Connection feedthrough in a wall of a housing

The connection feedthrough design with a filled cavity and adhesive seal effectively addresses the issue of fluid ingress and egress in electric motor housings, ensuring a reliable seal in applications like truck steering systems.

DE102024137101A1Pending Publication Date: 2026-06-11IWIS MOBILITY SYST GMBH & CO KG

Patent Information

Authority / Receiving Office
DE · DE
Patent Type
Applications
Current Assignee / Owner
IWIS MOBILITY SYST GMBH & CO KG
Filing Date
2024-12-11
Publication Date
2026-06-11

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Existing connection feedthroughs in electric motor housings allow the ingress and egress of liquids and gases, particularly when the housing is filled with a fluid like oil, leading to potential contamination and leakage.

Method used

A connection feedthrough design that includes a cavity filled with a filler material, such as an adhesive, forming a fluid-tight seal between the housing interior and exterior, with features like abrupt gap widening and conical openings to prevent ingress and egress of fluids.

Benefits of technology

Ensures a robust and reliable fluid-tight seal, preventing contamination and leakage, especially in electric motors used in applications like steering systems for trucks where the housing is filled with oil.

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Abstract

The present invention relates to a connection feedthrough in a wall of a housing, in particular for an electric motor, comprising an opening extending through the wall of the housing, at least one connection arranged in the opening extending through the wall of the housing, wherein the connection extends from the interior of the housing to the outside, and a counterpart arranged in the housing that covers the opening extending through the wall of the housing at least partially towards the interior of the housing, wherein the opening extending through the wall of the housing, the counterpart and the connection arranged in the opening form a cavity and wherein the cavity is at least partially filled with a filler material, such that a fluid-tight seal of the interior of the housing to the outside is formed.Furthermore, the present invention relates to a housing with at least one such connection feedthrough, an electric motor with this housing and a method for manufacturing such a connection feedthrough.
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Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a connection feedthrough in a wall of a housing, in particular for an electric motor, according to the preamble of independent claim 1.

[0002] Such a connection feedthrough comprises an opening extending through the wall of the housing, at least one connection arranged in the opening extending through the wall of the housing, wherein the connection extends from the inside of the housing to the outside, and a counterpart arranged in the housing that covers the opening extending through the wall of the housing at least partially in the direction of the interior of the housing.

[0003] From EP 2 212 985 B1, a brushless electric motor with an electrical connection protruding from the housing is already known. The electric motor comprises a housing in which a rotor and a stator equipped with coils are arranged. The stator is connected to a switching ring, which includes conductor tracks that supply current to the stator coils and control the coils. Each of the conductor tracks is provided with a terminal. A connection element is provided on the side of the electric motor. The connection element has openings through which the terminals of the conductor tracks are inserted and led to the outside. The entire electric motor, i.e., the rotor, the stator, and the switching ring, is overmolded, with the connection element remaining exposed and protruding laterally from the electric motor.The connecting tabs are simply inserted through the openings in the connection part, allowing small particles and liquids to enter and escape from the housing.

[0004] The object of the present invention is to provide a connection feedthrough in a wall of a housing, in particular for an electric motor, which enables a wider range of applications for the electric motor and can in particular also be used when the housing of the electric motor is filled with a liquid.

[0005] This problem is solved by the features of independent claim 1.

[0006] Accordingly, a solution to the problem according to the invention exists if the opening extending through the wall of the housing, the counterpart and the connection arranged in the opening form a cavity, wherein the cavity is at least partially filled with a filler material, such that a fluid-tight seal of the interior of the housing to the outside is formed.

[0007] Such a connection bushing ensures that no liquids or gases can escape from the housing equipped with the connection bushing or penetrate the housing from the outside. This is particularly advantageous for electric motors whose housings are filled with a liquid, such as oil. Such an electric motor can be used, for example, in a steering system, especially for trucks.

[0008] Advantageous embodiments of the present invention are part of the dependent claims.

[0009] According to an advantageous embodiment of the present invention, the filler is an adhesive that bonds the opening extending through the wall of the housing, the connection arranged in the opening, and the counterpart to one another, so that a fluid-tight seal is formed between the interior of the housing and the outside. The adhesive forms a metallurgical bond with the opening extending through the wall of the housing, i.e., with the outer surface of this opening, the connection, and the counterpart, thereby achieving the desired seal.

[0010] In a further advantageous embodiment, the cavity formed by the opening extending through the housing wall, the counterpart, and the connection arranged in the opening can be filled from the outside. In this way, the filler or adhesive can be easily poured into the cavity from the outside, i.e., from the outside of the housing. Preferably, the cavity formed by the opening extending through the housing wall, the counterpart, and the connection arranged in the opening is open on the outside of the housing, i.e., it has an opening there through which the adhesive can be poured into the cavity.

[0011] In an alternative embodiment, a gap can be formed between the opening extending through the housing wall and the counterpart, with the gap widening abruptly towards the interior of the housing. This abrupt widening of the gap creates a shear edge for the adhesive. The adhesive therefore does not enter the interior of the housing but remains in the cavity. The cavity formed by the opening extending through the housing wall, the counterpart, and the connection arranged in the opening is thus open on both sides of the housing wall, i.e., on the inside and outside of the housing, with the open area on the outside of the housing being larger than the open area on the inside of the housing.

[0012] Another advantageous embodiment, particularly when the internal pressure in the motor is higher than the external pressure, can provide that the opening extending through the housing wall tapers at least partially towards the outside of the housing. The cross-sectional area of ​​the opening extending through the housing wall thus decreases, at least partially, from the inside of the housing outwards. The base of the opening is preferably designed as an elongated hole with semicircular ends, and the outer surface of the opening is conical.

[0013] This allows for a stronger sealing effect. During operation of the electric motor, the fluid inside the housing is pressurized and forces the conical filler or adhesive against the outer surface of the opening. Alternatively, particularly if the motor is operated in an area with higher external pressure than internal pressure, the cone can be positioned in the opposite direction. In this case, the opening extending through the housing wall increases, at least in some areas, towards the outside of the housing. The cross-sectional area of ​​the opening through the housing wall therefore increases, at least in some areas, from the inside of the housing outwards.

[0014] It can also be provided that the opening extending through the housing wall has a step on the outside of the housing, such that the cross-sectional area of ​​the opening increases at the step. The step helps to visually limit the filling volume and can serve as an overflow area or collection volume if too much adhesive is poured in.

[0015] Advantageously, the connection can also be designed as a terminal for electrically connecting the coils of an electric motor to a power supply and / or a control system. This ensures a simple and robust power supply.

[0016] Additional fixation of the filler or adhesive in the cavity formed by the opening extending through the wall of the housing, the counterpart and the connection arranged in the opening can be achieved if the connection arranged in the opening extending through the wall of the housing includes a recess extending transversely to the longitudinal extent of the opening extending through the wall of the housing, through which a filler bridge extends.

[0017] In a particularly simple and space-saving design, the counterpart can be configured as a switching ring for contacting the windings of the electric motor. The counterpart, or switching ring, forms an internal stop to prevent the filler or adhesive from sliding inwards.

[0018] The switching ring advantageously comprises at least one conductor track configured as a busbar with at least one contact end and at least one connection tab, wherein the at least one conductor track is overmolded with plastic except for the at least one contact end and the connection tab. The plastic overmolding creates a seal along the at least one conductor track.

[0019] Another embodiment provides that an outwardly tapered projection is formed at the point where the connecting tab exits the switching ring. The projection preferably extends around the entire circumference of the connecting tab. This stabilizes the connecting tab at the point of exit. Furthermore, the projection can facilitate positioning in the adhesive tool and alignment of the opening in the housing and the switching ring relative to each other.

[0020] Another embodiment, for which separate protection can also be claimed, provides that projecting ribs are formed on the counterpart, engaging with the housing. These ribs are thus designed as compression ribs. Preferably, these ribs extend in a circular arc with the motor shaft as the axis of the arc. Other configurations are also possible. The ribs can also be designed to extend radially away from the motor shaft. Preferably, the ribs are interrupted. The ribs engaging with the housing achieve vibration prevention or reduction.

[0021] Advantageously, the thickness of the ridges decreases with their height. The ridges can be easily engaged with the housing. It is particularly advantageous for the ridges to be deformed by this engagement with the housing. Since the thickness of the ridges decreases with their height, they can easily deform when engaged with the housing. This ensures that the switching ring is held firmly in the housing and achieves good vibration reduction.

[0022] Furthermore, the present invention also relates to a housing, in particular for an electric motor, with at least one connection opening, preferably at least six connection openings, according to any one of claims 1 to 14. The housing then has a simple and reliable seal for the connection openings, so that it is ensured that no liquid can escape from the inside of the housing to the outside.

[0023] The invention further relates to an electric motor comprising a housing according to claim 15. The housing of the electric motor thus has at least one connection feedthrough as described above, preferably at least six of the connection feedthroughs described above. The connection feedthroughs ensure that the exit points of the connections, preferably the electrical connections, of the electric motor from the housing are fluid-tight. This is particularly important when the housing of the electric motor is filled with oil to achieve a seal against the electronics.

[0024] In an advantageous embodiment of the electric motor, at least one terminal can be arranged parallel to the motor axis. This results in a compact design of the electric motor.

[0025] Simple manufacturing and assembly, yet reliable sealing, can be achieved if at least one of the connection ports is integrated into a bearing shield of the electric motor. As previously described, the electric motor housing is at least partially filled with oil. This is the case, for example, when the electric motor is part of a steering system and drives a hydraulic unit. The housing is partially open on one side. This avoids the need for a technically complex seal to the pump (sealing the shaft and dry-running bearings). Furthermore, it also provides cooling for the electric motor. During operation, the oil temperature increases, the oil becomes less viscous, and a seal to the electronics becomes particularly critical.

[0026] Furthermore, the invention also relates to a method for manufacturing a connection feedthrough in a wall of a housing, in particular for an electric motor, according to one of claims 1 to 14, comprising the following steps: - Positioning a housing with an opening extending from the inside to the outside through a wall of the housing, a connection extending through the opening of the housing and a counterpart relative to each other, such that the opening extending through the wall of the housing, the counterpart and the connection arranged in the opening form a cavity, wherein the connection extends through the cavity, - Injecting a plastic into the cavity, - Curing of the plastic in such a way that the inside of the housing is sealed fluid-tight to the outside.

[0027] This method easily ensures a fluid-tight seal at the point where the connection exits the housing. This is particularly important if the housing is partially open, allowing a fluid, such as oil, to enter the electric motor. In such cases, a reliable seal must be established between the motor and its electronics. This is achieved using an adhesive that bonds to the outer surface of the opening, the mating part, and the connection.

[0028] In one variant of the method, the counterpart is positioned relative to the opening extending through the housing wall in such a way that a gap is formed between the opening and the counterpart, with the gap widening abruptly towards the interior of the housing. This abrupt increase in the cross-sectional area of ​​the gap towards the interior of the housing creates a severance edge for the adhesive. The adhesive does not flow further at this severance edge or through this gap, thus reliably preventing the adhesive from penetrating the interior of the housing.

[0029] In a further advantageous embodiment of the method, the counterpart is designed as a switching ring comprising at least one conductor track with a terminal designed as a connection, wherein the conductor track is overmolded with plastic up to the terminal, and wherein the positioning of the switching ring with the terminal relative to the opening extending through the wall of the housing is achieved by means of conical projections formed at the point where the terminal exits the switching ring. The conductor tracks can also include contact ends for connecting the coils of the electric motor, which are likewise not overmolded with plastic. The switching ring already present in the electric motor therefore performs a further function: forming a counterpart to the opening in the housing wall, by means of which the gap forming the shear edge is adjusted.

[0030] A simpler version of the process can be achieved by curing the plastic using light, preferably UV light. For example, UV lamps can be positioned at the injection point for the adhesive, which then irradiate the plastic with UV light, causing it to cure.

[0031] In a further advantageous embodiment of the process, the curing of the plastic can be carried out by means of at least one additional method, preferably moisture curing or heat curing. This is particularly advantageous if the cavity into which the adhesive is poured has undercuts, etc., in which shadows form when irradiated with UV light. By using a second curing method, i.e., dual curing, it can be ensured that the adhesive is reliably cured in all areas of the cavity.

[0032] The invention is described in more detail below with reference to figures. The figures show: Fig. 1: Perspective view of an electric motor according to the invention from above, Fig. 2: Perspective view of the electric motor from Fig. 1 from the bottom, Fig. 3: Section through the electric motor Fig. 1 along line III - III, Fig. 4: Enlargement of a detail from Fig. 3, Fig. 5: Top view of a bearing shield of the electric motor made of Fig. 1, Fig. 6: Underside view of the bearing shield of the electric motor made of Fig. 1, Fig. 7: Section through the bearing shield made of Fig. 5 along line VII-VII, Fig. 8: Enlargement of a detail from Fig. 7, Fig. 9: Perspective view of a switching ring of the electric motor made of Fig. 1, Fig. 10: Section through the shift ring made of Fig. 9 along line X - X, Fig. 11: Enlargement of a detail from Fig. 10.

[0033] Fig. Figure 1 shows a perspective view of an electric motor 1 from above. The electric motor 1 has a housing 2 comprising a housing body 3 and a bearing shield 4. The housing body 3 is essentially cup-shaped and open on one side. The bearing shield 4 is attached to the open side of the housing body 3. Preferably, the bearing shield 4 is screwed to the housing body 3. Six connection ports 5 are formed in the bearing shield 4. Six electrical connections of the electric motor 1, designed as connection lugs 6, exit the electric motor 1 at the connection ports 5. The connection ports 5 seal the interior of the housing 2 fluid-tight from the outside. The connection lugs 6 are connected to electronics arranged outside the housing 2 and serve to supply power and control the coils of the electric motor 1.

[0034] Fig. Figure 2 shows a perspective view of the electric motor 1. Fig. 1 from below. The electric motor 1, as part of a steering system for trucks, drives a hydraulic unit. The housing 2, or housing body 3, has inlet openings 7 on its underside to allow oil to enter the electric motor. The electric motor 1 therefore runs in oil.

[0035] Fig. Figure 3 shows a cross-section through the electric motor 1. Fig. 1 along line III-III. As already described, the electric motor 1 comprises a housing 2 with a housing body 3 and a bearing shield 4. The bearing shield 4 is screwed to the housing body 3 by means of screws 11. A rotor 9 and a stator 10 are arranged in the housing 2. The stator 10 comprises a plurality of coils 12, and the rotor 9 comprises rotor lamination stacks equipped with permanent magnets, which are mounted on a motor shaft 8. A switching ring 13 is mounted on the stator 10, which serves to contact the coils 12. For this purpose, the switching ring 13 has a plurality of conductor tracks 14, in the illustrated case four, in the manner of a busbar. The conductor tracks 14 are designed as thin metal strips made of an electrically conductive material and have contact ends for contacting the coils 12 and / or connecting lugs 6. The conductor tracks 14 are electrically insulated from each other within the switching ring 13.Preferably, this is achieved using a plastic material, for example, a plastic overmolding. All conductor tracks 14 are overmolded with plastic, except for the contact ends and the terminals 6. The contact ends and the terminals 6 are not covered by plastic but protrude from the plastic overmolding. The switching ring 13 is arranged adjacent to the end shield 4. Openings 15 are formed in the end shield 4, extending completely through the wall 16 of the end shield 4. The openings 15 therefore form a connection from the inside of the housing 2 to the outside of the housing 2. The terminals 6 are arranged in the openings 15. The terminals 6 extend from the end shield 4 through the openings 15 in the end shield 4 to the outside of the housing 2 or the end shield 4.The bearing shield 4, the opening 15 extending through the wall 16 of the bearing shield 4, and the connecting lug 6 arranged in the opening 15 form a cavity 17. The cavity 17 is filled with a filler material (not shown) so that a fluid-tight seal of the housing 2 or the bearing shield 4 is achieved to the outside. Thus, the bearing shield 4, the opening 15 extending through the wall 16 of the bearing shield 4, the connecting lug 6 arranged in the opening 15, and the filler material arranged in the cavity 17 form a fluid-tight connection feedthrough 5. The electric motor according to the illustrated embodiment has six such connection feedthroughs 5. All six connection feedthroughs 5 are identical to each other.

[0036] Fig. 4 shows a detail from Fig. Figure 3 shows a cross-sectional enlargement of a connection feedthrough 5. As previously described, the switching ring 13 is located adjacent to the bearing shield 4. The connection lugs 6 of the conductor tracks 14 of the switching ring 13 extend through the openings 15 in the bearing shield 4. Each connection lug 6 extends through one of the openings 15. A circumferential plateau 20 is formed at the exit point 18 of the connection lug 6 from the plastic overmolding 19 of the switching ring 13. The plateau 20 projects beyond the main surface of the switching ring 13 facing the bearing shield 4. The plateau 20 is preferably part of the plastic overmolding 19. Preferably, the plateau 20 has a uniform thickness. The plateau 20 surrounds the connection lug 6 completely. An outwardly tapered projection 21 is formed on the plateau 20. The projection 21 is formed all around the respective connecting flag 6 and surrounds the connecting flag 6 on all sides.The connecting tab 6 and the projection 21 are arranged centrally in the opening 15 extending through the wall 16 of the bearing shield 4. The switching ring 13, or rather the plateau 20 of the switching ring 13, does not rest directly against the inner surface 22 of the bearing shield 4, but is arranged slightly spaced from the inner surface 22 of the bearing shield 4. This creates a gap 23 between the switching ring 4, in particular the plateau 20 of the switching ring 4, and the inner surface 22 of the bearing shield 4 surrounding the opening 15. Starting from the opening 15, which extends through the bearing shield 4, the gap 23 initially has a very small gap width B1. The maximum gap width depends on the viscosity of the adhesive.

[0037] Preferably, the gap width B1 is less than 0.5 mm. The width of the gap 23 then increases abruptly towards the interior of the housing 2. Preferably, the width of the gap increases to approximately three to four times the gap width B1. This is achieved by the plateau 20, which projects beyond the main surface of the switching ring 13.

[0038] The connecting lug 6 is arranged in the opening 15 extending through the wall 16 of the bearing shield 4 and projects out of the opening 15. Starting from its end facing the switching ring 13, the opening 15 initially has a straight profile. Subsequently, the opening 15 tapers outwards. In this area, the opening 15 is therefore conical. A step 25 is formed in the opening 15, starting from the outer surface 24 of the bearing shield 4. At the step 25, the cross-sectional area of ​​the opening 15 increases abruptly. Following the step 25, the opening 15 again has a straight profile.

[0039] As in Fig. As can be clearly seen in Figure 4, the cavity 17 is formed by the switching ring 13, in particular the plateau 20 of the switching ring 13 and the projection 21 formed thereon, the opening 15 extending through the wall of the bearing shield, and the connecting lug 6 arranged in the opening 15. The cavity 17 is open at both ends and has a first opening facing inwards towards the interior of the housing 2 and a second opening facing outwards on the outside of the housing 2. The inwards-facing first opening is formed by the gap 23. The area of ​​the first opening is therefore significantly smaller than the area of ​​the second opening. The cavity 17 is filled with a filler (not shown). This achieves a fluid-tight seal of the connection feedthrough 5 and thus a fluid-tight seal of the interior of the housing 2 to the outside. Preferably, the filler is an adhesive.

[0040] Fig. Figure 5 shows a top view of another embodiment of the bearing shield 4. The bearing shield according to Fig. 5, Fig. 6, Fig. 7 to Fig. 8 differs from the one in Fig. 1, Fig. 2, Fig. 3 to Fig. The bearing plate shown in Figure 4 indicates that the bearing plate 4 is open in the area of ​​the motor shaft 8. A separate cover is attached there, e.g., screwed on. This is shown in Figure 4. Fig. 5, Fig. 6, Fig. 7 to Fig. 8 not shown. In the Fig. 1, Fig. 2, Fig. 3 to Fig. 4. This separate cover is integrated into the bearing plate. The bearing plate in Fig. 1, Fig. 2, Fig. 3 to Fig. The bearing plate 4 is therefore designed as a closed variant. The bearing plate 4 is essentially circular. As already described, the bearing plate 4 has six openings 15 for receiving the connecting lugs of the switching ring. Three openings 15 are grouped together, with the two groups of openings facing each other. The cross-sectional area of ​​each of the openings 15 has the shape of an elongated hole with two parallel longitudinal sides, each terminated at its end by a semicircle. A step 25 is formed in the outer edge of each of the openings 15, representing a stepped increase in the cross-sectional area of ​​the opening 15.

[0041] Fig. Figure 6 shows a bottom view of the bearing shield 4. The six openings 15 in the bearing shield 4 are each surrounded by a recess 26. The recesses are not strictly necessary. However, high precision is required on this surface. This surface not only forms the gap between the bearing shield 4 and the plates 20 and the four other contact surfaces on the switching ring 13 for assembly, but also serves as the contact surface for webs or crimp ribs, which will be described in more detail below. Therefore, this surface is machined, as shown here by the recess 26. The respective plateau 20 of the switching ring 13 is arranged in the recesses 26 when the bearing shield 4 is attached to the housing body 3. In addition, a circumferential annular groove 27 is formed on the inside of the bearing shield 4. The annular groove 27 is located closer to the motor axis M than the openings 15. The recesses 26 around the openings 15 merge into the annular groove 27.On the inside of the bearing shield 4, four circular recesses 28 are formed, which lie at least partially in the annular groove 27.

[0042] Fig. Figure 7 shows a section through the bearing shield 4 along line VII-VII in Fig. 6, Fig. Figure 8 shows a enlargement of one of the openings 15 in cross-section. Starting from its end located on the inner side 22 of the bearing shield 4, the opening 15 initially has a straight profile. It then tapers outwards. The cross-sectional area of ​​the opening 15, i.e., the area perpendicular to the motor axis M, decreases towards the outside. In this area, the opening 15 is therefore conical. Starting from the outer side 24 of the bearing shield 4, a step 25 is formed in the opening 15. At the step 25, the cross-sectional area of ​​the opening 15 increases abruptly. Following the step 25, the opening 15 again has a straight profile. On the inner side of the bearing shield 4, a recess 26 is formed around the opening 15.

[0043] Fig. Figure 9 shows a perspective view of the switching ring 13. The switching ring 13 is formed from two essentially identical halves. The two halves of the switching ring are connected to each other by means of an elastic element 32. Each of the halves comprises conductor tracks 14, each with a terminal 6 and / or contact ends 29. In particular, the illustrated embodiment provides three conductor tracks, each with one terminal 6 and two contact ends 29, and one conductor track with six contact ends 29 and no terminal 6. The conductor tracks 14 are provided with a plastic overmolding 19, except for the terminal 6 and the contact ends 29. The plastic overmolding 19 thus forms an electrically insulating body from which the terminal 6 and the contact ends 29 protrude. Preferably, the conductor tracks 14 have an arc-shaped section, the center of curvature of which lies on the motor shaft M.The arc-shaped sections of the conductor tracks 14 extend perpendicular to the motor axis. The terminals 6 and / or the contact ends 29 are angled away from the arc-shaped sections and preferably extend parallel to the motor axis M. During operation of the electric motor 1, the oil in the housing 2 heats up, and its viscosity decreases. If a gap is formed between the conductor tracks 14 and the plastic overmolding 19, the oil creeps into this gap. The oil can then creep along the conductor tracks 14 and exit at the respective terminal 6. A sealing effect is achieved by the bonding between the terminal 6 and the opening 15. The bonding to the plastic, i.e., the exit point of the terminal 6 and the plateau 20, improves the strength of the connection.

[0044] Plateaus 20 are formed at the points where the connecting tabs 6 emerge from the plastic overmolding 19. The plateaus 20 project beyond the main surface of the switching ring. In addition, each connecting tab 6 is surrounded by a tapered projection 21.

[0045] On the side of the switching ring 13 facing the bearing shield 4, arcuate webs 30 are formed. In the assembled state of the electric motor 1, the arcuate webs 30 engage with the housing 2 or the bearing shield 4. The webs 30 are thus designed as compression ribs. The webs 30 are arranged in the circular groove 27 in the bearing shield 4. The webs 30 extend in a circular arc with the motor axis as the arc axis. The webs 30 are interrupted. Alternative configurations of the webs are also possible. For example, the webs can also be designed so that they extend radially away from the motor axis M. Since the webs 30 engage with the housing 2, vibration is prevented or reduced. The thickness of the webs 30 decreases with the web height. This is particularly important in Fig. 10 and Fig. Figure 11 shows that the webs 30 can therefore be easily engaged with the housing 2. This engagement with the housing 2 causes the webs 30 to deform. Since the thickness of the webs 30 decreases with their height, they can easily deform when engaged with the housing 2. This secures the switching ring 13 firmly in the housing 2 and effectively reduces vibration. Furthermore, the switching ring has annular projections 31. These projections 31 facilitate precise positioning during assembly.

[0046] Fig. Figure 10 shows a section through the switching ring 13 along the line X - X in Fig. 9, Fig.Figure 11 shows a cross-sectional enlargement of one of the connection lugs 6. The connection lugs 6 are designed as elongated rectangular elements. In the switching ring 13, eight conductor tracks 14 are arranged adjacent to one another. Six of the conductor tracks 14 encompass a connection lug 6, while two of the conductor tracks 14 do not have a connection lug. All conductor tracks 14, except for the connection lug in 6 and the contact ends 29, are overmolded with plastic. Furthermore, a plastic insert or a retaining element 33 may be provided, into which the conductor tracks 14 are inserted. The retaining element 33, with the conductor tracks 14 inserted therein, is then provided with the plastic overmolding 19. The plastic overmolding 19 or the retaining element 33 electrically insulates the conductor tracks 14 from one another. To increase the adhesive force of the connection lugs 6 with the filler or retaining element 33,To improve the adhesive introduced into the cavity 17, the surface of the connecting lugs in this area, i.e., where the connecting lugs extend through the opening 15 of the bearing shield 14, can be treated. One possible treatment would be increasing the surface roughness. Furthermore, a seal can be fitted onto the connecting lugs 6. The seal can be located in the area of ​​the respective connecting lug 6 that is surrounded by the plastic overmolding 19. In this case, the seal is injection-molded into the plastic overmolding 19. Alternatively, a seal can be fitted onto the area of ​​the connecting lugs 6 that extends out of the plastic overmolding 19. This seal rests against the plastic overmolding 19 and its shape is adapted to the tapered or conical projection 21 of the switching ring 13.This provides an additional seal for the connecting lugs 6, in particular an emergency seal in case of a possible defect at the connection point connecting lug / adhesive.

[0047] The following describes a method for manufacturing the connection arrangement described above. The housing 2, in particular the end shield 4 with the opening 15 extending outwards through a wall of the housing or end shield 4, the connection extending through the opening 15 of the housing or end shield 4 (i.e., the connection lug 6), and a counterpart, in this case the switching ring 13, are positioned relative to each other such that the connection lug 6 extends outwards through the opening 15. The opening 15 extending through the wall of the housing or end shield 4, the switching ring 13, and the connection lug 6 together form the cavity 17. The connection lug 6 extends outwards through the cavity 17.

[0048] A filler, preferably an adhesive, is then injected into the cavity 17. Preferably, the filler or adhesive is injected into the cavity 17 from the outside, i.e., from the outside of the bearing shield 4. The injected plastic is then cured so that the interior of the housing 2 is sealed fluid-tight to the outside. Curing can be initiated by irradiation with light, preferably UV light. Dual curing can also be used. In this case, the curing of the adhesive is initiated using two different curing methods. A combination of light curing (UV) and moisture curing or heat curing is particularly suitable.

[0049] When positioning the switching ring 13 and the bearing shield 4 relative to each other, the switching ring 13 and the bearing shield 4 are arranged such that a gap 23 is formed between the opening 15 extending through the wall of the bearing shield 4 and the switching ring 13, the gap 23 increasing abruptly towards the interior of the housing 2.

[0050] As previously described, the conductor tracks 14 are overmolded in plastic, except for the terminal tab 6. At the point 18 where the terminal tab emerges from the plastic overmolding 19 of the switching ring 13, a tapered or conical projection 21 is formed. The switching ring (via radial compression ribs) and the bearing shield (via a centering collar) are positioned in the housing 3 at the bore for the stator press fit. The angular position is determined solely by the assembly process.

[0051] The adhesive is cured using light, preferably UV light. UV lamps are provided for this purpose. The UV lamps can be positioned at the plastic injection point. As already described, the adhesive is preferably cured using two different curing methods (dual curing). In particular, a combination of light curing (UV) and moisture curing or heat curing can be used.

[0052] Preferably, the stator 10 with the switching ring 13 attached to it and the rotor are already mounted in the housing 2 or the housing body 3 and the bearing shield 4 is attached to the housing body 3 before the connection feedthrough 5 is made. Reference symbol list 1 electric motor 2 cases 3 Housing bodies 4 Storage sign 5 Connection feedthrough 6 Connection flag 7 Entrance opening 8 Motor shaft 9 Rotor 10 Stator 11 screws 12 coils 13 Switch ring 14 conductor track 15 Opening 16 Wall Bearing Shield 17 Cavity 18 Exit point Connection flag 19 Plastic overmolding shift ring 20 Plateau 21 advantage shift ring 22 Inside of storage label 23 gaps 24 Outer side of storage plate Level 25 26 recess 27 circular groove inside bearing plate 28 circular recesses inside bearing plate 29 contact ends 30 arched bridges 31 ring-shaped projections 32 elastic element switching ring 33 Holding part B1 Width of the gap 23 M motor axle QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

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

[0000] EP 2 212 985 B1

[0003]

Claims

[1] Connection feedthrough (5) in a wall of a housing (2), in particular for an electric motor (1), comprising: - an opening (15) extending through the wall of the housing (2), - at least one connection arranged in the opening (15) extending through the wall of the housing (2), wherein the connection extends from the inside of the housing (2) to the outside, and - a counterpart arranged in the housing (2) which covers at least partially the opening (15) extending through the wall of the housing (2) towards the interior of the housing (2), characterized by, that the opening (15) extending through the wall of the housing (2), the counterpart and the connection arranged in the opening (15) form a cavity (17), wherein the cavity (17) is at least partially filled with a filler material, such that a fluid-tight seal of the interior of the housing (2) is formed to the outside. [2] Connection feedthrough (5) according to claim 1, characterized by , that the filler is an adhesive which bonds the opening (15) extending through the wall of the housing (2), the connection arranged in the opening (15) and the counterpart together, so that a fluid-tight seal of the interior of the housing (2) is formed to the outside. [3] Connection feedthrough (5) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by, that the cavity (17) formed by the opening (15) extending through the wall of the housing (2), the counterpart and the connection arranged in the opening (15) can be filled from the outside. [4] Connection feedthrough (5) according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized by , that the counterpart is arranged in the housing (2) such that a gap (23) is formed between the opening (15) extending through the wall of the housing (2) and the counterpart, the gap (23) increasing abruptly in the direction of the interior of the housing (2). [5] Connection feedthrough (5) according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized by , that the opening (15) extending through the wall of the housing (2) tapers at least in some areas towards the outside of the housing (2). [6] Connection feedthrough (5) according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized by, that the opening (15) extending through the wall of the housing (2) has a step (25) on the outside of the housing (2) such that the cross-sectional area of ​​the opening (15) increases at the step (25). [7] Connection feedthrough (5) according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized by , that the connection is designed as a terminal (6) for the electrical connection of the coils of the electric motor (1) to a power supply and / or a control system. [8] Connection feedthrough (5) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized by , that the connection arranged in the opening (15) extending through the wall of the housing (2) comprises a recess extending transversely to the longitudinal extent of the opening (15) extending through the wall of the housing (2), through which a filler bridge extends. [9] Connection feedthrough (5) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized by, that the counterpart is designed as a switching ring (13) for contacting the windings of the coils of the electric motor (1). [10] Connection feedthrough (5) according to claim 9, characterized by , that the switching ring (13) comprises at least one conductor track (14) designed in the manner of a busbar with at least one contact end (29) and at least one connecting tab (6), wherein the at least one conductor track (14) is overmolded with plastic except for the at least one contact end (29) and the connecting tab (6). [11] Connection feedthrough (5) according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized by , that protruding webs (30) are formed on the switching ring (13) which engage with the housing (2). [12] Connection feedthrough (5) according to claim 11, characterized by , that the thickness of the webs (30) decreases with the web height. [13] Connection feedthrough (5) according to claim 11 or 12, characterized by, that the bridges (30) are deformed by the interaction with the housing (2). [14] Housing (2), in particular for an electric motor (1), with at least one connection feedthrough (5), preferably with six connection feedthroughs (5), according to one of claims 1 to 13. [15] Electric motor (1) comprising a housing (2) according to claim 14. [16] Electric motor (1) according to claim 15, characterized by , that the at least one connecting lug (6) is arranged parallel to the axis of the motor axis (M) of the electric motor (1). [17] Electric motor (1) according to claim 15 or 16, characterized by , that at least one connection feedthrough (5) is formed in a bearing shield (4) of the electric motor (1). [18] Method for producing a connection feedthrough (5) in a wall of a housing (2), in particular for an electric motor (1), according to any one of claims 1 to 13, comprising the following steps: - Positioning a housing (2) with an opening (15) extending outwards through a wall of the housing (2), a connection extending through the opening (15) of the housing (2) and a counterpart relative to each other, such that the opening (15) extending through the wall of the housing (2), the counterpart and the connection arranged in the opening (15) form a cavity (17), wherein the connection extends through the cavity (17), - Injecting a plastic into the cavity (17), - Curing of the plastic in such a way that the interior of the housing (2) is sealed fluid-tight to the outside. [19] Method according to claim 18, characterized by, that the counterpart is positioned relative to the opening (15) extending through the wall of the housing (2) such that a gap (23) is formed between the opening (15) extending through the wall of the housing (2) and the counterpart, the gap (23) increasing abruptly towards the interior of the housing (2). [20] Method according to claim 18 or 19, characterized by , that the counterpart is designed as a switching ring (13) comprising at least one conductor track (14) with a terminal tab (6) designed as a connection, wherein the conductor track (14) is overmolded with plastic up to the terminal tab (6), and wherein the positioning of the switching ring (13) with the terminal tab (6) relative to the opening (15) extending through the wall of the housing (2) is effected by means of cone-shaped projections (21) formed at the exit point (18) of the terminal tab (6) from the switching ring (13). [21] Method according to any one of claims 18 to 20, characterized by that the plastic is cured using light, preferably UV light. [22] Method according to claim 21, characterized by that the curing of the plastic is carried out by means of at least one further process, preferably by means of moisture curing or heat curing.