Patent Description:
The present disclosure is further directed to a partition wall assembly for separating a motor compartment of a vehicle from a passenger compartment of the vehicle.

Additionally, the present disclosure is directed to a vehicle having such a partition wall.

The present disclosure also relates to a method for guiding at least one cable and/or at least one conduit through an opening in a wall part of a motor compartment of a vehicle.

Such feedthrough assemblies are generally known. They fulfill not only the function of mechanically holding the at least one cable and/or the at least one conduit in place, but also the function of separating one side of the wall part with respect to the other side of the wall part. The separation generally has to withstand noise, dust and humidity. In other words, the feedthrough assembly needs to seal the opening in the wall part with respect to noise, dust and humidity. At the same time, feedthrough assemblies shall be produced in a cost-efficient manner. Feedthrough parts are for example known from <CIT>, <CIT> and <CIT>.

This leads to a conflict of objectives between a reliable sealing functionality and costs of production.

It is therefore an objective of the present disclosure to provide a feedthrough assembly offering a reliable sealing functionality and being cost-efficient at the same time.

According to a first aspect, there is provided a feedthrough assembly for guiding at least one cable and/or at least one conduit through an opening in a wall part of a motor compartment of a vehicle. The feedthrough assembly comprises a first feedthrough part comprising a first component and a second component, wherein the first component and the second component form an integral portion of the first feedthrough part. An elasticity of the second component of the first feedthrough part is higher than an elasticity of the first component of the first feedthrough part. Moreover, the feedthrough assembly comprises a second feedthrough part comprising a first component and a second component, wherein the first component and the second component form an integral portion of the second feedthrough part. An elasticity of the second component of the second feedthrough part is higher than an elasticity of the first component of the second feedthrough part. The feedthrough assembly also comprises at least one feedthrough channel being arranged on at least one of the first feedthrough part and the second feedthrough part. In other words, the feedthrough assembly comprises two parts, i.e. the first feedthrough part and the second feedthrough part. Each of the first feedthrough part and the second feedthrough part comprises two components having different elasticities. The first component and the second component of the first feedthrough part form integral portions of the first feedthrough part. In the same manner, the first component and the second component of the second feedthrough part form integral portions of the second feedthrough part. Consequently, the feedthrough assembly, especially the first feedthrough part and the second feedthrough part, is mechanically stable due to the first component of the first feedthrough part and the first component of the second feedthrough part. These components have a comparatively low elasticity. In other words, these components are relatively rigid. This has the effect, that the at least one cable and/or the at least one conduit may be reliably held in place by the feedthrough assembly. The second component of the first feedthrough part and the second component of the second feedthrough part have a comparatively high elasticity. Consequently, these components offer the ability to reliably seal the feedthrough assembly with respect to the wall part and/or with respect to the at least one cable and/or the at least one conduit. This has the effect that the feedthrough assembly may reliably seal the opening of the wall part against dust, noise and humidity while at the same time guiding the at least one cable and the at least one conduit through the opening.

In an example, both the first feedthrough part and the second feedthrough part are made from plastics material. In this context, both the first feedthrough part and the second feedthrough part may be injection molded parts. More precisely, the first feedthrough part and the second feedthrough part may be two-component (<NUM>) injection molded parts. This constitutes a cost-efficient way to produce the first feedthrough part and the second feedthrough part.

For the present disclosure, a cable is to be understood as any lengthy means being configured for transmitting an electric signal, be it a power signal or a control signal. A conduit is to be understood in a broad sense such that it covers all types of ducts, pipes and hoses.

Since the wall part needs to delimit the motor compartment such that noise, dust and community may not leave the motor compartment through the wall part, the wall part may also be called an NVH wall part, wherein the term NVH stands for noise, vibration and harshness.

In an example, a first circumferential section of the at least one feedthrough channel is formed by the first feedthrough part and a second circumferential section of the at least one feedthrough channel is formed by the second feedthrough part. In a special case, the first circumferential section and the second circumferential add up to the entire circumference of the at least one feedthrough channel. A configuration, wherein both the first feedthrough part and the second feedthrough part form a section of the feedthrough channel facilitates arranging a cable and/or a conduit in the feedthrough channel. This is the case since one of the first feedthrough part and the second feedthrough part may be installed on the wall part in a first step. Subsequently, the cable or conduit may be arranged in the portion of the feedthrough channel being provided by the first feedthrough part. Since the second feedthrough part has not been mounted yet, the portion of the feedthrough channel being provided by the first feedthrough part is easily accessible in order to arrange the cable or conduit. Subsequently, the second feedthrough part may be mounted on the wall part and/or on the first feedthrough part. This also has the effect that the cable or conduit is reliably held by the feedthrough assembly and is reliably sealed against the feedthrough assembly.

In an example, a circumference of the feedthrough channel is at least partially formed by at least one of the second component of the first feedthrough part and the second component of the second feedthrough part. As has been explained before, the second component of the first feedthrough part and the second component of the second feedthrough part have a comparatively high elasticity and therefore is well-suitable for sealing a cable or conduit being located in the feedthrough channel with respect to the first feedthrough part or with respect to the second feedthrough part respectively. Consequently, a reliable sealing with respect to noise, dust and humidity is achieved.

In an example, at least one of the first feedthrough part and the second feedthrough part comprises a holding means for a cable and/or a conduit. The holding means is integrally formed on the first feedthrough part or the second feedthrough part. Using the holding means, the cable and/or conduit may be reliably held in place. Forming the holding means integrally, e.g. when producing the first feedthrough part or the second feedthrough part using injection molding and/or an additive manufacturing technique, is a cost efficient way of production. This also allows to design the feedthrough assembly in a lightweight manner, since, due to the integral configuration, fixation parts may be eliminated.

In an example, a foam component is attached to at least one of the first feedthrough part and the second feedthrough part. An inherent characteristic of the form component is that it is soft and may be easily deformed in an elastic manner. Consequently, using the foam component, the respective feedthrough part may be reliably sealed against the wall part and/or a cable and/or a conduit.

In an example, the first feedthrough part and the second feedthrough part are connected to one another. Thus, in use, the first feedthrough part and the second feedthrough part form an interrelated unit. This allows to reliably guide the at least one cable and or the at least one conduit through the opening of the wall part.

In an example, the first feedthrough part and the second feedthrough part are connected to one another using at least one clip. Thus, the connection may be generated in a quick and simple manner. Once established, the connection is highly reliable.

In an example, the first feedthrough part has a first mounting surface for contacting a vehicle structure and the second feedthrough part has a second mounting surface for contacting the vehicle structure. At least a portion of the first mounting surface is formed by the second component of the first feedthrough part. Additionally or alternatively at least a portion of the second mounting surface is formed by the second component of the second feedthrough part. The vehicle structure may be fully or partially formed by the wall part. As has been explained before, the second component of the first feedthrough part and the second component of the second feedthrough part have a comparatively high elasticity and therefore are well-suitable for sealing the first feedthrough part and/or the second feedthrough part with respect to the vehicle structure. Consequently, a reliable sealing with respect to noise, dust and humidity is achieved.

In an example, the first mounting surface and the second mounting surface are inclined with respect to one another. This means that the first mounting surface and the second mounting surface enclose an angle being different from <NUM>° and being different from <NUM>°. Such a feedthrough assembly is, thus, configured to be mounted in a corner of a vehicle structure and/or on a step-shaped portion of a wall part. This has the effect, that the feedthrough assembly may be mounted in a space-saving manner.

In an example, at least one of the first feedthrough part and the second feedthrough part has a mounting hole for mounting the feedthrough assembly on a vehicle structure. Using the respective mounting hole, the feedthrough assembly may be reliably attached to the vehicle structure, e.g. the wall part.

In an example, at least one of the first feedthrough part and the second feedthrough part comprises a mounting insert forming an integral portion of the first feedthrough part or the second feedthrough part respectively. Using the mounting insert, the feedthrough assembly may be reliably mounted on the vehicle structure. Having the mounting insert integrated into the first feedthrough part of the second feedthrough part offers the possibility to produce the respective first feedthrough part or second feedthrough part in a cost-efficient manner. In other words, it is unnecessary to assemble the mounting insert to the remaining portions of the first feedthrough part or the second feedthrough part in a separate assembly step.

In an example, at least one of the first component of the first feedthrough part and the first component of the second feedthrough part comprises a polypropylene material. In this context, the first component of the first feedthrough part and/or the first component of the second feedthrough part may be made from polypropylene material. In a further example, the first component of the first feedthrough part and the first component of the second feedthrough part are made from polypropylene material. This material is mechanically stable and lightweight at the same time. Moreover, this material may be used in known and well-established manufacturing machines and processes such as injection molding. Thus, producing parts from polypropylene material may be cost-efficient.

In an example, at least one of the second component of the first feedthrough part and the second component of the second feedthrough part comprises a thermoplastic vulcanizate material. In this context, the second component of the first feedthrough part and/or the second component of the second feedthrough part may be made from a thermoplastic vulcanizate material. In a further example, the second component of the first feedthrough part and the second component of the second feedthrough part are made from a thermoplastic vulcanizate material. This material has a comparatively high elasticity and is durable and lightweight at the same time. Moreover, this material may be used in known and well-established manufacturing machines and processes such as injection molding. Thus, producing parts from polypropylene material may be cost-efficient.

It is further noted, that a polypropylene material and a thermoplastic vulcanizate material may be used in a two component (<NUM>) injection molding process. This further increases the efficiency of production for the first feedthrough part and/or to second feedthrough part.

According to a second aspect, there is provided a partition wall assembly for separating a motor compartment of a vehicle from a passenger compartment of the vehicle. The partition wall assembly comprises a wall part having an opening and a feedthrough assembly of the present disclosure covering the opening. As has been explained before, the feedthrough assembly is mechanically stable and offers enhanced sealing abilities at the same time. This has the effect that the feedthrough assembly may reliably seal the opening of the wall part against dust, noise and humidity while at the same time guiding the at least one cable and the at least one conduit through the opening in a mechanically stable manner.

According to a third aspect, there is provided a vehicle having a partition wall of the present disclosure. In such a vehicle, the motor compartment is reliably sealed from the passenger compartment with respect to noise, dust and humidity. At the same time, at least one cable and/or at least one conduit is guided from the motor compartment to the passenger compartment or vice versa in a mechanically stable manner.

According to a fourth aspect, there is provided a method for guiding at least one cable and/or at least one conduit through an opening in a wall part of a motor compartment of a vehicle. The method comprises.

Consequently, in a situation in which the first feedthrough part is mounted on the wall part and the cable and/or the conduit is to be arranged in the feedthrough channel, there is sufficient space to handle the cable and/or conduit and move it into the first portion of the at least one feedthrough channel. This is due to the fact that the second feedthrough part is not yet mounted. Consequently, guiding the at least one cable and/or the at least one conduit through the opening of the wall is comparatively easy. At the same time, especially due to the fact that the second feedthrough part is mounted once the at least one cable and/or the at least one conduit is already placed in the first portion of the feedthrough channel, the opening is reliably sealed with respect to noise, dust and humidity via the feedthrough assembly.

<FIG> shows a vehicle <NUM> having a motor compartment <NUM> and a passenger compartment <NUM>.

In the present example, the motor compartment <NUM> is a front motor compartment. This means that the motor compartment <NUM> is arranged in the front of the vehicle <NUM> when considering a standard forward driving direction.

A partition wall assembly <NUM> separates the motor compartment <NUM> and the passenger compartment <NUM>.

In this context, the separation applies to noise, dust and humidity. This means that noise, dust and humidity that might be present in the motor compartment <NUM> must not enter the passenger compartment <NUM> through the partition wall assembly <NUM>.

Nevertheless, a number of cables and conduits needs to connect devices in the motor compartment <NUM> and devices in the passenger compartment <NUM> (see also <FIG>).

In the example shown in the Figures, two cables A, C and two conduits B, D need to traverse the partition wall assembly <NUM>.

To this end, the partition wall assembly <NUM> comprises a wall part <NUM> having an opening <NUM>.

The cables A, C and the conduits B, D extend through the opening <NUM>.

At the same time, a feedthrough assembly <NUM> covers the opening <NUM>. This means that the feedthrough assembly <NUM> covers those parts of the opening <NUM> which are not occupied by the cables A, C and the conduits B, D.

<FIG> shows the feedthrough assembly <NUM> in a mounted condition in a view along direction II in <FIG>. This view may also be called a front view.

The feedthrough assembly <NUM> comprises a first feedthrough part <NUM>.

The first feedthrough part <NUM> is made of two components which integrally form the first feedthrough part <NUM>.

In the present example, the first feedthrough part <NUM> is an injection molded part, more precisely a two component injection molded part.

Thus, the first feedthrough part <NUM> comprises a first component <NUM> being made from a polypropylene material (cf.

The first feedthrough part <NUM> additionally comprises a second component <NUM> which is made from a thermoplastic vulcanizate material.

In order to be able to better distinguish the first component <NUM> and the second component <NUM> of the first feedthrough part <NUM>, the second component <NUM> is marked with a pattern of dots. It is noted that the marking is done for illustrative purposes only.

Consequently, an elasticity of the second component <NUM> is higher than an elasticity of the first component <NUM>.

The feedthrough assembly <NUM> also comprises a second feedthrough part <NUM> (cf.

The second feedthrough part <NUM> is also made of two components which integrally form the second feedthrough part <NUM>.

In the present example, the second feedthrough part <NUM> is an injection molded part, more precisely a two component injection molded part.

Thus, the second feedthrough part <NUM> comprises a first component <NUM> being made from a polypropylene material.

The second feedthrough part <NUM> additionally comprises a second component <NUM> which is made from a thermoplastic vulcanizate material.

In order to be able to better distinguish the first component <NUM> and the second component <NUM> of the second feedthrough part <NUM>, the second component <NUM> is marked with a pattern of dots. It is noted that the marking is done for illustrative purposes only.

The feedthrough assembly <NUM> is configured to guide the cables A, C and the conduits B, D through the opening <NUM> in the wall part <NUM>.

To this end, the feedthrough assembly <NUM> comprises four feedthrough channels <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>.

In this context, feedthrough channel <NUM> is configured to guide cable A, feedthrough channel <NUM> is configured to guide conduit B, feedthrough channel <NUM> is configured to guide cable C, and feedthrough channel <NUM> is configured to guide conduit D.

Thereby, for each feedthrough channel <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, a first circumferential section of the respective feedthrough channel <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> is formed by the first feedthrough part <NUM> and a second circumferential section of the respective feedthrough channel <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> is formed by the second feedthrough part <NUM>.

In other words, in order to fully form each of the feedthrough channels <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, both the first feedthrough part <NUM> and the second feedthrough part <NUM> are necessary.

Moreover, a circumference of each of the feedthrough channels <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> is partially formed by the second component <NUM> of the first feedthrough part <NUM> and the second component <NUM> of the second feedthrough part <NUM>.

This means, that thermoplastic vulcanizate material extends around a full circumference of each of the feedthrough channels <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>.

Thus, the cables A, C and the conduits B, D are reliably sealed with respect to the feedthrough assembly <NUM> when extending through the respective feedthrough channel <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>.

It is noted that in the mounted condition of the feedthrough assembly <NUM>, the first feedthrough part <NUM> and the second feedthrough part <NUM> are connected to one another using a first clip <NUM> which extends through a first connection opening <NUM> on the first feedthrough part <NUM> and through a second connection opening <NUM> on the second feedthrough part <NUM>. Additionally, the first feedthrough part <NUM> and the second feedthrough part <NUM> are connected to one another using a second clip <NUM> which extends through a third connection opening <NUM> on the first feedthrough part <NUM> and through a fourth connection opening <NUM> a on the second feedthrough part <NUM>.

The first feedthrough part <NUM> additionally has a first mounting surface <NUM> for contacting a vehicle structure, in the present example the wall part <NUM>.

Moreover, the second feedthrough part <NUM> has a second mounting surface <NUM> for contacting the vehicle structure, in the present example of the wall part <NUM>.

As can best be seen from <FIG> and <FIG>, the first mounting surface <NUM> and the second mounting surface <NUM> are inclined with respect to one another, such that the feedthrough assembly <NUM> can be mounted in a corner portion of the wall part <NUM>.

Beyond that, a portion of the second component <NUM> of the first feedthrough part <NUM> extends around a rim section of the first mounting surface <NUM>. In other words, on the rim of the first mounting surface <NUM>, thermoplastic vulcanizate material is arranged. This has the effect that the first mounting surface <NUM>, i.e. the first feedthrough part <NUM> can be reliably sealed with respect to the wall part <NUM>.

Moreover, a portion of the second component <NUM> of the second feedthrough part <NUM> extends around a rim section of the second mounting surface <NUM>. In other words, on the rim of the second mounting surface <NUM>, thermoplastic vulcanizate material is arranged. This has the effect that the second mounting surface <NUM>, i.e. the second feedthrough part <NUM> can be reliably sealed with respect to the wall part <NUM>. This may be seen best in <FIG> which corresponds to a view along direction VI in <FIG>. This view may also be called a rearview of the feedthrough assembly <NUM>.

Moreover, a foam component <NUM> is provided on a lower side of the first feedthrough part <NUM>. The foam component <NUM> is glued to the first component <NUM> of the first feedthrough part <NUM>.

The foam component <NUM> is used for sealing the feedthrough assembly <NUM> with respect to the wall part <NUM>.

Altogether, the rim section of the first mounting surface <NUM>, the rim section of the second mounting surface <NUM> and the foam component <NUM> together fully surround the feedthrough assembly <NUM> in its mounted condition. Consequently, the feedthrough assembly <NUM> may be reliably sealed with respect to the wall part <NUM>.

In order to fixedly connected the feedthrough assembly <NUM> to the wall part <NUM>, two mounting holes <NUM>, <NUM> are provided on the first feedthrough part <NUM> and a further mounting hole <NUM> is provided on the second feedthrough part <NUM> (cf.

Mounting inserts <NUM>, <NUM> are arranged in mounting holes <NUM> and <NUM>.

In the present example, the mounting inserts <NUM>, <NUM> are metal bushings which form an integral portion of the respective first feedthrough part <NUM> or second feedthrough part <NUM>. Consequently, the feedthrough assembly <NUM> may be reliably connected to the vehicle structure, i.e. the wall part <NUM>.

Moreover, a first holding means <NUM> for holding cable is arranged adjacent to the portion of the feedthrough channel <NUM> being provided on the first feedthrough part <NUM> (cf.

Moreover, a second holding means <NUM> for holding conduit D is arranged adjacent to the portion of the feedthrough channel <NUM> being provided on the first feedthrough part <NUM>.

The advantage of the first holding means <NUM> and the second holding means <NUM> will become clear in the light of the explanation of the method for guiding at least one cable A, C and/or at least one conduit B, D through an opening <NUM> in a wall part <NUM> of a motor compartment <NUM> of a vehicle <NUM>.

In a first step, the first feedthrough part <NUM> is mounted on the wall part <NUM>. This may be done using bolts which are put through mounting holes <NUM>, <NUM>.

In a second step, the cables A, C and the conduits B, D are arranged in those portions of the feedthrough channels <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> which are arranged on the first feedthrough part <NUM>.

In this condition, cable A may be held by the first holding means <NUM> and conduit D may be held by the second holding means <NUM>.

Subsequently, in a third step, the second feedthrough part <NUM> is mounted on the wall part <NUM> and on the first feedthrough part <NUM>.

In doing so, the feedthrough channels <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> are completed circumferentially.

As a consequence thereof, the cables A, C and the conduits B, D are arranged in the respective feedthrough channels <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>.

Consequently, the cables A, C and conduits B, D are sealed with respect to the feedthrough assembly <NUM> via the thermoplastic vulcanizate material of the second component <NUM> of the first feedthrough part <NUM> and the second component <NUM> of the second feedthrough part <NUM>.

Moreover, the feedthrough assembly <NUM> is sealed with respect to the wall part <NUM> via the thermoplastic vulcanizate material of the second component <NUM> of the first feedthrough part <NUM>, the second component <NUM> of the second feedthrough part <NUM>, and the foam component <NUM>.

Altogether, the motor compartment <NUM> is reliably separated from the passenger compartment <NUM> with respect to noise, dust and humidity.

Claim 1:
A feedthrough assembly (<NUM>) for guiding at least one cable (A, C) and/or at least one conduit (B, D) through an opening (<NUM>) in a wall part (<NUM>) of a motor compartment (<NUM>) of a vehicle (<NUM>), comprising
a first feedthrough part (<NUM>) comprising a first component (<NUM>) and a second component (<NUM>), wherein the first component (<NUM>) and the second component (<NUM>) form an integral portion of the first feedthrough part (<NUM>), and wherein an elasticity of the second component (<NUM>) is higher than an elasticity of the first component (<NUM>),
a second feedthrough part (<NUM>) comprising a first component (<NUM>) and a second component (<NUM>), wherein the first component (<NUM>) and the second component (<NUM>) form an integral portion of the second feedthrough part (<NUM>), and wherein an elasticity of the second component (<NUM>) is higher than an elasticity of the first component (<NUM>), and
at least one feedthrough channel (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) being arranged on at least one of the first feedthrough part (<NUM>) and the second feedthrough part (<NUM>).