U.S. patent application number 13/505221 was filed with the patent office on 2012-08-23 for sensor arrangement for a vehicle and corresponding method for producing such a sensor arrangement.
This patent application is currently assigned to Robert Bosch GmbH. Invention is credited to Jan Beyersdorfer, Daniel Matthie, Ronald Steinbrink.
Application Number | 20120210786 13/505221 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 43805678 |
Filed Date | 2012-08-23 |
United States Patent
Application |
20120210786 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Steinbrink; Ronald ; et
al. |
August 23, 2012 |
Sensor Arrangement for a Vehicle and Corresponding Method for
Producing such a Sensor Arrangement
Abstract
A sensor arrangement for a vehicle includes a sensor element and
a connection cable at least partially encased with plastic by means
of injection moulding in order to form a sensor housing. The sensor
housing is connected to a fastening tab which comprises a base body
having fastening means. The fastening tab includes an insertion
sleeve which is connected to the base body and into which a sensor
housing body of the sensor housing is inserted. The sensor housing
and the insertion sleeve each comprise fixing means which are
designed in such a manner that there are different angular
positions for fixing the sensor housing and the fastening tab. The
sensor housing and the fastening tab are fixed in one of the
different angular positions with respect to one another.
Inventors: |
Steinbrink; Ronald; (Erfurt,
DE) ; Matthie; Daniel; (Eisenach, DE) ;
Beyersdorfer; Jan; (Foertha, DE) |
Assignee: |
Robert Bosch GmbH
Stuttgart
DE
|
Family ID: |
43805678 |
Appl. No.: |
13/505221 |
Filed: |
October 29, 2010 |
PCT Filed: |
October 29, 2010 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/EP2010/066521 |
371 Date: |
April 30, 2012 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
73/431 ;
29/428 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H04L 1/0035 20130101;
H04L 1/0009 20130101; H04L 1/0026 20130101; H04L 1/18 20130101;
H04L 1/0015 20130101; H04L 2001/0097 20130101; Y10T 29/49826
20150115; H04L 1/0003 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
73/431 ;
29/428 |
International
Class: |
G01D 11/24 20060101
G01D011/24; B23P 11/00 20060101 B23P011/00 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Oct 30, 2009 |
US |
61256730 |
Claims
1. A sensor arrangement for a vehicle, comprising: a sensor
element; and a connecting cable, wherein the sensor element and the
connecting cable are at least partially encased with plastic by
injection molding in order to form a sensor housing, wherein the
sensor housing is connected to a fastening tab which comprises a
base body with fastening means, wherein the fastening tab comprises
an insertion sleeve which is connected to the base body and into
which a sensor housing body of the sensor housing is inserted,
wherein the sensor housing and the insertion sleeve each comprise
securing means which are embodied in such a way that various
angular positions for securing the sensor housing and the fastening
tab are present, and wherein the sensor housing and the fastening
tab are secured with respect to one another in one of the various
angular positions.
2. The sensor arrangement as claimed in claim 1, characterized in
that further comprising: a star contour is integrally formed onto
the sensor housing body as a securing means, which wherein the star
contour interacts with a corresponding star contour which is
arranged on the insertion sleeve.
3. The sensor arrangement as claimed in claim 2, characterized in
that wherein the star contour of the sensor housing body is hot
caulked with the corresponding star contour of the insertion
sleeve.
4. The sensor arrangement as claimed in claim 1, further
comprising: positioning means, which are embodied as latching
contours, arranged on the connecting cable and on the fastening
tab, wherein the positioning means lock the connecting cable which
is bent into an angular position with respect to the sensor element
and/or with respect to the fastening tab.
5. The sensor arrangement as claimed in claim 4, wherein: a first
latching contour is arranged as a sleeve-shaped contour on the
connecting cable, and at least one second latching contour is
embodied as a cut-out with integrally formed-on latching
projections as part of the fastening tab.
6. The sensor arrangement as claimed in claim 4, further
comprising: a cap with at least one cut-out for the connecting
cable, wherein the cap covers the bent region of the connecting
cable and is fitted over the fastening tab and latched.
7. A method for producing a sensor arrangement, comprising: at
least partially encasing with plastic a sensor element and a
connecting cable, are at least partially encased with plastic by
injection molding in order to form a sensor housing; connecting the
sensor housing to a fastening tab which has a base body; inserting
a sensor housing body of the sensor housing into an insertion
sleeve which is connected to the base body; respectively arranging
a securing means on the sensor housing and on the insertion sleeve;
and are erred embodying the securing means in such a way that
various angular positions for securement between the sensor housing
and the fastening tab are made available; and securing the sensor
housing and the fastening tab with respect to one another in one of
the various angular positions.
8. The method as claimed in claim 7, further comprising: hot
caulking the securing means of the sensor housing body are hot
caulked to the corresponding securing means of the insertion
sleeve.
9. The method as claimed in claim 7, wherein: positioning means,
which are embodied as latching contours and which lock the
connecting cable which is bent into an angular position with
respect to the sensor element and/or to the fastening tab are
integrally injection-molded on to the connecting cable and onto the
fastening tab, a first latching contour is integrally injection
molded onto the connecting cable as a sleeve-shaped contour, and at
least one second latching contour is integrally injection molded
onto the fastening tab as a cut-out with integrally molded-on
latching projections.
10. The method as claimed in claim 7, wherein: a cap having at
least one cut-out for the connecting cable, is fitted onto the
fastening tab and latched, and the cap covers the bent region of
the connecting cable.
Description
PRIOR ART
[0001] The invention is based on a sensor arrangement for a vehicle
of the generic type of independent patent claim 1 and on a
corresponding method for producing such a sensor arrangement of
independent patent claim 7.
[0002] German Laid-Open Patent Application DE 10 2008 042 091 A1
describes a method for producing a magnetic field sensor and a
corresponding magnetic field sensor, in particular for use as a
rotational speed sensor and/or direction of rotation sensor for the
rotation of the wheel or for the drive train of a motor vehicle.
The described magnetic field sensor comprises an electrical
assembly for sensing and evaluating magnetic field signals and a
connecting cable, which are together encased in plastic in an
injection molding process. At the same time, a fastening tab is
integrally molded on, which fastening tab has a base body with a
fastening bush. The described production method uses fabrication
methods which are proven for the production of sensors with an
axial cable outlet, and fabrication devices for producing sensors
with a bent cable outlet, which devices have only to be combined
with one assembly station in which the connecting cable is then
also fully automatically bent and locked in the bent position by
suitable means. A positioning means which is embodied as a latching
contour and/or riveting contour is expediently provided for the
locking process. The latching contour and/or riveting contour can
be integrally injection molded onto the connecting cable and, after
the bending of the cable into its predetermined angular position,
said latching contour and/or riveting contour can be latched or
riveted with a positioning means which is also embodied as a
latching contour and/or a riveting contour on the fastening
tab.
[0003] In order to bend the cable into the predetermined angular
position, the cable no longer has to be removed from the work piece
carrier, since the type of connection permits immediate locking. As
a result, the process times are reduced. Regardless of the desired
angular position (radial or axial) of the cable relative to the
sensor, this concept permits recourse to just one single
fabrication line. However, in order to produce different positions
of the fastening tab and different functional lengths, it is
necessary to make changes to the injection molding molds of the
rotational speed sensors. It is therefore possible, for example,
for new mold inserts and/or adjustment of mold inserts to be
necessary, as a result of which the molds become very complex and
high-maintenance.
DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION
[0004] The sensor arrangement according to the invention for a
vehicle having the features of independent claim 1 and a
corresponding method for producing such a sensor having the
features of independent claim 7 have the advantage that a sensor
element and a connecting cable are at least partially encased with
plastic by injection molding in order to form a sensor housing, and
the sensor housing is subsequently connected to a fastening tab
which comprises a base body with fastening means. The fastening tab
can also be produced, for example, as a plastic injection molded
part in a separate work step. According to the invention, the
fastening tab comprises an insertion sleeve which is connected to
the base body and into which a sensor housing body of the sensor
housing is inserted, wherein the sensor housing and the insertion
sleeve each comprise securing means which are embodied in such a
way that various angular positions for securing the sensor housing
and the fastening tab are present, wherein the sensor housing and
the fastening tab are secured with respect to one another in one of
the various angular positions. By means of the various angular
positions it is possible to select the optimum angular position of
the fastening tab in relation to the sensor housing with respect to
the installation position in the vehicle. As a result, the shape of
the sensor arrangement can be matched in an optimum way to the
installation space in the vehicle. The sensor arrangement according
to the invention is essentially produced by mounting the sensor
housing in the fastening tab. Embodiments of the invention
advantageously permit sensor arrangements whose fastening tabs and
sensor housings can have different angular positions with respect
to one another to be produced without changes being necessary to
the injection molding molds. The various sensor arrangements are
produced by means of the assembly process, wherein the flexibility
of the angular position of the fastening tab with respect to the
sensor housing is brought about, for example, by means of a
plurality of latching possibilities.
[0005] As a result of the measures and developments specified in
the dependent claims, advantageous improvements of the sensor
arrangement for a vehicle, which is disclosed in independent patent
claim 1, and of the method for producing such a sensor arrangement,
disclosed in independent patent claim 7, are possible.
[0006] It is particularly advantageous that a star contour is
integrally formed onto the sensor housing body as a securing means,
which star contour interacts with a corresponding star contour
which is arranged on the insertion sleeve. The sensor housing is
therefore inserted into the insertion sleeve of the fastening tab
and the angular position of the fastening tab with respect to the
sensor housing is advantageously secured by means of the star
contour provided on both parts.
[0007] In a refinement of the sensor arrangement according to the
invention, the star contour of the sensor housing body is hot
caulked with the corresponding star contour of the insertion
sleeve. The hot caulking can advantageously ensure a desired
functional dimension and a durable connection between the
components.
[0008] In a further refinement of the sensor arrangement according
to the invention, positioning means, which are embodied as latching
contours, are arranged on the connecting cable and on the fastening
tab, for the purpose of locking the connecting cable which is bent
into an angular position with respect to the sensor element and/or
with respect to the fastening tab. For the purpose of locking, for
example, a first latching contour is arranged as a sleeve-shaped
contour on the connecting cable, and at least one second latching
contour is embodied as a cut-out with integrally formed-on latching
projections as part of the fastening tab. The latching contour is
of relatively small design, with the result that the expenditure on
material is reduced compared to the prior art. In order to bend the
cable into the predetermined angular position, the cable no longer
has to be removed from the work piece carrier after the caulking
process since the method of connecting permits immediate securing.
As a result, the process times are reduced. If a plurality of
second latching contours are arranged on the fastening tab, the
connecting cable can be bent over radially in various directions,
of which directions a preferred bending direction is selected as a
function of the installation space in the vehicle in order to
permit optimum guidance of the connecting cable in the vehicle.
After the locking of the position elements, the positioning means
which are integrally formed onto the fastening tab absorb the axial
tensile forces from the connecting cable.
[0009] In a further refinement of the sensor arrangement according
to the invention, a cap with at least one cut-out for the
connecting cable is provided. In this context, the cap covers the
bent region of the connecting cable and is fitted over the
fastening tab and latched. In order to secure all the parts, the
cap is pushed onto the fastening tab and latched. In this context,
the radial forces from the connecting cable are not absorbed by the
latched connection but rather by an encompassing geometry. The cap
advantageously serves as a fastening element and as a heat
protection for the bending point of the connecting cable.
[0010] The positioning means for the connecting cable are
advantageously integrally injection molded on at least partially to
the connecting cable and/or to the sensor unit and/or to the
fastening tab, with the result that loose positioning means and
fastening means can be at least largely dispensed with. In
particular, the positioning means are integrally injection molded
onto the connecting cable and to the fastening tab of the sensor
arrangement. The sensor element and/or an electronic assembly
sense/senses a magnetic field to be monitored and
evaluate/evaluates the sensor signals. This determines the
orientation of the sensor element and the fastening tab as well as
the routing of the connecting cable.
[0011] Exemplary embodiments of the invention are illustrated in
the drawings and will be explained in more detail in the following
description.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0012] In the drawings:
[0013] FIG. 1 is a perspective illustration of a first exemplary
embodiment of a sensor arrangement according to the invention,
[0014] FIG. 2 is a perspective illustration of a first exemplary
embodiment of a fastening tab for the sensor arrangement according
to the invention from FIG. 1,
[0015] FIG. 3 is a perspective illustration of a sensor housing
with securing means and connecting cable onto which first
positioning means are integrally injection molded according to a
first exemplary embodiment, for the sensor arrangement according to
the invention from FIG. 1,
[0016] FIG. 4 shows a perspective illustration of the sensor
housing which is illustrated in FIG. 3 and which is connected to
the fastening tab from FIG. 2, before the bending of the cable
outlet into a bent position,
[0017] FIG. 5 shows a perspective illustration of the arrangement
from FIG. 4 with a connecting cable which is bent at a right angle,
before a loose cap is plugged on,
[0018] FIG. 6 shows a perspective illustration of a first exemplary
embodiment of a cap for the sensor arrangement according to the
invention from FIG. 1,
[0019] FIG. 7 shows a perspective illustration of a second
exemplary embodiment or the sensor arrangement according to the
invention,
[0020] FIG. 8 shows a perspective illustration of a second
exemplary embodiment of the sensor arrangement according to the
invention from FIG. 7 without a fitted-on cap,
[0021] FIG. 9 shows a perspective illustration of a second
exemplary embodiment of a cap for the sensor arrangement according
to the invention from FIGS. 7, and
[0022] FIG. 10 shows a perspective illustration of the inventive
sensor arrangement illustrated in FIG. 7 with the cap in position
but not yet completely fitted on.
EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION
[0023] In the accompanying FIGS. 1 to 10, identical reference
symbols denote throughout elements and/or components which carry
identical or analogous functions.
[0024] FIG. 1 illustrates a first exemplary embodiment of a sensor
arrangement 1 with a sensor element 11 and/or an electrical
assembly for detecting and evaluating measurement signals, in
particular magnetic field signals, a fastening tab 30, a connecting
cable 16 and cap 40. The sensor element 11 and the connecting cable
16 have been at least partially encased with plastic by injection
molding in order to form a sensor housing 10. The sensor housing 10
is connected to the fastening tab 30 which comprises a base body 32
with a fastening bush 38 which is arranged to the side of the cable
outlet. In addition, the fastening tab 30 comprises an insertion
sleeve 34 which is connected to the base body 32 and into which a
sensor housing body 12 of the sensor housing 10 is inserted. The
sensor housing 10 and the insertion sleeve 34 each comprise
securing means 14, 15, 34.1, 34.2 which are described in detail
with reference to FIGS. 2 to 5. The securing means 14, 15, 34.1,
34.2 are embodied in such a way that various angular positions for
securing the sensor housing 10 and the fastening tab 30 are
present, wherein the sensor housing 10 and fastening tab 30 are
secured with respect to one another in one of the various angular
positions.
[0025] As is apparent from FIGS. 1 to 6, a sleeve-like contour 22
is injection molded, as first positioning means 20, onto the
connecting cable 16 near to the fastening tab 30, said positioning
means 20 interacting with corresponding positioning means 36 which
are arranged on the fastening tab 30, in order to lock an angular
position of the bent connecting cable 16 with respect to the sensor
element 11 and/or with respect to the fastening tab 30. The
positioning means 20, 36 are described in detail below with
reference to FIGS. 2 to 5. In particular a polyamide material is
suitable as a plastic for the uniform encapsulation by injection
molding in the region of the sensor element 11 and/or of the
electrical assembly and of the connecting cable 16 as well as for
producing the fastening tab 30 and for embedding the fastening bush
38.
[0026] As is apparent from FIGS. 1 to 6, a fastening bush 38 is
embedded in the fastening tab 30, through which fastening bush 38,
for example, a screw for fastening the sensor arrangement 1 can be
led in order to fasten the sensor arrangement 1 at the installation
location in the vehicle. In addition, the fastening tab 30
comprises an insertion sleeve 34 which is integrally formed onto
the base body 32 during the injection process in the illustrated
exemplary embodiment. In order to secure the sensor housing 10 and
the fastening tab 30, a star contour 34.2 is provided at an upper
end 34.1 of the insertion sleeve 34, which star contour 34.2
interacts with a further star contour 15 which is arranged at an
upper end 14 of the sensor housing body 12. In the illustrated
exemplary embodiment, the star contour 15 which is arranged at the
upper end 14 of the sensor housing body 12 is embodied as a
positive star contour with corresponding projections, and the star
contour 36.2 which is arranged at the upper end 34.1 of the
insertion sleeve 34 is embodied as a negative star contour with
corresponding cut-outs for receiving the projections of the
positive star contour 15. In accordance with the number of
projections and corresponding cut-outs, various angular positions
are present in which the sensor housing 10 or the sensor housing
body can be inserted into the insertion sleeve 34. In order to
improve securing between the sensor housing body 12 and the
insertion sleeve 34, the star contour 15 of the sensor housing body
12 can be hot caulked to the corresponding star contour 34.2 of the
insertion sleeve 34 in the desired angular position.
[0027] As is also apparent from FIGS. 1 to 6, second positioning
means 36 in the form of an angular element are integrally formed on
to the fastening tab 30, which angular element interacts with the
first positioning means 20 which are embodied as a sleeve-like
contour 22 and integrally injection molded onto the connecting
cable 16 in order to lock an angular position of the bent
connecting cable 16 with respect to the sensor element 11 and/or
with respect to the fastening tab 30. As is also apparent from FIG.
2, the second positioning means 36, which are embodied as an
angular element, comprise a first limb 36.1 and a second limb 36.3
which are in a predefined angular position with respect to one
another. In the illustrated exemplary embodiment, the two limbs
36.1 and 36.3 are essentially perpendicular to one another. The
first limb 36.1 is embodied as a partial prolongation of the
insertion sleeve 34 and also has a star contour 36.2 in order to
permit the sensor housing body 12 to be inserted into the insertion
sleeve 34. The second limb 36.3 has a depression (not noted in more
detail) which is matched to an annular collar 24 which is
integrally formed onto one side of the sleeve-shaped contour 22. A
further annular collar 26 is integrally formed onto the other end
of the sleeve-shaped contour 22. A latching contour with a cut-out
36.5, onto each of whose ends a latching projection 36.6 is
integrally formed, is arranged at the end of the second limb 36.3.
the cut-out 36.5 and the latching projections 36.6 and the first
positioning means 20 which are integrally injection-molded onto the
connecting cable 16 are also matched to one another, with the
result that after the bending of the connecting cable 16 the
latching projections 36.6 latch with the sleeve-shaped contour 22
in order to lock the bent connecting cable 16 in the predefined
angular position. The two annular collars 24, 26 which are
integrally formed onto the sleeve-shaped contour 22 limit the axial
play of the connecting cable 16 and advantageously absorb the axial
tensile forces.
[0028] In order to secure all the parts, the cap 40 is pushed over
the upper end 34.1 of the insertion sleeve 34, and over the two
lateral surfaces 36.4 of the second positioning means 36 which are
embodied as an angular element. For this purpose, the cap 40 has a
cut-out 42 which corresponds to the bend in the connecting cable
and whose upper opening 42.1 is matched to the contour of the
annular collar 24 and has a stop (not denoted in more detail) for
the annular collar 24. The lower edge of the cut-out 42 is embodied
as a reinforcement bar 44 with which the cap 40 rests on the edge
of the insertion sleeve 34. A bearing surface 48 and a latching
projection 46 are integrally formed onto each end of the
reinforcement bar 44 of the cap 40, which bearing surface 48 and
latching projection 46 latch with correspondingly embodied latching
edges 36.7 on the lateral surfaces 36.4 of the second positioning
means 36 which are embodied as an angular element. After the
latching the bearing surfaces 48 of the cap lie on the side
surfaces 36.4 of the second positioning means 36 which are embodied
as an angular element. This means that in the cap 40 the radial
forces which come from the connecting cable 16 are not absorbed by
the latching connection but rather by the geometry engaging around
in the form of the bearing surfaces 48 and the lateral surfaces
36.4. The cap 40 therefore serves as a fastening element and as a
heat protection for the bending point of the connecting cable 16.
The configuration of the first and second positioning means 20, 36
and of the cut-out 42 in the cap 40 are selected in the illustrated
exemplary embodiment in such a way that right-angled deflection of
the connecting cable 16 with respect to the sensor housing body 12
takes place. Where necessary, any other desired deflection angle
for the connecting cable 16 can also be implemented by
corresponding configurations of the first and second positioning
means 20, 36 and of the cut-out 42 in the cap 40.
[0029] FIG. 7 illustrates a second exemplary embodiment of a sensor
arrangement 1' with a sensor element 11 and/or an electrical
assembly for sensing and evaluating measurement signals, in
particular magnetic field signals, a fastening tab 30', a
connecting cable 16' and a cap 40'. The sensor element 11 and the
connecting cable 16' have been at least partially encased with
plastic by injection molding in order to form a sensor housing 10.
The sensor housing 10 corresponds essentially to the first
embodiment of the invention described with reference to FIGS. 1 to
6.
[0030] As is apparent from FIGS. 7 to 10, the sensor housing 10 is
connected to a fastening tab 30' which comprises a base body 32'
with a fastening bush 38' which is arranged to the side of the
cable outlet. In a way analogous to the first exemplary embodiment,
the fastening tab 30' has an insertion sleeve 34' which is
connected to the base body 32' and into which the sensor housing
body 12 of the sensor housing 10 is inserted. The sensor housing 10
and the insertion sleeve 34' each comprise, in a way analogous to
the first exemplary embodiment, securing means 14, 15, 34.1', 34.2'
which are embodied in such a way that various angular positions for
securing the sensor housing 10 and the fastening tab 30' are
present, wherein the sensor housing 10 and the fastening tab 30'
are secured with respect to one another in one of the various
angular positions. In a way analogous to the first exemplary
embodiment, a fastening bush 38', through which, for example, a
screw for fastening the sensor arrangement 1' can be led, is
embodied in the fastening tab 30', in order to fasten the sensor
arrangement 1' at the installation location in the vehicle. In
addition, the fastening tab 30' comprises an insertion sleeve 34'
which, in the illustrated exemplary embodiment, is integrally
formed onto the base body 32' during the injection process. In
order to secure the sensor housing 10 to the fastening tab 30', a
star contour 34.2' is provided at the upper end 34.1' of the
insertion sleeve 34', which star contour 34.2' interacts with a
further star contour 15 which is arranged at the upper end 14 of
the sensor housing body 12. In a way analogous to the first
exemplary embodiment, the star contour 15 which is arranged at the
upper end 14 of the sensor housing body 12 is arranged as a
positive star contour and the star contour 36.2' which is arranged
at the upper end 34.1' of the insertion sleeve 34' is embodied as a
negative star contour 15. In accordance with the number of
projections and corresponding cut-outs, various angular positions
are present in which the sensor housing 10 and/or the sensor
housing body 12 can be inserted into the insertion sleeve 34'. In
order to improve the securing between the sensor housing body 12
and the insertion sleeve 34', the two star contours 15, 34.2 can
also be hot caulked in the second exemplary embodiment.
[0031] As is also apparent from FIGS. 7 to 10 a sleeve-shaped
contour 22' with an annular collar 24' is injection molded, as a
first positioning means 20' onto the connecting cable 16' near to
the fastening tab 30', which positioning means 20' interacts with
corresponding positioning means 36' arranged on the fastening tab
30', in order to secure an angular position of the bent connecting
cable 16' with respect to the sensor element 11 and/or with respect
to the fastening tab 30'. In contrast to the first exemplary
embodiment, second positioning means 36' in the form of a spherical
shell are integrally formed onto the fastening tab 30', which
second positioning means 36' interact with the first positioning
means 20 which are embodied as a sleeve-shaped contour 22' and are
integrally injection molded onto the connecting cable 16', in order
to permit the bent connecting cable 16' to be locked in three
different angular positions.
[0032] As is also apparent from FIGS. 7 to 10, the second
positioning means 36' which are embodied as a spherical shell
comprise an inner wall 36.1' with a shoulder 36.3' and an outer
wall 36.4'. A lower region of the inner wall 36.1' which is not
noted in more detail and the shoulder 36.3' are at a predefined
angular position with respect to one another. In the illustrated
exemplary embodiment the shoulder 36.3' is essentially
perpendicular to the inner wall 36.1'. The lower region of the
inner wall 36.1' is embodied as a prolongation of the insertion
sleeve 34' and also has a star contour 36.2' in order to permit the
insertion of the sensor housing body 12 into the insertion sleeve
34'. The shoulder 36.3' has a plurality of depressions (not denoted
in more detail) which are matched to the annular collar 24 of the
sleeve-shaped contour 22. Three latching contours each with a
cut-out 36.5' are arranged in the second positioning means 36'
which are embodied as a spherical shell, onto each of the ends of
which latching contours latching projections 36.6' are integrally
formed. The cut-outs 36.5' and the latching projections 36.6' and
the first positioning means 20' which are integrally injection
molded onto the connecting cable 16' are therefore matched to one
another in such a way that after the bending of the connecting
cable 16' the latching projections 36.6' latch with the
sleeve-shaped contour 22' in order to lock the bent connecting
cable 16' in the selected angular position. The annular collar 24'
which is integrally formed onto the sleeve-shaped contour 22'
limits the axial play of the connecting cable 16' and
advantageously absorbs the axial forces.
[0033] In order to secure all the parts, the cap 40' is fitted onto
the second positioning means 36', which are embodied as a spherical
shell, and latched. For this purpose, the cap 40' has a cut-out 40
which corresponds to the bend in the connecting cable 16' and has
two main openings 42.1', 42.2'. A first main opening 42.1 is
matched to the outer contour of the sleeve-shaped contour 22 and
has a bearing surface 48.2 for the annular collar 24' of the
sleeve-shaped contour 22'. A second main opening 42.2' has a larger
clear width than the first main opening 42.1' and is matched to the
contour of the annular collar 24' in such a way that the second
main opening 42.2' can be pushed over the annular collar 24', the
upper edge of which second main opening 42.2' is matched to the
contour of the annular collar 24. The lower edge of the cut-out 42'
is formed by two clamping bars 44' which downwardly bound two
further cut-outs 49' which are matched to the contour of the outer
wall 36.4' of the second positioning means 36' which are embodied
as a spherical shell, in such a way that in the latched state of
the cap 40', two bearing surfaces 48.1' which bound the cut-out 49'
bear on the outer wall 36.4' of the second positioning means 36'
which are embodied as a spherical shell. In the latched state of
the cap 40', the two latching projections 46' which are integrally
formed onto the clamping bars 44' engage around the contour of the
second positioning means 36' which are embodied as a spherical
shell. This means that in the cap 40' the radial forces which come
from the connecting cable 16 are not absorbed by the latched
connection but rather by the geometry which engages around in the
form of the bearing surfaces 48.1' and the outer wall 36.4' of the
second positioning means 36' which are embodied as a spherical
shell. The cap 40' therefore also serves as a fastening element and
as a heat protection for the bending point of the connecting cable
16'. The configuration of the first and second positioning means
20', 36' and that of the cut-out 42' in the cap 40' are selected in
the illustrated exemplary embodiment in such a way that
right-angled deflection of the connecting cable 16 is possible at
three different angular positions with respect to the sensor
housing body 12. Where necessary, any other desired deflection can
be implemented for the connecting cable 16' and more than three can
be implemented by corresponding configurations of the first and
second positioning means 20', 36' as well as the cut-out 42' in the
cap 40.
[0034] The mode of operation of the sensor arrangement 1, 1' is
basically known and the application possibilities are very
versatile. In motor vehicles, the sensor arrangement 1 serves, in
particular, to determine the rotational speed, the acceleration,
the acceleration gradient and/or the rotational angle of rotating
parts. The use in motor vehicles is promoted here by the various
angular positions which make it possible to select the optimum
angular position of the fastening tab in relation to the sensor
housing with respect to the installation position in the vehicle.
As a result, the shape of the sensor arrangement can be matched in
an optimum way to the installation space in the vehicle. The sensor
arrangement according to the invention is produced essentially by
mounting the sensor housing in the fastening tab.
[0035] Embodiments of the invention advantageously permit sensor
arrangements to be produced whose fastening tabs and sensor
housings can have different angular positions with respect to one
another, without the need to make changes to the injection molding
molds. The various sensor arrangements are produced by the mounting
process, wherein the flexibility of the angular position of the
fastening tab with respect to the sensor housing is provided, for
example, by means of a plurality of latching possibilities.
* * * * *