Vehicle with line arrangement

Abstract

The invention relates to a line (9) for connecting a first connection (3) to a second connection (4) which is separated from the first connection (3) by a wall (5) which has a through-opening (6), in particular in a motor vehicle (1), wherein the line (9) has a flexible line body (10) which can be connected or is connected to the first connection (3) at a first longitudinal end (11) and which can be passed through the through-opening (6) in a through-direction (12), and a coupling (13) for connecting the line (9) to the second connection (4) which is attached to a second longitudinal end (14) of the line body (10). If the first connection (3) is inaccessible, the connection can be realized by the fact that the line (9) also has a mounting aid (15) which is attached to the line body (10) and / or to the coupling (13), which has a support body (16) which is configured to be elastically deformable between a relaxed initial state (A) and a deformed deformation state (B), such that the line (9) with the support body (16) can be passed through the passage opening (6) in the direction of passage (12) in the deformation state (B) and can be supported or supported against the wall (5) via the support body (16) in the initial state (A) against the direction of passage (12).

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a line for connecting a first terminal to a second terminal, wherein the second terminal is spatially separated from the first terminal by a wall, wherein the wall has a through-opening. The invention also relates to an arrangement equipped with such a line. The invention also relates to a motor vehicle equipped with such an arrangement. Finally, the invention relates to a method for connecting a first terminal to a second terminal, in which such a line is used.

[0002] Particularly in motor vehicles, a large number of lines must be laid to connect at least two connections. These lines can be fluid-carrying lines, i.e., fluid lines that can be flexible for improved installation. The fluids can be gaseous or liquid. Preferably, they can be coolants, lubricants, fuel, or reducing agents. The connections used here are mechanical and fluid connections.

[0003] Depending on the positioning of the connectors to be connected, accessibility for installation of the respective cable is more or less good. Likewise, situations can arise in which one of the connectors becomes virtually inaccessible due to the installation of additional components on the vehicle. This can occur particularly when the two connectors are separated by a wall that is only accessible from one side when the vehicle is at an advanced stage of assembly. Although the wall can be equipped with a through-hole through which a cable can be fed to connect the connectors, the connector behind it is either not accessible or only very difficult to access, which significantly hampers installation.

[0004] The present invention addresses the problem of providing a solution for connecting two terminals separated by a wall that is comparatively easy to handle.

[0005] From DE 11 2005 002 758 B4 a valve holding member for movably holding a valve in a fluid passage is known.

[0006] A sheet metal cover for a mounting opening is known from CN 105 292 013 B.

[0007] From DE 42 33 167 A1 a locking plate is known to which a connecting piece for a hose line is mounted.

[0008] From DE 198 31 459 A1 a fastening device for attachments to a sheet metal part is known.

[0009] The above-mentioned problem is solved by the subject matter of the independent claims. Advantageous embodiments are the subject matter of the dependent claims.

[0010] The invention is based on the general idea of ​​providing a line for connecting two connections that are spatially separated from one another by a wall, said line comprising a flexible line body, a coupling, and an assembly aid. The line body is configured at a first longitudinal end such that it is connected to the first connection or can be connected to it. Furthermore, the line body is configured such that it can be passed through a through-opening formed in the wall. The coupling serves to connect the line to the second connection and is fastened to the second longitudinal end of the line body. The assembly aid is arranged, in particular fastened, on the line body and / or on the coupling and has a support body. This support body is configured such that it is elastically deformable between a relaxed initial state and a deformed deformation state.In other words, the support body can be transformed from its initial state into its deformed state by applying a deforming force, which can preferably be applied manually, whereby the support body is essentially tensioned. If the deforming force is removed, the elasticity of the deforming body causes it to relax again and automatically return to its initial state. The elastic deformability of the support body is specifically configured so that the cable can be guided through the through-opening in one direction when in the deformed state using the support body, while in the initial state the cable can be supported or is supported on the wall via the support body in the opposite direction to the direction of passage. In other words, in the deformed state the support body can be moved through the through-opening, but the initial state prevents it from being moved back through the through-opening.Using this cable, the first connection can be connected to the first longitudinal end of the cable body while it is still accessible, while the second longitudinal end of the cable body, together with the coupling and the assembly aid, is pushed through the opening in the feed-through direction. The coupling can then no longer fall back onto the side of the wall facing the first connection, but is secured on the side of the wall facing the second connection. As assembly progresses, the first connection may become inaccessible. However, the wall remains open and accessible on the side of the wall facing the second connection, so that the coupling also remains accessible. The inaccessible first connection can then be connected directly or indirectly to the first connection via the coupling and the cable presented here.

[0011] In the present context, a ‘configuration’ is synonymous with a ‘design’, so that the phrase ‘configured so that’ is synonymous with the phrase ‘designed so that’.

[0012] The support body can be made of plastic. In particular, the entire assembly aid can be made of plastic.

[0013] Advantageously, a cross-section of the support body running transversely to the feed-through direction can be smaller in the deformed state than an opening cross-section of the through-opening and larger in the initial state than the opening cross-section of the through-opening. This means that the support body of the assembly aid can be easily passed through the through-opening in the deformed state, while retraction of the support body through the through-opening in the initial state is impeded. In particular, it can be provided that the elasticity of the support body is selected such that the support body deforms elastically from the initial state to the deformed state when pushed through the through-opening and automatically deforms back to the initial state as soon as the support body has been fully pushed through the through-opening. In this case, the support body interacts with the through-opening orwith an opening edge enclosing the passage opening in the manner of a snap-in connection.

[0014] According to an advantageous embodiment, the support body can have a base arranged or attached to the coupling and / or the line body and, at a distance from the line body, a support collar extending along the base or a plurality of support feet arranged circumferentially along the base. The base and / or the support collar or the support feet are then advantageously elastically deformable, so that the support body can be transformed from the initial state to the deformed state by deforming the base or the support collar or the support feet.

[0015] The assembly aid can also have a retaining element with which the support body is attached to the coupling and / or the cable body. An integral or one-piece design for the assembly aid is also conceivable, so that the retaining element is integrally formed with the support body. For example, the assembly aid can be formed from a single cast part that includes the support body and the retaining element. The retaining element can, for example, be configured as a clip that can be clipped onto the cable body.

[0016] The assembly aid can therefore represent a separate component from the coupling, which can be attached to the coupling or to the line body in order to fasten the assembly aid to the coupling and / or to the line body. In another embodiment, however, it can be provided that the assembly aid is integrally formed or molded onto the coupling in order to firmly arrange the assembly aid on the coupling. For example, the assembly aid and the coupling, in particular a housing of the coupling, can be formed by a single component, which can be, for example, an injection-molded part.

[0017] According to an advantageous embodiment, the coupling can be designed as a plug or socket of a plug-in connection. This allows the desired connection to be easily implemented.

[0018] According to an advantageous development, the support body can be arranged on the coupling and / or on the line body and also be configured in such a way that plug-in forces which are introduced when the plug connection is plugged into the coupling can be supported by the support body on the wall. In other words, the plug-in forces do not lead to any deformation of the support body in its deformed state. For example, it can be provided that deformation forces which transfer the support body into the deformed state must act radially on the support body with respect to the feed-through direction, whereas the plug-in forces act axially on the support body with respect to the feed-through direction. It is also conceivable for the support body to be elastically deformed by the plug-in forces, but not into the deformation state which enables insertion through the through-opening, but into a different deformation state. For example, the aforementioned support collar orThe above-mentioned support feet can be moved or bent radially outwards in conjunction with the insertion forces, while the support collar or the support feet move or bend radially inwards for deformation into the deformation state.

[0019] It can expediently be provided that the line body is designed as a hose for carrying a fluid. The coupling can be connected directly to the second connection, in which case the second connection is designed as a mating coupling complementary to the coupling. The line then leads from the first connection through the through-opening to the second connection. In an alternative design, however, it can be provided that the coupling is indirectly connected to the second connection via an additional line, wherein this additional line has a mating coupling complementary to the coupling at one of its longitudinal ends and can be connected to the second connection at its other longitudinal end. In this case, the line presented here is connected directly to the first connection and indirectly to the second connection via the additional line.This makes it possible, in particular, after connecting the two connections, to guide the coupling area between the line and the auxiliary line—that is, the coupling, the associated counter-coupling, and also the assembly aid—through the through-opening and accommodate it in a first connection compartment containing the first connection. In particular, this allows the coupling area to be protected from contamination.

[0020] An arrangement according to the invention, which can be used in particular in a motor vehicle, comprises a first connection, a second connection spaced from the first connection, a wall arranged between the first connection and the second connection and containing a through-opening, and a line of the type described above. The line body is connected directly or indirectly to the first connection by its first longitudinal end. The coupling is directly or indirectly connected to the second connection.

[0021] A motor vehicle according to the invention, which may be a passenger car, is equipped with at least one arrangement of the type described above, wherein the two connections and the wall are formed on the motor vehicle, thus forming vehicle components.

[0022] A method according to the invention serves to connect a first connection to a second connection, which is spatially separated from the first connection by a wall, wherein the wall has a through-opening. The connections can be arranged in a motor vehicle. The wall separates a first connection compartment, in which the first connection is located, from a second connection compartment, in which the second connection is located. The method according to the invention uses a cable of the type described above. In the method, the cable in the first connection compartment is connected directly or indirectly to the first connection via the first longitudinal end of the cable body. In a direct connection, the first connection can be configured, for example, as a connection piece, onto which the cable is plugged and secured, for example, with a clamp.In the case of an indirect connection, a coupling can be attached to the first longitudinal end of the line body, which coupling is connected to the first connection, which is designed as a complementary counter-coupling.

[0023] In the method, after the first longitudinal end of the cable body has been connected to the first terminal, the support body is transferred into the deformed state. At the same time or after this, the cable with the support body in the deformed state is passed through the through-opening in the feed-through direction and into the second terminal space. The support body can be transferred into the deformed state before being passed through, for example by manually compressing the support body. However, the support body is expediently transferred into the deformed state when it is pushed through the through-opening, namely through the mechanical interaction between the support body and an opening edge surrounding the through-opening. After the support body has been passed completely through the through-opening, the support body relaxes automatically and assumes its original state.According to the process, the cable in the second terminal compartment is secured by the support body in the initial position, counter to the feed-through direction, and / or supported against the wall. This prevents the cable with the coupling from falling back through the through opening into the first terminal compartment. The coupling is thus located in the second terminal compartment and remains accessible, even if the first connection in the first terminal compartment becomes inaccessible due to further assembly work.

[0024] According to an advantageous embodiment, an additional line in the second connection space can be connected at one of its longitudinal ends to the second connection. At its other longitudinal end, this additional line can have a mating coupling that is complementary to the coupling and is connected to the coupling. The first connection is thus connected to the second connection via the line and via the additional line. After this indirect connection of the coupling via the additional line to the second connection, the support body can now be returned to the deformed state. The coupling and the mating coupling with the support body in the deformed state can then be guided through the through-opening opposite to the feed-through direction. The additional line then extends from the second connection space through the through-opening into the first connection space.The cable including coupling and assembly aid are located in the first connection compartment.

[0025] Further important features and advantages of the invention emerge from the subclaims, from the drawings and from the associated description of the figures based on the drawings.

[0026] It is understood that the features mentioned above and those to be explained below can be used not only in the respective combination specified, but also in other combinations or on their own, without departing from the scope of the invention defined by the claims. Components mentioned above and to be mentioned below of a higher-level unit, such as a device, apparatus, or arrangement, which are designated separately, may form separate parts or components of this unit or be integral areas or sections of this unit, even if this is shown differently in the drawings.

[0027] Preferred embodiments of the invention are illustrated in the drawings and are explained in more detail in the following description, wherein the same reference numerals refer to the same or similar or functionally identical components.

[0028] They show, schematically, Fig. 1 to 4 each show a highly simplified schematic diagram of an arrangement for connecting a first terminal to a second terminal in different states.

[0029] According to the Fig. 1 to 4, a motor vehicle 1, which is only shown in the area of ​​an arrangement 2 here, comprises a first vehicle-side connection 3 and a second vehicle-side connection 4, which are arranged at a distance from one another on the vehicle 1. The vehicle 1 also has a wall 5 which separates the first connection 3 from the second connection 4 and which contains a through-opening 6. In detail, the wall 5 separates a first connection space 7, in which the first connection 3 is located, from a second connection space 8, in which the second connection 4 is located. The through-opening 6 creates a connection between the first connection space 7 and the second connection space 8. To connect the first connection 3 to the second connection 4, a line 9 is provided which has a flexible line body 10, which is preferably designed as a hose.The lead body 10 is configured at a first longitudinal end 11 associated with the first connection 3 such that it can be connected directly or indirectly to the first connection 3. In the . Fig. 1 to 4, the first longitudinal end 11 of the cable body 10 is connected directly to the first terminal 3. In other embodiments, couplings and other plug-in connections can be used for the indirect connection. The cable body 10 is dimensioned such that it can be used in a Fig. 1 can be passed through the through opening 6 in the direction 12 indicated by an arrow.

[0030] The line 9 is also equipped with a coupling 13, which is designed for the indirect or direct connection of the line 9 to the second connection 4 and which is fastened to a second longitudinal end 14 of the line body 10. In the preferred example shown here, the coupling 13 serves for the indirect connection of the line 9 to the second connection 4. The coupling 13 can be a plug or socket of a Fig. 3 and Fig. 4 recognizable plug connection 21.

[0031] The line 9 also has an assembly aid 15 which is fastened to the line body 10 and / or to the coupling 13. In the example shown here, the assembly aid 15 is fastened to the second longitudinal end 14 near the coupling 13, i.e. to the line body 10. In contrast to the separate design of the assembly aid 15 shown here, which is attached to the coupling 13 and / or to the line body 10, an integrated design (not shown here) can also be realized in which the assembly aid 15 is integrally formed on the coupling 13. For example, the coupling 13 consists of a plastic body or has a plastic body, such as a housing, on which the assembly aid 15 is integrally formed. The said plastic part and the assembly aid 15 are thus then formed on a single injection-molded part.

[0032] The assembly aid 15 has a support body 16 which is configured to be inserted between a Fig. 1 to 4 with a solid line shown relaxed initial state A and a only in Fig. 1 is elastically deformable in the deformation state B indicated by a broken line. Initial state A and deformation state B are selected such that the line 9 with the support body 16 in the deformation state B can be guided through the through-opening 6 in the feed-through direction 12. In contrast, the line 9 can be supported or secured against the wall 5 via the support body 16 in the initial state A, opposite to the feed-through direction 12, which is Fig. 2 and Fig. 3. For this purpose, it can be provided, for example, that a cross-section of the support body 16 running transversely to the feed-through direction 12 in the deformation state B is smaller than an opening cross-section of the through-opening 6, while the cross-section of the support body 16 in the initial state A is larger than the opening cross-section of the through-opening 6.

[0033] According to the example shown here, the support body 16 can have a base 17 fastened to the line body 10 and, at a distance from the line body 10, a support collar 18 which runs along the base 17. As an alternative to such a circumferential support collar 18, two or more support feet 19 can also be arranged on the base 10 and are distributed circumferentially along the base 17. The assembly aid 15 also has a holding element 20 with which the support body 16 is fastened to the line body 10. In the example shown, the holding element 20 is designed as a cylindrical sleeve which encloses the line body 10 and is formed directly on the support body 16, here on the base 17. In particular, the support body 16 and the holding element 20 can be formed by a single cast part made of plastic. The elasticity of the support body 16 for its elastic deformation can be achieved by an elastic deformability of the base 17 and / or the support collar 18 or.the support feet 19 can be realized.

[0034] If, as in the example shown, the coupling 13 forms part of a plug connection 21, when the plug connection 21 is plugged in, plugging forces 22 are introduced into the coupling 13, which in Fig. 3 are indicated by an arrow and act opposite to the feed-through direction 12. The support body 16 is now arranged on the cable body 10 such that these insertion forces 22 can be supported on the wall 5 by the support body 16. The support body 16 is supported on an opening edge 23 surrounding the through-opening 6, e.g., via the support collar 17 or the support feet 18.

[0035] According to the Fig. 3 and Fig. 4, the arrangement 2 can have, in addition to the line 9, a flexible additional line 24, with the aid of which the coupling 13 can be indirectly connected to the second connection 4. The additional line 24, like the line 9, can also have a flexible line body and be designed as a fluid line or as a hose. This additional line 24 is connected directly or indirectly to the second connection 4 at one or first longitudinal end 27. At its other or second longitudinal end 25, the additional line 24 is equipped with a mating coupling 26 which is configured complementary to the coupling 13 of the line 9. The connection of the additional line 24 to the second connection 4 can be made in the same way as the connection of the line 9 to the first connection 3. In another embodiment, however, it can be provided that the coupling 13 can be connected directly to the second connection 4.In this case, the second connection 4 has a mating coupling complementary to the coupling 13. However, the embodiment shown here, in which the additional line 24 is used, is preferred.

[0036] The following is based on the Fig. 1 to 4, a method for connecting the two terminals 3, 4 is explained in more detail. In this method, the line 9 is used. First, according to Fig. 1, the line 9 in the first connection chamber 7 is directly and indirectly connected to the first connection 3 via the first longitudinal end 11 of the line body 10. Subsequently, the support body 16 is transferred to the deformation state B and the line 9 is according to Fig. 1 with the support body 16 in deformation state B in the feed-through direction 12 through the through-opening 6 and into the second connection chamber 8. For this purpose, the first connection 3 in the first connection chamber 7 is still accessible. The deformation of the support body 16 into the deformation state B can occur when the support body 16 is inserted through the through-opening 6 due to the interaction with the opening edge 23, which displaces the support collar 18 or the support feet 19 radially inward with respect to the feed-through direction 12.

[0037] Following is the Fig. 2 the cable 9 in the area of ​​the coupling 13 and with the assembly aid 15 in the second connection chamber 8. The cable 9 is in the second connection chamber 8 according to Fig. 2 is secured via the support body 16 in the initial state A against the feed-through direction 12 or supported on the wall 5. The further assembly of the vehicle 1 can provide that after the assembly aid 15 has been passed through the through opening 6, the second connection compartment 7 is closed by an additional wall 29 to such an extent that the first connection 3 is subsequently not accessible or only accessible with difficulty. The second connection compartment 8, however, remains accessible. This additional wall 29 only in the Fig. 2 to 4 recognizable.

[0038] Accordingly, according to Fig. 3 the additional line 24 in the second connection chamber 8 is connected to the second connection 4 and connected to the coupling 13 by means of the counter-coupling 26. This creates a coupling region 28 comprising the coupling 13 and the associated counter-coupling 26. Subsequently, i.e. after connecting the coupling 13 via the additional line 24 to the second connection 4, the support body 16 can be returned to the deformation state B, e.g. by manual compression. Subsequently, the coupling region 28 with the support body 16 in the deformation state B can be guided through the through-opening 6 against the feed-through direction 12. The resulting state is shown in Fig.4. Accordingly, after the coupling area 28 has been passed through the through-opening 6, the coupling area 28 and the line 9 are located in the first connection chamber 7. The additional line 24 extends from the second connection 4 through the second connection chamber 8 and through the through-opening 6 into the first connection chamber 7. QUOTES CONTAINED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents submitted by the applicant was generated automatically and is included solely for the convenience of the reader. This list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] DE 11 2005 002 758 B4

[0005] CN 105 292 013 B

[0006] DE 42 33 167 A1

[0007] DE 198 31 459 A1

[0008]

Claims

[1] Line (9) for connecting a first connection (3) to a second connection (4) which is separated from the first connection (3) by a wall (5) having a through opening (6), in particular in a motor vehicle (1), - with a flexible line body (10) which can be connected or is connected to the first connection (3) at a first longitudinal end (11) and which can be passed through the through opening (6) in a through direction (12), - with a coupling (13) for connecting the line (9) to the second connection (4), which is attached to a second longitudinal end (14) of the line body (10), - with an assembly aid (15) which is arranged on the line body (10) and / or on the coupling (13), which has a support body (16) which is configured such that it is elastically deformable between a relaxed initial state (A) and a deformed deformation state (B), such that the line (9) with the support body (16) in the deformation state (B) can be passed through the through-opening (6) in the feed-through direction (12) and can be or is supported on the wall (5) via the support body (16) in the initial state (A) opposite to the feed-through direction (12). [2] Line (9) according to claim 1, characterized by , - that a cross-section of the support body (16) running transversely to the passage direction (12) is smaller in the deformation state (B) than an opening cross-section of the through-opening (6) and is larger than the opening cross-section in the initial state. [3] Line (9) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by , - that the support body (16) has a base (17) arranged on the coupling (13) and / or on the line body (10) and, at a distance from the line body (10), a support collar (18) running along the base (17) or a plurality of support feet (19) arranged distributed around the base (17), - that the base (17) and / or the support collar (18) or the support feet (19) are elastically deformable in order to transfer the support body (16) from the initial state (A) to the deformation state (B). [4] Line (9) according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized by , - that the coupling (13) is designed as a plug or socket of a plug connection (21), - that the support body (16) is arranged on the coupling (13) and / or on the line body (10) and is configured in such a way that plugging forces (22) which are introduced when the plug connection (21) is plugged into the coupling (13) can be supported on the wall (5) by means of the support body (16). [5] Line (9) according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized by , - that the line body (10) is designed as a hose for carrying a fluid, and / or - that the assembly aid (15) is designed separately with respect to the coupling (13) or is formed integrally on the coupling (13). [6] Line (9) according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized by , - that the coupling (13) is connectable or connected indirectly to the second connection (4) via an additional line (24), wherein the additional line (24) has at its one longitudinal end (25) a counter-coupling (26) complementary to the coupling (13) and is connectable or connected to the second connection (5) at its other longitudinal end (27), or - that the coupling (13) can be connected or is connected directly to the second connection (4), wherein the second connection (4) is designed as a counter-coupling complementary to the coupling (13). [7] Arrangement (2), in particular in a motor vehicle (1), - with a first connection (3), - with a second connection (4) which is spaced from the first connection (3), - with a wall (5) arranged between the first connection (3) and the second connection (4) and containing a through opening (6), - with a line (9) according to one of the preceding claims, - wherein the line body (10) is connected with its first longitudinal end (11) directly or indirectly to the first connection (3), - wherein the coupling (13) is connected directly or indirectly to the second connection (4). [8] Motor vehicle (1), in particular passenger car, - with at least one arrangement (2) according to claim 7, wherein the two connections (3, 4) and the wall (5) are formed on the motor vehicle (1). [9] Method for connecting a first connection (3) to a second connection (4) which is separated from the first connection (3) by a wall (5) having a through opening (6), in particular in a motor vehicle (1), - wherein the wall (5) separates a first connection space (7), in which the first connection (3) is located, from a second connection space (8), in which the second connection (4) is located, - in which a line (9) according to one of claims 1 to 6 is used, - in which the cable (9) in the first connection space (7) is connected directly or indirectly to the first connection (3) via the first longitudinal end (11) of the cable body (10), - in which the cable (9) with the support body (16) in the deformation state (B) is guided through the through-opening (6) in the direction of passage (12) and into the second connection space (8), - in which the cable (9) in the second connection space (8) is secured via the support body (16) in the initial state (A) against the feed-through direction (12) and / or supported on the wall (5). [10] Method according to claim 9, characterized by , - that an additional line (24) in the second connection space (8) is connected to the second connection (4), - that the additional line (24) has a counter-coupling (26) complementary to the coupling (13), which is connected to the coupling (13), - that after the indirect connection of the coupling (13) via the additional line (24) to the second connection (4), the coupling (13) and the counter-coupling (26) with the support body (16) are guided through the through-opening (6) in the deformation state (B) against the feed-through direction (12), so that the additional line (24) subsequently extends from the second connection space (8) through the through-opening (6) into the first connection space (7), while the line (9) with the coupling (13) is located in the first connection space (7).

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