a second cutting plane;

3a a perspective view of a mounting unit with a device according to the invention according to an embodiment of the present invention;

3b an enlarged view of a partial section A from 3a ;

4a a perspective view of the mounting unit in 3a from opposite view with a device according to the invention according to an embodiment of the present invention;

4b an enlarged view of a partial section B from 4a ; and

5 a perspective view of a mounting unit according to the prior art.

DESCRIPTION THE EMBODIMENTS

In the same reference numerals designate the same or functionally identical Components, unless stated otherwise.

The following is with reference to the 1 to 4 an embodiment of the present invention for a device according to the invention and a method according to the invention explained in more detail. It shows 1 a sectional view of a device according to the invention along a first sectional plane and 2 along a parallel offset second cutting plane.

As in 1 it can be seen, the device according to the invention according to the present embodiment consists of a stamped grid, which a plurality of, preferably parallel to each other arranged conductor tracks 2 made of a suitable conductive material. The tracks 2 are preferably by a Vollumspritzung 5 interconnected, whereby the need for additional coverage of the conductor for a protection thereof can be omitted. As a result, an additional manufacturing step and additional costs can be saved.

Like further in 1 is visible, is only one end portion of the conductor tracks 2 , in the following as connection end 3 referred, not by the Vollumspritzung 5 molded. The Vollumspritzung 5 is preferably designed such that it in the to the connection end 3 the tracks 2 pointing end in the lower area opposite the upper portion is formed shortened, as in 1 is illustrated. The extended trained area of Vollumspritzung 5 is preferably on the front side with a rounded bent portion 50 formed in the manufacturing process, which are bent in a first manufacturing step rectilinear punched tracks in a later step in the direction of associated storage facilities, for example in the vertical direction. The shortened design of the lower portion of Vollumspritzung 5 In this area serves a Ansetzungs one for bending the tracks 2 suitable tool, such as a swivel bending barb, a trouble-free bending of the conductors 2 or of the stamped grid at the bending section 50 to ensure.

The connection end 3 the tracks 2 is preferably each with a contacting device 4 formed, which serves a connection of actuators or sensor elements to be contacted. The contacting devices 4 are preferably in a common punching process together with the conductor tracks 2 as one piece Pre-punched component and preferably in the injection molding process for the production of Vollumspritzung 5 provided with a corresponding Kontaktumspritzung. The Kontaktumspritzungen the contacting 4 have preferably perpendicular to the bending direction of the connection ends 3 the tracks 2 molded bearing pins 40 on which a storage of the contacting device 40 serve at associated storage facilities, as will be described in more detail below.

Thus, by a common punching process first the tracks 2 made with molded Kontaktierungsbereichen and then certain areas of the punched components are provided with suitable encapsulation, so that on the one hand the Vollumspritzung 5 the tracks 2 and on the other hand, the Kontaktumspritzungen the contacting 4 at the connection ends 3 the tracks 2 be prepared accordingly.

As in 2 it can be seen, the device according to the invention also has storage facilities 6 on, which, for example, on a support plate 7 are attached, which is a recording of the stamped grid or the over-printed conductor tracks 2 serves. According to an alternative embodiment, the storage facilities 6 However, also represent a part of the encapsulation and in the Vollumspritzung 5 to get integrated. The production of appropriate storage facilities 6 can be done by the common injection molding process. Thus, an easy to produce and inexpensive device is created. The Vollumspritzung 5 , the storage facilities 6 as well as the Kontaktumspritzungen the contacting devices 4 can be sprayed together from a suitable plastic.

The storage facilities 6 each preferably have a Einschnapplager 60 in which the associated bearing pins 40 the contacting devices 4 at a bend of the tracks 2 at the bending section 50 the Vollumspritzung 5 can snap. For this purpose, the storage facilities 6 For example, each a tapered opening area 61 on which a guide of the associated bearing pins 40 serve in the bending process. The opening areas 61 For example, have an opening angle of about 90 °. Furthermore, the Einschnapplager 60 with an axial direction of the bearing device 6 or the curved conductor track 2 provided oval bearing eye, in which the associated bearing pins 40 be rotatably supported with an axial play, as in 2 is apparent.

Thus, at a terminal of the contacting devices 4 at assigned actuators or actuators or sensor elements at axial vibration loads created a defined clearance for a tolerance compensation. Furthermore, the contacting devices 4 due to the bearing of the molded bearing pins 40 for transverse vibration loads rotatable about the axis of the bearing pins 40 stored, so that fractures due to vibration loads due to the flexibility created can be avoided. Through the training of the Einschnapplagers 60 the storage facility 6 in conjunction with the bearing pins 40 the contacting devices 4 can thus the curved connection ends 3 the tracks 2 preferably after integration of the over-molded conductor tracks or of the stamped grid on the associated carrier plate produce a stable attachment, which simultaneously ensures axial play and rotational movements for receiving vibration loads for protection against fractures of the arrangement. The tolerances are given by the axial dimensions of the oval Einschnapplager 60 certainly. Thus, an easy-to-understand tolerance calculation with references to only one component is possible, and it must be no tolerance addition by the interaction of several components are taken into account.

The 3a and 4a illustrate perspective views of the device according to the invention according to an embodiment of the present invention from two 180 ° different viewing directions. The 3b and 4b illustrate enlarged partial sections A and B of the corresponding 3a respectively. 4a , In the 3a . 3b . 4a and 4b is for the sake of clarity of the representation of Vollumspritzung 5 the tracks 2 Refrained. As in the 3a . 3b . 4a and 4b is apparent. includes every connection end 3 the tracks 2 a curved trained compensation loop 30 , These are preferably in the above-explained punching process of the stamped grid 1 co-manufactured and are not umspritzt. The compensation loops 30 each serve a length flexibility of the tracks 2 at an axial vibration load of the device. Thus, the compensation loops 30 for example, absorb axial tensile forces and prevent breakage of the stamped grid. It can also be seen that in each case two conductor tracks 2 with a common contacting device 4 To be injection-molded, on which in turn at both ends preferably each a bearing pin 40 is formed. As in particular in 3b illustrated, take two storage facilities 6 in the bending process of the two tracks 2 from the plane of the stamped grid in the direction of the Einschnapplager 60 the associated bearing pins 40 for a snap connection of the storage facilities 6 with the associated contacting device 4 on.

In the inventive method who preferably in a common punching process, the conductor tracks 2 and those at their connection ends 3 respectively provided contact areas and the compensation loops 30 punched out at suitable places.

In a further process step, the conductor tracks 2 with the exception of the connection ends 3 vollumspritzt. Also in this spraying process step, the contact areas of the conductor tracks are advantageous 2 injected with a suitable contacting device or a Kontaktumspritzung. For example, in this injection molding process, the storage facilities G are molded with. However, these can, as already explained above, also part of the support plate 7 be.

Next, the overmoulded punched grid is properly placed on a carrier plate 7 attached, creating a flat and easy to be shipped to the end user component.

In a next process step, the connection ends 3 the tracks 2 at the injection-molded bending section 50 the Vollumspritzung 5 in the direction of the snapping pest 60 the storage facilities 6 bent and by means of bearing pins 40 made a snap connection between these components.

Thus, the present invention provides in a simple manner an apparatus and a method for producing a device which ensures a simple, easily transportable and easy-to-mount connection of actuators to printed conductors and with which a higher dimensional accuracy of the actuator contacts to be connected to the stamped grid is achieved. It becomes an easily comprehensible tolerance calculation with references for only one component, namely the bearing device 6 , which makes scooping loads easy to pick up and breaks can be avoided.

Even though the present invention with reference to preferred embodiments As described above, it is not limited thereto on diverse Modifiable way.

1

lead frame

2

conductor tracks

3

connection ends

4

contacting devices

5

complete coating

6

Storage facilities

7

support plate

10

installation unit

11

support plate

12

Central area

13

receiving block

14

receiving block

17

Stege

21

lead frame

22

lead frame

23

conductor path

24

conductor path

25

encapsulation

26

encapsulation

27

encapsulation

28

encapsulation

30

equalizing loops

40

bearing pins

50

bending section

60

Snap-bearings

61

opening area

Claims (18)

Device for an electrical connection of actuators or sensor elements, in particular in an installation unit of a transmission control of a motor vehicle, comprising: a stamped grid ( 1 ), which has several electrical tracks ( 2 ) each with a connection end ( 3 ) for an electrical connection of the actuators or the sensor elements, wherein the conductor tracks ( 2 ) at least in a partial area in such a way by an encapsulation ( 5 ) are interconnected, that the encapsulation ( 5 ) a bending section ( 50 ) for a bend of the respective connection ends ( 3 ) of the tracks ( 2 ) forms; Contacting devices ( 4 ), which for a contacting of the actuators or sensor elements to be connected in each case at the associated connection ends ( 3 ) of the tracks to be bent ( 2 ) are provided; and with storage facilities ( 6 ), which in each case at a bend of the connection ends ( 3 ) of the tracks ( 2 ) at the bending section ( 50 ) of the encapsulation ( 5 ) a snap connection with the respective associated contacting devices ( 4 ) for storage thereof. Apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that conductor tracks of the contacting devices ( 4 ) and the tracks ( 2 ) of the stamped grid ( 1 ) are formed as a one-piece stamped part. Apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the contacting devices ( 4 ) two printed conductors ( 2 ), which have a suitable Kontaktumspritzung to form a suitable bearing portion. Device according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized. that the storage facilities ( 6 ) on a common carrier plate ( 7 ) are molded or fastened. Device according to at least one of the claims 1 to 3 , characterized in that the storage facilities ( 6 ) in the Uumspritzung ( 5 ) of the tracks ( 2 ) are integrated. Device according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the bearing sections of the respective contacting devices ( 4 ) Bearing pins ( 40 ), which in a bending of the tracks ( 2 ) at the bending section ( 50 ) of the encapsulation ( 5 ) in each case in assigned, on the storage facilities ( 6 ) molded-on snap-in bearings ( 60 ) for a swiveled snap connection. Apparatus according to claim 6, characterized in that the Einschnapplager ( 60 ) each have an axially formed in the axial direction bearing eye for a defined axial bearing clearance. Device according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the conductor tracks ( 2 ) between the bending section ( 50 ) of the encapsulation ( 5 ) of the tracks ( 2 ) and the bearing section of the contacting devices ( 4 ) each with a compensation loop ( 30 ) bent bent, wherein the compensation loops ( 30 ) are not encapsulated in each case. Device according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the stamped grid ( 1 ) by fastening means on the carrier plate ( 7 ) is attachable. Device according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the encapsulation ( 5 ) at the bending section ( 50 ) in the lower region of the conductor tracks ( 2 ) is shortened for use of a suitable bending tool. Device according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the conductor tracks ( 2 ) with the exception of their connection ends ( 3 ) by a Vollumspritzung ( 5 ) are interconnected. Method for an electrical connection of actuators or sensor elements to printed conductors ( 2 ) of a stamped grid ( 1 ), in particular in an installation unit of a transmission control of a motor vehicle, with the following steps: punching out of the stamped grid ( 1 ), which has several electrical tracks ( 2 ) each with a curved compensating loop ( 30 ) in the area of the connection ends ( 3 ) the conductor track ( 2 ) having; Encapsulation of the tracks ( 2 ) until just before the compensation loops ( 30 ) for forming a bending section ( 50 ) for a bend of the respective connection ends ( 3 ) of the tracks ( 2 ) and something after the compensation loops ( 30 ) for forming contacting devices ( 4 ) at the respective connection ends ( 3 ) of the tracks ( 2 ); Attaching the overmoulded punched grid ( 1 ) on a common carrier plate ( 7 ); Bending the connection ends ( 3 ) of the tracks ( 2 ) at the bending section ( 50 ) of the encapsulation ( 5 ) in the direction of associated storage facilities ( 6 ); and engaging the contacting devices ( 4 ) with the respectively assigned storage facilities ( 6 ) in the bending process for a snap connection thereof. Method according to claim 12, characterized in that the storage facilities ( 6 ) on the carrier plate ( 7 ) are formed. Method according to claim 12, characterized in that the storage facilities ( 6 ) in each case in the encapsulation ( 5 ) of the tracks ( 2 ) to get integrated. Method according to one of claims 12 to 14, characterized in that the encapsulation of the conductor tracks ( 2 ), the spraying of the contacting devices ( 4 ) and the storage facilities ( 6 ) are produced by means of a common injection molding process. Method according to at least one of claims 12 to 15, characterized in that the encapsulation ( 5 ) at the bending section ( 50 ) in the lower region of the conductor tracks ( 2 ) is formed in each case shortened for use of a suitable bending tool. Method according to at least one of Claims 12 to 16, characterized in that the printed conductors ( 2 ) with the exception of their connection ends ( 3 ) are connected together by a Vollumspritzung. Method according to at least one of claims 12 to 17, characterized in that the bearing sections of the respective contacting devices ( 4 ) with bearing pins ( 40 ) are formed, which in a bending of the tracks ( 2 ) at the bending section ( 50 ) of the encapsulation ( 5 ) in each case assigned to the storage facilities ( 6 ) molded snap-in bearings are placed in a rotatably mounted snap connection.