WO2019110175A1

WO2019110175A1 - Connection system for connecting at least one sensor cable to an electrical connection cable

Info

Publication number: WO2019110175A1
Application number: PCT/EP2018/078117
Authority: WO
Inventors: Stefan Leopold
Original assignee: Robert Bosch Gmbh
Priority date: 2017-12-06
Filing date: 2018-10-15
Publication date: 2019-06-13
Also published as: DE102017222007A1; CN111433980A

Abstract

A connection system is used to connect at least one sensor cable to an electrical connection cable. The system comprises a sleeve that is preferably plastically deformable and an elastically deformable grommet (24) located inside the sleeve, the grommet (24) comprising at least one through-opening (38) for receiving a coupling section which electrically couples cable ends of the sensor cable and the connection cable. According to the invention, the through-opening (38) has at least one first narrowed section (40a, 40b) running around its entire periphery and pointing radially inwards with regard to the through-opening (38).

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 protects the coupling section even better against environmental influences and has a long life.

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 comprises a plastically deformable sleeve, which, for example, in the not yet finally assembled state, for example, is still essentially straight and has an outer and inner diameter that is constant at least in sections in the axial direction. An elastically deformable grommet is arranged within the sleeve, wherein the grommet comprises at least one passage opening for receiving a coupling section, which electrically couples the line ends of the sensor line and the connecting line to one another. The passage opening has at least one radially preferably radially encircling and with respect to the passage opening radially inwardly directed first constriction. 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.

This constriction serves to be applied to at least one of these elements with increased force when introduced into the passage opening coupling section or inserted sensor line or connecting cable and thereby provide an increased seal against both moisture and gases. Thus, for example, with a corresponding design, a defined tightness in the range of 10 ² to 10 ⁶ can be achieved, and this over a desired typical temperature range, a predetermined number of temperature changes and / or a predetermined period of time. Likewise, a capillary barrier is created by the geometry.

In addition, the sensor line, connecting cable and coupling section are held securely in position by the constriction and vibrations transmitted only attenuated to this. Relative movements of sensor line, connecting line and / or coupling section to each other are reduced (for example to less than 30 pm) or even completely prevented. Thus, the nozzle not only a holding but also a sealing function relative to the sensor line, the

Connection line and / or the coupling section ready. In this case, the grommet is particularly thermally designed so that there is no critical tension on the sensor line, the connecting line or the spout in the coupling section. In a first development, it is proposed that the first constriction forms a sealing lip which is designed to cooperate with an outer side of the sensor line or the connecting line. Such a sealing lip is shaped such that it presses or digs in, for example, into an insulating material of the sensor line and / or the connection line locally to a certain (small) depth, so that an increased surface pressure and thus an improved sealing effect is provided. Such

In that regard, the sealing lip can preferably have a cross section which forms a narrow sealing edge, which produces a nearly linear contact between the sealing lip and the sensor line, the connection line and / or the coupling section. Overall, the sealing effect is improved by such a sealing lip.

In a further development, it is proposed that the passage opening has at least two constrictions forming preferably directly adjacent first and respective sealing lips. As a result, the sealing effect is further improved. Furthermore, this additionally creates a relatively bending moment stable storage.

It is also possible that the passage opening has at least one second constriction arranged at a distance from the first constriction or the first constrictions and preferably revolving. Such a second constriction serves as a guide, holding and / or stabilizing lip, through which in particular the connecting line and / or the sensor line to the

Coupling section is guided in a certain way. This prevents or at least minimizes the risk that bending of the sensor line and / or connecting line possibly immediately outside the connecting device will result in undesired deformation or movement of the respective line in the region which is sealed by the above-mentioned sealing constriction (s) ,

It is also advantageous that an outside of the spout at least one

preferably has circumferential and with respect to the outside radially inwardly directed third constriction. These may be formed in the nature of circumferential grooves. Through them, a certain mobility of the grommet within the sleeve is provided thermally. This is especially true if the spout at least two third

Having constrictions seen in the axial direction of the spout before or behind the first sealing lip and the first sealing lips are arranged.

It is further proposed that an outside of the spout a

preferably has circumferential bead, which is preferably adjacent to an axial end of the spout. This bead provides at certain

Special applications for an additional holding function.

The spout is preferably made of an elastomeric material and / or the sleeve is preferably made of a metal material. These materials provide the desired elasticity and plasticity well.

An inexpensive and reliable training provides that the

Coupling section comprises a coupling sleeve.

Furthermore, the spout may have a substantially circular outer contour and the sleeve may have a substantially annular cross-section. This ensures an inexpensive manufacturability and processability. The

Outer diameter of the spout and, correspondingly, the inner diameter of the sleeve (into which the spout is inserted with little play or even press fit) are chosen so that the example annular constricting plastic deformation of the sleeve through the spout to the sensor line, the

Connecting line and / or the coupling section arrives.

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

1 shows a schematic section through a connecting device with a sleeve, a nozzle, two sensor lines, a coupling section, and two connecting lines; and

Figure 2: a schematic section through the spout of Figure 1 before her

Installation in the connection device. 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 or by jamming, for example by plastic compression of an end portion of the coupling sleeves 20, or can only with one of the two types of lines

(Sensor line 12 and connecting line 14) to be firmly connected, whereas the other type of conductivity with the coupling sleeve 20 is connected by a corresponding connector. 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 a permanent and reliable electrical connection of the connecting lines 14 and the Sensor lines 12 with the coupling portions 20 may be detrimental. 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 having 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. The outer sleeve 22 may for example be made of a plastically deformable material, for example of a metal material. The spout 24 in turn may be made of an elastically deformable material, for example of an elastomeric material such as rubber or the like.

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. In the right end portion of the outer sleeve 22, an end sleeve 32 is further used. From Figure 1 it is further seen that the spout 24 and the end sleeve 32 are held in the outer sleeve 22 by a sectionally plastic deformation of the outer sleeve 22. The corresponding plastically deformed sections carry the reference numerals 34 and 36 in FIG. 1. The plastic deformation 34 is located relatively centrally relative to the sleeve 22 in the axial direction, whereas the plastic deformation 36 is located at the right edge of the sleeve 22. The plastic deformations 34 and 36 can in

Circumferentially circumferential, but may also comprise only single and preferably mutually oppositely arranged deformed singular sections.

They are by a radially inward, ie towards the nozzle 24 directed towards

Deformation characterized by the spout 24 is deformed radially inwardly and is intervened by the in a corresponding recess 32 of the end sleeve. It is understood that in another embodiment, not shown, a different number and also other forms of plastic deformation 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 transmits up to the passage openings and from there further to the coupling sections or the sensor lines or the connection lines.

The spout 24 is shown in Figure 2 when not installed. It is presently exemplary as elongated and overall in essence

circular cylindrical body formed with two axially through the spout 24 extending therethrough through openings 38. In these are in the installed state (Figure 1), the coupling sleeves 20 and 20 adjacent to the coupling sleeves end portions of the connecting lines 14 added.

The two through holes 38 are identical. Hereinafter, therefore, for the sake of simplicity, only the lower in Figure 2 of the two

Through openings 38 described. In FIG. 2, for reasons of

Clarity also provided only this lower passage opening 38 with the corresponding reference numerals. The passage opening 38 has an inner diameter which is approximately equal to the outer diameter of the

Connecting line 14 and the outer diameter of the coupling sleeve 20 corresponds, optionally with a small clearance to the insertion of the Connecting line 14 and the coupling sleeve 20 in the passage opening 38 to facilitate.

The through-opening 38 has a first constriction 40a that circulates in the circumferential direction in the circumferential direction and is radially inwardly directed with respect to the through-opening 38, and a further constriction 40b arranged adjacent thereto and further radially inwardly directed first constriction 40b with respect to the through-opening 38. The two first constrictions 40a and 40b are formed as sealing lips, which in the installed state shown in Figure 1 in the outside of the insulation 30 of the connecting lines 14 very easily press, thereby increasing locally at this point

Surface pressure generated and thus an increased sealing effect is provided.

In general, therefore, it can be said that the sealing lips 40 a and 40 b are designed to be connected to the outside of the connecting line 14

co. The first constrictions 40a and 40b provide a seal against, for example, against ingress of moisture and for improved damping or decoupling of the connection line 14 from vibrations. It is understood that in other, not shown embodiments, only a first constriction or more than two first constrictions may be present to provide additional sealing points. Also, the cross section of the sealing lips may be different than drawn in Figure 2.

Relatively far away from the two first constrictions 40a and 40b, the passage opening 38 in the region of its right-hand end in FIG. 2 has a second constriction 42, which in turn preferably revolves in the circumferential direction and points radially inward. This forms a present

Stabilization, guiding and retaining lip, through which the connecting line 14 to the coupling sleeve 20 or at least to the first constrictions 40a and 40b is guided and held in a certain way. This prevents or at least reduces the possibility that bending of the connection line 14 (possibly exemplarily illustrated in FIG. 1) possibly immediately outside the connection device 10 will lead to undesired deformation or movement of the connection line 14 in that region which seals by the abovementioned sealing first constrictions 40a and 40b is sealed. It is understood that in other embodiments, not shown, such a stabilization, guiding and retaining lip may also be present at a different axial position of the through hole, for example, at the other end, and it may optionally also several, for example, directly adjacent to each other stabilization , Guide and retaining lips be provided. Also, the cross section of the stabilization, guiding and retaining lip may be different than drawn in Figure 2.

A per se substantially circular cylindrical outer side 43 of the spout 24 also has two preferably circumferential in the circumferential direction and with respect to the outside 43 radially inwardly directed constrictions, which are referred to as third constrictions and the

Bear reference numerals 44a and 44b. As seen in the axial direction of the spout 24, the third constriction 44a is to the left of the first left in FIG

Constriction 40 a arranged, and the other third constriction 44 b is arranged in Figure 2 right of the right in Figure 2 first constriction 40 b.

The two third constrictions 44a and 44b are so far formed in the manner of circumferential grooves, wherein the cross-sectional shape of these grooves is formed so that a continuous transition from the outer side 43 of the spout 24 is provided to the third constrictions 44a and 44b, and wherein the third constrictions 44a and 44b have in them a continuous continuous cross-sectional profile without edges or diameter jumps or the like. In principle, however, other cross-sectional characteristics are conceivable, if this is favorable for the specific application.

The third constrictions 44a and 44b may also be referred to as

"Temperaturausgleichsnuten" be designated, since a certain mobility of the spout 24 is provided relative to the outer sleeve 22 by this thermally. Temperature fluctuations, which total on the

Connection device 10, thus do not lead or at least not to a significant extent to a reduction of the seal and / or the

Vibration damping. It is understood that in other embodiments, not shown, even a single or more than two third

Constrictions may be present, and that they may also be present at other axial locations on the outside of the spout to other places a certain flexibility to compensate for thermal

To provide burdens.

Relatively close and to the extent adjacent to the right in Figure 2 end of the spout 24 on the outside 43, in turn, in turn, circumferentially circumferential bead 46 is present. This bead 46 forms an outer retaining lip, which, like the third constrictions 44a and 44b and the existing in the through holes 38 first constrictions 40a and 40b and the second constriction 42, also has a cross-sectional shape which extends continuously from the outer side 43 and has no discontinuities caused by diameter jumps. This bead 46 provides additional hold function for certain special applications. It is understood that in other, not shown embodiments of the spout at other locations on the outside of such beads may be present to provide a corresponding additional holding function there. It is also understood that in other embodiments, a different cross section for the bead can be selected.

Overall, the grommet 24 is preferably designed so that it is possible over the entire occurring during operation frequency range of vibrations

(For example, 0-3 kHz) holds the coupling portions 20 in the desired position, this protects against the vibrations occurring, so the vibrations occurring only attenuated transmits to the coupling portions 20, and thus no or at least allows no significant relative movements. Such relative movements could for example be limited to a maximum of 30 pm. Also, the spout 24 is preferably thermally designed so that there is no critical tension in the region of the coupling portions 20 on the

Sensor lines 12 and the connection lines 40 comes, and that the bearing points 24 (or rather the storage lines) of the spout 24 are exposed in the axial direction no critical tensile load.

Also, it is understood that, as already stated above, the

Outer diameter of the spout 24 is selected relative to the positions and diameters of the through holes 38 so that the central plastic deformation 34 through the material of the spout 24 passes through to the through holes 38 and there for an additional radial compression of the spout 24 on the coupling portions 20 and / or the sensor lines 12 and / or the Leads 14 leads. The first constrictions described above are preferably designed so that at the end, ie in the installed state, a defined tightness is achieved, which may for example be in the range between 10 ² - 10 ⁶ , the corresponding value of the actual design of the spout 24 and / or the outer sleeve 22 depends, and wherein the corresponding value over a certain temperature range and also over a certain time (time duration and number of temperature changes) should be met. Due to the geometry described above, a so-called "capillary barrier" is also generated.

Claims

claims

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

Sensor line (12) with an electrical connection line (14), comprising a sleeve (22) and within the sleeve (22) arranged spout (24), characterized in that the spout (24) at least one

Through 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 passage opening (38) at least one circumferentially preferably circumferential and with respect to the passage opening ( 38) has radially inwardly directed first constriction (40a, 40b).

2. Connecting device (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that the first constriction (40a, 40b) forms a sealing lip which is designed to be connected to an outer side of the sensor line or the

Connecting line (14) cooperate.

3. Connecting device (10) according to claim 2, characterized in that the passage opening (38) has at least two mutually adjacent first and respective sealing lips forming constrictions (40a, 40b).

4. Connecting device (10) according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the passage opening (38) at least one of the first constriction and the first

Constrictions (40a, 40b) arranged remotely and circumferentially preferably circumferential second constriction (42).

5. Connecting device (10) according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that an outer side (43) of the spout (24) at least one preferably circumferential and with respect to the outer side (43) radially inwardly directed and preferably in

Circumferentially circumferential third constriction (44a, 44b) has.

6. Connecting device (10) according to claim 5, characterized in that it comprises at least two third constrictions (44a, 44b), in the axial direction of the spout (24) seen in front of or behind the first sealing lip or the first sealing lips (40a , 40b) are arranged.

7. Connecting device (10) according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that an outer side (43) of the spout (24) has a preferably circumferential bead (46) which is preferably adjacent to an axial end of the spout (24).

8. Connecting device (10) according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the spout (24) made of an elastically deformable elastomeric material and / or the sleeve (22) is made of a plastically deformable metal material.

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. Connection device (10) according to at least one of the preceding

Claims, characterized in that the spout (24) has a in

Essentially circular outer contour and the sleeve (22) has an in

Have substantially circular cross-section.