Control system for a motor vehicle

Abstract

Conducting device for a motor vehicle, with at least one conductor element (1) designed as a flat conductor for transmitting a signal or electrical energy, which has at its two ends (2, 3) respective contact elements (7, 8) for connection with corresponding (2, 3) contact elements (7, 8) and with a winding mechanism (6) on which the conductor element (1) can be wound up, characterized in that the winding mechanism (6) is pivotably mounted by means of a bearing device (9).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a control device for a motor vehicle according to the preamble of claim 1.

[0002] German patent application DE 20 2005 000 638 U1 discloses a window regulator for a motor vehicle, consisting of a guide rail along which a drive unit supporting the window is movably mounted and connected to an electrical cable, in particular a ribbon cable. A cable receptacle is associated with the drive unit, through which the cable not required according to the current position of the window regulator is stored. The cable receptacle can be designed as a winding device, and the winding device can be designed as a winding drum.

[0003] Further rolling devices for winding cables are disclosed in DE 10 2013 104 602 A1, DE 10 2013 004 633 A1 and DE 10 2008 047 508 A1.

[0004] Such wiring systems, commonly referred to as cable harnesses, are widely used in motor vehicles. They serve two main purposes: firstly, to supply electrical power to various components, and secondly, to transmit electrical or electronic signals. They can also be used to transmit other signals, such as light pulses. Typically, each cable harness has contact elements at both ends, allowing it to be connected to the contacts of other components.

[0005] One problem with such cable runs is maintaining the reliability of these supply paths. This is especially true if signals and power are to be transmitted via such lines in the future to enable partially and highly automated driving functions. A further problem arises when installing such lines in an automated manner.

[0006] Achieving high reliability currently requires very complex simulations and, where necessary—especially when dealing with connections of moving parts—twisted cables to prevent failure throughout the cable assembly's lifecycle. Since such moving transitions often pose a high risk, these paths are frequently designed with redundancy. Furthermore, potential relative movements between the contact elements of the cable assembly and connecting components can lead to degradation phenomena at contact points. These degradation phenomena can result from the relative movement of the components, potentially interrupting the energy supply and, in the worst-case scenario, for example in an electric vehicle, causing a thermal event.

[0007] It should be taken into account that, especially when connecting doors or flaps to the vehicle body, chafing or other damage may occur as a result of constant movement.

[0008] The object of the present invention is therefore to create a conduit system of the type mentioned above which is particularly reliable over its lifetime and which, in particular, compensates for relative movements between the conduit system and connecting components in a particularly favorable manner.

[0009] This problem is solved according to the invention by a conduit device with the features of claim 1. Advantageous embodiments with favorable further developments of the invention are the subject of the dependent claims.

[0010] The inventive conductor system for a motor vehicle comprises at least one conductor element designed as a flat conductor, such as a foil conductor, but optionally also another type of conductor, for transmitting a signal or electrical energy, wherein the conductor element has respective contact elements at its two ends for connection with corresponding contact elements of connecting components.

[0011] In order to create a particularly reliable cable system, by means of which relative movements between body components or between contact elements of the cable system and connecting components can be compensated, the invention provides that the cable system has a winding mechanism onto which the cable element can be wound. In other words, the invention provides that the cable system or the associated cable element is adjustable in length in order to avoid excessive stress, particularly on the respective contact elements arranged at the ends of the cable element.Furthermore, torsional movements occurring, for example, particularly in doors or flaps, which are transferred to the cable assembly, can be compensated for more effectively by the rotation in the unwinding mechanism, thus preventing chafing, kinking, or similar damage. Another advantage is that such cable assemblies can be used in a wide variety of applications. For example, such cable assemblies can be used for different vehicle series, even if the length of the respective cable assembly or cable element varies to some extent. This also results in significant cost savings in the manufacturing and, in particular, the automation of motor vehicles.

[0012] Furthermore, the winding mechanism is designed to be pivotally mounted by means of a bearing device. This allows for additional compensation of the cable components and relative movements, for example, caused by the movement of doors, flaps, or the like, in order to protect the cable components and the cable element from wear.

[0013] Overall, it is evident that by providing a winding mechanism, for example, torsion can be converted into a defined and controlled rotation, resulting in a cable system that is significantly more robust against movements, bending and torsion, reducing the simulation and validation effort in the planning and manufacture of the motor vehicle, which is variably applicable, for example, to all moving parts of a vehicle or across vehicle types, and which is easy to assemble.

[0014] In a further embodiment of the invention, it has proven advantageous if the cable element can be wound onto the winding mechanism at one of its ends. Winding from the end results in a particularly simple and reliable design of the cable element or cable device.

[0015] In a further embodiment of the invention, the winding mechanism has the contact element at the wound end of the conductor element. This results in simple contact between the conductor element and the winding mechanism. Furthermore, it is provided that the conductor element is designed as a flat conductor, in particular as a foil conductor. Such a flat conductor can be wound spirally onto the winding mechanism particularly advantageously. However, it should be noted that theoretically other conductor elements and other winding configurations could also be used. For example, it would theoretically be conceivable to use a cable-shaped conductor element, which is wound spirally or helically onto a corresponding winding shaft.

[0016] Furthermore, it is advantageous that the winding mechanism includes a tensioning device, in particular a spring device, which applies a tensile force to the cable element. This allows for a particularly simple length compensation of the cable element in order to react to relative movements between the contact elements of the cable element and those of the connecting components. Additionally, the resulting tension on the cable element reduces degradation phenomena at the contact points as well as unwanted chafing along the cable.

[0017] Further features of the invention will become apparent from the claims, the figures, and the description of the figures. The features and combinations of features mentioned above in the description, as well as the features and combinations of features mentioned below in the description of the figures and / or shown in the figures alone, are not only usable in the combinations specified, but also in other combinations or on their own.

[0018] The invention will now be explained in more detail with reference to a preferred embodiment and the drawings. The drawings show: Fig. 1 a side view and a sectional view through the line assembly for a motor vehicle according to a first embodiment, in which the line element is designed as a flat conductor and is wound at one end onto a winding mechanism which is pivotably mounted by means of a bearing device; Fig. 2 respective side views of the winding mechanism of the cable device according to Fig. 1, wherein the pivoting mobility of the winding mechanism is illustrated by means of the bearing device for compensating movements between the contact points of the conductor element with connecting components.

[0019] Fig. Figure 1 shows a side view and a sectional view of a wiring device for a motor vehicle with at least one conductor element 1, which in this case is designed as a flat conductor, in particular as a foil conductor. This conductor element 1 comprises a free end 2 and another end 3, which in this case is wound spirally onto a winding shaft 4 with an axis A. The winding shaft 4 is, for example, mounted in a housing 5 (indicated by dashed lines), within which the end 3 of the conductor element 1 is wound and received. The winding shaft 4 and the housing 5 together form a winding mechanism 6, which also includes a tensioning device, in particular a joining device, by means of which the conductor element 1 is wound with a tensile force F. zug is subjected to this tensile force F. zug Consequently, a counter-moment M acts gegenby re-establishing the winding mechanism 6. Or in other words, the conductor element 1 at its free end 2 is against the tensile force F. zug extendable or retractable into the housing 5 by means of this.

[0020] A contact element is schematically arranged at the free end of the conductor element or flat conductor 1, by means of which the conductor assembly and the conductor element 1 can be connected to a terminal component. At the opposite end 3, which is wound on the winding axis 4, a contact element 8 is also provided, which in this case is formed on the winding axis 4, so that by contacting the winding mechanism 6 via the winding axis 4, signals or electrical energy can be transmitted to the contact element 7 at the free end of the conductor element 1.

[0021] The entire winding mechanism 6 is also movably mounted by means of a bearing device 9 and can therefore be mounted, for example, on a component of the motor vehicle, such as the body of the motor vehicle or an associated door, flap or the like.

[0022] In conjunction with Fig. 2 It is therefore evident that, for the orientation of the conductor element 1 with its free end 2, the winding mechanism 6 is pivotable between respective positions and the winding axis 4, which here serves as a bearing device 9. The left illustration of Fig.Figure 2 shows, for example, the position of the winding mechanism 6 and the entire wiring assembly when, for instance, the door 11, flap, or the like is connected. The position of the winding mechanism 6, which is mounted, for example, on the body side, is shown on the right when the door 11, flap, or the like is open.

[0023] Furthermore, it can be seen that the winding mechanism 6, more precisely the housing 5, has a guide 10 for the cable element 1, which is arranged at a distance from the bearing axis of the bearing assembly 9, which coincides with the axis A of the winding axis 4. This results in optimal alignment of the winding mechanism 6 when the flap, door, or the like is open or closed.

[0024] Finally, a locking mechanism can be integrated into the winding mechanism, for example in the form of a freewheel, for example to protect the conductor element 1 from the tensile force F. zug to relieve. Reference symbol list 1 conductor element 2 End 3 End 4 winding axis 5 cases 6. Winding mechanism 7 Contact element 8 Contact element 9 Storage facility 10 Leadership 11 Door Axis F zug traction M gegen Counter-moment

Claims

Conducting device for a motor vehicle, with at least one conductor element (1) designed as a flat conductor for transmitting a signal or electrical energy, which has at its two ends (2, 3) respective contact elements (7, 8) for connection with corresponding (2, 3) contact elements (7, 8) and with a winding mechanism (6) on which the conductor element (1) can be wound up, characterized in that the winding mechanism (6) is pivotably mounted by means of a bearing device (9). Conducting device according to claim 1, characterized in that the conductor element (1) can be wound up onto the winding mechanism (6) with one of its ends (2, 3). Conducting device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the winding mechanism (6) has the contact element (7, 8) at the wound end (2, 3) of the conductor element (1). Conduit device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the winding mechanism (6) has a pulling device, in particular a spring device, whereby the conduit element (1) is subjected to a tensile force (Fzug). Conduit device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a bearing axis (A) of the bearing device (9) is arranged coaxially to a winding axis (A) of the winding mechanism (6). Conduit device according to claim 5, characterized in that the winding mechanism (6) has a guide (10) for the conduit element (1) which is arranged at a distance from the bearing axis (A) of the bearing device (9).

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