Grounding system for integrated module of vehicle

Abstract

The present invention relates to a grounding system for an integrated module of a vehicle, the grounding system for the integrated module of the vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention comprising: a main bracket configured to support the integrated module; a ground bushing configured to be connected to a ground wire extending from the integrated module; and a grounding bolt configured to conductively connect the grounding bush to a vehicle body.

Description

[0001] Cross-reference to related applications

[0002] This application is based on and claims priority to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2024-0133053, filed on September 30, 2024, with the Korean Intellectual Property Office, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] The present invention relates to a grounding (or grounding) system for an integrated vehicle module (or an integrated module of a vehicle), and more specifically, to a grounding system for an integrated vehicle module designed to have a simple grounding structure, thereby improving usability and reducing its cost and weight. Background Technology

[0004] Vehicles may include integrated modules containing multiple components to perform specific functions. Integrated modules can have the following effects: reduced component count, increased productivity, and lower costs. Integrated modules may include various electrical / electronic components and a grounding system for grounding these components. The grounding system can be configured to improve the electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) of the electrical / electronic components and remove electromagnetic noise.

[0005] For example, a vehicle may be equipped with a coolant system for cooling the battery, a power electronics (PE) system, etc. The vehicle may also have a coolant hub module located at the front of the vehicle, which integrates various components required for the coolant system, such as an electric water pump, valves, and actuators. The coolant hub module can be mounted on the vehicle body via a main bracket, and the electrical / electronic components of the coolant hub module can be grounded to the main bracket via a grounding wire.

[0006] However, the main bracket may be made of galvanized steel, making electrical conductivity relatively difficult. Due to the limited volume of the main bracket, the EMC of electrical / electronic components may be reduced, and there may be limitations in eliminating electromagnetic noise. To address these issues, when the grounding wire is directly connected to the vehicle body, its length may be increased, potentially reducing its usability.

[0007] The information described in this background section is provided to help understand the background of the inventive concept and may include any technical concept that is not considered prior art known to those skilled in the art. Summary of the Invention

[0008] The present invention has solved the above-mentioned problems in the prior art, while fully retaining the advantages achieved by the prior art.

[0009] One aspect of the invention provides a grounding system for an integrated vehicle module, which is designed with a simple grounding structure for the electrical / electronic components of the integrated module, thereby improving usability and reducing its cost and weight.

[0010] According to one aspect of the invention, a grounding system for an integrated module of a vehicle may include: a main bracket supporting or configured to support the integrated module; a grounding bushing connected or configured to be connected to a grounding wire extending from the integrated module; and a grounding bolt electrically connecting the grounding bushing to the vehicle body or configured to electrically connect the grounding bushing to the vehicle body. Another aspect of the invention provides a vehicle including such an integrated module and grounding system.

[0011] The grounding bushing may include a cylindrical portion, a head portion, and a connector. The cylindrical portion has an aperture defined therein, the head portion is disposed at one end (e.g., the tip) of the cylindrical portion, and the connector is engaged with or integrally formed with the head portion. One end of the grounding wire may be engaged with or secured to the connector.

[0012] The threaded portion of the grounding bolt may extend or may be configured to extend through the hole in the grounding bushing, and the head portion of the grounding bolt may contact or may be configured to contact the head portion of the grounding bushing.

[0013] The grounding system may further include a grounding nut that is electrically connected to or configured to be electrically connected to the vehicle body, and the threaded portion of the grounding bolt may be screwed into or configured to be screwed into the grounding nut.

[0014] The grounding nut may include a cylindrical portion and a head portion disposed at the top of the cylindrical portion. The grounding bushing may contact or may be configured to contact the head portion of the grounding nut.

[0015] The grounding system may further include an insulator that surrounds or is configured to surround the outer surface of the cylindrical portion of the grounding bushing. The insulator may be mounted or configured to be mounted or installed on a main support.

[0016] The grounding system may further include a support bracket configured to support the main bracket. The support bracket may be fixed to or configured to engage with the vehicle body, and the grounding nut may be fixed to or configured to engage with the support bracket.

[0017] The grounding nut can be directly fixed to or configured to be directly fixed or attached to the vehicle body. Attached Figure Description

[0018] The above and other objects, features, and advantages of the invention will become clearer from the detailed description presented thereafter in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0019] Figure 1 A perspective view of a grounding system according to an embodiment of the present invention for an integrated module applied to a vehicle is shown;

[0020] Figure 2 It shows the installation Figure 1 A three-dimensional diagram of the grounding system on a portion of the integrated module;

[0021] Figure 3 A perspective view of the grounding bushing of a grounding system according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown;

[0022] Figure 4 It shows along Figure 2 The cross-sectional view obtained from line AA; and

[0023] Figure 5 A cross-sectional view of a grounding system according to another embodiment of the present invention is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0024] In the following, embodiments of the invention are described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Throughout the drawings, the same reference numerals are used to denote the same or equivalent elements. Furthermore, detailed descriptions of well-known techniques associated with the invention are omitted to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the spirit of the invention.

[0025] For example, the terms first, second, A, B, (a), and (b) can be used to describe elements in embodiments of the invention. These terms are used only to distinguish one element from another, and the essential characteristics, order, or sequence of the corresponding elements are not limited by these terms. Unless otherwise specified, all terms used herein (including technical or scientific terms) have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention pertains. These terms, as defined in a general dictionary, should be interpreted as having the same meaning as in the context of the relevant technical field and should not be interpreted as having an ideal or excessive meaning unless expressly defined as having such a meaning in this application. When components, controllers, devices, elements, equipment, etc., of the invention are described as having a purpose or performing an operation, function, etc., said components, controllers, devices, elements, equipment, etc., should be considered herein as "configured to" satisfy that purpose or perform that operation or function. Each component, controller, device, element, equipment, etc., may be embodied separately or contained within a processor and memory, such as a non-transient computer-readable medium, as part of a device.

[0026] Reference Figure 1According to an embodiment of the invention, the grounding system 10 can be configured to allow the electrical / electronic components of the integrated module 5 to be grounded to the vehicle body. Since the vehicle body is made of a conductive material such as steel, it can serve as a reference potential with a relatively constant charge distribution. Because the area of ​​the vehicle body is relatively large, it can be a relatively large conductor.

[0027] Reference Figure 4 The integrated module 5 can be supported by a main bracket 6, and the main bracket 6 can be supported to a part of the vehicle body 3 (e.g., a front longitudinal beam) via multiple support brackets 15. Since the main bracket 6, which may be a highly rust-resistant component, can be made of galvanized steel, it may be relatively difficult to conduct electricity, and the volume of the main bracket 6 may be limited. The main bracket 6 can be joined or secured to the support brackets 15 via fasteners, which can be joined or secured to a part of the vehicle body 3 using fasteners, welding, etc. The support brackets 15 can be made of the same or similar conductive material as the vehicle body 3. The support brackets 15 can be electrically connected to the vehicle body 3. For example, the integrated module 5 can be a coolant hub module, which integrates various components such as an electric water pump, valves, and actuators. The coolant hub module can provide a coolant system for cooling batteries, power electronics (PE) systems, etc., and can be located in the front compartment of the vehicle.

[0028] According to an embodiment of the invention, the grounding system 10 can be configured to allow grounding wires 18 extending from the electrical / electronic components of the integrated module 5 to the vehicle body 3.

[0029] The grounding system 10 may include a grounding bushing 11 mounted on the edge portion 6a of the main bracket 6, and a grounding bolt 12 that electrically and conductively connects the grounding bushing 11 to the vehicle body 3.

[0030] Reference Figure 2 and Figure 4 The grounding bushing 11 can be disposed on the overlapping portion of the main support 6 and the support support 15 (i.e., disposed where the main support 6 and the support support 15 overlap). The edge portion 6a of the main support 6 can overlap with the edge portion of the corresponding support support 15. The support support 15 can support the main support 6, and the grounding bushing 11 can be mounted on the edge portion 6a of the main support 6.

[0031] Reference Figure 3The grounding bushing 11 may include a cylindrical portion 21, a head portion 22, and a connector 23. The cylindrical portion 21 has an aperture 21a defined therein. The head portion 22 is disposed at one end (e.g., the tip) of the cylindrical portion 21. The connector 23 engages with the head portion 22 (in one example, the connector 23 is integrally formed with the head portion 22). The connector 23 may engage (e.g., be secured) to an edge of the head portion 22. One end of a grounding wire 18 may engage (e.g., be secured) to the connector 23, such that the grounding wire 18 can be electrically connected to the grounding bushing 11.

[0032] The grounding bolt 12 can be configured to fasten the main bracket 6 and the support bracket 15 together. (Refer to...) Figure 4 The threaded portion of the grounding bolt 12 can extend through the hole 21a of the grounding bushing 11, and the head portion of the grounding bolt 12 can contact the head portion 22 of the grounding bushing 11. Therefore, the grounding wire 18 can be electrically and conductively connected to the grounding bolt 12 through the grounding bushing 11.

[0033] The grounding system 10 may further include a grounding nut 13 electrically connected and conductively connected to the vehicle body 3. The grounding nut 13 may be made of a conductive material. The grounding nut 13 may include a cylindrical portion 13a and a head portion 13b disposed at one end (e.g., the top) of the cylindrical portion 13a.

[0034] Reference Figure 4 The grounding nut 13 can be engaged (e.g., fixed) to the support bracket 15, such that the grounding nut 13 is electrically connected to the vehicle body 3 through the support bracket 15. A cylindrical portion 13a can extend through the support bracket 15, and a head portion 13b of the grounding nut 13 can be disposed on the top surface of the support bracket 15. A grounding bushing 11 can be disposed on the top surface of the head portion 13b of the grounding nut 13, such that a cylindrical portion 21 of the grounding bushing 11 can contact the head portion 13b of the grounding nut 13.

[0035] The threaded portion of the grounding bolt 12 can be screwed into the cylindrical portion 13a of the grounding nut 13, so that the grounding bolt 12 and the grounding nut 13 can electrically connect the grounding bushing 11 to the support bracket 15. Therefore, a current path CP can be formed along the grounding wire 18, the grounding bushing 11, the grounding bolt 12, the grounding nut 13 and the support bracket 15.

[0036] Reference Figure 4The grounding system 10 may further include an insulator 14 that surrounds or is configured to surround the outer surface of the cylindrical portion 21 of the grounding bushing 11. The insulator 14 may be disposed on the top surface of the head portion 13b of the grounding nut 13, and the insulator 14 may be mounted on the edge portion 6a of the main support 6. Thus, the grounding bushing 11 is electrically and conductively insulated from the main support 6 by the insulator 14. The grounding bolt 12 may be screwed into the grounding nut 13, allowing the main support 6 to be more securely engaged (e.g., fixed) to the support bracket 15.

[0037] Figure 5 A grounding system 10 according to another embodiment of the present invention is shown. (Refer to...) Figure 5 The grounding nut 13 can be directly engaged (e.g., fixed) to a portion of the vehicle body 3 (e.g., a front longitudinal beam). The cylindrical portion 13a of the grounding nut 13 can extend through the portion of the vehicle body 3, and the head portion 13b of the grounding nut 13 can be disposed on the top surface of the portion of the vehicle body 3. A grounding bushing 11 can be disposed on the top surface of the head portion 13b of the grounding nut 13, such that the cylindrical portion 21 of the grounding bushing 11 can contact the head portion 13b of the grounding nut 13.

[0038] As described above, the grounding system according to embodiments of the present invention can be designed with a simple grounding structure for the electrical / electronic components of the integrated module, thereby improving usability and reducing its cost and weight. Furthermore, the grounding system can be configured to improve the electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) of the electrical / electronic components and remove electromagnetic noise.

[0039] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a grounding wire extending from the electrical / electronic components of the integrated module can be electrically connected to the support bracket via a grounding bushing, a grounding bolt, and a grounding nut, so that the grounding wire of the electrical / electronic components of the integrated module can be grounded to the support bracket, thereby significantly improving the grounding performance of the electrical / electronic components of the integrated module. As the grounding bolt is screwed into the grounding nut, the main bracket supporting the integrated module can be securely mounted on the support bracket, thereby firmly supporting the main bracket to the support bracket.

[0040] Although the present invention has been described above with reference to embodiments and drawings, the present invention is not limited thereto. Various modifications and changes can be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as claimed in the appended claims.

Claims

1. A grounding system for an integrated module of a vehicle, the grounding system comprising: a main bracket configured to support an integrated module; a grounding bushing configured to be connected to a grounding wire extending from the integrated module; and a grounding bolt configured to electrically connect the grounding bushing to a vehicle body. the grounding bushing includes a cylindrical portion having a hole defined therein, a head portion disposed on one end of the cylindrical portion, and a connector coupled to the head portion, 2. The grounding system for an integrated module of a vehicle according to claim 1, wherein, the connector is couplable to one end of the grounding wire. a threaded portion of the grounding bolt is configured to extend through the hole of the grounding bushing, 3. The grounding system of an integrated module for a vehicle according to claim 2, wherein, a head portion of the grounding bolt is configured to contact the head portion of the grounding bushing.

4. The grounding system for an integrated module of a vehicle according to claim 1, further comprising a grounding nut configured to be electrically connected to the vehicle body, the threaded portion of the grounding bolt is configured to be screwed into the grounding nut. wherein, the grounding nut includes a cylindrical portion and a head portion disposed on a top end of the cylindrical portion, 5. The grounding system of an integrated module for a vehicle according to claim 4, wherein, the grounding bushing is configured to contact the head portion of the grounding nut.

6. The grounding system for an integrated module of a vehicle according to claim 1, further comprising an insulator configured to surround an outer surface of the cylindrical portion of the grounding bushing, the insulator is configured to be mounted on the main bracket. wherein 7. The grounding system for an integrated module of a vehicle according to claim 4, further comprising a support bracket configured to support the main bracket, the support bracket is configured to be coupled to the vehicle body, wherein, the grounding nut is configured to be coupled to the support bracket. the grounding nut is configured to be directly coupled to the vehicle body.

8. The grounding system for an integrated module of a vehicle of claim 4, wherein, the connector is integrally formed with the head portion.

9. The grounding system for an integrated module of a vehicle of claim 2, wherein, the connector is configured to be fixed to one end of the grounding wire.

10. The grounding system for an integrated module of a vehicle of claim 2, wherein, the head portion of the grounding bushing is disposed on a top end of the cylindrical portion of the grounding bushing.

11. The grounding system for an integrated module of a vehicle of claim 2, wherein, 12. A vehicle comprising: a vehicle body; an integrated module; a grounding wire extending from the integrated module; a main bracket supporting the integrated module; a grounding bushing connected to the grounding wire; and a grounding bolt electrically connecting the grounding bushing to the vehicle body. ​

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