Method, vehicle and connector for a vehicle cable

Abstract

The invention relates to a method (200), a vehicle (100) and a connector device (10) for a line (12) of a vehicle (100), comprising a plug element (14), a signal element (16), wherein the plug element (12) is configured to form a connection (18) with a plug (20), wherein the connection (18) is configured to shield the signal element (16).

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a connector device for a cable of a vehicle, a method for forming a connection by means of the connector device, and a vehicle.

[0002] The current state of the art already offers a variety of systems for connecting lines. Current development of lines, especially fluid lines, focuses on reducing leakage and manufacturing costs. Furthermore, a variety of quality assurance methods are known, such as the dual control principle.

[0003] The aforementioned objects known in the state of the art do not satisfactorily exploit the technical possibilities of modern contacting systems.

[0004] It is an object of the present invention to satisfy the need identified above.

[0005] To achieve the aforementioned object, a plug device for a cable of a vehicle is proposed. The vehicle can in particular be a means of transport, such as a car, a van, a truck, an aircraft and / or a watercraft. The cable can be any form of cable in a vehicle or means of transport. In particular, the cable can be a fluid line that transports a liquid and / or gaseous medium. The plug device with the features of claim 1 has the particular advantages that the connection can be used to shield the signal element and thus to check whether the connection between the plug and the plug element has been successfully formed. In this way, incorrect assembly or non-assembly can be checked without the need for additional personnel: This can be advantageous for the production costs of the vehicle.The connector device comprises a plug element and a signal element. The plug element is configured to form a connection with a plug, and the connection is configured to shield the signal element.

[0006] In other words, the plug-in element has a signaling element, or a signaling element is arranged on the plug-in element. The connection between the plug-in element and the plug-in element can be formed by means of a plug, which can be connected to the plug-in element in a form-fitting and / or force-fitting manner. Once the connection between the plug-in element and the plug-in element is formed, a fluid can, for example, flow through the plug-in connection without leakage occurring. The plug-in element can, in particular, be a connecting piece, which was manufactured, for example, by means of a plastic injection-molding process, a metal casting process, or by machining. The signaling element can, in particular, be arranged on the connecting piece. The signaling element can be an RFID label or similar.The connector can, for example, be a quick connector manufactured using a plastic injection molding and / or metal casting process. The quick connector or the connector can have an RFID shielding film designed to block the signal element or a signal emitted by the signal element. Thus, the signal element no longer emits any signals or can no longer be detected by an external detection unit once the connector or quick connector has been successfully positioned on the plug element or the connection piece. In particular, the signal element can no longer receive any signals, such as an RFID trigger, nor can it emit any signals.

[0007] The subclaims show preferred developments of the invention.

[0008] Preferably, the plug-in element has a receptacle for the signal element, wherein the receptacle is designed to restrict a radiation and / or reception direction of the signal element to a surface of the signal element.

[0009] An advantage of this embodiment is that the plug can be equipped with simple means, such as a film, in order to completely shield the signal element, since only one surface of the signal element needs to be covered by the film. More preferably, the signal element can be introduced into the plug-in element by means of the receptacle in such a way that the signal element does not apply to a surface of the plug-in element. This can be particularly advantageous when plugging the plug onto the plug-in element. The signal element can be designed to emit a signal. The receptacle can limit a radiation and / or reception direction of the signal element to one direction, in particular in such a way that both signals from the signal element and signals to be received from the signal element only come from one direction.For example, the holder can essentially completely enclose the signal element, so that only one surface of the signal element protrudes outwards or can send and receive signals.

[0010] Further preferably, a film is arranged in the receptacle, which film is designed to block a signal from the signal element and / or a signal directed to the signal element.

[0011] An advantage of this embodiment is that the material selection of the plug-in element does not have to be changed if it does not have the required signal-blocking properties, since the signal from the signal element can be suppressed or blocked using a film. This significantly reduces the manufacturing costs of a corresponding plug-in element, since the film only needs to be vapor-deposited and / or glued. The receptacle can be arranged on the surface of the plug-in element, for example. The film can be pressed into the receptacle by means of the signal element, wherein the film can be attached to the plug-in element in particular by means of a self-adhesive mechanism. Furthermore, the signal element can be pressed into the receptacle with the film in order to form a connection between the signal element, the film and the plug-in element.Further preferably, the film as well as the signal element can be attached by means of an adhesive connection or the like.

[0012] Preferably, the film is formed as a trough in the receptacle, wherein the trough substantially completely encloses the signal element, in particular such that at least only a part of the signal element is free from the trough.

[0013] An advantage of this embodiment is that the tray can be designed as an insert, allowing the tray to be overmolded, for example, using a plastic injection molding process, significantly reducing the manufacturing costs of the plug element, which can provide the signal-blocking effect. It can be particularly advantageous for the plug to comprise the lid of the tray, so to speak, so that a fully enclosed cage is formed around the signal element by means of the connection.

[0014] Preferably, the plug has at least one blocking element which is designed to at least temporarily cover the signal element in a signal-blocking manner.

[0015] An advantage of this embodiment is that the blocking element is arranged on the plug in such a way that it conceals the signal element once the connection between the plug and the plug element has been successfully established. Thus, a receiver can no longer receive a signal from the signal element once the connection between the plug and the plug element has been successfully established. In particular, the blocking element can be designed such that it acts as a lid in the tray, forming a box or the like that completely encloses the signal element.

[0016] Preferably, the blocking element has a blocking film in order to cover the signal element in a signal-blocking manner.

[0017] An advantage of this embodiment is that, thanks to the blocking film, only part of the blocking element or only part of the plug needs to be provided with a signal-blocking material, so that the plug can continue to be manufactured from the existing material selection. The blocking film can, in particular, be designed as an RFID shielding film, thus concealing the signal element when the plug is arranged on the plug element.

[0018] Further preferably, the blocking foil and the signal element have a substantially equal cross-sectional area.

[0019] An advantage of this design is that the need for blocking film or blocking material is significantly reduced, since only the signal element is covered by the blocking film. Therefore, blocking film can be saved compared to a film that must be formed completely over the connector.

[0020] Preferably, the plug element has at least one locking element, wherein the locking element is designed to position the plug such that the connection shields the signal element.

[0021] An advantage of this design is that, following the Poka-Yoke principle, the plug can only be mounted on the plug element in one position by means of the locking element. This ensures that, once the connection has been successfully formed, the signal element is concealed by the connection, particularly by the blocking element.

[0022] Further preferably, the plug device has a further signal element, wherein the further signal element is free from shielding of the connection.

[0023] An advantage of this design is that the additional signaling element creates an additional level of safety, since two signals can be received without the connection, while with the connection, only one signal can be received. This provides protection against the failure of one signaling element.

[0024] A further aspect of the invention relates to a method for forming a connection by means of a connector device as described above and below, comprising the steps: • Receiving a signal from a signal element of the connector device, • Output a test signal when the received signal disappears and / or is blocked.

[0025] An advantage of this embodiment is that by monitoring the signal of the signal element, it can be determined whether a line with a plug-in element and a plug has been successfully formed or connected, since the signal can no longer be detected once the connection has been established. This can be achieved, in particular, by covering a signal element in the plug-in element with the plug to form the connection.

[0026] More preferably, the method comprises the step: • Connecting a plug element to a plug to form the connection, wherein the plug element has the signal element, wherein the connection is designed to block the signal element in a signal-conducting manner.

[0027] An advantage of this embodiment is that the assembly of the plug onto the plug element can be checked using simple means, so that no manual or camera-based inspection is necessary.

[0028] Preferably, the method comprises the steps: • Receiving a user input indicative of the establishment of the connection, • Emit a warning signal when user input is present and the signal is received.

[0029] An advantage of this embodiment is that incorrect assembly can be indicated to the assembly personnel because a user input is detected that represents or indicates the successful formation of the connection, but a receiver still receives the signal from the signaling element, meaning the connection has not been fully formed or the connector has been positioned in a way that allows the signaling element to continue transmitting signals. Thus, the warning signal can be used to trigger a connection check.

[0030] A further aspect of the invention relates to a vehicle having a plug device as described above and below and / or a control device which is configured to carry out the method as described above and below.

[0031] Further details, features, and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following description and the figures. They show: Fig. 1 a plug device according to an embodiment, Fig. 2a and Fig. 2b a plug device according to an embodiment, Fig. 3 a plug according to an embodiment, Fig. 4 a plug device according to an embodiment, Fig. 5 is an illustration showing steps of the method according to an embodiment, Fig. 6a to 6c a plug device according to an embodiment, Fig. 7 is a flowchart illustrating steps according to the method based on an embodiment, and Fig. 8 is a flowchart illustrating steps according to the method according to one embodiment.

[0032] Preferably, all the same elements, steps and / or units in all figures are provided with the same reference numerals.

[0033] Fig. 1 shows a connector device 10 for a fluid line 12 of a vehicle 100. The connector device 10 comprises a plug element 14 and a signal element 16. Furthermore, the plug element 12 is designed to form a connection 18 with a plug 20, wherein the connection 18 is designed to shield the signal element 16. As in the Fig. 1, the plug element 14 can be connected, for example, to a fluid tank or the like. The plug 20 can be arranged on a fluid line 12. The connection 18 can be formed by connecting the plug 20 to the plug element 14. The signal element 16, in particular, is arranged on the plug element 14. The connection 18, in particular by plugging the plug 20 onto the plug element 14, shields the signal element 16 or blocks a signal sent by the signal element 16. More preferably, the plug device 10 has a further signal element 38, which is not shielded by the connection 18.

[0034] Fig. 2a shows a plug device 10 with a plug element 14. The plug element 14 can be manufactured, for example, by means of a plastic injection molding process. The plug element 14 preferably has a receptacle 22. The signal element 16 can be arranged in the receptacle 22. More preferably, a trough 30 formed by a film 28 can be arranged in the receptacle 22. The receptacle 22 can, in particular, restrict and / or reduce the radiation and / or reception direction 24 of the signal element 16 to a surface 26 of the signal element 16.

[0035] Fig. Figure 2b shows a plug device 10 with a plug element 14. The plug element 14 has a receptacle 22. A trough 30 can be arranged in the receptacle 22. The trough 30 can enclose the signal element 16 such that the signal element 16 can only transmit and receive signals along a radiation and / or reception direction 24. The trough 30 is configured to completely enclose the signal element 16, except for a surface 26 of the signal element 16, which serves in particular for transmitting the signal.

[0036] Fig. 3 shows a plug device 10 with a plug 20. The plug 20 has a fluid line 12. Furthermore, the plug 20 is configured to form a connection 18 with the plug element 14. Furthermore, the plug 20 has, in particular, a blocking film 32, which is configured to at least temporarily cover the signal element 16 in a signal-blocking manner. The blocking element 32 can shield or cover the signal element 16, in particular for the time during which the connection 18 between the plug 20 and the plug element 14 is formed. More preferably, the blocking element 32 of the plug 20 is designed as a type of blocking film 34. The blocking film 34 and the signal element 16 have essentially the same cross-section, such that the blocking film 34 essentially completely covers the surface 26 of the signal element 16, in order to thus block a signal from the signal element 16.Further preferably, the plug 20 comprises a locking element 36, which is configured to position the plug 20 relative to the plug element 14 such that the connection 18 shields the signal element 16. In particular, the locking element 36 can be configured to position a blocking film 34, which is arranged on the plug 20, over the signal element 16 when the connection 18 is formed.

[0037] Fig. 4 shows a cross section through the plug device 10 when the connection 18 is formed. The plug device 10 has a plug element 14. The plug element 14 has a receptacle 22 in which the trough 30 is arranged. The signal element 16 is arranged in the trough 30. The trough 30 is designed such that the signal element 16 can only generate signals along a radiation and / or reception direction 24, in particular only on a surface 26 of the signal element 16. As in Fig. 4, the plug 20 is arranged on the plug element 14. The plug 20 has a blocking foil 34. The blocking foil 34 is designed and positioned such that the one radiation and reception direction 24 of the signal element 16 is blocked on the surface 26 of the signal element 16. As shown in the Fig. 4, the connection 18, in particular in cooperation with the trough 30 and the blocking foil 34, forms a box or cage around the signal element 16.

[0038] Fig. 5 shows a plug device 10 arranged in a vehicle 100. The plug device 10 comprises a plug element 14 with a signal element 16. A transmitter 202 can be arranged in the vicinity of the vehicle 100. The transmitter 202 can emit a signal to the signal element 16. More preferably, a receiver 204 is arranged in the vicinity of the vehicle 100. The receiver 204 can receive the formed signal element 16. More preferably, a plug 20 can be arranged on the plug element 14 by means of an assembly process 206 in order to thus form the connection 18. Once the connection 18 has been formed, the transmitter 202 can transmit signals to the signal element 16, but the receiver 204 can no longer receive signals from the signal element 16 because the connection 18 shields the signal element 16. Thus, it can be detected that the plug 20 has been successfully mounted on the plug element 14.

[0039] Fig. Figure 6a shows a plug device 10. The plug device 10 comprises a plug element 14, on which a signal element 16 is arranged. A transmitter 202 can transmit a signal that is reflected or bounced back by the signal element 16, so that the signal can be received by a receiver 204.

[0040] In the Fig. 6b shows how the plug 20 is at least partially pushed onto the plug element 14, wherein the plug 20 remains in a position in which the transmitter 202 can continue to transmit signals and these are reflected by the signal element 16 so that a receiver 204 can receive them.

[0041] In the Fig. 6c shows a connector device 10 that forms a connection 18 between the plug element 14 and the plug 20. The connection 18 is configured such that a signal from the signal element 16 is shielded or blocked. Thus, while the transmitter 202 can transmit signals, the receiver 204 cannot receive any signals because the connection 18 shields the signal element 16.

[0042] Fig. Figure 7 shows a flowchart illustrating steps of the method 200 according to one embodiment. The method 200 for forming a connection 18 using a connector device 10, as described above and below, comprises the following steps: • Receiving S1 a signal from a signal element 16 of the plug device 10, • Output of a test signal S2 when the received signal disappears and / or is blocked.

[0043] Fig. 8 shows an embodiment of the method 200. In the Fig. 8, the method 200 is described with the steps S1 and S2, which are already described with regard to the Fig. 7. Furthermore, the method 200 comprises the step S3 of connecting a plug element 14 to a plug 20 to form the connection 18. In addition, the method 200 comprises the steps S4 of receiving a user input and S5 of outputting a warning signal.

[0044] Fig. 9 shows a vehicle 100 having a connector device 10 as described above and below and / or a control device 102 configured to carry out the method 200 as described above and below.

Claims

[1] Connector device (10) for a line (12) of a vehicle (100), comprising: • a plug-in element (14), • a signal element (16), wherein the plug element (12) is configured to form a connection (18) with a plug (20), wherein the connection (18) is configured to shield the signal element (16). [2] Plug device (10) according to claim 1, wherein the plug element (14) has a receptacle (22) for the signal element (16), wherein the receptacle (22) is designed to restrict a radiation and / or reception direction (24) of the signal element (16) to a surface (26) of the signal element (16). [3] Plug device (10) according to claim 2, wherein a film (28) is arranged in the receptacle (22), which film is designed to block a signal of the signal element (16) and / or a signal directed to the signal element (16). [4] Plug device (10) according to claim 3, wherein the film (28) is formed as a trough (30) in the receptacle (22), wherein the trough (30) substantially completely encloses the signal element (16), in particular such that at least only a part of the signal element (16) is free from the trough (30). [5] Plug device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the plug (20) has at least one blocking element (32) which is designed to at least temporarily cover the signal element (16) in a signal-blocking manner. [6] Plug device (10) according to claim 5, wherein the blocking element (32) has a blocking film (34) to cover the signal element (16) in a signal-blocking manner. [7] Plug device (10) according to claim 6, wherein the blocking foil (34) and the signal element (16) have a substantially equal cross-sectional area. [8] Plug device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the plug element (14) has at least one locking element (36), wherein the locking element (36) is designed to position the plug (20) such that the connection (18) shields the signal element (16). [9] Plug device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, which has a further signal element (38), wherein the further signal element (38) is free from a shielding of the connection (18). [10] Method (200) for forming a connection (18) by means of a connector device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, comprising the steps: • Receiving (S1) a signal from a signal element (16) of the plug device (10), • Output of a test signal (S2) when the received signal disappears and / or is blocked. [11] The method (200) of claim 10, further comprising the step: • Connecting (S3) a plug element (14) to a plug (20) to form the connection (18), wherein the plug element (14) has the signal element (16), wherein the connection (18) is designed to block the signal element (16) in a signal-conducting manner. [12] Method (200) according to one of claims 10 to 11, further comprising the steps: • Receiving (S4) a user input which is indicative of the formation of the connection (20), • Output (S5) a warning signal when the user input is present and the signal is received. [13] Vehicle (100) comprising a plug device (10) according to one of claims 1 to 9 and / or a control device (102) which is configured to carry out the method (200) according to one of claims 10 to 12.

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