DE102017217334B3 - Contacting arrangement and steering wheel with such a contacting arrangement - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a contacting arrangement for electrically contacting at least one electrically conductive element (6) and / or an electrical component which covers at least a portion of a foam material (5) or is arranged in the region of a foam material (5), with at least one electrical line ( 2); and at least one contact element (3) electrically connected to the electrical line (2). According to the invention, there is at least one holding element (4) cooperating with the contact element (3), which can be fastened to or in the foam material (5) in such a way that the holding element (4) and / or the contact element (3) are subjected to an elastic force Foam material (5) pressed against the electrically conductive element (6) and / or the electrical component and thus an electrical connection between the electrical line (2) and the electrically conductive element (6) and / or the electrical component is produced.

Description

The invention relates to a contacting arrangement for electrically contacting at least one electrically conductive element according to the preamble of claim 1.

For example, spring-type terminals are known from the prior art for the electrical contacting of conductive elements, wherein a conductive spring element of the spring-loaded terminal connected to an electrical line is clamped directly to the conductive element or to a contact element connected to the conductive element. For example, the DE 7247023 U a spring-loaded terminal. However, the installation of such spring clamps is often cumbersome.

A generic contacting device is known from US 3,383,641 A1 known.

The DE 31 33 154 A1 describes a coaxial tap connector for making an electrical tap connection to the inner conductor of a coaxial cable. The electrical connector has a connector body having a U-shaped alignment cavity shaped to closely receive a coaxial cable with an elongate contact member extending into the cavity from a point located along the base thereof. The contact member serves to pierce an intact portion of the coaxial cable received within the alignment cavity so as to provide electrical connection to the center conductor of the cable. A pair of additional contact members extend into the alignment cavity and serve to pierce the intact portions of the coaxial cable so as to make electrical connection with the conductive braid surrounding the center conductor.

In the DE 200 07 043 U1 a heated vehicle steering wheel is described in which a heating mat or a conductive plastic layer between two foamed layers is arranged.

The DE 10 2016 221 412 A1 describes a steering wheel assembly having a steering wheel core, an electrically conductive shielding layer, and a sensor layer. Both the shielding layer and the sensor layer each envelop at least partially the steering wheel core. The shielding layer is disposed between the steering wheel core and the sensor layer. The shielding layer comprises an electrically conductive mesh or network comprising a nickel-copper alloy.

The problem underlying the invention is to simplify the electrical contacting of a conductive element.

This problem is solved by the provision of a contacting arrangement having the features of claim 1. Further developments of the invention are specified in the dependent claims.

• - mindestens eine elektrische Leitung;
• - mindestens ein mit der elektrischen Leitung elektrisch verbundenes Kontaktelement; sowie
• - mindestens ein mit dem Kontaktelement zusammenwirkenden Halteelement, das derart an oder in dem Schaummaterial befestigbar ist, dass das Kontaktelement unter Einwirkung einer elastischen Kraft des Schaummaterials gegen das elektrisch leitfähige Element und/oder das elektrische Bauelement gedrückt und somit eine elektrische Verbindung zwischen der elektrischen Leitung und dem elektrisch leitfähigen Element und/oder dem elektrischen Bauelement hergestellt wird.

Thereafter, a contacting arrangement is provided for electrically contacting at least one electrically conductive element and / or an electrical component that covers at least a portion of a foam material or is arranged in the region of a foam material, wherein the contacting arrangement comprises:

• - At least one electrical line;
• - At least one electrically connected to the electrical line contact element; such as
• - At least one cooperating with the contact element holding element, which is fastened to or in the foam material, that pressed the contact element under the action of an elastic force of the foam material against the electrically conductive element and / or the electrical component and thus an electrical connection between the electrical line and the electrically conductive element and / or the electrical component is produced.

The (electrically conductive) contact element is held in particular by the elastic force of the foam material in clamping contact with the conductive element or the electrical component. It is conceivable that the contact element itself has no or only a small spring action. However, it is possible that the retaining element acts at least to some extent resilient and in addition to the elastic force of the foam material exerts a spring force on the contact element.

The retaining element has a base region which adjoins the contact element and from which two anchor elements (angled, at least approximately perpendicular) project. It is conceivable that the anchor element has a tapered (eg pointed) end with which it can be fastened in the foam material. Thus, the anchoring element can be pressed into the foam material in order to fix the contact element to the foam material. The foam material is, for example, a conventional foam material (eg polyurethane) which is used to foam a component (eg a skeleton of a steering wheel). It is also possible that it is in the Foam material is an electrically conductive material.

The contact element and the holding element are integrally connected to each other. Thus, the contact element and the holding element are formed by sections of a single component (for example a sheet metal part).

The electrical lead of the arrangement according to the invention is e.g. cohesively connected to the contact element. However, this is not mandatory. Rather, the connection between the electrical line and the contact element can in principle be configured as desired; about at least one fastener (e.g., forming a crimped connection).

The invention also relates to a steering wheel for a motor vehicle having at least one electrically conductive element and / or an electrical component which covers at least a portion of a foam material, as well as with a contacting arrangement according to one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the contact element by means of the holding element on or is fixed in the foam material such that it is pressed under the action of an elastic force of the foam material against the electrically conductive element and / or the electrical component and thus an electrical connection between the electrical line and the electrically conductive element and / or the electrical component is made ,

The electrically conductive element is for example part of a sensor arrangement and / or a heating device, wherein the sensor arrangement comprises e.g. is designed to detect a touch and / or to detect vital signs of a vehicle driver. In this case, the electrically conductive element in particular forms a sensor surface via which a touch (for example of the steering wheel rim) can be detected and / or a vital parameter (for example the heart rate) of the vehicle driver can be measured.

It is also possible that the conductive element connected by means of the contacting arrangement with a predetermined electrical potential. For example, the predetermined electrical potential is a ground potential, e.g. a connection of the conductive element to the vehicle ground is established via the electrical line.

Beispielsweist the electrically conductive element is designed as a diaphragm which at least partially forms a visible surface of the steering wheel. At the same time, the visible surface can form the above-mentioned sensor surface.

The electrically conductive element is for example at least partially formed from a metal. However, it is also conceivable that the electrically conductive element is formed from another electrically conductive material, e.g. made of a conductive plastic. In addition, the foam material may also be electrically conductive and contribute to the electrical connection between the electrical line and the conductive element.

It is also possible that the electrically conductive element is formed by an electrically conductive foam material. By way of example, the electrically conductive foam material is a second (in particular outer) foam layer, which is formed over a first (in particular inner) foam layer. It is conceivable that the first and the second foam layer adjoin one another at least in sections, wherein they are e.g. can form a network.

According to another embodiment, the steering wheel comprises at least one electrical component and at least two contacting arrangements according to the invention, wherein the contacting arrangements are electrically isolated from one another and an electrical contacting of the electrical component takes place via the two contacting arrangements. For example, via the contact element of one of the two contacting arrangements, a connection of a supply line to the electrical component and, via the contact element of the other contacting arrangement, a connection of the electrical component to a lead-away line; e.g. to connect the electrical component to a voltage source. It is also conceivable that a connection of one or more signal lines (for example a bus system, something of a LIN bus) takes place via the two contacting arrangements.

The electrical component is e.g. an electrical load (e.g., a light source) or a switch unit. It is conceivable that the switch unit is contacted only via the Kontaktierungsanordnungen invention and without plug connection.

The two contacting arrangements are, for example, formed separately from each other and in particular at a distance from each other. However, it is also possible that the contacting arrangements form a single component. For example, it is conceivable that the contact and holding elements of the contacting arrangements are realized by a one-piece component, wherein e.g. only one common retaining element is present.

• - mindestens einem elektrisch leitfähigen Element, und/oder ein elektrisches Bauelement, das zumindest einen Abschnitt eines Schaummaterials überdeckt oder im Bereich eines Schaummaterials angeordnet ist, oder ein elektrisch leitfähiges Schaummaterial;
• - mindestens einer elektrischen Leitung; und
• - mindestens einem mit der elektrischen Leitung elektrisch verbundenen Kontaktelement, wobei
• - über das Schaummaterial eine elektrische Verbindung zwischen der elektrischen Leitung und dem elektrisch leitfähigen Element und/oder dem elektrischen Bauelement besteht, oder über das Kontaktelement eine elektrische Verbindung zwischen der elektrischen Leitung und dem elektrisch leitfähigen Schaummaterial realisiert ist.

A component, in particular a steering wheel for a vehicle, having a contacting arrangement may have the following:

• - At least one electrically conductive element, and / or an electrical component that covers at least a portion of a foam material or disposed in the region of a foam material, or an electrically conductive foam material;
• - At least one electrical line; and
• - At least one electrically connected to the electrical line contact element, wherein
• - About the foam material, an electrical connection between the electrical line and the electrically conductive element and / or the electrical component consists, or via the contact element, an electrical connection between the electrical line and the electrically conductive foam material is realized.

The foam material is biased against the electrically conductive element due to its elastic properties and is thus held in mechanical and thus electrical contact with the electrically conductive element. In particular, the foam material itself is electrically conductive. However, it is also conceivable that a contacting of an electrical foam material takes place by means of the contacting arrangement, wherein the contact element does not necessarily have to be resiliently biased against this foam material.

The embodiments explained above in connection with the contacting arrangement according to the invention can analogously naturally serve for the further development of the component. Thus, the contact element (e.g., in one piece) may be connected to a support member which in turn is anchored or otherwise secured to the foam material. It is also conceivable that via the Kontaktierungsanordnung an electrical connection of the electrically conductive element or the electrical component, as already mentioned above, with a predetermined potential (eg a ground potential), a voltage source (in particular with its positive pole) and / or with a control , Communication or sensor unit.

• 1 eine perspektivische Ansicht einer Kontaktierungsanordnung gemäß einem Ausführungsbeispiel der Erfindung;
• 2 die Kontaktierungsanordnung aus 1 in anderer Ansicht;
• 3 das in einem Schaummaterial eines Lenkrades verankerte Halteelement der Kontaktierungsanordnung der 1 und 2; und
• 4 einen Ausschnitt eines Lenkrades mit einer Kontaktierungsanordnung gemäß einem zweiten Ausführungsbeispiel der Erfindung sowie eine Blende vor der Montage am Lenkrad.

The invention is explained in more detail below with reference to embodiments with reference to the figures. Show it:

• 1 a perspective view of a contacting arrangement according to an embodiment of the invention;
• 2 the contacting arrangement 1 in another view;
• 3 the anchored in a foam material of a steering wheel retaining element of the contacting of the 1 and 2 ; and
• 4 a section of a steering wheel with a contacting arrangement according to a second embodiment of the invention and a panel before mounting on the steering wheel.

In the 1 illustrated contacting arrangement 1 includes an electrical line 2 and an electrically conductive contact element 3 that with a holding element 4 is integrally connected. The contact element 3 and the holding element 4 are sections of a one-piece component 40 , wherein it is the component 40 for example, a metal part (such as a sheet metal part) is. However, it is also conceivable that the component 40 is formed from another electrically conductive material, for example made of an electrically conductive plastic.

The holding element 4 has a base area 41 on, attached to the contact element 3 borders. Both the base area 41 as well as the contact element 3 For example, they are essentially planar. From the base area 41 are at least approximately perpendicular two anchor elements 42 . 43 which serve to the holding element 4 and thus the contact element 3 in a foam material (in 1 not shown), for example, a steering wheel of a vehicle or other vehicle part to anchor.

The anchor elements 42 . 43 each stand by an edge portion of the base area 41 from, in particular, they are connected via a bend with the respective edge portion. For example, the anchor elements become 42 . 43 by deforming (in particular bending) the component 40 in the in 1 shown position. In addition, the anchor elements are tapered 42 . 43 each to a free end 421 . 431 out, leaving the free ends 421 . 431 each form a tip.

About the tapered free end 421 . 431 can the anchor elements 42 . 43 pressed into the foam material and the holding element 4 anchored there. In particular, the component 40 adapted to be anchored in the foam material such that it is urged by a resilient force of the foam material against a conductive element (not shown) and in this way a conductive connection of the retaining element 4 (especially the base area 41 ) and / or the contact element 3 and thus the electrical line 2 is made with the conductive element.

The electrical line 2 is for example cohesively with the contact element 3 connected. However, the electric wire can 2 on too another way, for example by crimping, with the contact element 3 and thus with the holding element 4 be connected.

In a modification of the 1 and 2 could be present a second electrical line, wherein the component 40 forms a further contact element, with respect to the contact element 3 is electrically isolated. The holding element 4 could form a common holding element in this development, via which the two contact elements are anchored in the foam material. In this way, two contacting arrangements according to the invention can be produced, which can be used, for example, for contacting a switch, as already explained above.

3 shows the on a foam material 5 a steering wheel (for example, a foam around a steering wheel rim of the steering wheel) arranged contacting arrangement 1 of the 1 and 2 , The contacting arrangement 1 is about the anchor elements 42 . 43 on the foam material 5 set, the anchor elements 42 . 43 in the foam material 5 are pressed in, as already explained above.

The electrical line 2 extends at least partially between the foam material 5 and a portion of the contact element 3 , Above (on a contact element 3 opposite side), the steering wheel has a (not shown) electrically conductive element (eg in the form of a diaphragm). The contact element 3 is about the attachment by means of the retaining element 4 so with the foam material 5 connected to it under the action of an elastic force of the foam material 5 is pressed against the electrically conductive element. It is also conceivable that additionally or alternatively the retaining element 4 itself is pressed against the electrically conductive element. The holding element 4 and / or the contact element 3 is thus biased against the electrically conductive element and held in mechanical and electrical contact with this. In this way, an electrical connection between the electrical line 2 and the electrically conductive element of the steering wheel. Of course, more than one electrically conductive element can be contacted by this type. Of course, there may also be several contacting arrangements.

The upper illustration of the 4 shows another embodiment of the contacting arrangement according to the invention 1 , after which the contact element 3 and the holding element 4 are designed as separate components. In particular, the retaining element 4 formed in the manner of a U-shaped bracket, which is the (area configured) contact element 3 with a first section (eg in the form of a first leg 410 ) at least partially surrounds and with a second portion (eg in the form of a second leg) in a foam material 5 a steering wheel is anchored. The foam material 5 (eg the type of foam material 5 of the 3 may be formed) at least partially surrounds a steering wheel skeleton of the steering wheel.

The contacting arrangement 1 serves to an electrically conductive element in the form of a diaphragm 6 (lower illustration of the 4 ), which extends in particular in the region of a steering wheel spoke of a steering wheel, to contact electrically. 4 shows the state of the steering wheel before mounting the panel 6 on the steering wheel skeleton. The connection of the panel 6 with the foam material 5 takes place for example via latching elements (latching opening 71 in the foam material 5 and latching projection 61 the aperture 6 ). It is conceivable that the aperture 6 and the foam material 5 and / or the steering wheel skeleton form a housing in which in the mounted state of the steering wheel at least partially the contacting arrangement 1 located.

According to a modification, the aperture is 6 connected to the steering wheel skeleton; eg also via a locking connection. Such a locking connection of the diaphragm 6 with the steering wheel skeleton is in particular designed so that the aperture 6 is electrically isolated from the steering wheel skeleton. For example, the latching connection comprises a latching projection similar to the latching projection 61 which, however, is insulated from the steering wheel skeleton. It is also conceivable that the steering wheel skeleton is at least partially formed of an electrically insulating material; eg from a plastic. It is also possible that the steering wheel skeleton at least partially has an undefined ("floating") electrical potential. For example, in this case the steering wheel skeleton could be brought to a desired electrical potential via the contacting arrangement.

The contacting arrangement 1 of the 4 is analogous to the first embodiment designed so that in the assembled state of the steering wheel, ie after the foam of the steering wheel rim and mounting the panel 6 , the retaining element 4 and / or the contact element 3 by an elastic action of the foam material 5 in contact with the panel 6 (In particular, an inside of the panel 6 ) and thus an electrical connection between the electrical line 2 and the aperture 6 is produced.

The force (clamping force or contact pressure) with which the holding element 4 and / or the contact element 3 clamped in contact with the panel 6 can be held in particular on the nature and / or thickness of the foam material 5 (In particular relative to the height of the locking element 61 ) and / or on the design of the retaining element 4 (Especially in the foam material 5 anchored portion), ie on the embodiments of the elastic properties of the holding element 4 to be discontinued.

It is also possible that with the aid of the contacting arrangement according to the invention 1 an electrical component (eg a switch) of the steering wheel is contacted, as already explained above.

Claims (11)

Contacting arrangement for electrically contacting at least one electrically conductive element (6) and / or an electrical component, wherein the electrically conductive element (6) and / or the electrical component covers at least a portion of a foam material (5) or in the region of a foam material (5) is arranged, with - at least one electrical line (2); and - at least one electrically connected to the electrical line (2) contact element (3), characterized by at least one with the contact element (3) cooperating holding element (4) which is fastened to or in the foam material (5) that the contact element (3) pressed against the electrically conductive element (6) and / or the electrical component under the action of an elastic force of the foam material (5) and thus an electrical connection between the electrical line (2) and the electrically conductive element (6) and / or the electrical component can be produced, wherein the contact element (3) and the holding element (4) sections of a one-piece component (40) and the holding element (4) has a base portion (41) adjacent to the contact element (3), and in which at least approximately perpendicularly two anchor elements (42, 43) protrude from the base region (41). Contacting arrangement according to Claim 1 , characterized in that the anchor member (42, 43) has a tapered end (421, 431), with which the anchor member (42, 43) in the foam material (5) can be fastened. Contacting arrangement according to Claim 1 or 2 , characterized in that the electrical line (2) is materially connected to the contact element (3). Contacting arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the electrical line (2) via at least one fastening element with the contact element (3) is connected. Steering wheel for a motor vehicle with at least one electrically conductive element (6) and / or an electrical component, wherein the electrically conductive element (6) and / or the electrical component covers at least a portion of a foam material (5) or in the region of a foam material (5 ), and with at least one contacting arrangement (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the contact element (3) by means of the holding element (4) on or in the foam material (5) is fixed such that it under the action of an elastic force of Foam material (5) pressed against the electrically conductive element (6) and / or the electrical component and thus an electrical connection between the electrical line (2) and the electrically conductive element (6) and / or the electrical component is made. Steering wheel after Claim 5 , characterized in that the electrically conductive element (6) is part of a sensor arrangement and / or a heating device. Steering wheel after Claim 5 or 6 , characterized in that the conductive element (6) by means of the contacting arrangement (1) is connected to a predetermined electrical potential. Steering wheel after one of the Claims 5 to 7 , characterized in that the electrically conductive element (6) is designed as a diaphragm which at least partially forms a visible surface of the steering wheel. Steering wheel after one of the Claims 5 to 8th , characterized in that the electrically conductive element (6) is formed by an electrically conductive foam material. Steering wheel after one of the Claims 5 to 9 , characterized in that the electrically conductive element (6) is at least partially formed from a metal. Steering wheel after one of the Claims 5 to 10 , characterized by at least one electrical component and at least two contacting arrangements (1), each according to one of Claims 1 to 4 are formed, wherein the Kontaktierungsanordnungen (1) are electrically isolated from each other and an electrical contacting of the electrical component via the two Kontaktierungsanordnungen (1).

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