Cable layout and installation procedure for a cable layout

Abstract

The present invention relates to a transmission line assembly (10, 20, 30, 40) for transmitting electrical and / or optical signals, comprising a line assembly (1) with at least one electrical or optical conductor (2) for transmitting electrical or optical signals, and a planar support (4) extending in a first plane (XY) and connected to the line assembly (1), wherein the planar support (4) has a bistable auxetic planar structure (6) such that at least the planar support (4) is oriented flat and compact in the first plane (XY) in a first state (S1), and has a predetermined two- or three-dimensional geometry in a stable second state (S2). The present invention further relates to an assembly method for a transmission line assembly (10, 20, 30, 40).

Description

Technical field

[0001] The invention relates to a conductor arrangement for the transmission of electrical and / or optical signals and a mounting method for such a conductor arrangement, preferably in a vehicle body. State of the art

[0002] In the automotive sector, signal and data transmission is primarily achieved via electrical and / or optical conductors, according to current technology. Flat cables, particularly flexible flat cables (FFCs), for transmitting electrical and / or optical signals are experiencing increasing interest in the automotive industry. Their flexibility allows them to conform well to the contours of a vehicle, thus saving space. However, the flexibility of flat cables means they cannot be installed in a defined geometry, which complicates manual or automated processing and assembly. Description of the invention

[0003] It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a conduit arrangement and an assembly method with which, in particular before or during assembly in a vehicle, the conduit can be adapted to a predetermined three-dimensional structure (for example, the vehicle body) in a simple, quick and precise manner.

[0004] The aforementioned problem is solved by a cable arrangement according to claim 1 and an assembly method for a cable arrangement according to claim 6. Further advantageous embodiments of the invention can be found in the dependent claims, the description, and the drawings.

[0005] In particular, the above-mentioned problem is solved by a line arrangement for the transmission of electrical and / or optical signals, comprising a line with at least one electrical or optical conductor for the transmission of electrical or optical signals and a planar support extending in a first plane and connected to the line, wherein the planar support has a bistable auxetic surface structure (BASS) such that at least the planar support is flat and compact in the first plane in a first state and has a predetermined two- or three-dimensional geometry in a stable second state.

[0006] The present conduit arrangement has at least the advantage that, in its first state, it is flat and compact, allowing for space-saving and easy transport, while in its second state, it exhibits a stable two- or three-dimensional geometry or shape, enabling it to be easily, quickly, and precisely positioned in or on a target structure. "Compact" means that the planar support has essentially no openings or holes. "Stable" means essentially dimensionally stable, such that a significant (deliberately induced) energy input is required to change the state or shape of the conduit arrangement. Due to the dimensional stability of the support, the connected conduit also assumes a predetermined shape or course, or can simply be attached to the target structure in a dimensionally stable manner.A predetermined two-dimensional geometry in the second state means, for example, that the planar support has openings or holes at predetermined locations that were not present in the first state of the planar support (apart from the cutting pattern).

[0007] Preferably, the bistable auxetic surface structure comprises a cutting pattern within the planar substrate. A cutting pattern has the advantage of being easily and automatically integrated into the planar substrate. Furthermore, with a cutting pattern, the planar substrate essentially retains its (flat and compact) shape in its initial state, with the substrate's dimensions being predetermined and the substrate itself possessing a certain degree of stability, making it easy to handle.

[0008] Preferably, the two- or three-dimensional geometry of the planar support in the second state is predetermined by the cutting pattern. The final two- or three-dimensional geometry or shape is preferably adapted to the geometry or shape of the target structure. Depending on the desired two- or three-dimensional geometry, the cutting pattern is manufactured according to the principle of bistable auxetic planar structures. Due to the predetermination of the two- or three-dimensional geometry via the cutting pattern, a simple transition from the first to the second state of the support is sufficient. A simple transition means the introduction of a predetermined amount of energy, without the need for shaping or other more complex processes.

[0009] Preferably, the conductor is integrated into the planar support and runs around the cuts of the pattern. Integrating the conductor into the support allows for a very compact design of the conductor arrangement.

[0010] Preferably, the conductor, in the form of a cable, particularly a ribbon cable, is arranged on or next to the planar support. The cable can be manufactured independently of the support and is then simply connected to the support to form a conductor assembly. This allows for high flexibility in the manufacture of the conductor assembly, and existing conductors can also be used in the present conductor assembly.

[0011] The above-mentioned problem is further solved in particular by an assembly method for a conduit arrangement comprising at least one conduit and a planar support connected to each other, wherein the planar support has a bistable auxetic planar structure, the method comprising at least the following steps: providing the conduit and the planar support, wherein at least the planar support is aligned flat and compact in a first plane in a first state; applying energy to the planar support so that the planar support is transformed from the first state into a stable second state, wherein the planar support in the second state comprises a predetermined two- or three-dimensional shape; and inserting the conduit arrangement into or onto a suitable three-dimensional target structure.

[0012] The present method has the advantages that the cable assembly can be provided very simply and in a space-saving manner, for example, on a vehicle assembly line, then formed into a two- or three-dimensional shape without tools, and laid in or on a target structure. Laying can be carried out very quickly and precisely. Furthermore, when assembling the cable assembly, the assembly personnel primarily handle the support structure and not the cable itself, thus protecting the cable.

[0013] Preferably, energy is introduced by applying force, in particular by pulling apart the planar support. The force is preferably applied by at least two opposing forces to which the support is subjected. The application of force has the advantage that it can be done manually or automatically. Furthermore, the force acts on the support and not directly on the conductor, thus protecting the conductor. Finally, the force acts only on those points and sections of the support that are directly connected to the force source; that is, the force does not act uncontrollably on other areas and does not need to be shielded, as is the case with heat or other radiation.

[0014] Preferably, at least the transfer of the planar support from the first state to the second state is reversible and can be carried out again from the second to the first state. Returning from the second to the first state has at least the advantage that the predetermined two- or three-dimensional shape can be tested before assembly, then a flat and compact form of the cable assembly can be formed again for transport, and finally the predetermined two- or three-dimensional shape can be produced again during assembly on the target structure. Furthermore, during dismantling of the target structure, for example during recycling, a space-saving flat and compact cable assembly (for removal) can be formed again.

[0015] Preferably, after insertion into or onto the target structure, the conductor assembly is attached to the planar support by means of a positive fit or a material connection. The planar support offers a comparatively larger surface area than the conductor, allowing the conductor assembly to be attached to the target structure via numerous connection points. In the case of a material connection, these connection points can include adhesive or weld points. Due to the two- or three-dimensional shape of the support in the second state, a material connection is not strictly necessary; instead, a positive fit can be used as an alternative. In this case, the two-dimensional shape of the support or the conductor assembly, with its openings and / or holes, provides opportunities for a positive fit to the target structure (for example, to protrusions or projections there), and / or the three-dimensional shape of the support or conductor assembly...The cable arrangement forms connection points, for example recesses or edges, for a positive fit.

[0016] The following description of embodiments is given with reference to the accompanying figures. These show: Fig. 1 a schematic representation of a first embodiment of a line arrangement in a first state; Fig. 2 a schematic representation of a second embodiment of the line arrangement in a second state; Fig. 3 a schematic representation of a third embodiment of the line arrangement in the first state; and Fig. 4 a schematic representation of a fourth embodiment of the line arrangement in the first state.

[0017] Preferred embodiments are described in detail below with reference to the accompanying figures.

[0018] Fig. Figure 1 shows a first embodiment of a conductor arrangement 10 for transmitting electrical and / or optical signals. The illustrated conductor arrangement comprises at least one conductor 1 with at least one electrical or optical conductor 2 for transmitting electrical or optical signals. In alternative embodiments, the conductor arrangement 10 can comprise a plurality of conductors 1. The illustrated conductor 1 extends substantially along a first direction X.

[0019] The illustrated conduit arrangement 10 further comprises a planar support 4 extending in a first plane XY and connected to the conduit 1. The planar support 4 can, in principle, have any extent along the first and a second direction X, Y. The illustrated support 4 is in a first state S1. The support 4 is preferably made of a plastic. In particular, in the illustrated first embodiment of the conduit arrangement 10, the support 4 has a flat and compact structure and slightly flexible or elastic properties. Despite its large surface area compared to the conduit 1, the illustrated support 4 is lightweight due to the plastic material. The support 4 significantly increases the surface area of ​​the illustrated conduit arrangement 10 (relative to the conduit 1), while only minimally increasing the weight of the conduit arrangement 10 (relative to the conduit 1).

[0020] Furthermore, the planar support 4 has a bistable auxetic surface structure 6. Due to the bistable auxetic surface structure 6, at least the planar support 4 is flat and compact in a first state S1, oriented in the first plane XY, and exhibits a predetermined two- or three-dimensional geometry in a stable second state S2. The bistable auxetic surface structure 6 comprises a cutting pattern 8 in the planar support 4. The two- or three-dimensional geometry or shape of the planar support 4 in the second state S2 is preferably predetermined by the cutting pattern 8. If a predetermined geometry or shape is to be generated, a corresponding cutting pattern 8 can be calculated using known mathematical methods and / or algorithms for bistable surfaces. The cutting pattern 8 can preferably be generated in the planar support 4 by a cutting plotter.A planar support 4 with a bistable auxetic surface structure 6 has two (shape-)stable geometries or states: firstly, the flat and compact geometry, and (if desired) secondly, the two- or three-dimensional geometry according to the cutting pattern 8. The flat and compact geometry preferably comprises a flat and closed surface of the support 4. A two-dimensional geometry in the second state S2 preferably comprises a stretched support surface with predetermined openings and / or holes in the planar support 4.

[0021] Fig. Figure 2 shows a second embodiment of a conduit arrangement 20. In the illustrated second embodiment of the conduit arrangement 20, the support 4 is in the stable second state S2 and has a dimensionally stable three-dimensional geometry or shape. The three-dimensional geometry or shape is predetermined. Due to the arrangement of the conduit 1 transversely across the surface of the support 4, the conduit 1 also has (at least partially) a three-dimensional shape or a three-dimensional course in the illustrated second embodiment of the conduit arrangement 20.

[0022] Fig. Figure 3 shows a third embodiment of the cable arrangement 30. In this third embodiment, the cable 1 is integrated into the planar support 4, meaning that the cable 1 and the support 4 are inseparably connected. In this third embodiment, the cable 1 runs around the cuts of the pattern 8. The cable 1 preferably has only one electrical or optical conductor 2 to allow for maximum flexibility as it passes through the pattern 8. In alternative embodiments, multiple cables 1, each with a single conductor 2, can pass through the pattern 8. In this third embodiment, very small bending radii for the cable 1 are required; bending radii of less than 1 mm are already known and achievable.

[0023] Fig. Figure 4 shows a fourth embodiment of the conductor arrangement 40. The illustrated fourth embodiment of the conductor arrangement 40 is an alternative to the third embodiment compared to the first (or second) embodiment, wherein the conductor 1, in the form of a cable, in particular a ribbon cable, is arranged on or next to the planar support 4. The connection 9 between the illustrated conductor 1 and the support 4 is preferably a material-bonded connection by gluing, welding, and / or an injection molding process.

[0024] A preferred embodiment of an assembly method for a conduit arrangement 10, 20, 30, 40 is described below. The conduit arrangement 10, 20, 30, 40 comprises at least one conduit 1 and a planar support 4, which are connected to each other, and wherein the planar support 4 has a bistable auxetic planar structure 6. The method comprises at least the following steps: providing the conduit 1 and the planar support 4, wherein at least the planar support 4 is aligned flat and compact in a first plane XY in a first state S1 (see Figure 1). Fig. 1, Fig. 3 and Fig. 4) Energy is applied to the planar support 4 so that the planar support 4 is transformed from the first state S1 into a stable second state S2. In the second state S2, the planar support 4 comprises a predetermined two- or three-dimensional shape (see figure). Fig.2) Inserting the conductor assembly 20 into or onto a suitable three-dimensional target structure, for example, a vehicle body. A suitable target structure is, for example, a structure complementary to the support 4, such that at least the support 4 runs along the surface of the target structure in a space-saving manner. Preferably, the aforementioned steps are carried out in the specified order.

[0025] In particular, energy is introduced by applying force, preferably by pulling the beam 4 apart. For pulling it apart, the beam 4 is preferably gripped at at least two points on its edge. These points are preferably opposite each other to achieve an opposing force or to pull the beam 4 apart. Gripping can be done manually by assembly personnel or automatically by a gripping device. The applied (tensile) force is large enough to achieve a transition from the first to the second state S1, S2, but small enough to avoid unwanted additional plastic deformations of the beam 4.

[0026] Furthermore, the conduit assembly 20 is attached to the target structure via the planar support 4 by means of a positive fit or a material bond after being inserted into or onto the target structure. Attachment by material bond preferably comprises gluing or welding the conduit assembly 20 to the target structure, whereby welding also includes simply melting (and subsequent cooling) the surface of the support 4. In alternative embodiments, a material bond may not be necessary if the two- or three-dimensional shapes of the support 4 and the target structure are such that the conduit assembly 20 is attached to the target structure purely by means of a positive fit.

[0027] Prior to assembly, at least the following manufacturing steps can be performed for a conduit arrangement 10, 20, 30, 40: Providing the planar support 4 (corresponding to the first state S1). Calculating a cutting pattern 8 according to the principle of bistable auxetic surface structures to achieve a desired / predetermined geometry or shape in a second state S2 of the support 4. Incorporating the cutting pattern 8 into the flat planar support 4. Connecting or integrating the conduit 1 with or into the flat and compact planar support 4 in the first state S1. Preferably, the connection can be made by welding or bonding.

[0028] Furthermore, at least the transition of the planar support 4 from the first state S1 to the second state S2 is reversible and can be carried out again from the second to the first state S2, S1. For the return of the support 4 from the second to the first state S2, S1, a force opposite to the previously applied force used to move the support 4 from the first to the second state S1, S2 is preferably exerted on the support 4. With a force applied along the third direction Z, perpendicular to the first plane XY, at points that extend along the third direction Z in the second state S2, the support 4 remains essentially dimensionally stable due to its bistable properties and cannot be, in particular, accidentally, transitioned back to the first state S1.The reversible transition of the support 4 can be useful for testing the two- or three-dimensional geometry of the conduit assembly 20 in the second state S2 and then for transferring the conduit assembly 20 back to the first state S1 for transport. In addition, this function can be useful if the conduit assembly 20 is to be disassembled from the target structure and reused or recycled in a space-saving manner. REFERENCE MARK LIST 1 line 2 electrical and / or optical conductors 4 carriers 6 Surface structure 8 sewing patterns 9 connection 10 first embodiment 20 second embodiment 30 third embodiment 40 fourth embodiment S1 first state S2 second state X first direction XY first level Y second direction Z third direction

Claims

[1] Conductor arrangement (10, 20, 30, 40) comprising for the transmission of electrical and / or optical signals: a) a line (1) with at least one electrical or optical conductor (2) for transmitting electrical or optical signals; and b) a planar support (4) extending in a first plane (XY) and connected to the line (1); wherein c) the planar support (4) has a bistable auxetic planar structure (6) such that at least the planar support (4) is oriented flat and compact in the first plane (XY) in a first state (S1) and has a predetermined two- or three-dimensional geometry in a stable second state (S2). [2] Conductor arrangement according to claim 1, wherein the bistable auxetic surface structure (6) comprises a cutting pattern (8) in the planar support (4). [3] Conductor arrangement according to claim 2, wherein the two- or three-dimensional geometry of the planar support (4) in the second state (S2) is predetermined by the cutting pattern (8). [4] Conductor arrangement according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the conductor (1) is integrated into the planar support (4) and runs around the cuts of the pattern (8). [5] Conductor arrangement according to one of claims 1-3, wherein the conductor (1) in the form of a cable, in particular a ribbon cable, is arranged on or next to the planar support (4). [6] Assembly method for a conduit arrangement (10, 20, 30, 40) comprising at least one conduit (1) and a planar support (4) connected to each other, wherein the planar support (4) has a bistable auxetic planar structure (6), the method comprising at least the following steps: a) Providing the line (1) and the planar support (4), wherein at least the planar support (4) is aligned flat and compact in a first plane (XY) in a first state (S1); b) Introducing energy into the planar support (4) such that the planar support (4) is transformed from the first state (S1) into a stable second state (S2), wherein the planar support (4) in the second state (S2) comprises a predetermined two- or three-dimensional shape; and c) Inserting the conductor assembly (20) into or onto a suitable three-dimensional target structure. [7] Assembly method according to claim 6, wherein the introduction of energy is achieved by applying force, in particular by pulling apart the planar support (4). [8] Assembly method according to claim 6 or 7, wherein at least the transfer of the planar support (4) from the first state (S1) to the second state (S2) is reversible and can be carried out again from the second to the first state (S2, S1). [9] Assembly method according to one of claims 6-8, wherein the line arrangement (20) is attached to the target structure via the planar support (4) by means of a positive fit or a material fit after being inserted into or onto the target structure.

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