EP3721506A1

EP3721506A1 - Connection system for connecting at least one sensor cable to an electrical connection cable

Info

Publication number: EP3721506A1
Application number: EP18789076.9A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Stefan Leopold
Original assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
Current assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
Priority date: 2017-12-06
Filing date: 2018-10-15
Publication date: 2020-10-14
Also published as: WO2019110174A1; DE102017222012A1; CN111433981A

Abstract

A connection system (10) is used to connect at least one sensor cable (12) to an electrical connection cable (14). The system comprises a sleeve (22) and a grommet (24) located inside the sleeve (22), at least part of said grommet being made of an elastically deformable material. According to the invention, the grommet (24) comprises at least one through-opening (38) for receiving a coupling section (20) which electrically couples cable ends of the sensor cable (12) and the connection cable (14). Also, according to the invention, at least part of the sleeve (22) is produced from a plastically deformable material and the grommet (24) is fixed in the sleeve (22) by at least one section (34, 36) of the sleeve (22), the section being deformed plastically towards the grommet (24).

Description

description

title

Connection device for connecting at least one sensor line to an electrical connection line

State of the art

The invention relates to a connection device for connecting at least one sensor line to an electrical connection line according to the preamble of claim 1.

Internal combustion engines usually comprise one or more temperature sensors for detecting current operating temperatures, for example in the region of an exhaust system of an internal combustion engine. The sensors and the associated sensor lines, which transmit the sensor signals, are exposed to many environmental influences, in particular relatively high temperatures, considerable vibrations and also moisture. The sensor lines are electrically coupled via a coupling section with connecting lines, which forward the sensor signals to corresponding electronic devices.

Disclosure of the invention

Object of the present invention is to provide a connecting device of the type mentioned, which is as simple as possible and can be made very inexpensive.

This object is achieved by a connecting device with the features of claim 1. Further developments of the invention are specified in subclaims. In addition, significant features of the invention will also be found in the following description and in the accompanying drawings. These features, both alone and in

different combinations for the invention to be essential.

The connecting device according to the invention serves to connect at least one sensor line to an electrical connecting line. It includes a sleeve, the first, so not yet finally assembled Condition, for example, is still substantially straight and has an at least partially constant in the axial direction outer and inner diameter. Within the sleeve, a spout is arranged, which is at least partially made of an elastically deformable material. The grommet comprises at least one passage opening for receiving a

Coupling section, which line ends of the sensor line and the

Connecting cable electrically coupled with each other. It is understood that in the present case the term "grommet" is not to be understood as limiting. Rather, this is understood herein to mean any, for example, a generally cylindrical part in which the coupling portion is at least partially received.

According to the invention, the sleeve is at least partially made of a plastically deformable material, and the spout is fixed in the sleeve by at least one to the spout plastically deformed portion of the sleeve. Due to the plastic deformation of the spout is deformed elastically in the region of the deformation radially inwardly. This deformation is at least to some extent into the interior of the spout, namely up to the

Through hole, away. Ultimately, this achieves the result that a section of the sensor line and / or connecting line and / or sleeve which, viewed in the axial direction of the connecting device, is approximately at the same position as the plastically deformed section of the sleeve, is acted upon by the grommet with a pressing force and thereby securely held within the spout in a desired position.

This is also possible, if the section of the

Sensor line and / or the connecting line and / or the sleeve in the

Through opening of the spout in an intermediate state, so even before the section of the sleeve is plastically deformed, is taken up with a certain amount of play. By such a game, it is facilitated, the sensor line and / or the connecting line and / or the coupling section in the

Introduce through hole. By the plastic deformation of the sleeve continues through the spout through to the passage opening at least to some extent, an inner wall of the deformed

Through hole so that the game is overcome and the inner wall of the through hole is pressed with a certain pressing force against the sensor line or the connecting line or the coupling section. In this way, by providing only two components, namely the outer sleeve and the inner grommet, it is possible to securely hold the sensor line and / or the connection line and / or the coupling section within the grommet without the need for additional fixing means , The number of required components is thus reduced, and also the costs for the production of the connecting device and also for their assembly are reduced.

It is understood that on the one hand the inclusion of the coupling portion in the spout and on the other hand, the fixation of the spout in the sleeve by the plastically deformed portion need not necessarily be implemented simultaneously. In that regard, the feature that the spout could have at least one

Through opening comprises for receiving the coupling portion, which line ends of the sensor line and the connecting line electrically coupled to each other, even without the following feature, which relates to the fixation of the nozzle in the sleeve claimed.

A first development of the invention is characterized in that at least one plastically deformed section of the sleeve, viewed in the axial direction of the spout, is arranged at the level of the coupling section. Thus, especially the coupling portion is fixed by the plastically deformed portion of the sleeve, whereby in particular the coupling portion is mounted in the elastically deformable material of the spout and held vibration damping. This allows

Movements of the coupling section are reduced to a very low level, especially with regard to the level of a

Oscillation amplitude. In addition, the air volume of the entire arrangement is also greatly reduced, whereby an otherwise existing air exchange is significantly reduced in temperature changes. Due to the arrangement of the plastically deformed portion of the sleeve at the axial height of the coupling portion is a comparatively high rigidity, a

comparatively short component length and an overall very robust design of the connecting device achieved. The coupling section is integrated at a central location in the connecting device and thereby very well protected.

Furthermore, it is possible for at least one plastically deformed section to be arranged in the axial direction of the spout at the level of the connecting line. In this way, the above related to the Coupling section mentioned advantages associated with the connection line.

It is particularly preferred if the sleeve has at least two plastically deformed sections viewed from one another in the axial direction of the sleeve. In this case, a secure fixation, for example, both the coupling portion and the connecting line can be achieved, whereby the robustness of the arrangement is further increased.

The safety and reliability of the fixation is increased when the plastically deformed portion is circumferential in the circumferential direction of the sleeve.

It is also advantageous if the spout comprises an elastomeric material.

For example, the spout may be made of a rubber material. Such an elastomer material makes it possible to reliably continue the radially inwardly directed plastic deformation of the sleeve into an inner region, namely the region of the passage opening, of the spout, as a result of which the sections present there can be securely fixed. Such

Elastomer material is also inexpensive, and it exists

Elastomer materials that can very well withstand relatively high temperatures over a long period of time and numerous temperature changes, without the properties of the elastomer material deteriorate significantly.

It is also proposed that the sleeve preferably has a shoulder towards the sensor line, against which the grommet is supported in the axial direction.

As a result, an additional support of the nozzle is achieved within the sleeve, whereby the robustness of the entire connecting device increases again.

In this case, the shoulder may be formed by a conical cross-sectional taper. This is manufacturing technology easy to produce.

It is also preferred that the coupling section comprises a coupling sleeve. Such a coupling sleeve allows different types of connection on the one hand the sensor line and on the other hand the connection line to the coupling sleeve.

For example, the connection can be made by soldering or welding, or by plugging or by clamping. Also favorable for the manufacturing costs, it is when the spout in the

Have substantially circular outer contour and the sleeve has a substantially circular cross-section.

Hereinafter, an embodiment of the invention will be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings. In this show:

Figure 1: a schematic section through a first embodiment of a

Connecting device with a sleeve, a spout, two

Sensor lines, two coupling sections and two

Connecting cables; and

Figure 2: a schematic section similar to Figure 1 of a second

Embodiment of a connecting device.

Functionally equivalent areas and elements bear the same reference numerals in both figures. They are usually explained only once in detail.

In FIG. 1, a connecting device as a whole bears the reference numeral 10. It serves for the connection of, for example, two sensor lines 12 with corresponding connection lines 14. The sensor lines 12 belong to a temperature sensor 16, which may comprise, for example, a thermocouple. The temperature sensor 16 may be arranged, for example, in an exhaust system of an internal combustion engine of a motor vehicle, in a battery area of an electric drive of an electrically driven motor vehicle, or in a similar area. In any case, it serves to detect a temperature which is preferably used for controlling and monitoring a drive of a motor vehicle.

For this purpose, the signals of the temperature sensor 16 are first transmitted via the sensor lines 12 to the connection lines 14. These lead the

Sensor signals, for example, to a signal converter or directly to an input of an exemplary and only schematically drawn in Figure 1 electronic device 18, which may be, for example, a motor or battery control device. The actual electrical and mechanical connection of the sensor lines 12 to the connection lines 14 via respective coupling portions 20, for example in the form of metallic sleeves, which are hereinafter referred to as coupling sleeves. These can either be stuck with the

Sensor lines 12 and the connecting lines 14 to be connected

For example, by appropriate solder joints, by welding or by jamming, for example by plastic compression of an end portion of the coupling sleeves 20, or can be firmly connected only with one of the two types of lines (sensor line 12 and connecting line 14), whereas the other type of conductivity with the coupling sleeve 20 is connected by a corresponding plug. Optionally, both types of lines can be connected to the coupling sleeve 20 by a plug.

The sensor lines 12 are usually relatively short. This causes the

Coupling sleeves 20 are arranged relatively close to the temperature sensor 16 and thus also relatively close to the environment in which the temperature sensor 16 is located. At the point at which the temperature sensor 16 is arranged, however, there are sometimes environmental conditions that can be detrimental to a permanent and reliable electrical connection of the connection lines 14 and the sensor lines 12 to the coupling sections 20. These environmental conditions can be, for example, high temperatures, strong

Vibrations and chemical influences, such as moisture, include.

In order to protect the coupling sleeves 20 and their connections with the sensor lines 12 and the connection lines 14 from such environmental influences, the connection device 10 mentioned above is provided, which will now be explained in greater detail.

It can be seen from FIG. 1 that the connecting device 10 comprises an outer sleeve 22, which has an overall substantially circular cross-section, and a grommet 24 received within the sleeve 22. It is understood that in the present case the term "grommet" is not to be understood as limiting. Rather, this is understood herein to mean any, for example, a total cylindrical part in which the coupling sections or here specifically the coupling sleeves 20 are at least partially included. Furthermore, it is understood that in embodiments not shown, the sleeve and the spout may also have other cross-sectional shapes, such as polygonal cross-sectional shapes. In the present case, the outer sleeve 22 is produced overall, for example, from a plastically deformable material, for example from a metal material. In the present case, the grommet 24, in turn, is made of an elastically deformable material, for example of an elastomeric material such as rubber or the like. In embodiments not shown, it would also be possible that only an axial portion of the outer sleeve and / or the inner spout of a plastically deformable or an elastic

deformable material is made. It is essential, however, that the plastically deformable portion of the sleeve and the elastically deformable portion of the spout in the axial direction of the connecting device seen at least approximately at the same height.

It can also be seen from FIG. 1 that the grommet 24 is shorter in the axial direction than the sleeve 22. In the view there at the left end of the sleeve 22, a holding insert 26 is fixed in the sleeve 22, which holds or fixes the sensor lines 12. so that these zugentlastet can get to the coupling sleeves 20. The holding insert 26 may also be formed by the sheath of a so-called "MIL cable" under certain circumstances. In the right-hand area of the connecting device 10 in FIG. 1, it can be seen that the connections there are present

Connecting lines 14 each comprise a metallic and electrically conductive core 28 and at least outside of the coupling sleeves 20 an arranged around this insulation 30, for example, of a plastic material.

From Figure 1 it can also be seen that the spout 24 is held in the outer sleeve 22 by two sections plastic deformation of the outer sleeve 22. The plastically deformed portions bear in Figure 1, the reference numerals 34 and 36. the plastically deformed portion 34 is seen in the axial direction relatively centrally to the coupling portions 20, whereas the plastically deformed portion 36 at the right edge of the sleeve 22 is relatively central to the still in the nozzle 24 recorded portions of the insulation 30 of the connecting lines 14 is located. The plastically deformed sections 34 and 36 of the sleeve 22 may be circumferential in the circumferential direction, but may also comprise only individual, and preferably mutually oppositely arranged, reformed singular sections. The plastically deformed portions 34 and 36 of the sleeve 22 are by a radially inwardly, ie the nozzle 24 directed towards deformation

characterized in that the spout 24 is deformed radially inwardly, as will be shown even more in detail below. It is understood that in another embodiment, not shown, a different number and also other forms of plastically deformed portions of the outer sleeve can be selected, which connect the outer sleeve captive with the spout, and which exert a radial pressure on the spout , which extends to the through holes and from there to the

Coupling sections or the sensor lines or the connecting lines transmits, as will now be described in detail.

From Figure 1 it can be seen that present example between the

Coupling sleeves 20 and the corresponding through holes 38 and between the connecting lines 14 and the corresponding

Through openings 38 over long axial distances a certain radial gap or a certain radial clearance is present, which makes it easier, the coupling portions 20 and the connecting lines 14 in the

Insert through holes 38. The radial gap or the radial play carries in the figures the reference numeral 32. In other, not shown embodiments, this gap or this game is not or at least not so clearly visible available.

From Figure 1 is very well seen that by the plastically deformed portions 34 and 36 on the inside of the sleeve 22 each have a in

Circumferential circumferential and radially inwardly directed bead-like elevation 38 and 40 is formed, which is a constriction with respect to the inner width of the sleeve 22. This constriction 38 or 40 presses on an outer circumferential surface of the spout 24 and there leads to a groove-like and circumferential circumferential notch 42 and 44, which points inward in the radial direction. The properties of the elastic material of the spout 24 are chosen so that the notch 42 and 44 continues in the radial direction inwards at least to a certain extent, and at least up to the through holes 38th

This leads to the fact that it comes in the through holes 38 to a radially inwardly directed constriction 46 and 48, ie locally (in axial Direction seen), the diameter of the respective passage opening 38 is reduced or the cross-sectional shape of the passage opening 38 is deformed by a present in the unloaded state circular shape in the direction of an ellipse shape (the spout 24 is thus, seen in the axial direction, locally squeezed). The reduction of the diameter is at least locally larger than the above-mentioned game 32, so that at this point or at these locations the elastomeric material of the spout 24 with a certain contact pressure on the respective coupling sleeve 20 (constriction 46) and on how respective

Connecting line 14 (constriction 48) presses. As a result, on the one hand, the two coupling sleeves 20 are reliably held in the axial and in the radial direction, and it is also the two connecting lines 14 reliably held both in the axial and in the radial direction.

The drawn in Figure 2 second embodiment of a connecting device 10 differs from that of Figure 1 initially mainly in that the outer sleeve 22 has only a single plastically deformed portion 36, seen in the axial direction of the connecting device 10, at the level of isolation 30 of the connecting lines 14 is arranged. In order to securely hold the left edge region of the spout 24 within the sleeve 22 in FIG. 1, the sleeve 22 has a shoulder 50 formed by a conical cross-sectional tapering. Complementarily, the spout 24 also has a conical cross-sectional taper 52 at its left end in FIG. 2 on the outside.

During assembly of the spout 24 in the sleeve 22, the spout 24 is pressed in Figure 2 from right to left in the sleeve 22, whereby the

Cross-sectional taper 52 is pressed against the shoulder 50. As a result, an additional and secure axial retention of the nozzle 24 is provided in the sleeve 22. In addition, the left end of the spout 24 is compressed radially inwardly by the conically shaped shoulder 50 and the cross-sectional narrowing 52 complementary thereto, whereby the

Through holes 38 in this area radially inwardly

be squeezed together so that the inner wall of the respective

Through hole 38 presses at least partially with a certain pressing force on the corresponding coupling sleeve 20 and this is fixed in the spout 24 in this manner.

Claims

claims

1. Connection device (10) for connecting at least one

Sensor line (12) with an electrical connecting line (14), comprising a sleeve (22) and a sleeve (24) disposed within the sleeve (22), which is at least partially made of an elastically deformable material, characterized in that the spout ( 24) comprises at least one passage opening (38) for receiving a coupling portion (20), which line ends of the sensor line (12) and the connecting line (14) electrically coupled to each other, and that the sleeve (22) is at least partially made of a plastically deformable material in that the spout (24) is fixed in the sleeve (22) by at least one portion (34, 36; 36) of the sleeve (22) plastically deformed towards the spout (24).

2. Connecting device (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that at least one plastically deformed portion (34) in the axial

Direction of the spout (24) seen at the height of the coupling portion (20) is arranged.

3. Connecting device (10) according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one plastically deformed portion (36) in the axial direction of the spout (24) seen at the level of the connecting line (14) is arranged.

4. Connecting device (10) according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the sleeve (22) has at least two in the axial direction of the sleeve (22) spaced from each other plastically deformed portions (34, 36).

5. connecting device (10) according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the plastically deformed portion (34, 36, 36) in the circumferential direction of the sleeve (22) is circumferential.

6. connecting device (10) according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the spout (24) a

Elastomer material includes.

7. Connecting device (10) according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the sleeve (22) preferably to the sensor line (12) towards a shoulder (50) on which the spout (24) is supported in the axial direction.

8. Connecting device (10) according to claim 7, characterized in that the shoulder (50) is formed by a conical cross-sectional taper.

9. Connecting device (10) according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the coupling portion (20) comprises a coupling sleeve.

10. Connecting device (10) according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the spout (24) has a in

Substantially circular outer contour and the sleeve (22) have a substantially annular cross-section.