DE102017114579A1 - FLAT LINE ARRANGEMENT FOR A MOTOR VEHICLE AND METHOD FOR HANDLING A FLAT LEADER ARRANGEMENT - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a flat conductor arrangement (1) for a motor vehicle, comprising at least one electrically conductive flat conductor rail (2, 3), which is plastically shaped into a shape-adapted installation position in accordance with a contour predetermined by the motor vehicle, the flat conductor rail (2, 3) being curved Predetermined bending point (7a, 7b), which promotes an at least predominantly elastic bending of the flat conductor rail (2, 3) of the mounting position in a curved transport position, in the respective longitudinal ends (6) of the flat conductor rail (2, 3) are bent towards each other. The invention also relates to a method for handling a flat conductor arrangement (1) for a motor vehicle, comprising at least one electrically conductive flat conductor rail (2, 3), which is plastically shaped according to a contour predetermined by the motor vehicle into a shape-adapted installation position in which the at least one Flat conductor rail (2, 3) for transporting the flat conductor arrangement (1) at least predominantly elastically from the installation position into a curved transport position, in the respective longitudinal ends (6) of the flat conductor rail (2, 3) are bent towards each other, bent and by means of a fixation in the Transport position is fixed.

Description

Technical area

The present invention relates to a flat conductor arrangement for a motor vehicle specified in the preamble of patent claim 1 and a method for handling such a flat conductor arrangement.

State of the art

Due to the increased use of different combinations of materials in vehicle bodies up to the complete CFRP body (for example, in monocoques), the electrical mass feedback on the body in motor vehicles will be severely impaired or even unfunctional. In this way, the mass recirculation through the use of increased so-called stranded conductors would be necessary in part and an increase in weight of the electrical system or the wiring harness to be expected.

By using so-called flat conductor arrangements with one or more flat conductor rails, in particular made of aluminum, the installation space and the conductor weight for the electrical ground return can be greatly reduced. Such flat conductor rails are often laid along a floor group contour from a back room to an engine compartment of a vehicle. In particular, a multilayer flat conductor structure as a central electrical supply and ground return eliminates the formation of an electromagnetic field, regardless of the body materials used. Such flat conductor arrangements in vehicles also achieve improved vehicle system stability.

Such flat conductor arrangements with at least one flat conductor rail are for example made of DE 10 2008 003 332 B4 or also for example from the EP 1 688 966 B1 known.

The flat conductor rails used in such flat conductor arrangements are often made of extruded profiles. As a result, such flat conductor rails are usually highly plastic, that is, they have a low inherent rigidity and are deformed at a bend almost purely plastically. Even in massive designs with very high rigidity, hardly any elastic components occur during deformation.

Usually, such flat conductor rails in their original contour, that is, in original length, transported and installed in the vehicle interior. This requires special load carriers, which require a particularly large amount of space during transport and assembly. This is associated with increased costs, since in itself relatively much space must be provided for the transport, in transport vehicles, a very low filling density can be achieved and in the field of installation correspondingly much space must be maintained. In particular, when such flat conductor assemblies are to be positioned and mounted in the vehicle interior, they usually have to be threaded through a front or rear window opening, because due to the length of the flat conductor, a different approach is not or only very badly possible. In the assembly of motor vehicles, however, this is difficult to realize due to the usually existing space conditions in front of and behind the respective vehicles to be mounted.

Description of the invention

It is therefore the object of the present invention to provide a flat conductor arrangement and a method for handling such flat conductor arrangements, by means of which a particularly simple handling of such flat conductor arrangements both during transport and during assembly in motor vehicles is made possible.

This object is achieved by a flat conductor arrangement and by a method for handling a flat conductor arrangement having the features of the independent patent claims. Advantageous embodiments with expedient and non-trivial developments of the invention are specified in the dependent claims.

The flat conductor arrangement according to the invention for a motor vehicle comprises at least one electrically conductive flat conductor rail, which is plastically shaped into a shape-adapted installation position in accordance with a contour predetermined by the motor vehicle. In this case, the flat conductor arrangement according to the invention is characterized in that the flat conductor rail has a curved predetermined bending point, which favors an at least predominantly elastic bending of the flat conductor rail from the installation position into a curved transport position, in which respective longitudinal ends of the flat conductor rail are bent towards one another.

The flat conductor rail preferably has a constant cross section, so that the flat conductor rail also has the same cross section in the area of the predetermined bending point as in the remaining regions. As a result, a consistently good current carrying capacity along the entire flat conductor rail can be ensured. In the curved predetermined bending point is a shape that is just not caused by the predetermined contour of the motor vehicle, in which the flat conductor arrangement and thus also the flat conductor rail to is obstructed. In the course of the plastic shaping of the flat conductor rail, whereby an adaptation to the corresponding contour of the motor vehicle is achieved, the flat conductor rail is additionally deformed accordingly to produce the curved predetermined bending point.

The invention is based on the finding that it would be possible in principle for a more favorable transport in standard containers and for an easier assembly in the motor vehicle to bend the flat conductor rails, in particular produced by extrusion, into a more compact transport position. In the flat conductor rails known hitherto, however, this would mean that almost exclusively a plastic deformation would occur, so that after the flat conductor arrangement has been positioned in the motor vehicle, the at least one flat conductor rail of the flat conductor arrangement would then have to be plastically bent back to the correct dimension and the correct shape , Defects in the form of structural changes in the flat conductor rails could also occur due to this partially undefined plastic deformation, which in turn could, for example, lead to mechanical strength losses, material tapering or increased electrical resistance values. In particular, when using multilayer flat conductor rails, in so-called multi-rails, the superimposed individual flat conductor rails would reinforce the mentioned negative effects.

In order to reduce or completely prevent these effects, it is provided according to the invention that the at least one flat conductor rail of the flat conductor arrangement has the said curved predetermined bending point, which enables the at least predominantly elastic bending of the flat conductor rail from the installation position into the curved transport position. In most cases, it should be understood that the elastic portion of the bend is between 80 and 100 percent, ie at most 20 percent plastic deformation occurs. In this way, a defined position of the flat conductor arrangement can be ensured during transport, during handling generally and also during assembly in the motor vehicle. Only in the vehicle interior can then be solved a fixation, which has held the substantially elastically bent into the transport position flat conductor rail. Due to the provision of the curved predetermined bending point, the flat conductor arrangement, more precisely the flat conductor rail, was bent in the region of the predetermined bending point and otherwise also at least predominantly elastically or even completely elastically. As a result, the flat conductor rail, after a corresponding holding the flat conductor rail in the curved transport position fixation has been solved, again bend back elastically in the form-fitting installation position. Thereafter, the flat conductor arrangement can be designed and positioned in the vehicle interior, wherein it is not at all or as good as not necessary due to the solution according to the invention to bend the at least one flat conductor rail of the flat conductor arrangement even plastically.

By providing the curved predetermined bending point, therefore, an undefined plastic deformation of the flat conductor rail is avoided in the case of a deformation of the flat conductor rail from the shape-adapted, extended installation position into the curved transport position. The aforementioned problems with regard to the occurrence of imperfections due to microstructural changes within the flat conductor rail and thus possibly accompanying mechanical strength losses, material tapering or increased electrical resistance values, do not occur at all in the flat conductor arrangement according to the invention.

Due to the provision of the curved predetermined bending point, it becomes possible to bend the entire flat conductor arrangement, in particular the at least one flat conductor rail, for transportation and handling at least as well as purely elastically into the space-saving and easily manageable curved transport position. As soon as the flat conductor arrangement has been arranged in the intended installation position and inside the motor vehicle, the flat conductor rail can automatically bend back into its shape-adapted installation position, since previously as well as purely elastic deformations into the curved transport position have taken place. The whole is supported by the fact that the flat conductor rail is made of a particularly elastic and at the same time highly electrically conductive material.

An advantageous embodiment of the invention provides that a further flat conductor rail is arranged on the flat conductor rail, which is also shaped plastically in accordance with the contour predetermined by the motor vehicle in a form-fitting installation position and a curved predetermined bending point, wherein the predetermined bending points of both flat conductor rails a common predominantly elastic bending from the installed position in the curved transport position favor, are bent in the respective longitudinal ends of the flat conductor rails to each other. Based on the entire flat conductor arrangement, the predetermined bending points of the two flat conductor rails are arranged at the same position. When bending multi-layer flat conductor rails, the problem arises that the individual rails can move relative to one another and shear, compress or crush one another. In that at least preferably two Flat conductor rails have the respective predetermined bending points, on the one hand the elastic bending of the individual flat conductor rails is favored and on the other hand a mutual mechanical loading of the individual flat conductor rails mutually or greatly reduced. By providing the predetermined bending points in the flat conductor rails so the entire flat conductor assembly can be particularly easily bent into the curved transport position, with the individual flat conductor rails turn as good as only elastic bending components occur, which are preferably in a range of 80 to 100%. Even with so-called multi-rail formed flat conductor arrangements, which have two or more of these flat conductor rails, so by the provision of the predetermined bending points on the respective flat conductor rails a particularly simple handling of the entire flat conductor arrangement can be achieved.

A further advantageous embodiment of the invention provides that the two predetermined bending points are shaped so differently that thereby different bending radii of the flat conductor rails are compensated during bending from the installation position into the curved transport position. Since the two flat conductor rails are arranged one above the other, a mutual obstruction of the flat conductor rails during elastic bending in the curved transport position would occur without this measure. Due to the different design of the predetermined bending points, which is adapted to this circumstance, in particular to the different bending radii of the flat conductor rails when bending from the installation position in the curved transport position, negative effects that would affect the mutual disability of the flat conductor rails during elastic deformation, reduced or completely be eliminated. Due to the different shape of the predetermined bending points, which is adapted to the different bending radii of the flat conductor rails, so the flat conductor arrangement, if it has at least two of these flat conductor rails, are particularly easily and easily bent at least for the most part elastically in the curved transport position.

According to a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, it is provided that both predetermined bending points are formed as bulges, wherein in the flat position in the transport position flat conductor rail, the bulge in the installed position is smaller than in the other flat conductor rail. As a result, it can be reliably ensured that no mutual obstruction of the flat conductor rails occurs when bending the superimposed flat conductor rails from their extended installation position into the curved transport position. A relative movement between the individual rails to each other and a mutual shearing, upsetting and / or squeezing can be prevented or reduced to a minimum.

The predetermined bending points can be provided in relation to the installation position on respectively straight or curved regions of the flat conductor rails. Preferably, the predetermined bending points are provided at least substantially centrally relative to the main extension direction of the flat conductor rails, so that the flat conductor rails can be bent centrally with respect to their longitudinal direction. As a result, the dimensions of the flat conductor arrangement in the main extension direction can be halved, which considerably simplifies the transport, handling and installation of the flat conductor arrangement.

According to a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, it is provided that the flat conductor rail or the flat conductor rails are made of aluminum with an aluminum purity of at least 99.5%. This ensures a particularly good current conductivity. The flat conductor rails, which thus form a kind of aluminum core material in the flat conductor arrangement, are preferably produced from a rolled strip, but can also be produced by extrusion molding. Important is a material property analogous to DIN EN 573T1 + 2 with an aluminum purity of at least 99.5% and a material condition H14 or H24. This results in particularly favorable properties with regard to an increased yield strength, yield strength and tensile strength, which favors the elastic bending without remaining deformation. A rolled aluminum sheet is a very common, inexpensive material. By using an aluminum purity of at least 99.5%, very good electrical conductivities can be achieved with standard aluminum alloys. These can be manufactured and machined at a relatively high process speed and, in contrast to extruded aluminum rails, are also more cost effective. Extruded profiles often have an optimized core material contour, but with a very soft or plastic material behavior. By suitable forming processes, these profiles can be retrofitted, e.g. be rolled harder over drawing tools, so that a preferred elastic material behavior can be adjusted.

Preferably, a heat treatment, for example an annealing, of rolled aluminum sheets takes place during the production of the flat conductor rails, so that possibly existing defects in the material structure can be considerably reduced since a microstructure homogenization takes place. The material strength and the mechanical hardness can be adjusted to favorable values. The invention is based on the finding that, in the case of work-hardened aluminum strips, the electrical conductivity is hardly changed by a heat treatment to set a desired state.

In a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, it is provided that the flat conductor rail or the flat conductor rails have a tensile strength of at least 100 MPa and a 0.2% proof stress of at least 60 MPa. As a result, as well as purely elastic deformation of the flat conductor rail or the flat conductor rails during bending from the extended installation position into the curved transport position is favored in combination with the respective predetermined bending points.

In the inventive method for handling a flat conductor arrangement for a motor vehicle, comprising at least one electrically conductive flat conductor rail, which is plastically shaped according to a predetermined by the motor vehicle contour in a form-fitting installation position, the at least one flat conductor rail for transporting the flat conductor assembly is at least predominantly elastic from the installation position in a curved transport position, are bent in the respective longitudinal ends of the flat conductor rail to each other, bent and fixed by means of a fixation in the transport position. Advantageous embodiments of the flat conductor arrangement according to the invention are to be regarded as advantageous embodiments of the method according to the invention and vice versa.

An advantageous embodiment of the method according to the invention provides that a cable tie is used as the fixation, by means of which respective longitudinal ends of the flat conductor rail are fixed to one another. The once curved into the curved transport position flat conductor rails can thus be easily fixed by means of a cable tie.

In a further advantageous embodiment of the method according to the invention, it is provided that as the fixation or as further fixation in the region of respective longitudinal ends of the flat conductor rail mounted housing parts are used by these are clamped together or hooked into each other. The invention is based on the finding that on such flat conductor arrangements usually also a variety of housing parts, sometimes even in the region of the longitudinal ends of the respective flat conductor rails, are provided, which serve to surround electrical contact element, which are attached to the flat conductor rail. If these housing parts are present at the appropriate locations, ie in the region of the respective longitudinal ends, they can be used quite simply to hold the curved in the curved position flat conductor rails in this position. This can be used either in combination with the cable ties or as the sole fixing solution. In the latter case, no further fixing means must be provided, since the housing parts, which are part of the flat conductor arrangement, can be used simply for fixing the curved in the transport position flat conductor rails.

According to a further advantageous embodiment of the method according to the invention, it is provided that the flat conductor arrangement is positioned with the at least one curved in the transport position flat conductor rail in a motor vehicle and then the fixation is released, so that the flat conductor rail automatically bends back towards the installation position. The flat conductor arrangement is thus transported with the curved flat conductor rail not only in this curved transport position but also left until positioning within the motor vehicle in this curved transport position. The usually rather scarce space around the motor vehicle during assembly is little affected by the compact delivery and handling of the flat conductor arrangement.

Finally, a further advantageous embodiment of the method according to the invention provides that the flat conductor arrangement is introduced laterally through a door opening in the motor vehicle. This is possible in the first place in that the flat conductor arrangement can be bent elastically into the curved transport position, more precisely the flat conductor rail or the flat conductor rails, elastically in the curved transport position. By thus achievable compact dimensions of the flat conductor arrangement, it is easily possible to introduce them laterally through a door opening in the motor vehicle. The invention is based in this preferred embodiment, the knowledge that usually in the vehicle assembly in front of the relevant motor vehicle and behind the vehicle relatively little space is available. On the side, however, is usually a little more space available, so that the side of the vehicle usually slightly better space conditions are advantageously exploited by the fact that the flat conductor arrangement is inserted in its still curved transport position laterally through said door opening in the motor vehicle.

list of figures

Further advantages, features and details of the invention will become apparent from the following description of preferred embodiments as well as the drawing. The features and feature combinations mentioned above in the description as well as the features and feature combinations shown below in the description of the figures and / or in the figures alone can be used not only in the specified combination but also in other combinations or in isolation, without departing from the scope of the invention ,

• 1 eine Perspektivansicht einer Flachleiteranordnung für ein Kraftfahrzeug, welche zwei übereinander angeordnete isolierte Flachleiterschienen aus Aluminium aufweist, an welchen jeweils mehrere von Gehäusen umgebene Kontaktelemente angeordnet sind;
• 2 eine Seitenansicht der Flachleiteranordnung;
• 3 eine weitere Perspektivansicht der Flachleiteranordnung, wobei diese in einem hauptelastischen Biegebereich umgebogen worden ist, sodass die Flachleiteranordnung eine gekrümmte Transportstellung angenommen hat;
• 4 eine weitere Seitenansicht der Flachleiteranordnung, wobei diese wiederum in ihrer gekrümmten Transportstellung gezeigt ist;
• 5 eine perspektivische Detailansicht, in welcher eine erste Ausführungsform des hauptelastischen Biegebereichs gezeigt ist;
• 6 eine Seitenansicht der ersten Ausführungsform des hauptelastischen Biegebereichs;
• 7 eine weitere perspektivische Detailansicht, in welcher eine zweite Ausführungsform des hauptelastischen Biegebereichs gezeigt ist;
• 8 eine Seitenansicht der zweiten Ausführungsform des hauptelastischen Biegebereichs;
• 9 eine schematische Draufsicht auf einen Transportbehälter, in welchem zwei der in die gekrümmte Transportstellung gebogenen Flachleiteranordnungen angeordnet sind;
• 10 eine Perspektivansicht einer Kraftfahrzeugkarosserie, während die in die gekrümmte Transportstellung gebogene Flachleiteranordnung durch eine vordere Türöffnung eingeführt wird; und in
• 11 eine perspektivische Detailansicht der Kraftfahrzeugkarosserie während die im Fahrzeuginnenraum angeordnete Flachleiteranordnung gerade aus der gekrümmten Transportstellung zurück in ihre bestimmungsgemäße Einbaustellung gebogen wird.

The drawing shows in:

• 1 a perspective view of a flat conductor arrangement for a motor vehicle, which has two superimposed insulated flat conductor rails made of aluminum, on each of which a plurality of housing-surrounded contact elements are arranged;
• 2 a side view of the flat conductor arrangement;
• 3 a further perspective view of the flat conductor arrangement, wherein this has been bent in a main elastic bending area, so that the flat conductor arrangement has adopted a curved transport position;
• 4 a further side view of the flat conductor arrangement, which in turn is shown in its curved transport position;
• 5 a detailed perspective view in which a first embodiment of the main elastic bending region is shown;
• 6 a side view of the first embodiment of the main elastic bending region;
• 7 a further perspective detail view, in which a second embodiment of the main elastic bending region is shown;
• 8th a side view of the second embodiment of the main elastic bending region;
• 9 a schematic plan view of a transport container in which two of the bent in the curved transport position flat conductor arrangements are arranged;
• 10 a perspective view of a motor vehicle body, while the bent into the curved transport position flat conductor assembly is inserted through a front door opening; and in
• 11 a detailed perspective view of the vehicle body while the arranged in the vehicle interior flat conductor assembly is bent straight from the curved transport position back to its intended installation position.

In the figures, identical or functionally identical elements have been provided with the same reference numerals.

A flat conductor arrangement 1 for a vehicle electrical system of a motor vehicle is in a perspective view in 1 shown. The flat conductor arrangement 1 includes two flat conductor rails 2 . 3 , which are formed plastically in accordance with a predetermined by a motor vehicle contour in the form-fitting installation position shown here. On the two flat conductor rails 2 . 3 are also at different positions also several unspecified electrical contact elements attached, the respective housings 4 are surrounded. The upper flat conductor rail 2 serves for the electrical vehicle supply, whereby the lower flat conductor rail 3 used for electrical ground return.

The two flat conductor rails 2 . 3 are parallel to each other and arranged directly above each other, which are each additionally surrounded by an unspecified insulation here. The flat conductor arrangement is thus designed as a so-called multi-rail.

The flat conductor rails 2 . 3 are preferably made of aluminum with a purity of at least 99.5%, these having a material state H14 or H24 analogous to the standard DIN EN 573T1 + 2. This results in a relatively high yield strength, yield strength and tensile strength, which results in elastic deformation of the flat conductor rails 2 . 3 favored. The flat conductor rails 2 . 3 For example, they can be made from rolled sheets. Alternatively, it is also possible, the flat conductor rails 2 . 3 to produce by extrusion. In addition, the flat conductor rails 2 . 3 still undergo a heat treatment, for example an annealing process, in order to achieve a microstructural homogenization and to set a required material strength and mechanical hardness. If it is the flat conductor rails 2 . 3 aluminum hardened, preferably aluminum EN AW-1050 to EN AW-1090 and EN AW-1350 to EN AW-1390.

The ratio of the width to the height of the flat conductor rails 2 . 3 may for example be 15: 1, 7: 1 or even 60: 1. The flat conductor rails 2 . 3 are preferably 0.5 mm to 2.5 mm high, more preferably 1.0 mm to 2.0 mm high. The length of the flat conductor notes 2 . 3 is in a range of 500 mm to 3500 mm, more preferably in a range of 800 mm to 3000 mm. The insulation thickness of the insulation on the flat conductor rails 2 . 3 preferably has a layer thickness of 0.15 mm to 2.5 mm, more preferably from 0.5 mm to 0.7 mm. Furthermore, the flat conductor rails 2 . 3 another one electrochemical treatment, for example anodization. The flat conductor rails 2 . 3 preferably have a tensile strength Rm of at least 100 MPa and a 0.2% proof stress of at least 60 MPa, preferably of at least 80 MPa. The flat conductor rails made of aluminum 2 . 3 have relatively good elastic properties due to their material composition and the type of production, so that when bending the flat conductor rails 2 . 3 the elastic component is relatively high compared to the plastic part of the deformation.

In 2 is the flat conductor arrangement 1 shown in a side view. The flat conductor rails 2 . 3 be according to a predetermined by the motor vehicle contour, in which the flat conductor arrangement 1 is to be installed, plastically shaped in the form-fitting installation position shown here. The unspecified elevations or reductions in the contour of the flat conductor rails 2 . 3 are thus shaped and adapted so that the flat conductor arrangement 1 can be mounted adjacent to the corresponding contour of the motor vehicle in the intended installation position in the motor vehicle. In 3 is the flat conductor arrangement 1 shown in a further perspective view, wherein the two flat conductor rails 2 . 3 and thus the entire flat conductor arrangement 1 are shown in a curved transport position. To the flat conductor arrangement 1 from in the 1 and 2 To bend shown form-fitting position in the curved transport position shown here, the two flat conductor rails 2 . 3 in a main elastic bending area 5 so far bent that respective longitudinal ends 6 the flat conductor rails 2 . 3 and thus the flat conductor arrangement 1 to be bent towards each other. To ensure the most elastic deformation of the two flat conductor rails 2 . 3 in the main elastic bending area 5 to allow in this case to flat conductor rails 2 . 3 respective predetermined bending points 7a . 7b intended. On the more accurate design of these predetermined bending points 7a . 7b will be discussed in more detail below.

In 4 is the flat conductor arrangement 1 shown in a further side view, which in turn, as in 3 is in its curved transport position. Here is again good to see that by the successive bending of the two longitudinal ends 6 the dimensions of the flat conductor arrangement 1 be virtually halved in the main extension direction. This facilitates the handling of the flat conductor arrangement 1 considerably, both as regards the transport of the flat conductor arrangement 1 as well as their subsequent handling during assembly in the relevant motor vehicle concerns in which it is to be mounted.

In 5 is a first possible embodiment of the main elastic bending area 5 shown in a perspective view. The main elastic bending area 5 is present for the form-fitting installation position of the flat conductor arrangement 1 shown, so still in the state in which the two longitudinal ends 6 have not been bent towards each other and the flat conductor arrangement 1 in the in the 1 and 2 stretched arrangement is present. The main elastic bending area 5 According to the embodiment shown in the present case, therefore, a curved region is itself. The two predetermined bending points 7a . 7b the two flat conductor rails 2 . 3 have different radii of curvature, wherein the predetermined bending points 7a . 7b the two flat conductor rails 2 . 3 also designed as different sized bulges. Furthermore, the previously mentioned insulation is now denoted by the reference numeral 8th marked, which in each case the flat conductor rails 2 . 3 surround.

In 6 is the main elastic bending area 5 according to the in 5 shown embodiment shown in a side view. In the present illustration, it can once again be clearly seen that the two predetermined bending points 7a . 7b are made in the form of bulges, the bulges are different sizes and the predetermined bending points 7a . 7b have different bending radii. Through these predetermined bending points 7a . 7b on the one hand, the elastic bending of the individual flat conductor rails 2 . 3 favors and on the other hand, a mutual mechanical loading of the flat conductor rails 2 . 3 greatly reduced when bending into the curved transport position. In that the two predetermined bending points 7a . 7b are shaped differently, different bending radii of the two flat conductor rails 2 . 3 balanced during bending from the extended installation position in the curved transport position.

In the case shown here lies in the curved transport position, the flat conductor rail 3 outside of the flat conductor rail 2 so surrounds it externally. As a result, when bending from the installation position to the curved transport position, the outer flat conductor rail must be turned 3 in the area of the main elastic bending area 5 a stronger transformation take place. This is due to the larger bulge of the predetermined bending point 7b in comparison to the bulge of the predetermined bending point 7a balanced. For example, the two predetermined bending points 7a . 7b be shaped so that when reaching the curved transport position, the predetermined bending points 7a . 7b have been elastically deformed so that they are spaced apart as far as in the remaining region of the two flat conductor rails 2 . 3 , wherein the size of the different bulges of the two predetermined bending points 7a . 7b when reaching the curved transport position, for example, can be completely balanced. In any case, the predetermined bending points 7a . 7b designed so that the flat conductor rails 2 . 3 in the main elastic bending area 5 not at all or hardly translational move each other and thus a mutual shearing, upsetting and / or crushing can be avoided.

In the 7 and 8th is another embodiment of the main elastic bending area 5 illustrated while the flat conductor assembly 1 still in its form-fitting installation position, ie in its non-curved stretched position. In the embodiment of the main elastic bending region shown here 5 this is in a straight, so not curved, area of the flat conductor arrangement 1 provided that this is in its form-fitted stretched-in position. Otherwise, the two predetermined bending points 7a . 7b also formed in the form of bulges of different sizes with different radii, the bending of the two flat conductor rails 2 . 3 compensate for occurring effects. The principle of operation of the two predetermined bending points 7a . 7b is the same as in the 5 and 6 shown embodiment of the main elastic bending area 5 ,

In 9 are two of the flat conductor arrangements 1 shown, which bent into its curved transport position and then in a transport container 9 have been arranged. At the transport container 9 For example, it can be a box. Alternatively, it is also possible that the flat conductor arrangements 1 For example, be easily arranged on a likewise serving as a transport container Euro pallet. Instead of a horizontal transport of the flat conductor arrangement 1 For example, it is also possible that these are transported hanging, which, for example, at their main elastic bending areas 5 or at the fixed longitudinal ends 6 can be hung on rails or the like.

Due to the fact that the flat conductor arrangements 1 In this curved transport position can be bent, it is possible standard container for the transport of the flat conductor arrangement 1 to use. This is on the one hand cost and because of the small footprint in the vehicle assembly very beneficial.

In 10 is a vehicle body 10 shown in a perspective view, while one of the curved in its curved transport position Flachleiteranordnungen 1 from a worker 12 through a doorway 11 in the interior of the vehicle body 10 is transported. In the present view, a situation is schematically shown on an assembly line, not shown, wherein a plurality of the flat conductor arrangements 1 hanging in a transport container 9 are arranged. The worker 12 can the respective flat conductor arrangements 1 if necessary quite simply from the transport container 9 take in the respective vehicle body 10 introduce. Due to the fact that the flat conductor arrangement 1 In this curved transport position can be bent, it is possible in a particularly simple manner, the flat conductor arrangement 1 to handle in the automotive assembly despite usually cramped space and also in a particularly simple way through the door opening 11 in the interior of the vehicle body 10 to spend.

Thus the mainly in the main elastic bending range 5 elastically deformed flat conductor arrangements 1 also remain in their curved transport position, the flat conductor rails 2 . 3 for example, in the region of their longitudinal ends 6 be fixed together with a cable tie or a clamping device. Alternatively or additionally, it is also possible, for example, that in the region of the longitudinal ends 6 lying housing 4 on the respective flat conductor rails 2 . 3 interlocked or jammed together, so that the flat conductor rails 2 . 3 do not bend back into their form-fitted stretched-in position. By whatever kind fixation so the flat conductor rails remain 2 . 3 in its curved transport position, during transport and also until the relevant flat conductor arrangement 1 through the doorway 11 in the vehicle body 10 has been introduced.

In 11 is the vehicle body 10 shown in a further partial side view, namely after the flat conductor assembly 1 inside the body 10 has been arranged. A worker 12 has the flat conductor arrangement 1 straight at the respective longitudinal ends 6 after the fixation has been released, through which the longitudinal ends 6 were still connected. Due to the fact that the flat conductor arrangement 1 , more precisely the flat conductor rails 2 . 3 , in the main elastic bending area 5 completely or almost completely elastically deformed, the flat conductor rails bend 2 . 3 after loosening the fixation independently again, depending on how large the portion of the elastic deformation was, correspondingly far to the stretched, form - adapted installation position (as in 1 and 2 shown).

The worker 12 can by holding the longitudinal ends 12 the independent bending of the flat conductor rails 2 . 3 control accordingly. It is also possible, for example, that two of the workers 12 at the same time on the vehicle body 10 work, being one of the two workers 12 for this is responsible, the flat conductor arrangement 1 through the doorway 11 in the interior of the vehicle body 10 to reach, with another here unrepresented worker 12 then the flat conductor arrangement 1 takes receipt and fixes the fixation, as a result, the flat conductor rails 2 . 3 turn left again. Because the flat conductor rails 2 . 3 As soon as they have been elastically deformed almost exclusively, after bending into the form-fitting stretched installation position, it is possible to ensure that a defined material quality is still present, without any mechanical material load with regard to the actual aluminum material and also the insulation 8th occured. In addition, the fact that for taking the curved transport position almost exclusively an elastic deformation of the flat conductor rails 2 . 3 necessary, prevents the flat conductor rails 2 . 3 in the interior of the vehicle body still have to be bent back to the intended extent or their intended form. This results in a particularly process-reliable and reliable assembly of the flat conductor arrangement in the interior of the vehicle body 10 ,

By providing the predetermined bending points 7a . 7b in the main elastic bending area 5 the respective flat conductor rails 2 . 3 This results in considerable advantages during transport and handling of the flat conductor arrangement 1 because it can easily be bent into its curved transport position by a substantially purely elastic bend. The elastic portion of the bend is 80 to 100%. Plastic deformations on the flat conductor rails 2 . 3 So there is almost nothing on, so additional steps after the arrangement within the vehicle body 10 can be omitted to the flat conductor rails 2 . 3 to plastically bend back to its correct shape. Furthermore, the flat conductor notes 2 . 3 as well as the insulation 8th on the flat conductor rails 2 . 3 very little mechanically stressed, if the flat conductor arrangement 1 from the stretched installation position in the curved transport position and is bent back. Contrary to the embodiment shown here, it can also be provided that the flat conductor arrangement 1 also has further flat conductor rails or even a single flat conductor rail.

Ultimately, the mainly elastic material behavior of the entire flat conductor arrangement 1 be used, so that even without existing predetermined bending point 7a . 7b the described curved transport position can be achieved without or with negligible small plastic deformation.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1

Flat conductor arrangement

2

Flat conductor rail

3

Flat conductor rail

4

casing

5

Main elastic bending area

6

longitudinal end

7a

Predetermined bending point

7b

Predetermined bending point

8th

insulation

9

transport container

10

vehicle body

11

doorway

12

improvement

QUOTES INCLUDE IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of the documents listed by the applicant has been generated automatically and is included solely for the better information of the reader. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions.

Cited patent literature

• DE 102008003332 B4 [0004]
• EP 1688966 B1 [0004]

Claims (13)

Flat conductor arrangement (1) for a motor vehicle, comprising at least one electrically conductive flat conductor rail (2, 3), which is shaped according to a predetermined by the motor vehicle contour plastically in a form-fitting installation position, characterized in that the flat conductor rail (2, 3) has a curved predetermined bending point (7a, 7b), which promotes an at least predominantly elastic bending of the flat conductor rail (2, 3) from the installation position into a curved transport position, in which respective longitudinal ends (6) of the flat conductor rail (2, 3) are bent towards each other. Flat conductor arrangement (1) according to Claim 1 characterized in that on the flat conductor rail (2) a further flat conductor rail (3) is arranged, which is also shaped plastically according to the predetermined by the motor vehicle contour in a form-fitting installation position and a curved predetermined bending point (7b), wherein the predetermined bending points (7a , 7b) of both flat conductor rails (2, 3) favor a common predominantly elastic bending of the flat conductor rails (2, 3) from the installation position into the curved transport position, in which respective longitudinal ends (6) of the flat conductor rails (2, 3) are bent towards each other. Flat conductor arrangement (1) according to Claim 2 , characterized in that the two predetermined bending points (7a, 7b) are formed so differently that thereby different bending radii of the flat conductor rails (2, 3) are compensated for bending from the installation position into the curved transport position. Flat conductor arrangement (1) according to Claim 3 , characterized in that both predetermined bending points (7a, 7b) are formed as bulges, wherein at the inside in the transport position flat conductor rail (2) the bulge in the installed position is smaller than in the other flat conductor rail (3). Flat conductor arrangement (1) according to one of Claims 2 to 4 , characterized in that the predetermined bending points (7a, 7b) are provided with respect to the installation position on respectively straight or curved regions of the flat conductor rails (2, 3). Flat conductor arrangement (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the flat conductor rail (2, 3) or the flat conductor rails (2, 3) are made of aluminum with an aluminum purity of at least 99.5%. Flat conductor arrangement (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the flat conductor rail (2, 3) or the flat conductor rails (2, 3) have a tensile strength of at least 100 MPa. Flat conductor arrangement (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the flat conductor rail (2, 3) or the flat conductor rails (2, 3) have a 0.2% proof stress of at least 60 MPa. Method for handling a flat conductor arrangement (1) for a motor vehicle, comprising at least one electrically conductive flat conductor rail (2, 3) plastically shaped according to a contour predetermined by the motor vehicle into a shape-adapted installation position, in which the at least one flat conductor rail (2, 3 ) for transporting the flat conductor arrangement (1) at least predominantly elastically from the installation position into a curved transport position, in which respective longitudinal ends (6) of the flat conductor rail (2, 3) are bent towards each other, bent and fixed by means of a fixation in the transport position. Method according to Claim 9 , characterized in that as the fixation, a cable tie is used, by means of which respective longitudinal ends (6) of the flat conductor rail (2, 3) are fixed to each other. Method according to Claim 9 or 10 , characterized in that as the fixation or as further fixation in the region of respective longitudinal ends (6) of the flat conductor rail (2, 3) mounted housing parts (4) are used by these are clamped together or hooked into one another. Method according to one of Claims 9 to 11 , characterized in that the flat conductor arrangement (1) with the at least one in the transport position curved flat conductor rail (2, 3) positioned in a motor vehicle and then the fixation is released, so that the flat conductor rail (2, 3) bends back independently in the direction of installation position , Method according to Claim 12 , characterized in that the flat conductor arrangement (1) is introduced laterally through a door opening (11) in the motor vehicle.

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