Terminal assembly for direction-dependent sensor, direction-dependent sensor and method for producing terminal assembly

Abstract

A terminal assembly for a direction dependent sensor, a direction dependent sensor and a method for manufacturing a terminal assembly. A terminal assembly (10) for a direction dependent sensor (12), the terminal assembly (10) comprising a bus bar (1) and a housing (11). The bus bar (1) comprises two first terminal regions (7) and three second terminal regions (8) configured to be able to form plug connectors (9, 9 ', 9' '), respectively. A first one of the first terminal regions (7), the three second terminal regions (8) and a second one of the first terminal regions (7 ') are arranged in rows, and wherein the housing (11) is configured to be able to partially surround the bus bar (1) such that the second terminal regions (8) are exposed to the outside. The bus bar (1) is configured to provide a plug mode. The plug mode has two adjacent plug connectors (9, 9 ', 9' ') configured to be connectable to a bipolar female connector, the plug mode is configured to be capable of being formed by two adjacent ones of the three second terminal regions (8) by disconnecting the bus bar (1) between the two adjacent ones of the three second terminal regions (8). According to the two adjacent second terminal areas (8), two different plug modes can be formed.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to a terminal assembly for a direction-dependent sensor, a direction-dependent sensor and a method for producing the terminal assembly, in particular a terminal assembly for an active wheel speed sensor. Background Art

[0002] Nowadays, the wheel speed of each wheel of a vehicle must be detected in order to implement the functions of assistance systems, such as anti-lock braking systems, traction control systems or electronic stability programs. Therefore, precise detection of the wheel speed is required to control the corresponding algorithms in boundary situations. In order to accurately detect the wheel speed, it is known that wheel speed sensors are arranged in the wheel area so that the wheel speed is detected directly without the deviation of mechanical transmission.

[0003] Furthermore, in order to provide a constant amplitude signal independent of the wheel speed, an active wheel speed sensor is used. Such an active wheel speed sensor has a defined detection direction in which the movement of the actuator can be detected. Therefore, the active wheel speed sensor must be mounted in a predefined alignment position relative to the actuator.

[0004] However, due to the limitation of the installation space, for a wheel speed sensor having a longitudinal shape, it is necessary to provide not only an axial cable outlet at the end of the wheel speed sensor, but also a radial cable outlet. Therefore, there is a problem that the radial cable outlet of the wheel speed sensor must also be set at different angular positions depending on the available installation space. This increases the production cost, because the housing of the sensor is usually manufactured by a molding process, so different molds need to be used for the wheel speed sensor, and the cable outlet is located at different angular positions. Summary of the invention

[0005] It is therefore an object of the present invention to remedy the above-mentioned disadvantages and to provide a terminal assembly for a direction-dependent sensor which enables economical provision of a direction-dependent sensor for various installation spaces.

[0006] This object is achieved by a terminal arrangement according to claim 1, a direction-dependent sensor according to claim 10 and a method according to claim 12. Advantageous further developments of the invention are contained in the dependent claims.

[0007] According to one aspect of the present invention, a terminal assembly for a direction-dependent sensor includes a bus bar and a housing, wherein the bus bar includes two first terminal areas configured to be connected to a sensor element, and three second terminal areas configured to form plug connectors, respectively. The first of the first terminal areas, the three second terminal areas, and the second of the first terminal areas are arranged in a row, and the housing is configured to partially surround the bus bar so that the second terminal areas are exposed. The bus bar is configured to provide a plug mode, which has two adjacent plug connectors, which are configured to be connectable to a bipolar female connector, and the plug mode is configured to be formed by two adjacent second terminal areas of the three second terminal areas by disconnecting the bus bar between two adjacent second terminal areas of the three second terminal areas. Wherein, two different plug modes are formed according to the two adjacent second terminal areas between which the bus bar is disconnected.

[0008] Since different plug patterns are exposed by breaking the busbars between two adjacent second terminal areas, the active plug pattern can be easily selected so that the same substrate can be used for different terminal assemblies. As a result, direction-dependent sensors can be economically provided for a variety of installation spaces.

[0009] In an advantageous embodiment of the terminal assembly, the bus bar comprises a predefined cut-off section, wherein the bus bar is configured to be disconnected by cutting the predefined cut-off section between two adjacent second terminal areas among the three second terminal areas to form the plug mode.

[0010] The predefined cut-off section may be a section marked on the bus bar or a virtual section, the position and size of which are predefined and can be cut off by a suitable tool.

[0011] This is a simple and cost-effective method to disconnect adjacent terminal areas in the second terminal area to ensure that there is sufficient distance between the plug connectors so that short circuits do not occur.

[0012] According to another advantageous embodiment of the terminal assembly, the busbar is roughly U-shaped and has legs, each of which has a first end and a second end, the first end is connected by a rod forming a U-shaped base, and the leg forms an open side at the second end, wherein two first terminal areas are located in the area at the open side of the second end of the leg, and three second terminal areas are located in the opposite side area of ​​the busbar opposite to the open side.

[0013] Due to the U-shaped bus bar, the terminal assembly can be formed in a space-saving manner, thereby reducing the installation space.

[0014] In another advantageous embodiment of the terminal assembly, the direction from the open side of the busbar to the opposite side is defined as a first direction, and the direction forming a certain angle with the first direction is defined as a second direction. The plug connector formed by the first second terminal area of ​​the three second terminal areas extends in the first direction, the plug connector formed by the second second terminal area of ​​the three second terminal areas extends in the first direction and the second direction, and the plug connector formed by the third second terminal area of ​​the three second terminal areas extends in the second direction. Therefore, by disconnecting the busbar between the first second terminal area and the second second terminal area of ​​the three second terminal areas, the plug mode is formed so that the female connector can be connected in the first direction, and, by disconnecting the busbar between the second second terminal area and the third second terminal area of ​​the three second terminal areas, the plug mode is formed so that the female connector can be connected in the second direction.

[0015] The fact that the first direction includes an angle with the second direction means that the first direction and the second direction are not parallel. The angle enclosed by the first direction and the second direction may be a square angle, for example, the first direction is aligned with the longitudinal direction of the sensor and the second direction is a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the sensor. On the other hand, when the first direction is aligned with the longitudinal shape of the sensor, the second plug pattern may be arranged so as to be inserted into the female connector at another predefined suitable angle.

[0016] In a further advantageous embodiment of the terminal assembly, the regions at the opposite sides of the bus bar form a plane, and the plug connector extending in the second direction forms an angle with the plane.

[0017] Due to this embodiment, it is also possible to define the direction of inserting the female connector into the plug connector at a suitable angular position in the radial direction, so as to more effectively utilize the installation space according to the situation.

[0018] According to a further advantageous embodiment of the terminal assembly, the housing of the terminal assembly is configured to enclose a bus bar providing a plug pattern which may be shaped such that the female connector may be connectable in a first orientation and also such that the female connector may be connectable in a second orientation.

[0019] When the same housing is suitable for terminal assemblies with different connection directions, terminal assemblies with these different characteristics can be manufactured without different molds, thereby saving costs.

[0020] In another advantageous embodiment of the terminal assembly, the housing is configured to partially surround the bus bar so that the first terminal region is exposed to the outside.

[0021] When the first terminal region is exposed, the point in time at which the sensor element is connected to the bus bar can be flexibly selected to optimize the sequence of manufacturing steps.

[0022] According to a further advantageous embodiment of the terminal assembly, it comprises a housing which is configured to be manufactured by overmolding the busbar with housing material. This is a simple and cost-effective method of manufacturing the terminal assembly.

[0023] In a further advantageous embodiment of the terminal assembly, the busbars are surrounded by the frame and the frame segments are connected to the busbars.

[0024] The frame connected to the bus bar can maintain the shape and position of the bus bar even if the bus bar is disconnected due to the formation of the plug pattern, which in turn enables the defined shape and position of the bus bar to be overmolded, thereby achieving cost-effective production.

[0025] According to another aspect of the present invention, a direction-dependent sensor includes a terminal assembly, a sensor element connected to two first terminal areas of a bus bar, and a sensor housing coupled to a housing of the terminal assembly.

[0026] When a direction-dependent sensor including a terminal assembly is provided, different connection directions can be realized without providing various molds for the housing of the terminal assembly.

[0027] In an advantageous embodiment of the direction-dependent sensor, it is configured as an active wheel speed sensor.

[0028] In order to provide a constant amplitude signal independent of the wheel speed, active wheel speed sensors are used. Since active wheel speed sensors can be easily provided as direction-dependent sensors with different connection characteristics, the connection direction of the sensor can be selected cost-effectively.

[0029] According to another aspect of the present invention, a method for manufacturing a terminal assembly includes the following steps: providing a bus bar having three second terminal areas respectively forming a plug connector; disconnecting the bus bar connection between two adjacent second terminal areas among the three second terminal areas by cutting off a segment of the bus bar between two adjacent second terminal areas in the second terminal area to form a plug mode that can be connected to a bipolar female connector; and surrounding the bus bar with a shell so that the three second terminal areas are exposed.

[0030] With this approach, the active plug pattern can be easily selected so that the same substrate can be used for different terminal assemblies, thus achieving flexibility in the production process.

[0031] In a preferred embodiment of the method, the busbar is generally U-shaped and has legs having a first end and a second end, respectively, the first ends being connected by a rod forming a U-shaped base, the legs forming an open side at the second end, wherein two first terminal areas configured to be connected to the sensor element are located in the region of the second end at the open side of the legs, and three second terminal areas are located at the opposite side of the busbar opposite to the open side. The direction from the open side to the opposite side is defined as a first direction, and the direction forming an angle with the first direction is defined as a second direction. The plug connector formed by the first second terminal area of ​​the three second terminal areas extends in the first direction, the plug connector formed by the second second terminal area of ​​the three second terminal areas extends in the first direction and the second direction, and the plug connector formed by the third second terminal area of ​​the three second terminal areas extends in the second direction, and the plug pattern having two adjacent plug connectors is configured to be connectable to a bipolar female connector. Cut off a segment between a first second terminal area among the three second terminal areas and a second second terminal area among the three second terminal areas so that a plug connector forming a plug mode extends in a first direction, or alternatively, cut off a segment between a second second terminal area among the three second terminal areas and a third second terminal area among the three second terminal areas so that a plug connector forming a plug mode extends in a second direction.

[0032] In this way, the terminal assembly can be formed in a space-saving manner, so that the installation space can be reduced, while the terminal assembly can be flexibly provided with different directions for connection to the female connector.

[0033] In another advantageous embodiment of the method, the busbar is surrounded by overmolding the busbar with a formable plastic material by means of a mold, so that only one and the same mold is required for manufacturing housings of terminal assemblies having different plug modes.

[0034] This is a simple and cost-effective method of manufacturing the terminal assembly when the busbars are closed by overmolding with a moldable plastic material through a mold.

[0035] In a further advantageous embodiment of the method, in which the busbars are surrounded by a frame and frame segments are connected to the busbars, the method comprises the further step of separating the frame from the busbars by cutting connecting plates connecting the frame and the busbars.

[0036] The frame can maintain the shape and position of the busbar even if the busbar is disconnected due to the formation of the plug pattern. The frame enables the busbar to be overmolded with a defined position, wherein after the busbar is surrounded by the housing, the terminal assembly can be easily completed by cutting the connecting plate connecting the frame and the busbar. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0037] Hereinafter, the present invention will be described by way of embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0038] in particular:

[0039] Figure 1 A bus bar as a substrate is shown;

[0040] Figure 2 Shows Figure 1 The busbars are prepared for the plug mode of the axial version;

[0041] Figure 3 Shows Figure 1 The busbars are prepared for use in radial version plug mode;

[0042] Figure 4 shows a principal schematic diagram of a terminal assembly including a bus bar prepared for an axial version of a plug pattern at an intermediate manufacturing stage;

[0043] Figure 5 shows a principal schematic diagram of a terminal assembly including a bus bar prepared for a radial version of the plug pattern at an intermediate manufacturing stage;

[0044] Figure 6 shows an isometric view of a terminal assembly including a bus bar prepared for use in an axial version of a plug format in which the plug connector extends straight;

[0045] Figure 7 shows an isometric view of a terminal assembly including a bus bar prepared for use in an axial version of a plug format in which the plug connector extends at an angle;

[0046] Figure 8 A direction-dependent sensor having a terminal assembly is shown; and

[0047] Fig. 9 A flow chart of a terminal assembly manufacturing method is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0048] Figure 1 A busbar 1 is shown as a substrate. As a substrate, the busbar 1 is connected to a frame 2 surrounding the busbar 1. Therein, a connection plate 3 is provided, and the busbar 1 is connected to the frame 2 in sections through the connection plate 3. The busbar 1 is indicated by a solid line, and the frame 2 and the connection plate 3 are indicated by a dotted line.

[0049] The busbar 1 is substantially U-shaped and has legs 6, each having a first end and a second end, the first end being connected by a stem forming the base of the U, the legs 6 forming at the second end an open side 4 and an opposite side 5 opposite the open side 4. The substantially U-shaped nature of the busbar 1 means that it has a longitudinal shape, with substantially parallel legs 6 connected to each other at the opposite sides 5 and no connection at the open side 4. Despite the substantially U-shaped nature, the busbar 1 may have areas protruding laterally from the U, and the legs 6 do not necessarily have to be completely parallel, in particular, they do not necessarily have to be parallel along their entire length. In alternative embodiments, the busbar 1 is not U-shaped, but has another shape suitable for the respective application.

[0050] The direction from the opposite side 5 to the open side 4 is defined as a first direction d1, and the direction perpendicular to the first direction d1 is defined as a second direction d2. In an alternative embodiment, the second direction d2 is not perpendicular to the first direction d1, but the second direction d2 forms an angle with the first direction d1. Basically, this means that the first direction d1 and the second direction d2 are not parallel.

[0051] The busbar 1 comprises two first terminal areas 7 , 7 ′ in the end region at the open side 4 of the leg 6 , and three second terminal areas 8 in the region at the opposite side 5 of the busbar 1 .

[0052] The first terminal regions 7, 7' are configured to be connected to the sensor element 13 ( Figure 8 ). Thus, the first terminal area 7, 7' can be connected to the cable by welding, in particular by resistance welding, soldering or bonding by a conductive adhesive. In alternative embodiments, other suitable connection types, such as clamping, are also possible.

[0053] The second terminal areas 8 each form a plug connector 9 , 9 ′, 9 ″, wherein a first terminal area 7 of the first terminal areas, three second terminal areas 8 and a second first terminal area 7 ′ of the first terminal areas are arranged in a row.

[0054] The plug connector 9 formed by the first second terminal area among the three second terminal areas 8 extends parallel to the first direction d1, the plug connector 9' formed by the second second terminal area among the three second terminal areas 8 extends parallel to the first direction d1 and parallel to the second direction d2, and the plug connector 9" formed by the third second terminal area among the three second terminal areas 8 extends parallel to the second direction d2. In particular, the plug connector 9' formed by the second second terminal area among the three second terminal areas 8 has a shape in which a first portion of the plug connector 9' extends parallel to the first direction d1, and a second portion of the plug connector 9' extends parallel to the second direction d2.

[0055] The bus bar 1 provides a plug mode with two adjacent plug connectors 9, 9', 9', which can be connected to a bipolar female connector (not shown). As described below, the plug mode is formed by two adjacent second terminal areas of three second terminal areas 8 by disconnecting or separating the bus bar 1 between two adjacent second terminal areas of the three second terminal areas 8 that form the plug mode. Therefore, one of the plug connectors 9, 9', 9" is electrically connected to one of the first terminal areas 7, 7', another of the plug connectors 9, 9', 9" is electrically connected to another of the first terminal areas 7, 7', and there is no electrical connection between the disconnected second terminal areas 8.

[0056] Figure 2 Shows Figure 1 The bus bar 1 in the embodiment of the present invention is prepared for the plug mode of the axial version. The bus bar 1 provides a plug mode formed by disconnecting the first second terminal area of ​​the three second terminal areas 8 forming the plug connector 9 and the second second terminal area of ​​the three second terminal areas 8 forming the plug connector 9'. Since the first part of the plug connector 9, especially the first part of the plug connector 9', extends along the first direction d1, the plug connector is formed so that the female connector can be connected in the first direction d1.

[0057] Figure 3 Shows Figure 1 A busbar 1 is provided in the embodiment of the present invention, which is prepared for a radial version of a plug mode. The radial version means that the second direction d2 is radial relative to the longitudinal shape of the busbar 1, which in turn means that the second direction d2 is perpendicular to the first direction d1. The busbar 1 provides a plug mode formed by disconnecting a second second terminal area of ​​three second terminal areas 8 forming a plug connector 9' and a third second terminal area of ​​three second terminal areas 8 forming a plug connector 9". In particular, since the second part of the plug connector 9' and the plug connector 9" extend along the second direction d2, the plug connector can be formed so that the female connector can be connected in the second direction d2.

[0058] from Figure 2 and Figure 3 As can be seen in the figure, two alternative plug modes are formed according to two adjacent second terminal areas in which the busbar 1 between the three second terminal areas 8 is disconnected. The plug modes have the same shape so as to fit the same female connector. However, in alternative embodiments, the alternative plug modes may be different.

[0059] Figure 4A main schematic diagram of a terminal assembly 10 is shown, which includes a busbar 1 prepared for an axial version of the plug mode at an intermediate manufacturing stage, namely a stage in which the busbar 1 is overmoulded with the material of a housing 11 before the frame 2 is separated from the busbar 1. The material of the housing 11 comprises a plastic material, in particular PA6 GF30. In alternative embodiments, another suitable material can be used, or the housing 11 is not formed by overmoulding, but consists of separate parts, such as prepared split pre-moulds, which can be clamped together to form the housing 11. In a further alternative embodiment, the housing 11 is formed by a pre-mould of plastic material, the pre-mould being provided with a living hinge.

[0060] The terminal assembly 10 comprises a busbar 1 prepared for the axial version of the plug mode, which means, as described above, that the busbar 1 is broken between the second terminal area 8 forming the plug connector 9 and the second terminal area 8 forming the connector 9'. The plug mode is thus formed so that the female connector can be connected in a first direction d1.

[0061] Figure 5 A main schematic diagram of a terminal assembly 10 is shown, which includes a bus bar 1 prepared for a radial version of the plug mode at an intermediate manufacturing stage. Figure 5 The terminal assembly 10 shown in FIG. Figure 4 The difference between the terminal assembly 10 shown in FIG. Figure 5 In the embodiment, the bus bar 1 is disconnected between the second terminal area 8 forming the plug connector 9' and the second terminal area 8 forming the plug connector 9". Therefore, the plug mode is formed so that the female connector can be connected in the second direction d2.

[0062] from Figure 4 and Figure 5 As can be seen in the figure, the housing 11 of the terminal assembly 10 surrounds the bus bar 1, and the plug mode provided by the bus bar allows the female connector to be connected in a first direction d1, or allows the female connector to be connected in a second direction d2. Therefore, the housing 11 is identical. In this case, the term "identical" means that the basic shape and functional characteristics are the same. The markings or colors of the housing may vary. In an alternative embodiment, the housing 11 is different in the area where the plug connectors 9, 9', 9" are located.

[0063] Figure 6 An isometric view of a terminal assembly 10 is shown, comprising a busbar 1 prepared for a radial version of the plug pattern, wherein the plug connectors 9 ′, 9 ″ extend straight.

[0064] The straight-running nature of the plug connectors 9', 9" means that the area of ​​the busbar 1 at the opposite side 5 forms a plane and the radial plug connectors 9', 9" are oriented parallel to this plane. Nevertheless, potential small ridges or indentations are possible without denying the existence of a plane.

[0065] The housing 11 partially surrounds the bus bar 1 so that the second terminal region 8 is exposed to the outside.

[0066] In addition, Figure 6 In the figure, it can be seen that the first terminal areas 7, 7' are not covered by the material of the housing 11, and therefore, the first terminal areas 7, 7' are also exposed. However, in an alternative embodiment, the first terminal areas 7, 7' have been connected before this manufacturing stage, and therefore, the first terminal areas 7, 7' can be covered by the material of the housing 11.

[0067] Figure 7 An isometric view of a terminal assembly 10 is shown, comprising a busbar 1 prepared for a radial version of the plug pattern, wherein the plug connectors 9 ′, 9 ″ extend at an angle.

[0068] Figure 7 The terminal assembly 10 shown in FIG. Figure 6 The difference of the terminal assembly 10 shown in is that, although the plane is also formed in the area at the opposite side 5 of the busbar 1, the plug connectors 9', 9" form an angle with the plane, so that they extend at a certain angle. The plug connectors 9', 9" shown are at an angle of approximately 45° to the plane and are downward. However, in an alternative embodiment, the plug connectors 9', 9" include another angle selected between the straight shape and the 90° angle, wherein the plug connectors 9', 9" can also extend upward.

[0069] Figure 8 An active wheel speed sensor is shown as a direction-dependent sensor 12 with a terminal assembly 10. The sensor 12 further comprises a direction-dependent sensor element 13, which is connected to the busbar 1, in particular to the respective first terminal area 7, 7', via a connecting line 14. The connecting line 14 is connected to the first terminal area 7 by resistance welding. Alternatively, another suitable connection type as described above is used. Furthermore, the direction-dependent sensor 12 is alternatively configured as another sensor other than an active wheel speed sensor.

[0070] The sensor 12 includes a sensor housing 15. The sensor housing 15 is manufactured by partially overmolding the terminal assembly 10, thereby connecting to the housing 11 of the terminal assembly 10. Alternatively, the sensor housing 15 can be manufactured separately and connected to the terminal assembly 10 by another suitable connection method (for example, bonding or ultrasonic welding).

[0071] Fig. 9 A method of making the terminal assembly 10 is shown.

[0072] The method for manufacturing a terminal assembly 10 comprises, as step S1, providing a busbar 1 having three terminal areas 8 forming plug connectors 9, 9', 9", respectively. The busbar 1 is provided by punching a suitable metal sheet by a punch, wherein a plurality of busbars 1 can be manufactured simultaneously or subsequently from a piece of metal sheet. The busbar 1 is connected to a frame 2 via a connecting plate 3, and the busbar in turn forms a part of the frame 2 for the next busbar 1 in the metal sheet.

[0073] At the same time or subsequently, in step S2, by means of a punching tool or alternatively by means of a laser cutting machine, the busbar 1 between two adjacent second terminal areas in the three second terminal areas 8 forming the plug mode is disconnected, and the plug mode can be connected to a bipolar female connector. Therefore, in the case where the busbar 1 is basically U-shaped as described above, the segment is cut between the first second terminal area in the three second terminal areas 8 and the second second terminal area in the three second terminal areas 8, so that the plug connectors 9, 9' forming the plug mode extend along the first direction d1, alternatively, the segment is cut between the second second terminal area in the three second terminal areas 8 and the third second terminal area in the three second terminal areas 8, so that the plug connectors 9', 9" forming the plug mode extend along the second direction d2. In an alternative embodiment of the busbar 1, all the plug connectors 9, 9', 9" extend in the same direction, and the plug mode can be oriented so that they extend in the same direction.

[0074] In step S3, the busbar 1 is surrounded by the housing 11 so that the three second terminal areas 8 are exposed. Therefore, a metal plate or a portion of a metal plate is introduced into a mold so that the busbar 1 is overmolded with the material of the housing 11 (particularly a moldable plastic material) by the mold to surround the busbar 1, and the housing 11 is manufactured by an injection molding machine. In an alternative embodiment, the busbar 1 is surrounded by a prepared split pre-mold, for example, which can be clamped together to form the housing 11.

[0075] Subsequently, or alternatively before the busbar 1 is surrounded by the material of the housing 11, the frame 2 is separated from the busbar 1 by cutting the connecting plates 3 connecting the frame 2 and the busbar 1 by a punching tool or, for example, a laser cutter. Alternatively, if the busbar 1 is prepared without the frame 2, the step of separating the frame 2 from the busbar 1 is not required.

[0076] In another alternative embodiment, when the bus bar 1 has been closed with the housing 11 , the segment of the bus bar 1 for defining the plug mode is cut off after step S3 , so that the plug mode direction is determined after the remaining manufacturing steps are completed.

[0077] Although the present invention has been illustrated and described in detail in the drawings and the above description, such illustration and description should be regarded as illustrative or exemplary rather than restrictive. The invention defined in the claims is not limited to the disclosed embodiments. Other modifications will be apparent to those skilled in the art by reading this disclosure. Such modifications may involve other features that are known in the art and may replace or supplement the features already described herein. In the claims, the word "comprising" does not exclude other elements or steps, and the indefinite article "one" or "an" does not exclude pluralities.

[0078] Reference numerals list

[0079] 1 Busbar

[0080] 2 Framework

[0081] 3. Connecting plate

[0082] 4 Open side

[0083] 5 Opposite side

[0084] 6 Legs

[0085] 7, 7' First terminal area

[0086] 8 Second terminal area

[0087] 9, 9', 9" plug connector

[0088] 10 Terminal Assembly

[0089] 11 Housing

[0090] 12 Sensors

[0091] 13 Sensor element

[0092] 14 Connection cable

[0093] 15 Sensor housing

[0094] d1 first direction

[0095] d2 Second direction

Claims

1. A terminal assembly (10) for a direction-dependent sensor (12), the terminal assembly (10) comprising: bus bar (1), and A housing (11), wherein The busbar (1) comprises: two first terminal areas (7) configured to be connectable to a sensor element (13), and The invention relates to three second terminal areas (8) configured to respectively constitute plug connectors (9, 9', 9"), wherein a first first terminal area (7) of the first terminal areas, the three second terminal areas (8) and a second first terminal area (7') of the first terminal areas are arranged in a row, wherein: The housing (11) is configured to partially surround the bus bar (1) so that the second terminal area (8) is exposed to the outside, and The bus bar (1) is configured to provide a plug mode having two adjacent plug connectors (9, 9', 9") configured to be connectable to a bipolar female connector, the plug mode being configured to be formed by two adjacent second terminal areas (8) of the three second terminal areas (8) by disconnecting the bus bar (1) between the two adjacent second terminal areas, wherein: Two different plug modes can be formed according to two adjacent second terminal areas between which the busbar (1) among the three second terminal areas (8) is disconnected.

2. The terminal assembly (10) according to claim 1, wherein: The bus bar (1) includes a predetermined cut-off section, and the bus bar (1) is configured to be disconnected by cutting off the predetermined cut-off section between two adjacent second terminal areas among the three second terminal areas (8) to form the plug mode.

3. The terminal assembly (10) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The busbar (1) is generally U-shaped and has legs (6) each having a first end and a second end, the first ends being connected by a stem forming a base of the U-shape, the legs (6) forming an open side (4) at the second end, wherein The two first terminal areas (7, 7') are located in the area at the opening side (4) of the second end of the leg (6), and the three second terminal areas (8) are located in the area at the opposite side (5) of the busbar (1) opposite to the opening side (4).

4. The terminal assembly (10) according to claim 3, wherein: The direction from the opening side (4) of the busbar (1) to the opposite side (5) is defined as a first direction (d1), and the direction forming an angle with the first direction (d1) is defined as a second direction (d2), The plug connector (9) formed by the first second terminal area of ​​the three second terminal areas (8) extends along the first direction (d1), the plug connector (9') formed by the second second terminal area of ​​the three second terminal areas (8) extends along the first direction (d1) and the second direction (d2), and the plug connector (9") formed by the third second terminal area of ​​the three second terminal areas (8) extends along the second direction (d2), so that: The plug pattern is formed so that the female connector can be connected in a first direction (d1) by disconnecting the bus bar (1) between the first second terminal area and the second second terminal area of ​​the three second terminal areas (8), and, By disconnecting the bus bar (1) between the second second terminal area and the third second terminal area of ​​the three second terminal areas (8), the plug pattern is formed so that the female connector can be connected in the second direction (d2).

5. The terminal assembly according to claim 4, wherein: The area of ​​the bus bar (1) at the opposite side (5) forms a plane, and The plug connector (9', 9") extending in the second direction (d2) is at an angle to the plane.

6. The terminal assembly (10) according to claim 4 or 5, wherein: The housing (11) of the terminal assembly (10) is configured to surround the bus bar (1) to provide the plug mode, which is formed so that the female connector can be connected in the first direction (d1) or is formed so that the female connector can be connected in the second direction (d2).

7. The terminal assembly (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The housing (11) is configured to partially surround the bus bar (1) so that the first terminal area (7) is exposed to the outside.

8. The terminal assembly (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The terminal assembly (10) includes a housing (11) configured to be manufactured by overmolding the bus bar (1) with a material of the housing (11).

9. The terminal assembly (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The bus bar (1) is surrounded by a frame (2), and the frame (2) is connected to the bus bar (1) in sections.

10. A direction-dependent sensor (12), comprising: The terminal block (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, a sensor element (13) connected to two first terminal areas (7) of the busbar (1), and A sensor housing (15) is coupled to the housing (11) of the terminal assembly (10).

11. The direction-dependent sensor (12) according to claim 10, wherein: The direction-dependent sensor (12) is configured as an active wheel speed sensor.

12. A method for manufacturing a terminal assembly (10), comprising the steps of: Providing a busbar (1) having three second terminal areas (8) (S1) forming plug connectors (9, 9', 9") respectively; The bus bar (1) between two adjacent second terminal areas among the three second terminal areas (8) is disconnected by cutting off a section of the bus bar (1) between two adjacent second terminal areas among the second terminal areas (8) to form a plug mode (S2) that can be connected to a bipolar female connector; and The bus bar (1) is surrounded by a housing (11) so that the three second terminal areas are exposed to the outside (S3).

13. The method according to claim 12, wherein: The busbar (1) is generally U-shaped and has legs (6) each having a first end and a second end, the first ends being connected by a stem forming a base of the U-shape, the legs (6) forming an open side (4) at the second end, wherein Two first terminal areas (7) configured to be connectable to a sensor element (13) are located in an area at an open side of a second end of a leg (6) of the bus bar (1), and the three second terminal areas (8) are located in an area at an opposite side (5) of the bus bar (1) opposite to the open side (4), The direction from the opening side (4) to the opposite side (5) is defined as a first direction (d1), and the direction forming an angle with the first direction (d1) is defined as a second direction (d2), The plug connector (9) formed by the first second terminal area of ​​the three second terminal areas (8) extends along the first direction (d1), the plug connector (9') formed by the second second terminal area of ​​the three second terminal areas (8) extends along the first direction (d1) and the second direction (d2), and the plug connector (9") formed by the third second terminal area of ​​the three second terminal areas (8) extends along the second direction (d2), and A plug pattern having two adjacent plug connectors (9, 9', 9") configured to be connectable to a bipolar female connector, in, Cutting off a section between a first second terminal area of ​​the three second terminal areas (8) and a second second terminal area of ​​the three second terminal areas (8) so that the plug connector (9, 9') forming the plug mode extends along the first direction (d1), or, alternatively, The section between the second second terminal area of ​​the three second terminal areas (8) and the third second terminal area of ​​the three second terminal areas (8) is cut off, so that the plug connector (9', 9") forming the plug mode extends along the second direction (d2).

14. The method according to claim 12 or 13, wherein: The busbar (1) is overmolded with a moldable plastic material by means of a mold to surround the busbar (1), so that only one same mold is used to manufacture housings (11) of terminal assemblies (10) having different plug modes.

15. The method according to any one of claims 12 to 14, wherein: The busbar (1) is surrounded by a frame (2), the frame segments being connected to the busbar, the method comprising the further steps of: The frame (2) and the bus bar (1) are separated by cutting a connection plate (3) connecting the frame (2) and the bus bar (1).

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